'A' IS FOR ART

This week Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge has us all thinking about an alphabet inspired challenge. Will you use product from American Crafts? Create a whole album? An assemblage? Use adhesives in a special way? Whatever your take this week the challenge is all about the letter 'A'.

The letter 'A' instantly had me thinking about ART and how I could use the letter 'A' and ART in my artsy canvas.

I began by painting my canvas with a coat of Very Berry Fresco Finish Paint, applying the paint with a pice of Cut 'n' Dry Foam.

I love adding multiple layers to a canvas to give added interest. This time around I applied Little Black Dress Fresco Finish Paint through Tim Holtz Harlequin Layering Stencil. I then moved the stencil slightly and then added Very Berry Fresco Finish Paint to give a shadow effect.

For a further layer of interest I applied Very Berry Fresco Finish Paint to the background stamp from the Classics 4 Stamp set using a piece of Cut 'n' Dry Foam and then stamped randomly around the background of my canvas. I love the tone on tone effect.

At this stage I decided I would like some texture added to my canvas and applied White Embossing Paste through Wendy Vecchi's 3 Flourishes Stencil. However, If I had thought about this in the first place I would have applied the Embossing Paste prior to painting the canvas, however, sometimes this is how art develops!

I then placed the 3 Flourishes Stencil back over the top of the embossed design and added a coat of Very Berry Fresco Finish Paint. Once completely dry I then applied White Fire Treasure Gold Wax to highlight the detail and texture. At this stage I also added more background stamping using the background stamp from Tim Holtz Classics 9 stamp set, this time using Little Black Dress paint applied to the stamp. From this picture you can see all the layers I have added to the background.

I added a letter 'A' to the bottom of my canvas, again painted with Very Berry Fresco Finish Paint. I added background stamping to the letter along with Alpha Parts to add ART to the top. To add definition I also applied Black Soot Distress Ink to the edges of the letter. For further dimension and interest I also included a small wooden bird coloured with Black Soot Distress Ink. Again a further layer was added using Remnant Rubs Words.

To give yet further interest I added a UTEE heart dimension. I place the background stamp from the Classics 4 Stamp set uppermost onto a Non-Stick Craft Sheet, placed a heart cookie cutter onto the stamp and then poured hot Black Utlra Thick Embossing Enamel (melted into a Melt Pot) into the cutter and then set aside to cool. I then removed the cutter from the stamp. The heart was then painted with Very Berry Fresco Finish Paint and once dry I applyed White Fire Wax over the raised areas. I also applied Black Archival Ink around the edges of the heart for added definition.

I recycled the small sectioned tray packaging from some Prima embellishments, painted it with Fresco Finish Paint, added Black Soot Distress Ink around the edges and added Alpha Parts, heart and bird embellishments.

For more great ideas please pop over to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge blog and take a look at my fellow team members art work, they have created some inspirational projects. Remember there is also the chance to win a $50 prize from Simon Says Stamp.  I always look forward to seeing your creations each week.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, much appreciated.Tracy x x

Products Used:

Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Classics 4 Stamp Set
Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Classics 9 Stamp Set
Tim Holtz Harlequin Layering Stencil
Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Alpha Parts Signmaker, Alpha Parts Newsprint, Alpha Parts Ransom, Remnant Rubs Words
Black Soot Distress Ink
Black Archival Ink

Wendy Vecchi Stencils For Art 3 Flourishes
Wendy Vecchi White Embossing Paste
PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Paints - Very Berry, Little Black Dress
PaperArtsy Treasure Gold Wax White Fire
Cut 'n' Dry Foam
Studio Calico Wood Veneer Birds
Studio Calico Wood Veneer Hearts and Arrows
Non-Stick Craft Sheet
Melt Pot
Black Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel