Mystery Box - Finnabair Inspired

The techniques & creations of Anna Dabrowska (Finnabair) are so inspiring.

Her workshops were a wonderful experience, totally recommended.

I created this 'Mystery Box' using techniques 
learned during these workshops 
for the HobbySew Echuca Creative Team with wonderful Prima supplies.

This gift box with an acetate window has been in my stash for a long time.

The lid was firstly decorated using (Iron Orchid Designs) Paper Clay pieces I molded.

My previous blog post "Antiqued Candle Stick Holders" shares this technique.

The difference on this lid being the use of Black Gesso & Crackle Medium.

Dry brush techniques highlighted the texture. I used Prima Art Alchemy Paints.

The interior of the box was lined with various textured lace.

Held in place with Prima Art Basics 3D Matte Gel.

The lacy interior was painted with Black Gesso & embellishments collected to display.

 The chipboard horse was propped forward on a small lace covered canvas frame.

This really defined it from the background in such a deep box.

White Sand Texture Paste was applied to the horses body.

All the embellishments including Prima Art Stones were applied with 3D Matte Gel

& left overnight to dry properly.

A coat of Black Gesso was applied to cover all surfaces.

A dry brush technique was used to highlight all the beautiful textures.

Prima Art Alchemy Paints & Silks Acrylic Glazes were used for this.

They provided such a rich sheen. I used lots of colours, they blended really well. 

To lighten the background I used Pure Sunshine, Emperor's Gold & Fresh Orange.

The horse was dry brushed with Metallique Black Berry & Steampunk Copper, which really highlighted the Sand Textue Paste.

The leaves & Rocker were painted with Emerald Green, Olive Green, Rich Turquoise & highlighted with Gold & Copper.  Roses in Metallique Royal Red & Gold.

Here are some close up photos:

 It was difficult to take a photo of the closed box due to reflection on the window.

It is much clearer & brighter in real life.

This was quite a whimsical project, just made for fun.

Hope you like it too.

Deb Adams

Altered Vintage Collections Frame

Hi All,

I wanted to share my Halloween inspired montage of oddities gathered & displayed on a double frame salvaged from the sales bin of my local department store.  

I saw loads of potential in the beautiful ornate patterning of the frame.

We do not celebrate Halloween officially in Australia.  This piece has that spooky feel due to the actual antique memorial notice from 1908 displayed in the centre of the frame.  

The vintage gold text & design on the black background as well as the photo of Matilda match the style of this piece perfectly. 

It looks great displayed amongst our antique decor.

I firstly gave the frame a coat of Black Gesso. 

I let this dry while I collected a range of ephemera for my 3D display.

Most of the pieces are from Tim Holtz Idea-ology (eg. adornments, pulley wheels, bird cage, corked vials, corners, fractured doll, keyhole, letterpress, light bulb, pocket watch, tiny vials, wishbones, file tabs, typed token etc) & Prima embellishments such as mini roses, light bulb, pearls, Apothecary vials & labels, papers, as well as Finnabair mechanicals.  Wow! Too many to list!

I added texture to the background with gauze soaked in black gesso & Prima Sculpture Medium. Prima Art Stones & Mini Art Stones were applied with 3D matte gel medium.  

Drips down the frame were made with a hot glue gun. All the textures were highlighted by dry brushing with Prima Art Alchemy paints in Metallique Steampunk copper & Light Patina.  It created the perfect vintage gold brassy effect.

The Letterpress & other brighter metal objects were distressed with Tarnished Brass & Black Soot Distress Paint.  Crackle finish achieved with Distress Collage Medium (Crazing) & Crackle Accents.

 My favourite piece is the pocket watch with the red dragon's eye. 

See it has a Finnabair Mechanical spring inside which resembles a vortex trying to suck you in. 

Thanks for taking the time to read & look at all the photos.  I am sure you can tell I had lots of fun making this project. 

I am entering this piece in the Frilly & Funkie Challenge 'A Very Vintage Halloween' over at the Frilly & Funkie Challenge Blog sponsored by the Funkie Junkie Boutique.

Cheers for now.  Can't wait to see all the entries in this fun challenge.

Deb xo