Mini Marvels- A Vintage Journey November 2017 Challenge

Hello Everyone and Welcome

Its good to be here again all ready to introduce our new challenge that starts today over at  A Vintage Journey.  Its lovely Anne who is hosting this month with the Challenge theme
'Mini Marvels'
This month's challenge is to create something in miniature - it could be a little book, a tiny scene, a small canvas, a wall hanging or even a box. It MUST be 4" or less in size and be created in your vintage; shabby; mixed media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn or steampunk style.

 I don't often create on a really small scale so initially this theme  seemed like a bit of a challenge for me but after a few false starts and the clock ticking I decided to just go with the flow and follow wherever my creativity would take me .... and in doing so I had a great time using paints, texture, stamps and stencils to create 2 pieces of 'Mini Art' with a bit of grungy feel.

Both pieces are 4 x4 inch square and what I did to one I did to the other, working on them both simultaneously:
The squares were primed with gesso, torn tissue tape was adhered and texture paste was applied through stencils - I used Seth Apters 'Discovery' and 'Explore' stencils

Then acrylic paint in various tones of blue was applied with brayer and fingers adding in black and white acrylic paint, when I felt it needed it, either to knock back any over zealous application or to add a touch of drama.- no rules just building up those layers detail and texture.

At this point I seemed to have neglected to take any more 'step' shots- guess I was enjoying the creativity too much so the rest of the photos are close ups of the 2 finished pieces.

More detail came in the way of stamps - one of Seth Apters Border line stamps (the X's) and one from his faded fragments stamp set (not very noticeable as it was stamped in a pale blue ink). I think a speckle stamp made its way in there too and a couple of others

There's also some scribble pen marks and sketchy paint lines,

some drop shadows and highlights around the letters,

the numbers,

and the dots.

There were a few paint splatters too- I'm sure you spotted them as those of you who know me will know I love the splatters!
The finished panels were mounted onto white and then black card stock and one was embellished with a wire bound crackled mdf heart I had made at some point previously

the other with a crackled butterfly- one of the butterflies from Tim Holz 'Flutter' stamp set stamped onto heavy card stock, fussy cut and altered with crackle paste - just love how grungy it looks!

A Tim Holtz small easel was die cut and adhered to the back of both the pieces

to enable them to stand either alone

as individual pieces

or together as a set.

I hope I have offered some inspiration with my 'Mini Art' project . If you haven't already be sure to pop by A Vintage Journey to view my fellow Creative guides fabulous inspiring 'mini' projects.
We hope you will be able to join in with the challenge but remember 'Miniature' is key! 

At the end of the challenge there will be one lucky winner chosen by Random.Org will will receive our Sponsors prize which this month is a $50 varied selection of chipboard and wood veneer laser cut embellishments generously donated by Southern Ridge Trading

The Creative Guides will also choose 3 Pinworthy Winners who will not only win a Pinworthy badge to display on their blog but will also be invited to join us as a Guest Designer for a future challenge.

I would like to enter these into the following Challenges:
Country View Crafts November Challenge: Stencils.
I would like to enter the heart embellished piece into the following Challenge
The Craft Stamper TIMI Challenge: November- 'Anything Goes' Stamping Challenge'
Creative Artiste Mixed Media Challenge #32- 'Anything Mixed Media Goes'

I hope you have enjoyed your time here today - thank you so much for stopping by.
I really do appreciate every single one of your visits, comments and follows.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend
Take care
and
keep on the happy side
Amanda
xxx