Hi folks
Hope you are well. Over on the Kindred Spirit forum I'm taking part in an altered cigar box swap. I've been paired with Eileen from the
Art Saves Lives blog. So Eileen, if you want to be surprised then go away now! I've been a follower of her blog for quite a number of years now and one of the things I've always liked is the quote from her blog header so I
used that as my starting point ! This is my first altered cigar box and also my first swap that is being done for someone specific so I admit, I found it nervewracking! Still, here is what I started with.....
And this is the end result......
I started by adding some layers of paper in sections then everything was painted red. Then I added crackle glaze and blue paint. Stamped around the edges with the gears and cogs stamps and added the sentiment and the image.
The stamps are all from Katzelkraft in France. I love them! The main image was stamped onto a thick board, coloured with distress stain and markers and given 3 layers of UTEE, the middle layer has had a stamp pressed into it wile soft which I highlighted with Inka gold before adding the final layer of UTEE.
To open the box I made a ribbon pull with cogs and a key.
Decorating inside was optional but I couldn't leave it empty so ....
I did, however, leave the base as I actually liked it! After all it is a cigar box! I just added some feet by adding 4 small fragments with some glossy accents. Everything has been sealed with a matte sealer so once I add a little something inside it'll be on it's way!
I do hope that Eileen likes it!
Hope the rest of your day is blessed and creative!
Neil
9 comments:
looks great Neil. Nice to see it done. That monkey stamp is one of my fave images at the moment. I really like the layered utee effect.Im sure Eileen will love it.
I'm so glad to know, that someone else has this nervewracking feeling to create for other's. Sounds normal for me now(:o)The box looks great with all these different textures. Cool stamped monkey
!
Love this transformation ...and I love the fact that you left the original base inside
...fabulous box, the textures are great, striking colours with great depth to the crackle... Eileen cannot fail to be blown away when she recieves this Neil...Mel :)
Amazing what you can do with a cigar box!!! Shame I don't know anyone who smokes them now. Hope you have fun filling the box with goodies. Karen T 91 x
Thankyou for the info on the tando clock mechanisim. I really fancy having a go at making one of these.
I see they are over at the craft barn in 3 different designs. You cigar box has given me the idea of how to use up the supply of keys that we inherited from clearing FIL's house last year!. I have used 2 on an altered key swap but still have loads left. Mrs A.
Well, of course I couldn't help but look, and I am suitably blown away. I love that you used my blog as your starting point, and that chimp stamp is amazing! I can't wait to have it in my hands, as I know a photo can't possibly do justice to all the layers and textures I see.
Thank you, Neil, so much!
xoxo
What a great idea using something from Eileen's blog to create this amazing cigar box. The monkey is delightfully frightening. The layers of UTEE also helped transform this into humble cigar box into a work of art.
Such a personalized box for Eileen! She's going to love it!
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