Friday 16 January 2015

Some projects take longer.......

Hi there folks.
I trust that this finds you well and managing to carve out some creative time for yourself.
Sometimes, well most times, if I'm honest, I put off starting a bigger project because I know I won't always have uninterrupted time to finish it. (Especially more so now as I am back to working full time!) However, since this is the beginning of  new year I thought I would make a fresh start and challenge myself to just begin, encouraged by the lovely folk over at The Inspiration Emporium where the January Challenge is just that; a fresh start. So this is my entry. (You can find the details HERE if you would like to join in)
So, may I introduce you to "The Book Binder's Tool Case" (part one)

 There are so many different techniques and layers I won't go into all the how to do it stuff  but if you have any specific questions do feel free to email me and I'll do my best to remember!) The base unit came from the MDF Man and is about 12 x 12 (slightly larger perhaps) I added some texture paint and added a few dozen layers of DecoArt paint to it to get to the colours and feel I wanted.
As the unit was open and I wanted to conceal the inside I cut a piece of card to size and created a metal patchwork using the Ranger metal foil and Tim's technique and stapled it in place to secure.
To keep it closed I added the clasp too.
 Onto the base I added additional cogs from That Craft Place and Calico Crafts. These cogs have been coloured and worked with Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders before attaching to the cupboard using hot glue and mini cotton reels to allow them to stand out at various depths. The Idea - ology chain is loose so can move but the gears keep it in place.
 To the top I added these original Printers blocks to spell ART (My favourite 3 letter word)
 This element is something I love. The background texture is amazing (Andy Skinner kind of discovered it first so all credit to him and his "book of ruination"; I worked it out a little later LOL) The Utee element in the frame is something I learned at Ranger. I curved and glued it in place with hot glue.

 Inside is not finished yet. I'll be sure to share it when I have though! The inside of the door is finished though.

 Some of you my recognise the central canvas element from last year. I added some Iron gate dies and metal corners to the canvas and it all fit beautifully onto the inside back.

 The bird is cut from copper sheeting. The driftwood from the beach and the flowers are Sizzix 3d flowers.

I just love the colours and these Frameworks dies are brilliant.
The next stage/plan I have is to create a co-ordinated interior to house all the basic things I need and use when I make my books and journals so I'll keep you posted.....


16 comments:

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

A REALLY cool post!
I like the bird and flowers in the final work!

mark gould said...

Well worth the wait. The cogs look great.

J said...

Hi Neil, great to see you have some time for crafting, and I love the flowers
Jan S

Belinda Basson said...

The exterior of this really appeals to me...must be the cogs and colours, though I love the inside just as much, I am constantly drawn back to the pics of the front!

Redanne said...

Oh wow Neil, this is absolutely superb! I love the rusty feel to the cogs and outside of the box. The panel you used to hide the inside is wonderful too and that piece of driftwood really appeals to me! Beautiful work... Thanks so much for joining in with us at Inspiration Journal too. Anne

Elly said...

Very cool, Neil. Love how all the different designs ( metal, cogs and flowers) work together when you're having a play.(:o)

Pawsitively Creative said...

Popped over from IJ after seeing your piece there. I can't say enough about this exquisite piece. The patina metal look, the rust, the depth, the layers, the ART it took to create is superb. TFS! ~Niki

Nikki said...

Neil this is just wonderful and love all the little details and the colours are so kewl looking amazing job on it !!!

Geraldine said...

This is stunning, love it.

Karin Ã…kesdotter said...

WOW!! This is fabulous!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Inspiration Journal, hugs, Karin

Words and Pictures said...

This is fabulous, Neil - from the rusty detail on the outside to the glorious depth of blended colour on the internal canvas... just wonderful!
Alison x

Unknown said...

Fantastic

Sandie said...

Love it - so much to take in.

Lisa H said...

WOW! this is really really cool. I love all the gears and paint effects. Thanks for sharing it with us at Inspiration Journal. =)

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a gorgeous project! The layers and colors are just fabulous!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Over the top fantastic!!! LOVE every bit of rusted grungy goodness!