Sun, Sand and Cement

I've been meaning to make some stepping stones for my garden for a long time- just not got round to it due to other projects... but with hubby off for 2 weeks and nowhere to go I thought I'd use the time to do "my" projects and have a holiday too.

As a test run for the cement mix I did a sun and moon using molds from Ebay, but I think they won't be strong enough to handle foot traffic so I painted them up and decided to make a wall plaque for each. As I'm heavily into the Elements alot of my work is tied in to them, either just by colours or reference to the actual element, I thought it the perfect theme for the garden.

 

Acrylic paints cover cement beautifully, but I did paint a sizing layer of diluted PVA on first. Because I used a cement mix of 1 part cement; 2 parts fine sand and 1 part sharp sand, mixed with water and a splash of PVA to plasticize the mix, it settled into the mold nicely and I only had 2 air bubbles, despite some vigourous tapping to dispel any air!

The sun had some fine detail, the moon very little, and the celtic knots are shallow but with lots of detail. Even the knots came out well using that mix. These were also painted with acrylics. Once it's all together it will be waterproofed and sealed.

I laid out my pattern on a table to gauge placement and scale, then set up a trough using one of my silk-painting frames covered with thick plastic. This allows the concrete to be poured into a former that will be easy to remove and remain clean. I also used two straws to create holes at the top for fixing later- it would be impossible to guarantee drilling wouldn't damage the plaque or chip a section out.

I made up a stronger mix for the concrete; 1 part cement, 1 part fine sand, 1 part sharp sand and 1 part fine aggregate. I added PVA to this mix too. This was poured into the former, leveled with a trowel and the sun placed in the centre. With a little wiggling and pushing she settled in nicely and then there was the big rush to add the celtic knots and all the glass nuggets in their respective places. It set a little too quickly so I ended up gluing the tiny mirror tiles in some places. 

I think the overall effect worked out well enough, although I love precision and accuracy, sometimes it's nice to be rustic and natural, especially once it gets a bit weathered and mossy.

 

The coloured nuggets were sunk into the mix, but the clear were added later using an acrylic polymer medium. Once it was completely dry I used a Gedeo waterproofing liquid all over the plaque, and sealed with an acrylic gloss varnish.

This is the sun plaque finished, onto the moon soon... and then I will have the concrete mix perfected for the stepping stones. I'll be using the sun and moon molds again, but the glass will be sea glass that I've been collecting for the last few years.

Creative Colour Challenge

I forgot to blog my entry into this months CCC, the theme this month being MUSTARD. I created a textured spiral shell on canvas using gel medium and acrylics. I have a growing set of these now because as I get an urge, I do them in different colours, but I'd not done a yellow as it's not a colour I like too much. I like creating a 3D feel to my work using both a texture gel and careful shading- from a distance they look like padded pillows.

Stitch, stitch, stitch...

I seem to be getting back into textiling more and more lately... I have done alot less painting, but my sewing machine is getting a hammering!!  I've been taking part in a few swaps on stitchin fingers , and this is what I've been working on for the Spring Fabric Postcard swap

It's collaged fabrics and plastics over felt, with ribbon flowers. It was great fun, I love building up with materials, coloured threads and different stitches... each new layer can dictate a new direction and look. I work alot with ribbon, but not like this- I might have to do some more!!

This pair are for the March challenge- Architecture. I love stained glass panels and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to play with the idea. I also love Tiffany and Macintosh, but didn't feel up to such intricate designs... so I chose a star shape and worked out from that, utterly random and intuitive.

As always I work a large panel so I have some left over, and cut the chosen areas from it. I bound these with ribbon to match the scheme and finish the look. I added angelina in places to give an extra bit of sparkle reflecting the light like real glass panels.

I hope the recipients enjoy them as much as I've enjoyed creating them.

Bead Journal Project 2012

Hooray! 

I've just got my link to this years Bead Journal Project .

I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but I think it will be a felted zodiac/wiccan based hanging with beaded segments incorporated as they are completed. Just need to come up with a workable design now...then chill for xmas, and add it to my list of "must-do" art over 2012.

Fun and games!

xxx

Origami xmas fun....

As it's getting close to sending time for all those funky xmas cards, I thought I'd add something a little different...
I add a little origami heart in my RAAK's mail, in alsorts of tissue and paper, they're fun and very easy to do...

but I thought I'd get a little festive and send little stars for xmas. They are quite easy to make and look lovely in a group...so keep your eye on the mail, one may be on it's way to you!

 I will be putting tutorials in the how to section soon, so keep checking back.

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Heart Scent Pouch...

It's coming up to Christmas, and I'm doing my best this year to not actually spend a penny on it!! (Directly, anyway, I may need certain supplies to complete my projects!) Over on Milliande's Palma has begun a swap for an International Goodies Box  What a great idea!!! There's a list of items to choose from to create, and I'm working my way through...the journal, purse/pocket and now scented sachet are all done...

Here's the scent sachet, or my interpretation!! Instructions are over in the how-to's textiles section I've made bags, cushions, wallets, and even my wedding ring pillow in a similar way, it's so versatile and fun, give it a go!! I always show the quick and easy way, minimum pinning, minimum fuss- my mum would go mad if she saw- she was a dressmaker/tailoring teacher, very by the book! Stood me in good stead though- I know the right way, so I know I can work out the shortcuts too!

 

 So here it is, a cute little woven ribbon scented pouch, plumped up with lavender heads from my garden. I do hope my box doesn't have to go to Australia with all their customs restrictions on seeds/wood and flowers, etc. I'd hate to have to empty it....

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Prayer FL-inchies...

Having come up with the funky idea of  mixing inchies with prayer flags, I hosted a swap for prayer fl-inchies on Milliande's .
Well, I was so happy today, mine arrived from Letizia in Italy...

How gorgeous is this??  painted papers, stitched and beaded inchies, organza ribbons and lovely penned letters...
See more work from other friends in the Gallery  of friend's work.


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Butterflies...

One of my swap buddies creates some beautiful origami cranes to send around the world, so I was inspired to try something to send as  "thankyou's"... 

There are several objects that I love, but I couldn't make a pegasus practical to make/send flat...so I tried bird of paradise, orchids, lilies and a cat....all very nice but not suitable for posting. Hearts are appropriate too, but oh so...common?

Eventually I came across a blog with a nice butterfly.  I don't have origami paper so I played with tissue paper until I remembered some marbled paper I'd made at uni....et voila!

So here are my "Thankyou" butterflies....

Now I need to make a good few more so they can fly off round the world.....


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Zentangles and Doodling...

Wow- I've been doodling for years, but never once realized there was a whole cult thing going on with them...zentangles, with courses and instructors...

Here's one of my favourite sets, I usually work in sets of three. I don't always use colour after, but these just begged to be played with....

Doodling is great when I'm struggling for inspiration, or putting off a bigger project. I must admit though, even my doodles have to have a certain amount of  organisation and tidyness, guess I'm a chronic control freak after all...


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