Monday, September 12, 2011

Eccentric Gents and Gadgets...

Well, hello Monday! I'm glad to be back in the saddle for Simon Says Stamp & Show after the huge Blog hop. Big thanks to all those who joined in and called by with such lovely words. Today I'm really excited to share something new with you all...we're going full-on Steampunk!
I was chatting with Dan about our definitions of Steampunk... and I like to think of it as Victorian Science Fiction! I like to dig out the essence of a theme and combine it with my own style. For me, there has to be some slightly eccentric Old Gents and gadgets in the story. I'm still digging these quirky fellas from Mr. Holtz's Steampunk set and knew they'd look just dandy teamed with metal grid-work, clock parts and rusty findings.
I went to buy some strong hangers for some of my other canvases a while ago and when the shop man showed me these I got all excited and demanded to see every model that had ever been made. I thought they would make great little portrait frames! (So another shopkeeper that thinks I'm mad! Just recently, the girl in the wool shop asked me what on earth I was knitting as I keep buying random buttons). Anyway, I separately inked and stamped each man onto a painted book page and stuck him into his frame that I'd coloured with Alcohol inks.

I built up the back ground by stitching an old dictionary page, and layering card and papers coloured with lots of Wild Honey Distress Stain and Espresso Color Wash. I distressed splotted and splashed and added extra stamping. Here you can also see a cardboard strip that is inked and clearly embossed giving bit of nice sheen and detail. The vintage findings are from a clockmaker so the colours and tones are just perfect! The stapled Steampunk sign is actually a little Wendy stamp I sneaked in!
Couldn't resist adding two stamped hands to the mix. I like working with one stamp set when possible. It makes things more consequent and therefore harmonious, like buying clothes from one good store! The metal grid is cut from a sheet bought at the garden centre. I cut it down with wire cutters and pounced with Rusty and Timber Brown Stazon to get the colour.
I have actually stitched it to the back ground, hiding the stitches under the other pieces, which is a lot easier and stronger than glue! All the findings are glued with Glossy Accents and the whole thing is mounted on a brown distressed card, glued to mount board. So there you go, a crash course in Steampunk. It was really great to make and has a bit of everything I love in it!
I hope my Gents will stir a little of your Steampunk Attitude.I would luuuurve to know what you think!!! Take a look at the wonderful ideas on the Design Team Blog for more inspiration and loveliness. I'm look forward to seeing your creations and thoughts.
What is Steampunk to you? Your favourite or something entirely new? Go on...give it a go...! Remember there's a great $50 voucher and specially selected Top Three Tiara out there.
I'm done, it's over to you! Thanks for calling by...be seeing you all soon.
Sarah

27 comments:

Dorothy said...

Amazing!!!

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

Fabulous piece.

Milla said...

This is gorgeous, love all the metal bits!

kissinia said...

Sarah, this is fantastic! Great job!

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

I really love this piece Sarah, I love the thought process that goes into your pieces. I love love those frames, really love them and the gents fit perfectly. Love all your layers and the chicken wire is inspired and I have already been out and purchased some. My husband now thinks I have lost the plot. All in all one wonderful creative piece. Tracy x

Trish said...

Oh, this is wonderful!

Nancy Wethington said...

Sarah, your work is always so amazingly beautiful! I am so inspired by what you create.

Candy C said...

Sarah...this steampunk piece is so genius! I love every little detail about it...from the rich brown colors to the Wendy Steampunk Art stamp. The gentlemen in their little frames is pure genius! I love them!! This truly is an inspired work of art... <3 Candy

paddy said...

what an amazying piece of art you have created! I just love it!!

Kathy Eddy said...

This is just amazing Sarah! Awesome job on it.

An Bella said...

It´s a beautifull art. Tank you for shareing.
Have a good day

Crafty Loops said...

Absolutely incredible, a perfect representation of Steampunk. Lee xx

Siobhan Brignull said...

wowee that is fantastic, I love it . . . x

Hettie said...

Brilliant! How do you come up with the ideas is what I would like to know!! Keep it up whatever your secret is as it gives me hope and inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

Love it - totally Steampunk and I love your gents and the rusty bits and pieces - love love love it!

Lori said...

Flippin' awesome Sarah! I totally LOVE this! What a great combination of all things steampunk!

Fliss said...

A fantastic creation Sarah and I loved reading about how it all came together. The grid really adds a cool finishing touch.
Thanks for your kind comment on my piece too.
Fliss x

Anonymous said...

Very pretty piece. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Elizabeth said...

Brilliant! It's great how you research a piece and use everyday items - well, they are everyday items to my DH - to create such a work of pure genius :) Elizabeth x

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

Wow, what a stunning creation, Sarah! I just love the hangers incorporated in with the embellies and stamped images, so genius!

*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

Lynne Forsythe said...

OK....do I'm not the only one shopkeepers think are a bit eccentric!! Now, I must say Sarah...you have by far outdone yourself this time....a piece of Geartastic Steampunk!! LOVE IT!

Terry said...

Hey there Sarah well you allready know that I just love everything about your AMAZING project, and yess I am completely in love with all this fantabulousness...my goodness a great piece of art of Steampunk georgousness...thank you for your sweet words Sarah on my blog. Hugs TErry xxxx

Beverly Tiemann said...

I love this awesome piece of art! It is very inspiring. Off to raid my dh's stuff in the garage! Beverly

penny4thoughts said...

Visits to your blog are always so fun and inspirational; you do a beautiful clean and simple piece and then you do THIS!! I adore your steam punk piece!!!

Hels Sheridan said...

lord alone knows how I missed this when you blogged it Sarah... tis amazing... love those little frames for the chaps... and using the metal mesh... genius!

Monique said...

Absolutely love this! Wonderful, fun, beautiful work!

Catherine SIWCZAK said...

A masterpiece !