Monday, February 27, 2012

The Alternative Glass Slipper...

Good Morning and Welcome to La-De-Dah!
It seems the weekend has yet again bid us farewell...so I'll start the new week and challenge theme at Simon Says Stamp & Show with some Steampunk shoe shenanigans as we dive into a Tim Idea-ology Bonzanza! Don't ask me why, but most of my ideas come to mind when I'm swimming...and once a thought creeps in, I have trouble letting it go. So "Hmm, I could try a shoe..." got me this time. I stalked down a pair of fab platforms on eBay, sprayed the shoe with copper metallic paint and spent a few hours just looking at it! I find the best way to start is to imagine the mood and well,  just start...
I covered the platform in Grungepaper which I embossed with Tim's Steampunk folder and inked up with Vintage Photo. I added washers a strip of embossed Memory Foil Tape and then glued on a series of Hitch Fastener tops.
 Then I set about adding some metal 'armour'  cladding grunged with my fave Alcohol Inks...
I used Copper metal from Ten Seconds Studio all embossed as before. Measuring up was a fiddly job. Alas, I'm no architect like Laura Dennison... I pressed a sheet of paper against the shoe, creasing along the joins to get a rough template of the shoe shape, cut my metal slightly bigger and then faffed, formed and fiddled from there. I finished the metal edges with my Ten Seconds Studio tools.
I added eyelets with my Crop a Dile Big Bite and glued on my metal. I swear I dropped every eyelet during the make and had to hunt each one down as I was running low. Grrr! I was also having major doubts about the whole project and walked away a few times. Enter the joy of Idea-ology! I put the shoe aside and worked on two features for the front and back. The toe is adorned with a Timepiece, a Spinner, Regal Wings, an Ornate Plate, Foliage and Sprockets! Pile it on...
This is my favourite shot... On the heel I used  another Timepiece, Regal wings and crown and a Locket. I coloured them all with Alcohol inks before gluing them all together with Glossy Accents, letting them dry overnight.
Whilst that was happening I dabbled with the Ball Chain trying out different looks and also glued a length along the shoe edge.
 Here's a shot of the inner side which more or less mirrors the outer side. This was very fiddily as it was more rounded and caused a few deep sighs... A close-up of some more findings including a Muse Token.
I just keep putting different pieces together, playing around, to see what worked... (for me!)
I wanted to bring back the Grungepaper so I created some studded straps layered up with Copper Tape on the heel.Once these were in place I could glue on the main pieces I had prepared. I suspended a Swivel Clasp from the locket and hung a key on the end... The heel tip was real fun. I removed the original one and replaced it with a Sprocket and Hitch Fastener! You can also see more Idea-ology and a few washers on the sole.
I painted the inside with my Gold and Copper Dabbers as the lining didn't take the spray paint. I used the original insole as it was such a good fit. I glued on various Chip Block letters and numbers, covered them with Ranger Metal Foil and then used a paper stump to refine the letters before doing my Alcohol ink splodge thing. I had lots of Hitch fastener bases left so I used them to 'stud' the sole! A final wrap and drape of Ball Chain and a fanfare. Done!!!
ldea-ology - the Science of Ideas methinks... Pile 'em up, on and all over or just use a few for that metal accents. Words, papers, findings, die-cuts... inspiration galore. Take a look the wonderfully creative makes from my Teamies and check out  the whole Idea-ology range here. Feast your eyes on the new generation of goodies about to hit the stores!!!
It was a battle of wills, eyelets and patience this week, but just like a long run, you gotta keep your eye on the goal and the feeling of accomplishment once you hit the home straight...

I could strut down to the Supermarket...but seeing as I've only made one and am now six months pregnant...maybe not. A hop along podge pudding...Not exactly the height of glamour. I'll leave that up to the Oscars Red Carpet. Seeing as it's a one-off wearable, I'm going to hop over to Grungy Monday too. Thanks for being here and still being awake! Gotta run (well,waddle). Sarah.

99 comments:

Deborah said...

Truly astonishing and absolutely amazing! Wow!

Rachael Mitchell said...

Oh my Sarah, keep up the swimming it makes for fab creations. Before I got to the end of the post I was thinking go on make the other one! I love the wings, keyhole and crown configuration. Its a masterpiece, the
More i look the more I see. Hope you and bump are doing well. Rach :)

Vipera said...

It's absolutely fabulous!!! I love all the little details!

Olga

JoFY said...

fabulous!
I can see Helena Bonham-Carter wearing these! she'd definitely want to wear them!!
xx

Ann B said...

Double WOW! on this one Sarah. You must make the other one, as they deserve to grace the Oscar red carpet next year.

Peggy Parker said...

Wowzer! This is absolutely stunning!

ellen vargo designs said...

Sarah... OMG! Your steampunk show is the COOLEST! I'm at a loss for words to describe just how *AWESOME* it is! As Rach said... Keep Swimming!!

Ellen xxx

Lynne Forsythe said...

I have ABSOLUTLEY no word.....your creation is BEYOND AMAZING...every stinkin' detail....just FANTABULOUS!!

Nancy Wethington said...

You should send these to a star so they can walk the red carpet with them. These are so fabulous!

Anonymous said...

This is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!! I love all the detail you've put into this creation!!!! Truly truly amazing!!!!!!!

mandysea said...

oh lordy lordy! just classic and incredibly creative!! gorgeous

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

If you could finish the second shoe too I would make the perfect STEAMPUNK Queen to wear them, honestly!!! What a fabulous piece of creative art, so unique and funky and a wonderful alternative use of Idea-ology. Swimming does you good in so many ways Sarah, especially your creative brain power. You have rocked this challenge. Enjoy your week. Tracy x x

Unknown said...

This is wonderful - I want a pair!! Think you could have an alternative career if you wanted one. You could definitely make a living out of selling these. Fabulous idea, really original and very creative. Maddy x

inge said...

Hello Sarah,

NOT sure about the inside of the shoe, but I think it's totally wearable !!!

This shoe would be a perfect shoe combined with a steampunk dress.
Maybe you can design shoes for the people who love steampunk and incorporate this in their real life ?

greetings from Belgium
Inge

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

This is absolutely fabulous - the piece de resistance! You could do a whole series with different styles. just saying...

Amy* said...

Holy moly Sara!! My jaw dropped when I saw this! Absolutely A-Maz-ING!! This shoe is fit for a steampunk princess. I love every single detail! Oh those eyelets on the front! Slippery little devils they are...I found myself crawling on my studio floor the other day as well in search of dropped eyelets :) Fabulous, FABULOUS work...consider me INSPIRED!!

Amy*

Lisa-Jane said...

OMG! This is SO stunning. How long did it take you? There are just so many details to look at that I spent ages just gazing at it! Hey, are you going to do a bump cast? I've seen some great ones but I bet you would blow them all out of the water with your skills.

Candy C said...

Sarah, your steampunk Cinderella slipper is absolutely off the charts amazing! I want to see the rest of her outfit!! :) This shoe has so much cool detail...I can't believe it! Love the color, first of all! All of the metallic blend is just too cool for words! I love the Ideaology arrangements on the toe piece and on the back of the heel. Those are just incredibly cool. I think there are some shoe designers who are looking at this and stealing your ideas!!! <3 Candy

Hetty said...

WOW!! that is just one stunning shoe!

Art By Wanda said...

Sarah, your shoe is amazing!!! Totally Stunning!!! Totally worth all the work and bits of frustration!!!! A total WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sandysewin said...

Oh wow, that is amazing, I LOVE it!

I wouldn't be able to walk in them, but I WANT a pair. :-)

Fantastic work.

Geri said...

WOWZERS!!!!!!!! Those are soooo cool!!!!!

KAT said...

This makes me want to run to my closet and see what shoes I want to make into art pieces - this it truly fabulus - love all the details!!!

Terry said...

Hold on, I have to pick myself up off the floor! This is the most incredible piece of altered art! Every steampunk inch of grungy goodness is over the top! Love it to pieces! Wow!!!!

hellerlittle said...

Sarah... OMG! Your steampunk show is the COOLEST! I'm at a loss for words to describe just how *AMAZING* it is!
Before I got to the end of the post I was thinking go on make the other one! I love the wings, keyhole and crown configuration. Its a masterpiece, the
More i look the more I see.
TFS and for giving such inspirations
*hugs hellerlittle

Asia King (aka Joanna K) said...

This is the most amazing project I have EVER seen! OMG, you've left me totally speechless - so much steampunky goodness... WOOOOOOOW!!!

Shirl said...

Utterly butterly I absolutely love it to bits.

Hugs Shirley x x

Sue said...

Wow! fab idea so well executed.

Marjie Kemper said...

OMG, Sarah, this is incredible!!!! I am gobsmacked, to quote a few UK friends. This is just drop dead gorgeous. Congrats on an amazing creation!

judith@poppy cottage said...

Absolutely stunning! My 22 year old Daughter would die for a pair of these! The colour is amazing, amd I love all of the ideology accents. The ball chain edging looks great, and I love the replacement heel cap. The insole is incredible too, Judith xx

Nancy said...

WOW!!!!!!!!

Hels Sheridan said...

You know what Sarah hunny? Everytime I come here to drool at your art, I see something that has out "arted" the last piece.. and that is saying something because everything you make is beautiful... this shoe, however, really is THE very best piece of altered art I have ever ever ever seen... I mean seriously girly, you are one talented chick... and you made me lol too... hopalong podge pudding... bless you, I bet you are still graceful and elegant with your bump... BTW... it is a size 5 right? perfect fit for moi ROFL Big hugs hun... and congrats at coming up with yet another totesamazeballs piece of art... xx

Caz said...

Absolutely fantastic!!! I have never seen anything like this, it is amazing!! Mere words can't do it (or your talent)justice!
Only just "found" you so I need to go feast my eyes or more of your loveliness!
x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

That's just crazy. And oh, so cool!

Unknown said...

Wow, that should be in an art gallery - gorgeous.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Carol said...

What a novel idea, I love it! I really love steampunk.

White if you Like said...

Wow wow wow

Bethan said...

WOW....thats amazing!

Sarah said...

Wow - THANKS EVERYONE!!! I really appreciate every word and bit of love...the journey is worth it when you can share it with others...thanks for the support and now the feeling "It was worth it..." I'm all inked out for today...x Sarah.

Siobhan Brignull said...

wow (as my 13year old would say) tote amaze balls !!

Siobhan Brignull said...

you should add this to the L3 Studio challenge, its a perfect fit . . x

Kathy Ethington said...

This is so awesome as a work of art, and something to actually wear...yes, I would wear them.. I never wear heels, but would be hopping along side you. NOW I must find something I can decorate. I'm totally not in your league, but love what I'm seeing...can't wait to read more of your blog..

Ginger said...

Oh my, this is lovely x

Jacquelene L. said...

Sarah, this is the most fabulous piece of shoe art I've seen. I am not a lover of shoes. I love this one and I hope you will do the other one too. I think steampunked cinderella needs an outfit, gown, hat, purse to wear to the steampunk ball and dance with a steampunked prince, hee, hee!
Thank you for sharing this piece of fabulosity!
Jacquelene L.
Canada

lilyandthelotus.blogspot.com said...

This should be published in somerset studios and more wonderful.
susan s.

Gillian .... said...

La De Dah Girl, you have done it again, like Hels said earlier, you have out arted yourself, oh to have 1 ounce of your creativity ... this has to be the most amazing piece of altered art I've seen in a long long time ... if the shoe fits girl .. wear it (ok maybe not in your condition) best send it to me lol. x

Kaz Hall said...

HOLY SHOE!! That is one totally amazing breathtaking piece of art!! You totally rock sarah!! WOW!

Love it!

Kazx x

TAM said...

WOW Sarah this is just awesome

Connie B said...

So awesome. You should be very proud , I know Tim is wowed/

Suzanne Bouchard said...

Admirable! What a gorgeous piece of art! Incredible!

texasbarb said...

OMG!!!! This is absolutely breathtaking!!!

Linda M. Cain said...

This is just too Over-the-Top wonderful for words!!!! I am speechless...and that takes a lot!

~Linda

AsAlwaysAngela said...

I would buy and wear shoes like this... I love, love, love this shoe! And did I mention I love it?

Ibarra Creations 4U said...

Absolutely AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jocelyn said...

Fantastic! It's beautiful!

KayJay said...

Sarah, my jaw is still on the floor! As I posted on ATT, I am in love with your creation! I would be at a thrift store right now looking for a worthy pair to adorn, but it is only 2:50am!

Thank you so much for sharing your genius! With your permission, may I Pin your Shoe on my board at Pinterest. Of course, I will make sure to a have a link to your blog.

I can't wait to hear from you.
Your, "I am not worthy to stand in the presence of your genius" Los Angeles admirer,
Kathy

Janny Jager said...

Fantastic

This is BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.

Greetings Janny

Laura said...

Wow!!!!! That is amazing. Fantastic job.

Gabby said...

TOTAL 10,000% Amazing! You could make a fortune selling these shoes, for real! I'd call them Steampunk Bliss! Well, you'd probably have to tone down the inside for comfort-hee! Seriously, this show needs to be, at the very least, in an art show! You reek of talent, Sarah! :)

Barbara DeLisle said...

Love this shoe-awesome

Tolegranny said...

Wow....they are fabulous. Do they come in an 8? hahahaa Thanks for sharing.

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

What an amazing creation Sarah...so creative and special!
Wowwww........!!!!!

greetings, Alie :-)

June said...

I can't think of anything to say that others haven't already said -- but I agree... marvelous work and a stunning project.

Fliss said...

OMG Sarah! This is totally amazing! You say you're no architect but my hubby who is one would just love this.
Wow again!
Fliss x

toni said...

Wow!! Absolutely fantastic I thought my hat was quite good till I saw this! You are on a roll. Congrats on your Fsc win also. I hope you get to finish the other shoe as your baby will have one cool mamma x

Annette Green said...

This leaves me almost speechless, it's so freakin' amazing! I LOVE IT! You are truly inspiring. I have talked with several artists over the years who say something about being in water gets their creative juices flowing. My daughter included. Must be something about the relaxation. Weird because I get most of my ideas when I'm running, which is far from relaxing. Anyway, fabulous shoe!

Hettie said...

WOW Sarah! This is Fab-u-lous darling. This must have taken you hours and I do think you should make the other one up in a similar way. Not identical though.
Maybe you can wear them once you have had lickle one!!
Wonderful.
Hugs
xxx

Val said...

Wow - truly fantabulous! Do you dare wear it - that is if you make the second one?
Valxx

susiesu said...

WOW! absolutely truly gorgeous! Too fabby dabby to wear should be put in a glass case and stared at!!!!! lol Susiesu xxx

Morti said...

I want want WANT!!! But now you've inspired me to create my own steampunk shoes for wearing, instead of buying ridiculously expensive ones.... Thanks.....

Debbie Rock said...

Absolutely lost for words ... just stunningly fabulous! Love Debbie xXx

Peggy said...

the altered shoe... oh my absolutely awesome!

Shelly Hickox said...

Truly beyond incredible. Love all the detail in this - especially that you did the inside too. Fantastic!!

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! This shoe is over the top FAB!! The design is astounding I love the color too :)

*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

karen said...

Wow, you have created a beautiful piece of art here! I can't stop looking at it! Gorgeous!
I hope you send a picture to Tim Holtz because I am sure he would love it!
Wow again!
xoxo Karen

Heather Cooper said...

This is SO COOL. I wish I knew how to do this stuff! Where can you learn on-line?

D said...

Wow, that's wicked cool!

barbwire802 said...

Beautiful piece of work! I would not have thought to have done this. You're very creative.

ger76 said...

Truely stunning!! Amazing!!wowzzers!!!!

Kathi said...

Holy moly. This is totally over-the-top jawdroppingly fantastically amazing. (i.e. I like it!).

Wow. Great work!

Unknown said...

this is just amazing !! wow its so so good, love your work ((stalker alert)) lol xx

Anonymous said...

I would love these!! They are positively fantastico!!

Donna said...

OMG just found your blog and this Shoe! AWESOME. I went to see a Rammstein gig last week who are a German industrial metal type band, very steampunky style and these/this would have looked perfect with my outfit. You have an amazin talent, you should start up a shoe production line. I want them, you'll have to make the other one!

Shoshi said...

Wow! Stunning project!! (Can you make some wearable ones lol lol!!)

Shoshi

BumbleVee said...

What an amazing piece of art....I have no idea what half the stuff you described and used is .... but, it was a great explanation to read nonetheless.... and what a beaut at the finish.... love it.

ahahha....the mental image of you as a pudding, in hot steampunk, platform with hooker heel, hopping along on one leg....hahahhaha.....

Unknown said...

I've only just found this and it is absolutely amazingly stunning!
Love love love it!

Sheena
xxx

Frederique said...

Oh my god this is absolutely stunning. The time and consideration gone into this project is unbelieveable! I looove the shoe and would wear it with pride (yes I do wear heels!. i had a similar urge to decorate shoes recently but I was going more laong the lines of decopatch... you've just inpired me totally and I will rething my project...Thanks for sharing! x

CraftygasheadZo said...

Am so glad I did look at this as it's amazing. Such work and a real piece of art that would grace any museum or art show. Well done, I can only applaud you, because this is truly stunning. Zo xx

Catherine SIWCZAK said...

absolutely fabulous !

Aux Doigts Agiles said...

Waouh! Une pure merveille!

FiLoMa said...

What a fantastic project, absolutely beautiful. My mum has such a shoe fetish. She's not a crafter, but I'm gonna send her your link to show her how beautiful your work is. Such inspiration. Glad you persevered and completed the project. Cheers FiLoMa

Robin S. said...

QUIT YOUR DAY JOB!!!!
wow - how inspiring a feat of artistry. A unique and creative piece of art indeed. I am truly inspired. I have been making jewelry bits, but now you have me thinking far grander. I think you should consider this an income alternative!

Sabrina MacD said...

This is soooo inspiring. Gotta love Pinterest!! My friend and I are hostessing an altered shoe swap and now I know what I'm basing my shoe off of. This is just WOW!!!!!!!!!

Christine Kiehl said...

IF the slipper fits....I saw your shoe on PINTREST!! Very cool mixed media artist you are! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Wow! Love the shoes how creative, mixed media shoes...you go girl!

Unknown said...

First time I've ever been on here, this shoe is beyond amazing. i was truly blown away. Is there anywhere to buy your creations! I would love to buy!!! Please keep posting, love your creativity.

Dr D said...

Wow! Thank you for sharing-absolutely fabulous!!!!

Unknown said...

I came across this on Pinterest, loved the way these looked, and pinned them into my fashion Pinterest board long ago. I revisited this today with even more appreciation for your work here. Please tell me... did you ever have an occasion to wear these incredible shoes?