Paper Artsy challenge - Topic 4 - Doors, Windows, Architecture

When I saw the current theme for the Paper Artsy challenge of doors and windows I knew I really wanted to try and take part. It's not often I can find the time for challenges, but this was irresistible.

I started with an Infusions background which reminded me of a wall covered with lichen. I am trying to get the hang of the best way of using these powders, but what fascinates me is the different sort of finishes you can achieve by using them in different ways. This led me into the direction of a scene inspired by The Secret Garden which is one of my favourite books. The doorway and hinges are from Paper Artsy stamps. I used Sleight Blue infusions mixed with a Fresco glaze medium to paint a wood effect for the door part which I then drew lines onto for a plank effect. I then overstamped and cut out the archway onto a sprinkled infusions background made with the same colour to get more of a stone effect. The hinges are from another Paper Artsy set and I embossed these and the keyhole and fence die cuts in gold embossing powder. I decorated the scene with paper flowers, tiny punches leaves, I wired a bit of branch from the garden covered in lichen onto the panel and added a die cut printed butterfly from K & Co and a Prima enamel word plaque. I set the panel into a frame from the Pound Shop that I had painted with Fresco Paint and highlighted the moulding with Treasure Gold gilding wax. The finishing touch was a Tim Holtz chit chat sticker

These are the materials I used:

Colouring mediums - Olive Tree & Sleight Blue Infusions, Fresco Satin Glaze & Toad Hall paint, Treasure Gold in Florentine and Amber Green
Stamps - Paper Artsy - Squiggly Mini 22 , Wrought Iron plate 2
Dies & punches - Memory Box - fence and key hole, Martha Stewart leaf edge punch, Joanna Sheen rabbits

I really enjoyed making this project, although I really made an awful mess of my craft desk.

It really was a wonder I managed to make anything given I had virtually no space left to work in. In the end though a quick 20 minutes of tidying while the dinner was cooking sorted me out until the next time!

Anyway, the main thing is I made the challenge deadline in time.

Elaine