Thursday 1 May 2014

My JoFY mirror for the first 2014 end of semester PaperArtsy #3UP challenge!


Good Morning lovely visitors ,

........... and thank you for coming back to see details of my project for PaperArtsy's latest #3UP challenge.





I have used PaperArtsy products throughout, JoFY 22 being the set of stamps I requested to work with and supplementing with stamps from JoFY 24, another of the new releases which I already had and one of Jo's stencils.  I used JoFY Limited Edition Fresco Finish paints supplemented with Snowflake and Eggplant. I also used Satin & Metallic Glazes mixed together, Gloss Glaze, Grunge Paste and Treasure Gold.

I started off with one of my favourite substrates, a wide framed Ikea mirror, first covering it with Snowflake FF and then adding the JoFY Limited Edition colours first with a brush and then using a sponge for the darker layers blending out from the bottom left. Halfway through I thought it looked a blooming mess, lol!



I then used stencil 007, sponging FF to create the bullrushes (?) and then flipping it upside down and using Grunge Paste in the top left corner.  While that was drying I stamped the toadstool border from JoFY 24 along the bottom with black Archival ink and painted them with the FF paints, mixing them to get the shades I wanted.  I also added white highlights with a Posca Pen.



I then replaced the stencil over the dried Grunge Paste & added Royal Amethyst & Pewter TG and when this was dry & buffed, I sponged Dusty Teal FF again through the stencil.  When that was dry I buffed again and got lovely soft gleams of TG through the paint on the high spots. 


Next, I stamped loads of flowers, leaves, the tag, number 1 and heart from JoFY 22 onto card (it would have been PaperArtsy Smoothy card but I hadn't been to Ally Pally at this point to buy any, lol) with Stazon Royal Purple and cut them all out.  I cut them out before painting so that the white raw edges got coloured too and then I mixed up the paints again to get my chosen shades.  When they were dry I gave all the flowers and leaves a coat of mixed Pearl & Metallic Glazes which has given them all a lovely shimmer.  The tag I left matt and the 1 & heart got coated in Gloss Glaze. I then set about layering and arranging all the elements around the mirror using heavy gel to adhere.  The addition of some buttons tied with thick cotton thread and a snippet of co-ordinating ribbon for the tag finished it all off.


A rather nice thing happened as a result of this being out on my workdesk.  We unfortunately had a bad leak on the dining room radiator and the chap who came to replace it saw the mirror and asked if I took commissions. I said  it depended what he wanted and I had to laugh when he said he wanted a plaque for the door to a WC, lol!  Apparently he and his wife bought a canal long boat to renovate together and the bathroom and toilet have just been replaced (kitchen is next) and he wants something a bit different to put on the WC door.  I thought he might want traditional barge style decorations but apparently he doesn't like them and much preferred my JoFY mirror style.  He made me laugh when he said he's a bit of a wuss and loves flowers! So I have one on the go and watch this space in the next week or two for pics.  It's a good job he said there was no rush, lol!


Well, I hope you liked my #3UP mirror and thanks for visiting today.  See you again soon ....

Hugs
Lesley  Xx



13 comments:

Margaret Iddon said...

Fabulous work as usual Lesley. You always do such beautiful stuff. Pleased you got a commission out of it.

I have a mirror, and theses stamps and the paint and the stencil. I got them from my last workshop with Annette Lee. We made a wall hanging, may post photos when it's finished to my satisfaction.

I will take inspiration from your mirror and have ago myself.

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

WOW what a stunning project Lesley, I love you work and this is no exception. I love everything about it, the colours, and the beautiful flowers. I have a couple of mirrors waiting for a make over, I'll have to see if I can make something similer to this. Can't wait to see your next one.

Sue xx

Val said...

Absolutely stunning. Love all the details.
Valxxxx

Netty said...

totally gorgeous, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

snazzyoriginal said...

Beautiful project in such lovely shades xx

craftytrog said...

This is absolutely gorgeous Lesley!
Congrats on your 3UP spot, & lucky commission!
Alison xxx

Julie Lee said...

You are such a talented lady, Lesley! This is work of a professional standard! I reckon people would pay to have a work of art like this in their home too! Julie Ann xxx

Sarah B said...

just gorgeous - love the colours and different details you've used. I've one of these mirror tucked away some where, I might have to pinch a few ideas if you don't mind.....xx

Janet said...

Gorgeous mirror Lesley, the colours & details are fabulous

Jean said...

This is really beautiful Lesley. I love the gorgeous shaded colouring and the cute little toadstools. Lovely flower embellishments too.
Jean x

veronica said...

This is stunning Lesley, love the colours too. Not the sort of stamps I would buy, but you have really made a super mirror with them.
Congrats on getting the commission too, sensible guy!

Paula (PEP) said...

I'd definitely say bullrushes & I love the way those dangling down grunge paste dandelion heads (either that or they're sparklers!) echo the stamps a longed the bottom border. The floral embellishment is a joy & the whole is just a glorious combination of colours. I had to laugh at your commission - superb. The WC is such an essential place that your artwork is guaranteed an audience. Hope the leak didn't cause too much havoc.
Much love from me.
Paula (PEP)
PS - I'm back on bookshop duties!

Lin said...

Oh lesley this is gorgeous!! I'm not a purple person but the colours on your mirror looks stunning!! beautiful project xxxx