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