Friday 1 September 2017

A house is a home - altered wood block

I thought I would go all shabby vintage with my altered make for the new challenge at A Vintage Journey. The lovely Alison has chosen Altered Art and would like you to get creative with recycled objects in a vintage; shabby, mixed media; art journalling; industrial, timeworn or steampunk style. Turn something unloved and unwanted into a work of art. Try some repurposing - make something new out of something old, or incorporate an unwanted object into your artwork. Think tin cans and jars, old bottles, toothbrushes - the more inventive the better.


So my block started as this house shape with these words on it but I worked on the reverse side.


The recipe -
Tear some paper and adhere to the block coating the top of the paper to seal it.


Brayer over white gesso.


Paint dark green onto some card or watercolour paper ............


.................... then monoprint it onto the wood block.


This is what happens - 


Next scrape some white gesso over with a flat edge I used a palette knife..


Apply some random patches of white crackle paint and leave to dry.


Blend white modeling paste mixed with white gesso through a stencil.


Drip and spritz sap green, raw umber, burnt umber, white and titan buff media acrylic paints through the textures. Sand the edges and blend in ground espresso distress ink.


Brayer over white tinting base over the raised areas, seal the surface with the DecoArt matte sealer/varnish .....


 and then gather your embellishments together.


I kept to flowers and natural elements with an altered metal butterfly to finish it off.


I used Tim's tattered florals and a sizzix daisy to make the large shabby flower using


The smaller flowers are a mixture of bought ones.


Tims greenery die cut with white card, some bundled sage and ground espresso distress inks


Some cheesecloth, frosted berries and a metal butterfly altered with gesso and treasure gold.


All finished off with a jute bow and some natural dried flowers


Hope you like my piece of altered art which makes a great piece of home decor I think.

I hope we'll see you over at the challenge blog and even if you can't join in for September, you should definitely pop over to see the amazing inspiration from the rest of the team.

Have fun and listen to your heArt.

hugs Brenda xxx

30 comments:

S@ndy Diller said...

Great project Brenda, I love the way you covered the words and then everything after that. Just so fabulous in every way. Hugs, S@ndy xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Brilliant alteration Brenda, so many clever elements! Love the watercolour paper mono printing, it gives a brilliant shabby effect! A great project!!

Monika Gulyas said...

Beautifully altered wooden house with an interesting layered background! I love how you arranged the flowers! Great design! xx

Redanne said...

I always enjoy seeing how you build up your wonderful layers Brenda, I love the look of the green layer, it reminds me of moss. I love the crackle and your flowers are so delicately beautiful. This is a gorgeous transformation and such a lovely sentiment on the back too! Hugs, Anne xx

Marci said...

I love the garden ish look of this plaque!

Words and Pictures said...

A stunning weathered background and the floral flourish is so beautiful against it... this may be a new favourite for me - there's just something about it which makes me deeply happy.
Alison x

Annie said...

what a fabulous alteration Brenda xx I love that amazing background and the yummy textures/details. A stunning outcome and perfect embellishments
Have a lovely weekend
Annie xx

Jennie Atkinson said...

I absolutely ADORE this Brenda! The background is just amazing - the mono printing technique is just inspired (will be trying that one!) and then all those wonderful embellishments. Just shabby chic perfection. Fabulous altered art! Have a great weekend. Jennie x

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

This is simply delicious Brenda....I could stare at this all day in awe!!
Hugs
Donna xx

froebelsternchen said...

Absolutely ADORABLE - the most beautiful altered wood block!
AMAZING!

hazel said...

This is a stunning piece Brenda, I love it.
xxx Hazel.

SewPaperPaint said...

I have been sooooo anxious to get to this post, since seeing the peek. Oh. My. Word. You have amazed and inspired me so so much with this! The layers of white, texture, and that subtle green monoprinting are just so perfect, let along the amazing collection of embellies. Really amazing and a new favorite - totally pinning this! ;0 Big hugs, Autumn

beth b said...

Brenda, this is absolutely gorgeous! Love the mix of colors and textures -- it is perfection! I have to say this might be my very favorite of your lovely creations!!

Littlelamb said...

Love your altered art Brenda. Thank you for sharing this.

Julia Aston said...

I am in such admiration of your layering skills Brenda! When I try it - I get mud or cover each past thing up with the new layer! I love the crackle, the white and touches of green all the wonderful texture and lovely flowers! a beautiful repurposed piece! Julia xx

Lisa said...

Wow, this is absolutely amazing, Brenda!! Your layering is so fabulous and I love seeing the steps as it comes together!! Every technique you used is gorgeous, from the mono printing to the crackle to the embellies you added!! Stunning work of art!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Meggymay said...

Gorgeous base layers and textures, its a fabulous project Brenda.
Yvonne xx

Patty O'Malley said...

I really love this home decor project you created, Brenda! Love the shabby natural look of it!

sarascloset said...

Stunning altered project! I love your shabby side and this piece is so inspiring! Love the greens--so refreshing on a hot day! Hugs!

Rose Curtis said...

Love everything about this ❤️❤️❤️

Gina said...

Absolutely stunning...like a frosty Autumn morning that has taken the last of the summer by surprise :D XXX

A Pink said...

What a fabulous transformation! Brenda. Lovd reading your post and seeing the various stages of creativity that have produced an absolutely gorgeous background that you have embellished just perfectly.
Thats how to recycle!
hugs x

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Brenda, scrummy, grungy texture. Happy crafty weekend, Angela xXx

Deb said...

Amazing transformation Brenda, incredible and beautiful layers (love the monoprinting with the painted watercolour paper!), your layers add so much depth and interest, I could look at this all day long. Thanks so much for sharing it, Deb xo

Jackie PN said...

Stunning makeover Brenda! I truly love your layering- so much depth and interest!
Beautiful!! 'Jackie xo
ps thank you for all your visits= makes my heart smile! ")

maria's knutselplezier said...

What a great background you did create, I love every detail and your bunch of flowers make a real artwork of it!!

Have fun!!
Maria

Nikki Acton said...

You should do this as a workshop! Love every teeny weeny tiny bit of it!! xxxxx

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

What a gorgeous alteration, Brenda. Thank you so much for sharing the making process.

Sue said...

Really beautiful Brenda, an amazing background and the flowers are wonderful xx

Mrs.B said...

A beautiful piece Brenda, love the soft colours.
Avril xx