Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Altered Playing Cards, Week 21: A big mess

I'm once again joining Claudine at Claudine's Art Corner, this time for Week 21 of the Altered Playing Card Challenge.

This week Claudine showed everyone how to use clear embossing paste.  As usual, I didn't have any, and I'm sure my limited craft budget would have been pushed to the limit if I could even find it in my town.  So, I used what I had, which of course, didn't work as well as I would have hoped.

These are the supplies I used (from back left clockwise):
acrylic paints
low tack masking tape
brass stencils
playing card
texture dimensional paint (note the cost)
playing card

I began by choosing background paint.  This is NOT how Claudine did hers, but I didn't have her product, so had to improvise.

I like to get my paint from the lids, but it's obvious, I needed more paint or a bigger brush.

I waited and waited, and finally was able to give the cards a second coat of paint.

Once I thought the paint was dry, I began kneading the tube of dimensional paint I would use in lieu of the transparent paste Claudine used.

I carefully taped the stencil to the card and my craft sheet

then filled the holes with the texture paint.

I did the same for the second stencil.

It was at that time I decided to not use the neon yellow paint because it clashed with the color of my texture paint.

Unfortunately, although I allowed the stencil to dry with the paint, and they were both dry to the touch after about four hours, neither the background paint, nor the texture paint were really dry and I ended up with a mess on my hands.  The stencil pulled the background paint up and much of the texture paint stayed in the stencil.  I tried to repair the problem using the background color I had chosen for the second card.  It simply didn't work.  So, I drew a crude heart around the inside of where I imaged the stenciled heart might be, then added the drops of paint like Claudine did.  I had planned to use an old "Love" postage stamp, but decided to use the word instead.  I even forgot to add some book text, something I actually have and had left room for!


The rose was even worse, except the holes were larger.  Nothing I did made sense, and everything just turned to messes.  And, at this point, I was too sick to care!  I managed to write the sentiment "A rose by any other name" after I painted a piece of security envelope, but that was all I accomplished.  I was truly ready for bed, because I had spent (wasted) over ten hours on these two pieces, and my frustration level had peaked.


Here are the two cards using texture and the same colors this week.  I apologize that these are really bad cards, but I'm so frustrated that I don't have the tools or products that Claudine has.  It would be different if I had something similar, but even my craft paint and gesso are inferior.  The good news is, there are only 12 more of these.  I'm not about to throw in the towel at this late date.  As always, I am very grateful for your comments.  They will surely help me feel better soon.


12 thoughtful remarks:

massofhair said...

You sound so frustrated Elizabeth! Let me assure you your effort has been worth it, both APC's are amazing.

Texture paste of any sort needs leaving anything from 4 to 24 hours to set. The top can feel set but the underneath takes time so i can see how you got annoyed.

The great news is i LOVE both your cards, the colours work well and it's good to see your drawing and writing.

Hugz
Mo:-) xxx

TwinkleToes2day said...

I'm so sorry your work didn't turn out how you expected/wanted Elizabeth, but like MoH said, above, they turned out amazing.
Don't say Oops! Say, Interesting!
I'm so pleased you didn't give up and don't intend to, I have enjoyed seeing ALL of your APCs ((hugs)) :o)

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

I don't know why you are so upset, I love them they have a naive appearance which I really like. Hope you have a good week and happy crafting, Angela x 33

Claudine said...

Awww, I'm so sorry they didn't turn out how you envisioned. Believe me, have been there, done that too. I think they look fine though, it's always a good learning experience.

froebelsternchen said...

Don't mind how they turned out (I think they are quite good!) You have had a great expirementing with the paste and I am sure you had fun Elizabeth!
I am still sick.... but feel much better than the first days. Thank you Elizabeth for thinking of me!It will be good soon I feel!

johanna said...

i second Susi, elizabeth! nothing is in vain, you have learned a lot and i appreciate you shared your Frustration! we all have These days when things don´t turn out as we imagined... and mostly we are not brave enough to Show our Feelings!
hugs and ongoing healing!!
johanna

Darla said...

All is not lost, just think how much you learned. You are my inspiration when it comes to challenges. You always complete them. Me? Not so much.

Darla

Carol said...

We can't expect perfection on our first try out with new methods and mediums. Everything is a learning experience :) You did great and will get better with each effort. Love the cards.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Now that I finally had time to complete mine, I am able to stop by and comment on yours!

That was a really interesting idea (that I may borrow sometime) to try using metal stencils with the texture magic! I have never heard of that product and judging by the sticker wonder if they even make it anymore.

You are too, too hard on yourself! Both stencils worked well enough to see the shapes. Glad to hear you are seeing it through to the end!

Halle said...

Bummer about your stencil experience. I think I'd remove the stencil immediately. That is what I do with molding paste.

pearshapedcrafting said...

These may not have turned out as you envisaged they would but all the same you can't argue that your colours really look great together! I feel your frustration though at having spent so long on something that you are not happy with! Can't believe I haven't got to the computer until now! Hugs, Chrisx

ionabunny said...

I like your alternative to the clear texture paste. Love the yellow on the bright background. These are great.

I know this is a bit late but I think you should have removed the stencils straight away. I have been playing a bit with stencils and various mediums and it's usually suggested you remove it immediately, if only to ensure you get all the gunk off the stencil. If you use the first piece of tape as a hinge, ie remove all but that piece and then lift the stencil off, like opening a door, you also run less risk of smudging the medium. Or dropping the stencil in it ROFL. I tried that as well!! It doesn't improve the look, I can tell you. Hugz