Wednesday 26 October 2011

Whats on your Workspace Wednesday 125

For a change this week I'm going to show what I've been doing instead of what I've bought and my Workspace this week is a bit messy as I decided to make a couple of Christmas cards and (big mistake here) use gold leafing flakes.
If you think glitter's a bit of a pain don't go anywhere near this stuff.  I love the effect you get but it clings to everything and this is one example of a little definitely going a long way - on my clothes, on my shoes, on the floor, all over the table etc, etc.

I bought the stamp from a local craft shop that was closing down - as if I needed another Christmas stamp - as I wanted to do a stained glass window effect and the design was just what I needed.  Stamped on acetate, added double-sided adhesive sheet and piled on the flakes.

Hard to see the effect in the photos because of reflections but I took a couple of close-ups as well.


The first one is different shades of pale gold.




Whilst the second has a darker, richer look - I prefer the second one with the rose tones and will probably mount it on dark red/burgundy card.

Must admit that Christmas cards are not my favourite cards to make, I have a shoe box full of stamps (mostly unmounted) and at one time made all my own but now I only make a handful of 'specials' - would rather play with my inks and paints than start a production line.  Like this stamp though and will get out some of my background papers and have a go on those.

Last week on Julia's massive blog hop over at Stamping Ground I was 50th on the list, lets see what number I am this week.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

The gold flakes have made those stamps look stunning! I prefer the second one as well. Have a happy Wednesday! Mel #59

Sunshine Girl said...

Those gold flakes are well worth the effort though as the results are great. I too no longer make piles of Christmas cards (in fact I havent made one yet and I used to start in July!) - far too busy having fun with other things like you! Have a great week and thanks for sharing.

l00pyscraftcreations said...

The gilding flakes are definitely worth it, they do a wonderful job, and I really neeeeed some of the double sided clear sheets, but NEC is next week, so hope to fill in the gaps then, yippee, love the stamp hun, and you're quite right would look amazing on Burgundy,
Happy Woyww
Lou #63

Diane said...

Wonderful examples, Ann! I do love gilding flakes but I know exactly what you mean about them going a long way!
Diane x

Jennibellie said...

I hear you about the gold leaf, but you have made some beautiful things with it, thanks for sharing Jennibellie x

JoZart Designs said...

It was certainly worth the mess Ann as the results are beautiful.
Love JoZarty x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Baby powder is essential if you use gilding flakes or gold leaf. Make sure your hands are squeaky clean with no glue anywhere, dry them thoroughly and then sprinkle then with talc and rub that in. The results are really worth the effort. Yours are beautiful. I look forward to seeing more.

Unknown said...

That stained glass effect is beautiful.
Makes me want to get out that pkg of flakes in the drawer. I will try the baby powder idea. Right now I am still making a mess with fabric collage.

Anonymous said...

Love your cards and I too like the second one - thanks for sharing

Bea

Anonymous said...

They may have taken a lot of work, but they're really beautiful!

Hugs
Brenda 84

cockney blonde said...

Yep, those flakes are a mess to work with but you've created some stunning results. Now, I bet if it was chocolate flakes the mess would be minimal, lol, x

Cath Wilson said...

Love this, Ann - I love gold leaf. It's easier to use if you store it in a wooden box - reduces static, btw. I have this stamp, too, lol and have used it this way. It's a lovely Christmas stamp x

Crafting Time said...

Lovely result there Ann, the gold flakes are very effective.
Have a lovely crafty week ahead.
Nina x
Check out Design Team call on our blog

My name is Cindy said...

Stunning, and those images work so well with the gold flakes. TFS Cindy #26

Marjo said...

Great buy, gorgeous work! Thanks for the peek and sharing, xoxo Marjo

Lunch Lady Jan said...

What a gorgeous stamp, very Pre-Raphaelite! I prefer the second one best, gorgeous :)
Hugs, LLJ #43 xx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Wow that is really awesome Ann I love it, and creativity is messy. Happy WOYWW Shaz in oz.x

Angie said...

I have never used the gold flakes but after looking at your desk and seeing your amazing results, I was thinking about it ...until I read your post lol ... I then had visions of gold flecked cats ...still they would look good for Xmas .xx

Shoshi said...

Beautiful stamp, lovely design, and well worth the effort with the gilding flakes. MaggieC's tip with the baby powder sounds a good one - must try that! (Thanks Maggie.) Happy WOYWW, Shoshi #84

Mrs A. said...

Like the first stained glass the best. Think i will steer of this technique though. Hugs Mrs A.

hazel said...

Fabulous Ann.
xxx Hazel.

Neet said...

Lovely cards Ann - I do like that stamp and can understand you buying it for leafing. I haven't really started my "C" cards yet, don't know when I will get the chance either.
Only just had my WOYWW posted as I have been away and now am hoping someone can guess where I have been - but if you know you are excluded, sorry - there's a little prize for the first to do it. Hugs, Neet #133

Carola Bartz said...

Oh, this is beautiful. What a gorgoues effect. I have never worked with gold leafing so far.

Electra said...

I salute you! Foil is SO messy to work with! These are lovely though! Happy late WOYWWED!

SueH said...

I saw this technique demonstrated at a show one. I proceeded to buy all the bits need to have a go myself and I think I’ve only tired it a couple of times because I got myself in a right old mess.
You’re right though, the finished piece (when done correctly I might add) looks stunning.

Happy Crafting!
Sue
x