Friday 8 July 2011

Time... For Something Totally Different...

...So... I have been looking at those Octopode Factory designs, digi-stamps and rubber stamps for a while now and have gazed longingly at them... but... I haven't taken the plunge because, to be totally honest, I really didn't think that "my style" would suit them. And then... Lily Chilvers, who is the so very clever and incredibly talented lass that lives in the Octopode Factory and draws her Octopode friends, contacted me and said... "would you like to be a Guest Designer on my Friday challenge?"


So... after thinking about this for a few seconds I thought to myself... why not! And why not indeedily because I am incredibly honoured and ever so chuffed to have been asked to be part of Lily's world. So... I went onto The Octopode Factory Etsy shop and gathered a few digi-stamps and armed with the challenge theme which is TIME, I got stuck right in to making this canvas, which is loaded with Colorwash Sprays and paint and other goodies! I will say this though... I want it to be known that I have found inspiration in Kate Crane and Sue Roddis's work... and have used this inspiration on this canvas. Credit where it is due and all of that :O))



Right, the canvas is 8" square and after priming with Gesso I gave it a quick coat of watered down Trad Tan paint, being rough with the brush strokes so there is a bit of texture in there too. I used a variety of Colorwash Sprays to achieve the background... namely Sail Boat Blue, Wild Plum, Lettuce and Meadow and then mixed Sunset Orange with some Gesso and splodged this along the top of the canvas to create some streaky bits... because I knew I was using the Melting Clock and thought that they would blend well together.



The words are created in Word and printed onto copy paper which was lightly coloured with Pumice Stone DI and then stuck to the canvas and drawn around with a soft pencil... which I then roughly went over with a Ranger White Pen to lighten up the lines a bit. The lines and circles on the canvas are made from Black Dabber and Gesso with bottle tops and a paint scraper.



I printed off the Digi-stamps... hey, this is a first because I have never used a digi-stamp before and I admit to being a bit of a wuss because I am rubbish at computerly doings... but I managed!!! The images were all cut out and then coloured with either Distress Ink or Stains and a waterbrush. I used some old watch bits to decorate the canvas and also the eyes of the Octopodes and popped a cool Optical Lens that Annette kindly sent to me. Finally, I didn't like the messy look on the sides of the canvas, so it had two coats of Gesso and then I painted black lines onto it so it is a black 'n white stripey look... which I have to say... I lurve... black and white, my fave colour combo lol


So, there you go... a first for me that I used digi-stamps (and yes, I LOVE them!!!) and also using the inkyness direct onto canvas, normally I would do it onto paper and then stick the paper to the canvas... am getting daring in my old age... Please do hop on over to see Lily and her Octopode pals... all the deets are HERE. Thanks for looking... TTFN Hels x

21 comments:

DonnaMundinger said...

Congrats, Hels! Now I would say The Octopode Factory is right up your alley! Fab piece, hon! Just love it! xxD

Sally Morgan said...

Wow, Hels...I have to agree with Donna...they're just your cup of cha!!! I blooming well love it, it's blinking genius...in a dali-esque kinda way. I love those images...I also find digi's a somewhat peculiar and scary option, being of a non techy nature but...I want them!
Fab project hunni :)
*hugs* Sal x

funkycrafter said...

i really like this. it is just too cute for words. you have found another niche. i am an octopode fan and have a wish list, but have yet to order. think i will have to head over there soon.

Candy C said...

Wow Hels...this really IS a different style for you! Very cute...I like it! <3 Candy

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi there Hels, Thanks for sharing really love your canvas wow how very, very clever.. happy WOYWW and thanks for popping over Shaz in Oz.x

Fliss said...

Hels, I'm speechless with awe! This is really stunning and I have to say your style has adapted so well.
I've yet to take the plunge with the Octopode images for a similar reason but I might just be persuaded to have a go now.
Fliss x

Shazza said...

Wow Hels, congrats for being asked to take part and well done on your canvas my luvly x

kristie said...

Wow!!! WhAT AN HONOR!! congrats Hels!! the canvas is lovely!

Barb Cady said...

Lovely fun explosion on your canvas Hels, doing something different is a bit like a work-out in a gym isn't? It suits you! Keep flexing those muscles! xx

Mandy Chilvers said...

this canvas is gorg! i love the colours and the whole feel to it. Wonderful!

Unknown said...

Oh wow - this is so much fun and would fantastic on the wall.

Note to self - really should get my finger out and make some for my garden room wall -yet to be finished.

I've been keeping up to date with your blog but haven't been leaving comments

Stunning and inspiring work as always

Joanne said...

I went for a look yesterday and fell in love with the images. but your canvass is spectacular. Off for another look now.
Hugs Joanne xx
PS congrats on the DT. x

Fuchsia said...

Oh my goodness they are taking over the world LOL!
Stunning work

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

What Fun Hels. Trying something new so stretches us cause being too comfortable is boring. You did a great job!

Gillian .... said...

This is so cool hun, love how you have used the digi stamps, not used them before either, but seriously this canvas is awesome. xx

Dragon said...

Well its fab, of course... I am very skeptical about digis, but you seem to have gotten them to work!! Lucky you to get asked to guest... you did them proud!!
Frankie
xx

thekathrynwheel said...

Ooh, me likey! You are multi - talented :-) And thanks for the shout :-) Congrats on being guest designer - well deserved x

anne said...

Congratulations on being asked
to be guest designer. I can see why Lily asked you. Your canvas is gorgeous.

Siobhan Brignull said...

brill job hels

Juls said...

this is just brilliant!! Hugs Juls

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, that's really outstanding - love it.

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