Friday, September 9, 2011

Inspiration Journal Challenge - Metal


This is one of those projects that has been simmering away in my mind, just waiting for the right time to get made. It's a Steampunk crown, created from chipboard that I die cut using various Tim Holtz/Sizzix dies, paint,  and a lot of different Idea-ology embellishments.

The hardest part of this project was trying to photograph it! It is so amazing looking, but it's very hard to capture all the texture and dimension. Forgive me if I bury you under a barrage of pics!

This is one of my favorite bits. I wanted a somewhat feminine feel, so I made some little metallic flowers using the Tattered Florals die. I considered making this more of a static showpiece by adding a lot of embellishments, but decided I really wanted it to be a 'useable' crown.


























The base of the crown was created using chipboard that was cut using the Steampunk On the Edge die. It was given a metallic look with the use of an Adirondack Silver Dabber and a Pitch Black Dabber.

The gears were cut using the Sizzix Gadget Gears die and the Sizzix Mini Gears dies. Layers of paint were added using Gold, Copper, Silver, and Pitch Black Adirondack Paint Dabbers. It's hard to believe that this is made of almost nothing but paper!


To add more dimension, I mixed the painted gears with a lot of different Idea-ology bits and pieces. I used Game Spinners, Sprocket Gears, and Washers. They are all attached using Idea-ology Long Fasteners. I gave the brads the look of rivets by piercing them with an awl - one of my all-time favorite tips from the amazing Tim Holtz!

I hope my Steampunk crown inspires you to try some metal work of your own! Over at the Inspiration Emporium blog we are challenging you to use metal in your creations this month. When you join in, you will be eligible to win a  $50 gift certificate! Don't forget, you can also receive 10% off your order at the Inspiration Emporium store by using my discount code: stamptramp, at checkout.

Thanks so much for stopping by - have a great weekend!

45 comments:

  1. OMG Shelly this is totally awesome!! Just totally unique! I so hope you are going to have a crowning ceremony, super cool xx

    kazx

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  2. Oh my! Where are you going to wear it?? ;-) It's absolutely fabulous, Shelly.

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  3. Love your crown, the metal effect is fantastic, you would not believe it's made from card. Wonderful creation. Tracy x

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  4. This is crazy cool! Thanks for sharing! =)

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  5. Seriously awesome Shelly, OMG I LOVE it:)

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  6. I'm truly amazed at what goes on it that mind of yours! :)
    LOVE it!

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  7. Just really, really cool! Thanks for the inspiration, and for the tip on the rivets. Somehow I'd not heard that one and they look amazing.

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  8. WOW!!!! oh WOW!!!!! oh WOW!!!!! Shelly, you never cease to amaze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  9. Just another magnificient piece made by you. I simply love the crown!

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  10. Oh, Shelly, you are just da bomb when it comes to steampunk. This is amazingly awesome and fabulous!

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  11. Hello Shelly,

    I wish I was your steampunkqueen so I could wear this crown ! :)

    It's an amazing idea you had ( where are all those ideas hidden in your head...) and you made it into a stunning piece.

    I love all the depth you created in this crown, layering all the gears and using the different metal paints. great idea of the piercing the brads : It seems I missed this idea from tim.

    Thanks for sharing your queenly piece !

    greetings from belgium
    Inge

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  12. Another amazing creation!! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

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  13. I kind of hate you...b/c this is so fabulous!

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  14. You are just AMAZING...I so love your creativeness!! Such a fun project.....

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  15. Shelly, your creativity is just amazing. You always surpise me with something new & different!

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  16. Wow! No words to describe it other than that!

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  17. ok - this is really good - you be soooo talented!
    Beak

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  18. This is imagination and creativity working hand in hand and going to your head! Fabulous work, Shelly!

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  19. You are so inspirational. Just get those toys out and create. I love your crown what a creative imagination you have!

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  20. This is absolutely marvellous! I want to make one for one of my granddaughters. Maybe she will let me wear it now and then!

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  21. Great piece, Shelly! Very creative idea. You always come up with some unique, fun things. Have a great weekend.

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  22. I love those little metal flowers! You truly are the "Queen of Steampunk". What? No picture of you wearing your crown!

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  23. Wow - this is great, really stunnning and as you say - all paper! I could imagine it as the brides headpiece for a grungy type wedding! jo xx

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  24. words fail me... it's awesome!!! a queens crown. it should be on your head!
    as loyal subject i'm taking a deep deep bow to you!

    love it!

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  25. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS...TOTALLY STEAMPUNK!!!


    Thanks for sharing your creations!

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  26. Wow Shelley!!! Your steampunk crown is off the charts cool! <3 Candy

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  27. Too totally cool! Soooo steampunk! I could see this being used for a steampunk photo shoot...undoubtably AWESOME!!

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  28. This is absolutely beautiful, Shelly!! Outstandingly created!

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  29. Shelly, this is amazing - can't get over how metallic it looks - yet so feminine too. Love it.... Jean.xx

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  30. Wow, wow, wow! Utterly inspired and fabulous. I've been struggling with a steampunk piece for 3 days now and then I come here and see this incredible piece of art. You have totally ROCKED steampunk!

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  31. BRILLIANT!! Just Brilliant!! I absolutely love this and I hope you wear it after all the work that has gone into it!

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  32. What a fantastic piece! The way you've used the flowers with the cogs and gears is genius. I love it xx

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  33. Oh! The trouble you've caused in my house! My grungy daughter has peeked over my shoulder and now wants a steampunk 'tiara' - so the only way you can redeem yourself is to send me yours!!! I'll happily let you know my address ;) This is unbelievably fab!

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  34. This is SO awesome Shelly! I love this idea, and it's a crown fit for a steampunk Queen, for sure! lol!

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  35. this is one stunning piece of art!!! WOW!!!!

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  36. Wowee this is awesome!! What a fabulous idea! You've done an amazing job!

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  37. OMG this is awesome!!! You are so talented!!! Can some of your ideas come rattle around my brain? :)

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  38. Hi
    A unique piece of art. Love the rusty appearance to the cogs.
    Stunning!!
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  39. Absolutely awesome Shelly! I love the metallic look you created!
    Alison x

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  40. OMG Shelly this is outstanding! I don't know how it slipped by me but I am more than thrilled I found it now. Ah-May-Zing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comments so much!