Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Marche aux Fleurs

I have discovered that, indeed, happiness does come in a bottle...a bottle that's been altered using Wendy Vecchi's fantastic cracked glass technique! This weekend I picked up a jar of Rock Candy Crackle paint for this week's Compendium of Curiosities Vol. 2 Challenge, Shattered Stains. For some reason I always cheap out and get the little bottle - this time I got the big one (it's such a better deal!). With my new abundance of Rock Candy, I knew I wanted to try Wendy's technique in addition to the Shattered Stains. I'm so glad I did! Now that I've tried it and seen in in person, I can tell you it is seriously amazing.

Look at those gorgeous crackles!! Who would think that a cast-off olive oil bottle could look so cool? I decided to keep my color palette very muted and shabby French. I tied the top with some seam binding that I saturated with Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearl Mist and a little bit of Brushed Corduroy Distress ink. When it was dry, I added an Idea-ology Wire Pin, Baubles, and a Word Key that I gave a little Faux Patina treatment.

Here is my little Shattered Stains number. I've done the technique before using lots of color, this time I really wanted it to look old and like it belonged on this bottle, so I used Black Soot and Brushed Corduroy stains. The number is actually a 9, but it always looks like a 6 to me! It was cut from Grungeboard using the new Sizzix Word Play die. The bit of French text behind it was cut with the Sizzix Vintage lace die.

The label was made by cutting plain paper using Sizzix' Styled Labels die. I stamped the wonderful image (the inspiration for the whole thing!) from Artistic Outpost's Flower Market set and then inked around the edges. The crown was also patina-ed with Slate and Caramel alcohol ink. To give the top a vintage look, I wrapped it with foil tape and inked it with the same colors as the crown and the key.

Now that I've tried this technique, I can't wait to use it more - if you haven't already, you definitely need to try it! If you need any of the supplies I used, including Tim Holtz' inspiring book, you can purchase them at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Remember, you can use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% off your order!

InLinkz.com
Since it's such an easy one (I'm so lazy!) I'm also entering this for the Anything Goes theme this week at Simon Says Stamp and Show. They are also the sponsor for this week's CCC2 challenge! Thanks so much for stopping by!

38 comments:

  1. gorgeous!!! the cracked glass looks amazing...lov every single detail!!

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  2. I love this - I think the bottle looks incredible!

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  3. Love how you have used the Styled label with the AO image, looks wonderful on you bottle and I love love this technique. Your subtle palette is fabulous and the overall feel is wonderful. Love it. Tracy x

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  4. Well we really are on the same page this week - I have my bottle ready to go to do this with and this was what I was going to use for the challenge too :) I was on a role with altered bottles and thought I would just keep going with the idea. Your bottle is very pretty. I really like what you did with the cap of the bottle.

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  5. Shelley this is just awesome! Love the technique, you have rocked it!

    Kaz x

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  6. Fabulous. I love what you've done. I'm thinking I must have some of that crackle medium.

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  7. Hi Shelly sorry I see you have entered this fabulous piece into the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge and I just wanted to pop by and say the thank you. Tracy x

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  8. oo-la-la c'est formidable! They really are wonderful crackles, what a beautiful bottle. I'm kicking myself now for throwing out an old olive oil bottle with a cork top last week - lol.

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  9. Love your work!!
    Just stumbled in here for the very first time and are deeply impressed by what I see.
    Now I have to look for some mousetraps ......Thank you so much for all the inspiration!!

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  10. WOW... you are so amazing... this looks great ... love the ribbon ,baubles and key, the perfect touch!!

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  11. Your bottle is truly amazing and I love the way you have kept the colours muted, it adds to the appeal. Anne x

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  12. Shelly...your craze crackled bottle is amazing! I love this "vintage" beauty! Love all of the embellishments you've done on this. Just absolutely amazing! Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

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  13. love love love it and i'm "stealing" the idea!!! I'll let you know how the mason jars turn out....janine

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  14. wow thats an amazing effect on your altered bottle.

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  15. Yours turned out gorgeous! When I've tried Wendy's tech I don't get these results. Often both layers slide right off the bottle. Sigh. But I keep on trying.

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    1. Susan, I used my heat gun to get the glue really dry before I covered it with the Rock Candy. Maybe that helps? I also made sure my bottle was super clean. I hope you can get it to work!

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  16. I have so many random bottles and jars saved in the stash...I've got to give this a try!! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  17. oh my!! this piece is terrific!! So inspiring. I need a piece like this for my shabby-chic corner! :-)

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  18. Fabulous, Shelly!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn't that technique make you feel like you need to gather bottles and crackle for days... it is so cool!!!!

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  19. i'm always in awe! it's just amazing how you make all those little details work together to make awesome pieces. yummi!

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  20. Beautiful Shelly your Bottle and a great idea

    Greetings Janny

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  21. This turned out so well -- I guess I'm going to have to go out and get some of the distress paint myself. I'm eyeing all my bottles with real interest now, thanks!

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  22. Holy moly, I love altering bottles, but seriously, never thought of using the rock candy crackle on one. This is definitely a cool technique - did you have any problems getting the crackle paint to stick? It flaked off the foil tape when I tried ithat so just wondering how it sticks to glass. Love the label you made with the Flower Market set too! Totally sensational, Shelly!

    Hugs,
    Linda

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    1. Thanks, Linda! I followed Wendy's directions exactly and didn't have a problem with it sticking at all. I'm sure covering it with the Glue 'n Seal is the key.

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  23. Wow what an amazing piece! I love all those wonderful crackles in both techniques - so cool!

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  24. It's gorgeous, Shelly! Love all the goodies hanging from the seam binding and that lacy text strip you added beneath the number. Stunning!

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  26. Wonderful!! I love visiting your blog!! I have so much to learn but you sure do inspire to me!!!!
    Sandy

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  27. Incredible creation...and that crackle is sensational.

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  28. Oh wow.. That is THE most gorgeous creation I've seen in ages!! Soooo so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing and insipiring!
    Hugs Siv from Norway

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  29. Gorgeous creation -- really grand. You are so very talented!
    sandy

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  30. I love this bottle so much I commented twice. Or is that called old brain syndrome!
    sandy

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  31. Beautiful! What more needs to be said. I can't wait to try it myself.

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  32. Shelly, this is so far beyond cool that cool has to look back with binoculars to see it! I love this technique on the glass-- it's the best way I've ever seen to get a truly vintage look. You rocked it, my dear, as you always do, and the label and embellishment are fantastic!

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