Mardi-Gras Inspired Mini-Canvas

 Welcome and thanks for stopping by!  Today's canvas is one I'm crazy about and I can't wait to share it with you!  The impetus to this design was the top hat shaker from Infinity Engravings.  

I had some new sequins sitting on my table, next to a naked top hat shaker to be.  I began to play around with color and elements and this is what came out of it.  The top hat is 5 layers of chipboard, all with a hole cut in expect the bottom layer.  Theres an acetate piece, also a top hat shape that sits between the top two layers to seal in the shaker bits.  I traced a scrap of black glitter cardstock to fit on the bottom layer so the bare chipboard wouldn't be visible through the shaker window.
I used Glossy Accents to glue each layer together because it's strong, dries fast and clear, and doesn't remain sticky after it's dry.  The top layer is etched with the lines that you'd see in a top hat- those lines remained visible after three layers of embossing powder, which is impressive and adds to the elegance of the piece.  Let's get to how I achieved the silver filigree.
Supplies:
VersaMark embossing ink
Black detail embossing powder
Silver pigment ink- Delicata Silvery Shimmer
Large filigree stamp - having a wood mount stamp will make it easier
Heavily ink a large filigree stamp.  Cover the top layer in VersaMark.  Cover with embossing powder and heat to melt.  Repeat the process two more times; while the third layer is still warm, press stamp onto the chipboard and lift off.  Let cool.  Glue bottom four layers of die cut together.  Add shaker bits.  Glue acetate in place and top with the final stamped layer.  Add feathers and roses.  Top hat is complete. 



I covered the canvas in printed tissue paper using gel medium as a glue.  Once dry, I added my acrylic paint.  I used Dina Wakely heavy body Acrylics in Blackberry, Magenta and Lemon.  I blended between the colors using my brush, so even though I only used 3 colors of paint, it looks like I have 5 colors.  After my paint was dry I added some texture with a stencil, texture medium, glitter and pigment powders.  I mixed two shades of green to add variety and depth to the composition.  Scoop 2 piles of about a teaspoon each of the texture medium.  Add glitter to both and each a different shade of pigment powder.  The ones I use are Magicals by Lindy's Stamp Gang, Mad Hatter Mint Green and Merry Go Round Green.  Smooth over stencil in an even layer, remove stencil and let dry. 

Wash stencil and palette knife immediatly, so the medium will ruin them if allowed to dry on there.  After it's dry, re-apply stencil and add a layer of gel medium.  Add seed beads and press into medium- this adds color and texture.  Let dry.

I used paper roses from Wild Orchid Crafts in a variety of sizes and colored them using ink sprays.
Purple: LSG Royal Amethyst Fire
            Dylusions Crush Grape
Blues: LSG Royal Emerald Fire
           LSG Hydrangea Blue
           Dylusions Polished Jade
           Distress Spray Stain Mermaid Lagoon
All the metal elements are from The Paper Studio "Spare Parts".  The Journey wood die cut is from my stash and I used the same technique as the top hat, without the filigree stamping: two layers of heat embossing with LSG Midnight Violet embossing powder.  The top hat, wood piece, roses and feathers are adhered using hot glue.  The metal elements are adhered using E6000; it's stinky, but the only glue I've found that holds on to metal. 

I hope you've enjoyed your time with me today! Feel free to ask questions and I'd love to know what you think!

Much Love,
Jasmine