Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Western Red


Red is such a strong and powerful color. I often use it as an accent in my work. I have been holding on to hoarding a found, red metal washer for the longest time. Today was the day to actually use it!

I started with a piece of hand painted watercolor paper with subtle shades of reds and greens, plus hints of blacks and blues. I cut it into a rectangle and then die cut (using Spellbinders Standard Circles) out a circle in the center. I edged the rectangle with black ink.


I created a base for this piece by cutting a vintage book cover into a larger rectangle. I chose an army green color, as it picked up the accents of green in the hand painted paper. In order to add some character, I distressed the book cover with sandpaper and ran both a brown and a black ink pad around the outside edge.


Always wanting to add texture to my work, I found a piece of corrugated cardboard, cut it to size to fit under the hand painted paper rectangle, and dry brushed gesso over the ridges for contrast.


Using a die cut (Spellbinders Sprightly Sprockets) that matched the size of the cut-out circle, I cut some red/maroon color card stock into a shape that I thought would draw the eye toward the center of the piece.


I chose to die cut (Spellbinders Labels Thirty-Two) a lighter shade of decorative paper for more contrast and cut it into a shape that echoed the red sprocket. I edged it with black ink to make it pop.


Again, wanting to add more texture and interest I used a die cut (Spellbinders Gold Facets) to add a circular design to the paper.


I knew that I wanted to highlight my found red washer in the center of it all, but I didn't just want it to sit there alone. It was time to draw from my bezel collection. I chose a circular bezel (Spellbinders Circles Three), edged in hobnails for even more complexity.


I decided not to use the attached jump rings and for a more finished look, I snipped off the prongs from two brads and glued them into the rings.


I took out my red washer and looked through my stash of other found metal objects until the perfect combination to fit inside my bezel and to fit with the look of my artwork appeared.


A perfect fit!


Time to layer and glue. My favorite time for sure.









Available for purchase in my Etsy shop.
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Supply List

Spellbinders Paper Art Supplies:

GC-001 Spellbinders® Grand Calibur® Machine
GC-015 Spellbinders® Grand Calibur® Junior Magnetic Placement Mat
S4-114 Spellbinders®  Nestabilities® Standard Circles Large
S5-048 Spellbinders® Shapeabilities® Sprightly Sprockets
S5-203 Spellbinders® Imperial Gold Shapeabilities® Gold Facets
S4-407 Spellbinders®  Nestabilities® Labels Thirty-Two
MB1-007 Spellbinders® Media MixageTM Bezels Circles Three 

Preferred Promotional Partners: Tsukineko StazOn Ink Pad 

Cross Promotional Partners: 7 Gypsies Paper

Other: card stock, corrugated cardboard, vintage book cover, decorative paper, hand painted paper (watercolor paper, gesso, acrylic paint, acrylic medium, ink), gesso, found metal hardware, brads, adhesive, sandpaper, guillotine cutter, scissor, tin snips

17 comments:

Paul B said...

Wonderful art piece Seth. Love the bold graphic style and the symmetry. Such an eye catching canvas. I could quite happily see something like this furnishing the walls of my home. Love how you use Spellbinders in your work. Looking forward to seeing more future projects :) Pxx

Brian Kasstle said...

A stunning piece Seth. Really a bold graphic piece. I love the red.

elle said...

You made some great design decisions. Luv your process and the finished art!

froebelsternchen said...

gorgeous design - amazing!

Becca Feeken said...

Seth, you make it all seem so effortless :-) I love this piece and am taken by the little details - which speak volumes! Love how you added the brads to disguise the loops. The rusted red washer was perfect for the project.

Kathryn Dyche said...

Red is my favorite color, love your color choices in this piece.

PocketSize said...

Oooooh I love it! Red is my color, though I've been using it less recently. I love the palette you chose to go with it here. Very rustic and earthy, in contrast with the industrial vibe of the findings.

Darsie Bruno said...

Seth, you never fail to amaze me with your attention to detail! Love this piece!

Rose Curtis said...

Love your finished piece and that you shared your process! I just found your blog and I am doing the happy jig đŸ˜€

Linda D said...

Love this Seth! The rusted red washer makes everything pop.

Mickie said...

Ooooh, I love this Seth, the rusty washer certainly pops!

Renee said...

I enjoyed seeing the whole process. I love RED especially distressed red. Beautiful, clean design.

Quinn said...

That one small washer, just waiting for the chance to glow--and you certainly made it happen here! There is so much loving thought going into this. And the final result, with the spot of color highlighted by the cog is just wonderful. Thanks for sharing your process, Seth!

Unknown said...

Hi Seth!
your sprocket die cuts remind me of a stash of bicycle sprocket thingies that I have...waiting for that special inspiration.

this piece is lovely!

~*~Patty S said...

Brilliant use of that fine red washer (I get excited when I find plain old silver ones)...
you are taking die cuts to new and creative heights
Happy Weekend to you Seth
oxo

Heidi Blankenship said...

What a fantastic design Seth!! Great idea to use the brads to cover up the rings on the bezel. Love the idea to use an old book cover and distress it! Love the rusted red washer!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
;-)

Sherry Cheever said...

Love this Seth and like the others said, the rusty washer was just perfect!