Wednesday 7 December 2011

WOYWW 131

I know we all say it, but WHERE has the last week gone??? It’s absolutely terrifying… I’m at least a fortnight behind with all I have to do because I was out of action so long with that awful throat infection, and now I’m chasing my tail trying to catch up, and we’re at the end of the 1st week of December already… Anyway, first of all thanks to Julia for organising yet another “What’s On Your Workdesk Wednesday” – for all who don’t know what this is all about, click on the WOYWW logo in my sidebar and it will take you to Julia’s blog where you can sign up and join the fun, nosing around everyone’s work desks and seeing what we are all up to.

At last I am feeling better enough to do some stuff. I’m making 3 more of my butterfly mirrors – the first one I made for the recent village exhibition and it was one of the pieces I managed to sell. Here’s a picture of it:

Click here to see the the process in detail, and more photos.

I need to make a couple more for Christmas presents, and I thought I’d keep one in reserve and put it in my Etsy store.

Here’s my desk as of Monday, showing the first stage. For this design I use Ikea mirrors that are already painted black, to save me doing it – the edges are already black and I don’t have to prepare them in any way. In this picture you can see one of the mirrors, with the pieces of silver mirror card cut ready to stick onto the mirror frames.

The next photo shows them at the next stage (Tues. p.m.) with the silver mirror card glued on, and the butterflies and swirls stamped with archival black ink.

The final photo (small hours, today) shows them after I’d finished painting the shapes with Daler Rowney Pearlescent Acrylic Inks. As always, the colour doesn’t look as intense on the photo as it does in real life.

Once they are fully dry, I need to spray the surface of each frame with acrylic varnish, and then later today (after I’ve been to bed lol!) I can apply the glass bead gel medium when the varnish is fully dry, and complete the project.

I think I’m right in saying that I invented the technique of using a thin layer of glass bead gel medium over mirror card – I haven’t found anyone else doing it! The effect is wonderfully scintillating!

Behind these 2 mirrors you can see the inks I used, and behind that, all those little white things are small “happy birthday” sentiments that I cut with the Cricut last week, some of which have been applied to the cards I’ve made for my mum. You can also see a portion of Tim Holtz-style clock face left over from my steampunk clocks mirror project and various other bits and pieces on what really isn’t a very tidy desk this week!!

Thank you all for your lovely comments last week, and a special thank you to those of you who commented on my piece about my lovely uncle who died on Sunday morning. Very much appreciated.

Next week we may be away for the funeral – weather permitting – I hear there’s snow in the Midlands and we may not make it. We haven’t been given the date yet. If we do go, I may be absent from WOYWW. If so, have a good one!

36 comments:

  1. Hi Shoshi.
    I am not contributing to WOYWW this week as I have my son out here for a few days and we are very busy so there is no crafting going on.
    It was really fascinating to read about your uncle. He led a very interesting and fruitful life. I am sorry for your loss, but you have some wonderful memories of him. I hope you have a safe journey to the funeral next week. Kate x

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  2. Beautiful frames Shoshi, lovely butterflies and so wonderfully coloured in. I bet this technique of yours is stunning. Must give it a try some time.
    Got rather side tracked with the post below - if anyone reads my comment I suggest you go and read about Shoshi's uncle who has passed away.
    Shoshi - well done on both postings!

    Hugs, Neet #1 xx

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  3. Good to hear you feel much better. That´s the moment to start crafting again. I love your mirrors. They are beautiful with these blue colours and silver. I had planned that for this Christmas too, but I think they have to move to next year. Thanks for sharing. Bye, Franka.

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  4. That butterfly mirror is completely stunning - I love the colours, the sparkle...everything about it. You're a clever crafter!
    Sorry to hear about your uncle - hope you manage to get to the funeral ok.
    hugs, LLJ #3 xx

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  5. Love the decorated mirrors they are fab from what i can see on the desk butterflies i think.thanks for showcasing think were all behind the destivities creeping up on us so fast.Only last night realised the girls break up week tomorrow thats scary...lol
    Have fab woyww hugs judex 27

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  6. Lovely projects as usual, Love those Butterflies.
    Sorry to read about your uncle, But I am Know he is in a better place watching over all the family.
    My Mum is not doing so good these days.
    I don't think she will have long, But she has always been a fighter

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  7. Mirrors look amazing.I do like playing with mirrors, will have to start doing something again, maybe in the new year,
    Thanks for my snoop! Have a great crafty week! HaPpY WoYwW!!
    (((Lyn))) #31

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  8. Your mirrors are absolutely beautiful and the glass bead gel medium gives a very special finish to the - very clever idea and I would love to have a go myself. Now all I have to do is find out where I can get my sticky mitts on some.
    Ann B
    #6

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  9. Beautiful mirrors, your painting and detail is exquisite. Will be in touch soon,
    love JoZarty x

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  10. Well you do keep anti social hours! Very glad that you're feeling so much better. Love the mirrors, no surprise that you sold one...have you made one stright onto the black...I know it's not exactly a novel idea,m just wondered how the paints would look. Read your post about your dear uncle, what a lovely tribute.

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  11. Your mirrors are stunning. I'm not surprised you've sold some. Painting on the mirricard looks amazing.
    I'm so sorry to hear of your recent loss. I'm sure the weather will hold up for you.
    Happy WOYWW
    Hugs Lisax #61

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  12. Oh!! THOSE are stunning!! I tried to do something with these mirrors too but they didn't turn out anything like I wanted! thankfully they were cheap enough not to worry too much about it.

    So glad you are feeling well enough to share some of your projects.

    Jackie x

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  13. Hello there. I have just read the post you made about your uncle. He sounded such a lovely man and wonderful uncle. My condolences to you and all the family. I live not too far away from Shugborough Hall and have visited on a couple of occasions - I think I would like to go again next year after reading about the puppets.
    The mirror is beautiful. I hope you are able to manage to get to the funeral. Hugs Anne x

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  14. Sorry to hear about your Uncle. Your butterfly frame looks really stunning . You put such a lo of work into each one . Hugs Mrs A.

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  15. Sorry to hear about your uncle - I lost an auntie last week too. Love your mirrors they are fabulous - at the moment there is no snow here in the Midlands (much to my DS's dismay as it was his birthday yesterday and he is desperate for it snow then - but alas not this year either....). Hope the funeral goes ok for you.

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  16. Thanks for the link to the shopping sites. I love Golden gel medium and mine is almost gone so will come in hand for that and the bead one as well.
    Thanks again
    Ann B
    #6

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  17. So sorry to read about your Uncle ( Hugs) xxx

    Thank you for passing by
    You are not as far behind as me I have decided to leave my Christmas stuff out after the event and do my cards in January I am so fed up with rushing everything at the last minute I have even bought cards this year (hanging head in shame)
    I must admit that No 1 tag is my favorite too I have made it into a card now LOL .
    absolutely loving your frames xx

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  18. Those butterfly frame are beautiful (I almost typed beautiful frames are butterfly!)

    Sorry about your Uncle, will be thinking of you.

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  19. Oo those mirrors look really beautiful - clever you. Hope all goes well for the funeral - we have one on Monday. Guess its that time of year.x Jo

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  20. As Sunshine Girl said, we have no snow in the Midlands as yet, so you should be ok. I love those mirrors, they are really pretty and I have passed the link for them on to my daughter, as I am sure she will love them. Thank you for your visit and lovely comments about my card.

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  21. Funerals are so hard (((hugs)), I would love to try your technique on a card, ever done that? When you get back I would like to discuss it with you! The mirrors are awesome!

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  22. That mirror is amazing!!! Thanks for sharing the process with us.

    Sorry about your uncle. I hope the weather permits your family to make the trip.

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  23. Firstly I have to thanks you for all your blog visits and kind words over the last couple of weeks, I do not have your direct email so I haven't been able to reply to each one of the messages you have left me.

    Yes, where has the weeks gone indeed! I can't believe it's the end of the first week of the last month of the year! The more you have to do, the faster it seems to go I think!

    The butterfly mirrors are beautiful, thanks for sharing your process with us.

    Happy Holidays xx

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  24. Wow, those mirrors are gorgeous and good for you finding a new technique! Something we all look for...way to go! Thanks for sharing your desk and have a great week!

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  25. Awesome! You're a clever crafter!

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  26. Great desk and fab frames.
    I am late getting round this week.

    Carol x

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  27. Here's Hugs for you about your uncle.
    Thanks so much for your kind words on my site too...
    This is a really intresting process you have here! I'm going to have to look into this...
    Very Pretty!!

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  28. Wow, your mirror is beautiful. I read your "How To", and wondered while reading how you were able to get such a sparkly finish... now, I know the rest of the story. Your Gel medium is something I'd not seen before. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  29. What a stunning project! So creative and will make beautiful gifts! Thanks for the visit on woyww

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  30. I've visit the place with your explosion bee box. This is really fabulous!!! Love all the details in it. Great piece if work. xFranka

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  31. You always WOW me with your creations, Shoshi! These are stunning. I'm so glad you are feeling better. I hope the weather allows you to attend your uncle's funeral.

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  32. Those mirrors are stunning! I love them :) And a beautiful post about your Uncle Douglas - he sounds like an amazing man with such a full and interesting life. Di xx

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  33. Beautiful mirrors, such a wonderful idea to put those stunning butterflies on them. It looks fabulous.

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  34. Fab mirror, I love it! Your desk is really interesting. Thank you for your comments. I am very late with mine.

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  35. Those frames are BEAUTIFUL!! The colours are so vibrant and the detailing is stunning. I hope the funeral is okay - not a great time of year for those who have lost someone recently xx

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  36. Shoshi, your posts are so informative. I just dropped by to say "Hi" and to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. God's blessings to you my friend. Lloyd

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