Let's Fake It! ~ New Challenge ~ Stamps and Stencils

Hi everybody! I have the great pleasure of hosting the new challenge over on The Stamps and Stencils blog. I've called it 'Let's Fake It'. I love a bit of 'fakery', so I've thrown down the gauntlet and for this challenge I want to see your mixed media projects that include some type of faux finish, whether it's rust, patina, leather, faux metal etc.........the list is endless ! As with all of our challenges, there must be some use of stamps or stencils or of course, both. For my project this month, I decided to try something new and have a go at creating a stone finish. This is how I got started....

The base is a small wooden panel measuring around 12 x 12 cms which I first covered with a coat of  white gesso. The 'fossil' is a cast made with air drying clay, pressed into a plaster a mould. Once the gesso was dry I used a palette knife to apply some Deco Art Texture Paste. This has a very grainy texture..

When it had dried enough to form a 'skin' across the surface, I stamped into it with a texture stamp and then left it to dry completely. I also diluted a little of the texture paste with water and a touch of matte medium, and used this to paint the clay 'fossil'.....

Once the panel was dry, I used Andy Skinner's Ammonite stencil with some more texture paste.....

I also adhered a few sprinkles of Art Stones around the edges. I then left the panel to dry completely before applying the first of several layers of Deco Art Media Acrylic Paint.

 If you'd like to try a faux stone finish, I would suggest looking at either pieces  rock or pictures of rock, so that you can observe the variety of colours that occur. We've got several rockery stones in our garden, so I was able to base my paint colours on those. I would also recommend, that you allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. That way, you can preserve the individual colours rather than them all blending together. I applied the colours in the following order....

1. A wash of Medium Grey - applied in a stippling motion with a brush.

2. Yellow Iron Oxide - applied in patches with a natural sponge.

3. Raw Umber - applied in patches with a natural sponge

4. A wash of Quinacridone Gold - applied with a brush

5. Titan Buff - Dry brushing on high spots.

I treated the clay 'fossil' in the same way but followed the shape, adding darker shading to the valleys and highlights to the high spots. Once the background and the 'fossil' were completely dry, I adhered the fossil using a hot glue gun.

To finish off, I added a typed sentiment and wrapped some rusty wire around the frame. I'm really pleased with the way this has come together. I never cease to be amazed with what can be achieved with a few  simple ingredients. If you would like to wow us with your faux finishes, we'd love you to join us over at the Stamps and Stencils blog. Just hop on over with this link where you'll find all the details and see the fantastic work by the rest of the team. They have really done me proud with their amazing contributions to the 'Let's Fake It' challenge. Hope to see you there ! x