It's The Little Things That Make Life Big: by Tracy Evans

I would firstly like to thank Louise and Helen for inviting me along to be a Guest Designer this month, I am absolutely thrilled.

My first piece is an altered book (all of the links to the products are at the end of my post); I have to say the quality of these pieces is amazing and I had great fun altering this piece.

I began by assembling the Book Box Kit and allowing to dry completely. I crumpled some recycled tissue paper which I added for texture.

I simply crumpled the tissue paper, applied a layer of Matte Medium and pressed the tissue into it and then painted with a further coat over the top and allowed to dry overnight. The detail on the spine of this book is absolutely fantastic and a feature in itself.

Once the tissue was completely dry I then painted the book with two coats of DecoArt Burnt Umber Fluid Acrylic; once painted the texture from the crumpled tissue is amazing.

I then applied DecoArt Crackle Paste through a brick stencil and allowed to dry. Once completely dry I added some Tissue Tape for added interest and contrast. I then began adding layers of colour, beginning with a dry brush of Quinacridone Gold to add further warmth to the colour palette. I also added touches of gold wax and rubbed over areas with Patina Green Antiquing Cream.

For further dimension I also included one of the Calico Craft Parts Primitive Hearts, adding texture by applying Crackle Paste through a stencil and then once dry painting with Cobalt Teal Hue Fluid Acrylic. Once the Cobalt Teal Hue was completely dry I then added touches of Burnt Umber to age a little. Rusty Wire has also been added for further texture and interest.  I also included some runs of hot glue, to give even more texture to my design.

This picture showcases the texture and layers of interest perfectly, including my circular pieces of rusty wire, hot glue gun drips, and Crackle Glaze added to the smaller heart shape.

The MDF books come in three sizes and this is the medium and is absolutely fantastic for collage work and takes so many layers of paint and texture. I continued to add layers of Antiquing Cream, and rubbing away some of the excess with a piece of kitchen towel. I also included a small salvaged doll.

I also added further dimension and texture to the inside, again adding crumpled tissue paper and painting with Fluid Acrylics and highlighting the texture with dry brushing, wax and Antiquing Cream.

The Calico Craft Part Primitive Heart has been added to the inside of the Book, painted with Fluid Acrylics and a layer of Crackle Glaze, added in random thicknesses. I also included Calico Craft Parts Mini Wood Butterflies, more hot glue gun drips, rusty wire and salvaged doll. I highlighted the cracks with Raw Umber Antiquing Cream.

From this picture you can see the wonderful texture the tissue paper gives to the background.

I added stencilled butterflies to the left hand side, applying DecoArt Modelling Paste through a stencil, again highlighting with Antiquing Cream and wax.

To complete I added more rusty wire and some of the fabulous Calico Craft Parts Mini Wood Plaques, these are perfect for sentiments and wording.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I will see you all again with my second piece on 24th August.

Tracy Evans x x x

Plain Cover MDF Book Box
Primitive Heart
Mini Wood Plaques
Mini Wood Butterflies Style 3