‘There is no time like the present’...

Hi Everyone.

I have a ‘Steam Punk’ inspired compilation showcased recently on the PaperHaus Magazine Blog which I thought I would share a little of the creative process behind.

I have combined the  Kaisercraft Miss Empire Collection with lots of Twiddleybitz chipboard elements. You will also spy some of the recently released Twiddleybitz Steam Punk bitz amongst the mix.

A Twiddleybitz Plain Shadow Box creates the basis for the project and was constructed as per the included instructions.  Patterned papers from Kaisercraft’s Miss Empire collection were used to line the sides and base of the box. I have used 'Influence' and 'Realm'.  The Miss Empire ‘Brass’ Specialty Die Cut covers the front of the shadow box.

Before attaching, remove the middle part of the die cut, trimming around the floral elements. This will leave a larger frame element.  There will be a small gap where the edge of the frame sits to the inside edge of the frame. To fill this ‘gap,’ attach thin strips of coordinating patterned paper around the edge. I have used 'Influence'. Position and attach the die cut frame over the top.

Trim a piece from the ‘Regent’ paper to fit the inside base. I trimmed the paper so that the larger decorative element was included and sits in the upper right hand corner.

Embellish with assorted steam punk inspired ephemera. I incorporated a selection of Twiddley Steam Punk chipboard elements, metal trinkets, glass and fussy cut paper elements from Miss Empire patterned papers.

To add a touch of grungy texture to chipboard:

Dab ink over the chipboard piece and allow too dry. Apply some paper glaze, dimensional magic or similar randomly over the piece and sprinkle some Twinklets Diamond Dust over the top. I have also used plastic shards and coarser glitter if you don’t have Diamond Dust on hand. 

Allow to set. Spritz over the top with color spray.

I find more intense colors work better and have used Heidi Swapp Color Shine in Bronzer, Teal and Gold for this project. When dry, dab over some of the diamond dust with Walnut Stain and Peacock Feathers Tim Holtz Distress Stains.

 Adding color variation to chipboard:

First ink the chipboard piece with one color:

Then dab a contrasting colored ink randomly over the top. Finish off by dabbing a little metallic Tim Holtz distress stain or metallic gold paint along the edges.

Play around the arrangement of elements before attaching everything in place. Use strong, clear drying glue for attaching embellishments. 

Attach fussy cut paper elements with foam tape or dots to add depth and a little elevation.