The Memory of It...

Hi friends!

I have a fun Halloween project today created with a small Etcetera Tombstone.  I started by adding Worn Wallpaper (Halloween) to the surface with Collage Medium.  I also added a layer of Collage Medium over the top to seal the paper then dried the surface with a heat tool.

I used the Falling Stars Layering Stencil and Grit-Paste to add stars to the background.  This process does take a little patience as you need to wait for one side to dry before adding the stars to the other side.

At the beginning of the drying process I used a Q-tip to remove a few stars to give more open space.  This is the reason I added the Collage Medium in the beginning - it sealed the paper which allows you to remove the Grit-Paste star with no residue.  You could not do this if it was just the Worn Wallpaper.
Now wait...tick-tock!

About 30 minutes later I added the stars to the right side of the tag.  Now wait again for the Grit-Paste to dry!

While waiting, I painted the Tombstone parts that come with the tag.  Once dry, I sanded each piece quite heavily.

When sanding like this it always brings up little pieces of the wood.

I solved this problem by rubbing a thin layer of Collage Medium over the surface.  Perfect medium for this job!

I added more Worn Wallpaper to the center and added a layer of Collage Medium to seal the paper.

 Because I sealed the Worn Wallpaper I can add Distress Crayon to the slick surface.

So my Grit-Paste stars are now dry.
Another thin layer of Collage Medium right over the top of the stars (yes, I always use my hands to get a thin coat.).
Dry with a heat tool.

I scribbled three colors of Distress Crayons on the non-stick mat then used a damp paint brush to color the surface (stars and all).  Remember the surface is sealed so you can pounce a wet wipe to remove crayon if it gets too dark.  Dry with a heat tool.

Once the surface was dry, I scribbled Tarnished Brass Distress Crayon over the stars and then rubbed it in with my fingertip.

 I even added a bit of Stickles!

I wanted to create a shelf for this piece so I used my Tonic scissors to cut two Ruler Pieces to size.  I sandwiched them together with Collage Medium and used two binder clips to hold them in place for about 5 minutes.
I colored the shelf with Black Soot Distress Ink.  Once you rub the ink over the Ruler, spritz it with water to let the ink run then dry with a heat tool.

 Once you adhere the two pieces that come with the Tombstone, you can add the shelf to the top.

 While the shelf is drying, I cut a Baseboard frame to make a doorway.

I rubbed more Grit=Paste on the inside edge of the frame and let it dry (what's with all this drying time?)

 Okay, so I'll color my Paper Doll with Distress Markers while I wait.

I waited at least 40 minutes before moving on to this step - it all depends on how thick the Grit-Paste is.
I sprayed it with Peeled Paint Distress Stain and then used a damp brush to move the color into highs and lows of the Grit-Paste.

I sprayed the doorway with Hickory Smoke Distress Spray Stain before moving on to this step where I added the moss.

 I also grunged up a Metal Gate using paint and alcohol ink, then promptly broke it in half.

I added foam squares to the back of the doorway so it stands out from the surface.  I broke the fence in half and added it to each side.  I did sandwich two bingo chips together to get the perfect riser for the paper doll.

Now the Mummy Cloth...my new best friend.  I sprayed it with Distress Spray Satin in multiple colors.  Love this stuff because you can pull it and shred it so easily!  I am going to be very sad when it goes away with the Halloween line!

 Mummy Cloth added with just a dab of Collage Medium.  Super easy to manipulate the Mummy Cloth with tweezers.

*You might notice I was testing a metal piece at the bottom.  Ultimately it will end up at the top of the piece so you could see it better.

Next up some Bouquet flowers.
I sprayed the bunch with Antique Linen and then rubbed them into a mix of Seedless Preserves Oxide and water to pick up some purple color.  Dry with a heat tool.

 Flowers added...

Now my favorite part, the Clipping stickers.
I recently watched the movie "Mary Shelly"with Dakota Fanning which tells the tale of Mary's life leading up to writing Frankenstein (I believe she was only 20 or 21 when she wrote it).  The movie was panned by the critics but I liked it because it kept me guessing (since I didn't really know anything about her personal life).  The cinematography and costuming were wonderful too.

 I love to challenge myself to create a story from the words on the Clipping sheet rather than using just one phrase.  This was so fun to put together (all the while thinking of Frankenstein!)

Here is that Electrical plate I added with Hex Fasteners.  I thought it spoke to the "Frankenstein" aspect of the piece because you can't have Frankenstein without electricity!

I added two long twigs to visually connect the top to the base.  They are each held in place with some Collage Medium at the top and bottom.

 

I love how this piece came together.  The Tombstone really makes for great substrate for so many pieces.  I think you could use this shape way beyond Halloween.

Now carry on,

paula