Spring Wings for Mixed Media Monthly

Hello everyone and welcome (possibly again) to my little place in crafty blogland.

This is my third project for today...

As you can see, it's an altered bottle which I created for the March Challenge at Mixed Media Monthly

Our March theme is "Birds of a Feather"... anything that flies, butterflies, birds, actual feathers, quotes about birds/flying etc. This can also be interpreted as a Best Friends theme if you'd like (birds of a feather flock together...) You could even include nests and eggs. We would like to see projects with lots of lovely Spring time elements.

I tried to include the theme on both sides of my bottle, but in very different ways, - would love to know which side you like best...

Here's a quick step by step:

I used Decoart Chalky Finish paints for the base and top layer of my bottle. I started with a layer of Gesso, then added some texture in random places and when everything was dry I gave it a coat of brown.

I didn't think it was dark enough so added a second layer of black, before the brown had totally dried.

Next followed two different types of crackle medium, both by Decoart, Americana Weathered Wood, and Americana Decor Crackle Medium. Each of these gives a slightly different crackle effect.

The topcoat was a kind of Duckegg grey/blue, the colour is called Vintage. Here you can see the crackle appear as it dries.

At this stage, though I liked the crackle effect, the colour looked a bit flat, so I added a layer of Quin. Gold mixed with a tiny bit of Dark Umber Media Fluid Acrylics to add a bit of a rusty feel and give it all a bit more depth.

Next came the fun part of decorating my bottle. On one side I created a collage with the help of a scrap of a paper napkin and some bird and egg images. I also added cheese cloth, lace and pearls for added texture as well as carefully melting some embossing powders. I also added a tiny bit of background stamping.

Any raised bits were highlighted with some Treasure Gold in White Fire.

For the other side I used some Tim Holtz Ideaology pieces and some coffee stained old book papers. The metal pieces were altered with some Antiquing Cream and the raised bits were high-lighted with treasure gold again.

The top of the bottle was a painted cork onto which I glued an old button.

Well there you are, hope you like my bottle, and please tell me which side is your favourite, - I am just curious, - I know which side I like best....

If you like creating in mixed media style, then please come along and join in our challenge. Our sponsor this month is Faber Castell Design Memory Crafts who are offering a fabulous prize for a random winner. To read all about the challenge this month and see the wonderful inspiration projects from my amazing team mates, all you need to do is click HERE

Thank you for visiting like always. My earlier projects can be found, -  Countryview Crafts:  here and Our Creative Corner: here.

Have a great month and see you next time