Steampunk Autumn

A new month means a new Customer Challenge at the Gecko Galz and the theme for the month of September is 'Steampunk Autumn'.
So why not play along - join the challenge with the chance to win $25 at the Gecko Galz shop!

Admittedly I did struggle with this theme, I researched everything to do with steampunk, apart from losing an hour or two, I came across some gorgeous makes and photos, and also this blog with so many talented crafty people! The makes are pure eye candy!

I decided I was going to do a card with a butterfly on, with a orange/deep brown colour scheme. And this is what I came up with -

Gecko Galz - background Sentimental Celluloids ATC paper pack

Gecko Galz - steam punk butterfly Tic Toc and Cameos 

Gecko Galz sentiment - Garden Sentiments (re-interpreted by me)

Craft Box - pendant/keys/corners

gems

Crafty Individuals cog stamps

Do Craft ruler stamps

black & bronze inks

ModPodge

Lamp Black & Metallic Bronze acrylic paint

As you can see, its definitely not a card! I choose the backing paper for the card and as I was resizing it, somewhat randomly remembered I'd still got an old canvas lurking around, went to find it and turned it over, saw the hanging hook and staples and thought perfect! (and yes, there is a craft desk under there somewhere!)

So resized the backing paper, fiddled with the colour a bit, got the butterfly, came up with a quote.... and printed everything off.
Once I cut out all my bits, I placed everything down to see how best to arrange them, then stamped where the empty space would be using the ruler stamp and cogs. I stuck the butterfly down, then inked the sides of the word tabs with black ink and stuck them down. I wanted to have something shiny on the butterfly just to bling it up a bit.... this is where I lost another an hour looking through all my bits and bobs, and where I decided to use the keys and corners and the pendant with the clear stone - never thinking that you would be able to see the glue, but then decided I liked the look of it as it dried. Phew.

I put everything back into the frame and decided that the wood was to bright, so out came the acrylic paints, then once that had dried I decided that the metal embellishments need painting also, before sticking down on the frame.

Once I was finally happy (!?!)  I reassembled everything and the finishing touch was the little gold gems in the middle of the cogs.

Then I washed my hands, face and anything else I had managed to get paint on!

Its now sat pride of place on my mantelpiece, and I'm wondering how on earth I came to make something that awesome. (As you can tell I am really, really pleased with it!)

I hope you'll join in 'Autumn Steampunk' Challenge, where the winner gets a $25 shopping spree to spend at the Gecko Galz shop. (The only rule is that you must use at least one Gecko Galz product... this can be one of the freebies, or, of course, you can buy at the Etsy shop).
If you sign up for the Gecko Galz monthly newsletter, you'll be kept up to date with new releases, Super Sunday weekly deals and be able to claim a free digital collage sheet.
If you pop over to the Gecko Galz blog, you will see all the fabulous designs by the Design Team - and maybe grab a freebie or two.
If you haven't a blog/and or/ on Facebook, head over to the Gecko Galz Papercrafting Group where there are more monthly challenges, with the chance to win a digital collage sheet.

Thanks for stopping by and letting me ramble on about how much I love this frame!

Amanda xx