Saturday 14 February 2009

Exploding Box - Firefly

I know they're dragonflies but I wanted the impression of fireflies in a ferny woodland.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE MORE DETAIL


This is a very small box. The closed measurements are: 1.75" square by just under 3" tall.

I actually managed to resist using glitter (it was very hard for me). I used amber gemstone accents and gold holographic mounts to give the 'fiery' illusion.


The stamping technique is one of my favourites:

  • I started with a light green background and stamped my first fern using VersaMark clear ink then embossed with clear powder.

  • I then inked over the whole thing with VersaColor Fresh Green and gently cleaned the ink off the clear embossing.

  • I stamped the fern again in VersaColor Green Tea (no embossing this time).

  • After the ink had dried I stamped the fern one more time, using VersaColor Evergreen (again no embossing).

  • When dry I finished by inking over the whole thing with VersaColor Bamboo and a small amount of Evergreen.
It's my favourite technique because the result is very three dimensional.

The stamps I used:
  • Stampabilities - Dragonfly & Stampendous - Summer Leaves (Fern).

I have a tutorial for this size box on my Gallery site. Here's the link: http://www.magic-boxes.com/smallbutterflybox.htm

The tutorial is in metric but for those of you who work in feet and inches there is a link, to a printable ruler with both centimetres and inches, at the top of the tutorial page.

Thank you for visiting.

8 comments:

  1. Your boxes are amazingly beautiful! I saw your tutorial and may have to give it a try, though will definitely not be the works of art you put out!

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  2. Elaine, this is absolutely stunning. I used to collect dragonflies, and they are one of my most favorite creatures! This box is simply gorgeous! Still haven't started one yet. I want to make sure I have an uninterrupted space of time to work on one. Thanks for sharing this one. Best, Curt

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  3. Elaine,
    Oh my word. Where have I been? How do you come up with these stunning ideas? Love those Dragonflies. You are just way too much :D:D.
    Hugs,
    Sabrina

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  4. These are gorgeous. How very talented you are. Did you get past the snow a couple of weeks ago. My DD, also in London, said it was quite horrible.

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  5. Those are just amazing and gorgeous boxes. I'm going to have to try the butterfly one for my mother-in-law's birthday.

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  6. Oh wow I love your boxes, and the dragonfly one is super, I love all things with ferns and dragonflies so that is just a double wammy. Thanks for the tutorial, I'm going to have to give it a go at making one of these, thought don't think it will be anywhere near as fantastic as yours.

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  7. Hello Elaine. I have never seen anything so beautiful. It is absolutely beautiful. Congrats!! I wish you all the best. XX

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  8. Wowzers, this one looks right out of the Amazon jungle, very realistic . . . just love it Elaine!

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Thank you for leaving a comment I really appreciate you taking the time!
Elaine X