Angel of Hope by Linda Hess

 

 

 

As a Christmas baby (December 23) my mother began collecting angels for me from the day I was born.  As I grew, I began adding to the collection on my own until it has found its way into pretty much every room in our home.  With that in mind, you can imagine that they have emerged in my various crafting projects. 

As I looked through the Sin City Stamps shop I found the Wings Stencil (#scs114).  I had to have it! A design quickly began to take shape in my head.  As soon as the package arrived I began experimenting with a variety of papers and embossing powder colors until I finally hit on the combo that met my vision.

Place stencil on paper and use VersaMark to stamp over the opening.  Make sure to cover image completely.  The VersaMark product has a longer drying time than regular ink pads, so it allows extra time for adding embossing powder after the stencil is removed.  (Note: Since I was placing this into a frame with an existing mat I made sure to leave enough space around the wing image to fill the space)

Sprinkle stamped image liberally with embossing powder (shown: Recollections Vintage Blue).  Pour excess powder back into the jar.  Check image and clean up any excess powder clinging to the paper BEFORE heating!

Heat until set.  Be sure to move the heat gun back & forth while setting powder otherwise the paper can scorch!  (Note: if this is your first time to work with embossing powder be sure to start heating on a low setting)

With the base for my project complete it is (of course) time to pull out the polymer clay.  I have a wonderful doll mold from Penni Jo Couch's Best Flexible Molds (www.bestflexiblemolds.com) [Caboshapes II- Divas].  The large doll/Diva shape fits perfectly with the wings.  I put a few slices of patterned cane together, smoothing the seams (contact me directly for more info on polymer clay canes).  I then positioned the sheet of patterned clay in the mold and added additional clay to fill out the bodice and face.  Once filled excess clay is removed

and the angel body is unmolded.

With the wings being so glittery, the angel really needed a little bling.  I grabbed a few heat set crystals from Creative Crystal (www.creativecrystal.com) and pressed them into place.  I also created some arms for her. 

Perfect!   Into the oven the body goes.  275 degrees for about 20 minutes.  While I wait, I think the plain white mat may need a bit of help.  Time for embellishment!

I pulled out the Flourish Mask (#scm112) from Sin City.  Holding it in place, I held my breath as I made the 1st mark with the ink.  WHEW...Exactly what I was hoping for.

I quickly stamped the flourish spirals around the mat.  Hmmmm, it needs something else....

This month we are working with EC Ecstasy Crafts (www.ecstasycrafts.com).  I looked in my package and found gorgeous outline stickers (Starform Outline Stickers #1225).  What a great touch for the edges and to highlight the center. 

 

Better, but something is still missing.  Off to my studio stash I go....

 

Metal scrapbooking words added the right touch.

 

A final detail is to amp up the plain, black frame.  I ran the VersaMark pad along each inner edge and sprinkled on some embossing powder (one edge at a time).  Excess powder was brushed away and then heat set. 

The metal words & clay figure were glued in place with The Ultimate glue (my favorite for everything!).  Double stick tape attached the paper & mat together.  Then it was placed into the frame.  Now to find somewhere to hang it!!

 

I hope you have enjoyed this process as much as I have enjoyed creating it.  See you next time!