Blog Exclusive: Lou Withers

Good Morning!
Did you see the simply stunning ATC book Lou created for the February issue of Craft Stamper magazine? It's gorgeous!

As promised, today we are showing you just how Lou created the six fabulous ATC's that she made to go inside the box!

Over to Lou....

Sometimes being faced with a large white surface can be daunting, so I often turn to tags, postcards or my go to favourite Artist Trading Cards. . These 3.5” x 2.5” mini treasures are perfect to kick start your mojo and get inspired!

Step By Step:

1. Apply modelling paste through different stencils on parts of the ATCS, then once dry paint them gold. I’ve used lots of washes to create transparency and depth of colour.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2.  Stamp border designs on areas of the ATCS.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Stamp the girl's heads, then apply a gold wash over them.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    4. Punch the head shapes out, I used a circle shape.
   
   
   
   5. Punch out different shapes and hearts. I’ve used text, music, and red and gold papers. Arrange all the elements on each ATC, thinking of balance and composition, then put all the ATCS together to make sure that they are different.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   6. When happy, glue down with gel medium. I left areas of the spirelli punch free to create movement and interest. Outline the designs in white and black pens.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   7. Tear washi tape and book pages, and collage on areas.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    8. Use the Ecoline ink to colour the hearts and lips and add any gems.
   
   
   
   
   

To finish the project: go over all areas that need defining and tidying up with your black and white pens. Add gems and any other embellishments. 

 Wow!
Thanks so much Lou, we love these ATC's. We especially love just how different each is from the others, despite using exactly the same 'ingredients' for them all! Wonderful!

You can find Lou (and also plenty of challenges and ATC swaps!) over on the Junk Journal Junkies and Mindful Art Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Junkjournaljunkies/

Have a great week everyone!