Friday, March 30, 2012

Friday Focus - Filigree Metal Embellishments

Welcome to our very first Friday Focus here at Frilly and Funkie.  We're very happy you are taking the time today to check out our Friday Focus Product Spotlight.  Every Friday one of our designers will introduce you to a favorite product that is sold in the Funkie Junkie boutique.  And lucky for you, that product will be on sale for 15% off in the boutique for one week, until the next Friday Focus.  So you will always want to start your Fridays with Friday focus!

I love using metals on my papercrafts and mixed media projects.  I've spent a lot of time tracking down cool little bits of metal that you can use on your cards, layouts and mixed media.  Most of the embellishments in the boutique are bronze tone metal and are wonderful to use as is.  But sometimes you want to take it up a notch which you can do by altering and embellishing your metals.

One of my favorite treatments for metals is to use alcohol inks to alter them.  Here I am using Ranger Pitch Black alcohol ink, applying it to a felt pad on an applicator and dabbing it onto the metal.  It doesn't change the bronze to a really deep black, rather almost an espresso tone.  If you want a true shiny black, I recommend using embossing powder. (double click the photo to enlarge and see details)
Another cool way to alter metal is to use one of the Ranger Alcohol Ink Mixitives on your metal piece. Here I have used the silver mixitive.
I think my favorite way of embellishing the filigree metals is to heat emboss them.  It's quick and easy.  Smoosh your metal down into your embossing ink pad and emboss - careful, it does stay hot a few moments.  I sanded some of the high points to make it look worn and distressed.

Here are some samples using the filigree metals and other embellishments:


Alterations include white, black and silver acrylic paint, embossing powder as follows:  white, verdigris and Vintage Photo distress EP.

Here are some examples of where I have altered metals for my work:




There you have it.  Just some fun little ways to spice up your work.  If you are interested in purchasing some of the filigree metals, shop here.  Everything in the Filigree Metals category is reduced by 15% between Friday and Thursday, April 5th.  And don't forget, you can get 10% off on your entire purchase by using MARCH10 at checkout.  Shop early - supplies are limited!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

15 comments:

  1. Wow - how clever! Love all these "tiops" for changing the colour of the metal! Thanks!

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  2. Thank you for the tutorial Linda, the embellishments look incredible.
    Smiles:)

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  3. Great tutorial, I have tried alcohol inks but never tried embossing powder - ingenious idea.

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  4. I have a collection of metal embellishments (several are from your wonderful shop), and these ideas for altering them are lovely. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. Great ideas, Linda. I love all the different effects, especially the patina.

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  6. Love all your ideas Linda...I need to emboss on one...haven't tried that! Thank you!

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  7. Thanks for all the tips on altering the Filigrees Linda

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  8. I just submitted my card for the Vintage style challenge and had changed a brad from silver to gold. How timely to read your metal tutorial this morning as I learned a few new tricks!
    Sharon
    aka celticrafter

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  9. Oh I do love this! I have done a few of those techniques on thicker metal, but am so delighted to see how beautiful on filigrees! Fabulous tutorial! Got some playing to do!

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  10. wow, Linda...these are great tips...thanks so much!

    enjoy *~*

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  11. Oh how I adore my filigrees! I haven't tried the embossing powder, but I can't wait now! Wonderful tutorial and tips, Linda!

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  12. Great tips! I have to try them soon.

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  13. I think the filigree's are just beautiful as they are, :) so much that so that I want to KEEP them - not USE them, LOL.
    I HAVE used one ...or two... for special cards though.
    The results are great to see so thank you for the tips.
    x

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  14. They are so intricate and beautiful.

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  15. Drum roll please! This is so very informative....like watching ah ah can I say it...Tim's blog.........GREAT ideas GF, love the post! hugs

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