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!