Bert misses TV debut by Amanda Southern

Hi Everyone

I don't know if you saw it but That's Crafty were on Hochanda TV last Friday 22nd, you will still be able to watch the shows on their catch up service,  launching another great product the MDF ATB (artist trading block) in both 3" and 4" square. To support the shows I was planning to have some demo pieces but unfortunately my job got in the way and I was unable to finish anything in time. So a little later than originally planned I would like to share with you today one of my ATB's that should have made the show.
 I would like to introduce you to Bert!

Bert is made from the smaller of the 2 ATB's at 3" square and features some of the greyboard bits and pieces that were also launched on the shows along with some of the previous bits and pieces amongst other things.

Here's What I Did:

I started by fully constructing the ATB first glueing it all together using That's Crafty multi purpose glue. I then layered up paint colours first layer onto the MDF was chestnut brown followed by random patches of orange and then a couple of coats of teal over all of those. When they were totally dry I then took some sandpaper to the paint removing the teal in places to reveal the colours below also in places sanding back to reveal the MDF to create a really worn and battered look. 

I then set to painting and distressing all the little pieces that I wanted to add to Bert along with pieces of DIY bits from my stash. There is a mixture of both metal and faux metal pieces added to create Bert which I will explain using pictures. 

The paint treatment I have given all the bits is all basically the same using a selection of That's Crafty multi purpose paints. Starts with a base layer of grey or chestnut then other colours added with my favourite tool for adding paint texture, the humble washing up sponge.

Bert's hair is a selection of the saw blades from the That's Crafty new additions to the Bits & Pieces range.  His eyebrows are the Wycinanka curved arrows. The right eye is the top from an old bathroom tap the left eye is a combination of a greyboard cog and a paperclay made screw, made by applying paperclay into the mould and leaving to dry for approx 48hrs. Bert's nose is a metal picture hanger piece and mouth is a greyboard piece with Tim Holtz screw heads.

Left hand side, I stencilled the word beware using That's Crafty Alphabet stencil, bracket greyboard piece, screw paperclay, then a metal spring with a greyboard cog on the end for his hand.

More stencilling using the alphabet stencil again, Wycinanka Arrows, paperclay screws.

Stencilling using Tim Holtz Numbered stencil, Cog and saw blade greyboard, another paperclay screw and the arm is a rusty bolt I found in the street.

For Bert's hair I cut the saw blades into pieces and glued to the top, I have used 3 different sizes.

Bert's feet are 2 big bolts that I have made more stable by adding 2 of the small saw blades as shoes.

Here's What I Used:

That's Crafty ATB pack (3 x 3" & 3 x 4") 

That's Crafty 7" x 7" stencil - Alphabet

Tim Holtz Stencil - Numbered

That's Crafty Grey Board Bits & Pieces - Saw blades & Propellers and Small Cogs

Wycinanka Chipboard pieces - Curved Arrows & Arrows 2 sets

Prima Silicone Mould - Mechanica (back in stock soon)

Paperclay

That's Crafty Multi Surface paints - Grey, Christmas Red, Chestnut Brown, Yellow, Orange & Teal.

Tim Holtz Hardware Heads

That's Crafty multi purpose craft adhesive 

Hot Glue Gun for all metal pieces

Metal DIY Bolts and fixings

Washing up sponge

Sandpaper

I hope you have enjoyed meeting Bert, who has just told me that he is lonely, so watch this space I think Bert needs a lady friend don't you?

Have a fabulous week and I'll see you next Tuesday

Love

Amanda X