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Sunday, January 6, 2013

Four Seasons Altered Tea Tin– ATC Storage/Display


I had so much fun creating the holiday themed tea tins that I decided to make a Four Seasons Altered Tea Tin.  Just like with the holiday tins, this one is the perfect size to store and display ATCs.  The process started with decorating a wood window for each season.  I think using a window makes a great backdrop for the change of seasons.
THE WINDOWS
FALL
The windows are close to the size of an ATC.  I think they would also work great as separate pieces or attached to an ATC.
I used Alcohol Ink to color some of the brass leaves.  The clusters of red berries are beads.  I stained the window using Vintage Photo Distress Stain.
Alpha Stamps Products Used for the Fall Window:
WINTER
 I stained the window using Brushed Pewter Metallic Distress Stain.
Alpha Stamps Products Used for the Winter Window:
SPRING
I used Avocado Liquid Pearls to color the window. The gold and red acrylic sprays around the windows are originally clear.  I used Alcohol Inks to color them.  The orange roses were originally white.  I used Lemonade Stain to color them orange.
Alpha Stamps Products Used for the Spring Windows:
Liquid Pearls - Avocado – Used to paint the window
Old Fashion Roses – White – Colored with Lemonade Stain
SUMMER
The red material wrapped around the windows is cheesecloth died with Red Pepper Alcohol Ink.  The window is painted with a Metallic Pearl Paint Dabber.
Paint Dabber – Metallic Pearl – Used to paint the window
Seashell Sequin Mix
Alcohol Inks – Red Pepper – Used to dye the cheesecloth
I used the same Tea Tin as I used in the Holiday versions.  I covered the inside and the outside of the tin with paper from the Olde Curiosity Shoppe line.
I used a wooden egg cup for the base.  In addition to the fact that I like how the tin looks propped up on a base, it also made it possible to have decorative elements that hang off the bottom of the windows.  
To distress the egg cup, I started by staining the wood with Vintage Photo Distress Stain.  I used a cotton swab to get into the grooves.  
After letting the stain dry, I applied a thick layer of Picket Fence Crackle Paint.
You will see the stain bleed through the paint.  I let the Crackle Paint dry (you should see fine crackling).  I then applied a second coat of Crackle Paint and let it dry.  You should see more crackling and some parts of the paint flaking off.  I picked some of the paint off that was loose.  Once you get it the way you want, coat it with a sealer like Modge Podge to keep more paint from coming off.
Alpha Stamps Products Used for Altering the Tea Tin:
The last step was to attach the decorated windows to each side of the tin. 
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
SUMMER
"See the Alpha Stamps newsletter Sunday morning for info about a year-long ATC swap that would be perfect for this project."

29 comments:

Unknown said...

Quelle merveille, pleine de raffinement et de finesse. Bravo. Bonne Année 2013

Joanne said...

Oh Laura you are at it again making eye watering projects. this is amazing.
xx

DVArtist said...

Wowowowow!!!! These are just stunning!!!
Nicole/Beadwright

johala said...

Hello Laura
it's a very cute and charming idea. I love specially, fall and summer pictures!
Hugs and kisses

Victoria said...

Wow Laura this is just beautiful and such a great idea!

Unknown said...

I love how you did this! Such a wonderful idea and you make it look so easy and simple....

I can't wait to see what you cook up next!
Happy Crafting
Tracie

lilyandthelotus.blogspot.com said...

Oh my goodness Laura so beautiful. You are truly amazing..this is marvelous .
susan s.

Diane at Craftin Your HeART Out! said...

Hi Laura,

Happy New Year to you and your family!!!

Another jaw dropping piece of Art!! This is beautiful. Your talent is amazing!!!

Take care,
Diane

Createology said...

The extra choices of Seasonal Windows is brilliant. Such a lovely creation. Creative Hearts are Happy Hearts...

Ginger said...

These are beautiful. Possibly the best project since the Apothecary cabinet at Halloween. Beautiful job and you are just so darn creative!

Di Denson said...

Oh boy Laura that is so beautiful. I love the idea that it can be out all year. Thanks for sharing DiAnn

Cocofolies said...

It's really FABULOUS AND UNCREDIBLE... Not enough words to say it !!!! Congratulations for this artwork and all the previous one, also wonderful ! Happy new year to you, really thanks for sharing with us !

missmacymay said...

Holy Moly, what a joyful art work piece. I am smitten with your idea. I am pinning this straight away. Thanks for showing us your marvelous creation.

Unknown said...

Hi this is so beautiful,your attention to detail is stunning.Love this.Jacqueline.S

Unknown said...

Gorgious as always! I love the summer side...maybe that's because I am freezing right now, but I just love it!

Hugs
Caroline

wwilloww said...

I just love your windows and I agree the tin would work beautifully to store the yearlong ATC swaps!!!

Holly M said...

You never fail to delight! Love this project.

chrissie said...

This is wonderful and such a happy piece to look at. I would be smiling all the time if that was on my desk.

Love Chrissie xx

BR said...

There are no words to describe your beautiful art work. I'm a wanna be artist and look forward to your projects. I lost my husband a few weeks ago and honestly reading your your posts, during that sad period in my life, actually gave me inspiration. I'm trying to get back to creating. Heartfelt thanks for sharing.

Diana said...

Dear Laura,
Again you have outdone yourself! I love the ideas you have... such an amazing way to display your take on the seasons. I am not sure if I could choose a favorite one. Thank you for sharing your talent.

Patzee said...

What a fabulous creation! Each season is beautifully depicted. And it's useful. Thanks for starting my year with such an inspiring project!
Pat

Annette said...

How pretty, your creations just get prettier and prettier. thanks for sharing with us.

Eyeleeeen said...

This is just beautiful! And I know I have some wooden windows somewhere. Thank you so much for sharing.

Unknown said...

Cannot wait to start this tutorial this is fantastic to say the very least!!

Electra said...

Another gorgeous piece. Your talent is simply amazing!!

krishna said...

simply stunning!!!
http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com/

Lynn Stevens said...

Your so UBER talented , This is AMAZING!!!
Hugs Lynn

AppleApricot Wen said...

Wow Laura, that's awesome! Gorgeous and very original!
Hugs, Wendy

Tanvi said...

Absolutely gorgeous. Glad to be your new follower.