Arts Publications

Ancient civilizations: digging into the past to create present-day art

Expression, March-April, 2005 by Michele Templeman

The art of many eras is a key to the daily lives of the people. When I think of ancient civilizations I think of texture, quality and character. I try to add texture to my works of art by looking in my sewing room. Fabric, buttons, threads and fibers add wonderful texture to any piece of art.

You can also add wonderful character to your art using household items to create a different look. This project uses a wire sponge I never used much in the kitchen. Digging into the past can have surprising discoveries--so read a book or watch the history channel and let your artistic desires take you to that place in time.

INSTRUCTIONS

Creating the Ultra-Thick Tile 1. Cut a piece of cardboard 1/2" X 4 1/2" and layer twice with clear UTEE. While UTEE is still hot, add on one layer of Black Cloisonne, then add on one layer of Emerald Cloisonne. While tile is still hot, press in stamped image. Let the tile cool before removing the stamp. 2. Using a stipple brush, apply metallic gold acrylic paint to edges and design of stamp to add highlights. 3. Punch three holes in the bottom of the tile with a 1/16-inch hole punch. Attach beads and spiral wires. Set aside.

Creating the Tag 1. Cut brown card stock 3 1/4" X 6 1/2". Cut the top corner edges at a diagonal. 2. Using brown ink, stamp the French Writing onto the tag. 3. Tear the bottom of the tag and add Krylon Gold Leafing pen to the edges. 4. Punch a hole in top. 5. Crumple olive background paper and flatten out again. 6. Using a wire sponge, apply metallic gold acrylic paint to the background paper. Use Krylon Gold Leafing pen on top and bottom edges. 7. Adhere the decorated paper to the decorated tag. Adhere the UTEE tile to this. 8. Attach metallic gold fibers to the bottom corner. Add fibers, charms and beads to the top of tag.

Creating Small Tags 1. Stamp the Map image onto a round tag. Cover the silver edges of the tags with Gold UTEE. 2. Add the decorated round tag to the larger tag. 3. Using two small jewelry tags, stipple using olive and brown inks. 4. Stamp Key and Postmark stamps using gray ink. 5. Add metallic gold acrylic paint by using a wire sponge. 6. Add gold eyelets to top of all small tags.

Creating the Tag Holder 1. Cut olive card stock 8 inches and score at 4 inches. Fold on right side. 2. Turn the top of the tag down at a 45-degree angle. 3. Stamp French Writing in brown ink. 4. Cut another piece of paper 4" X 8" and tear the left side. 5. Add Krylon Gold Leafing pen to torn edge and adhere the decorated piece to the inside of the tag. 6. On the bottom part of tag, stamp Background Lines and add a piece of brown paper. To add interest to the brown paper, crumple and tear left side. Flatten and stamp with Crisscross background. 7. Add metallic gold acrylic paint using wire sponge. Add eyelets on the right and left sides of the tag, this will keep the 45-degree fold in place. Add small tags to the right side with gold metallic fibers and beads. Add charm and metallic threads to left side. 8. Close the tag shut using a strong adhesive, such as carpet tape.