Altered Axolotl Tin - Brutus Monroe

 

Hi! I had so much fun altering this metal tin for Brutus Monroe. The July Release is full of pirate and mermaid imagery, so I went with an underwater theme for this project. I can imagine pulling this tarnished treasure out of a shipwreck!

I applied several light coats of white gesso to the metal tin to prepare the surface for mediums. I used several shades of green and blue embossing powders, plus gold to create this water-worn finish. I embellished the top cover of the tin with a shell and pearls, and for a fun touch of sparkle, Gold Stars Chunky Glitter Glaze. I want to make a note here that the metal tin becomes extremely hot during the embossing process. Please take care if you try embossing metal and be sure to work on a heat safe surface.

The bottom lid turned out a bit bluer. The secret to this technique is not to think too hard about where the embossing powders are placed. Just ink, sprinkle on the powders, and heat to set.

I applied glazes and Aqua Pigments to the inside of the tin. Many of these formulas contain glitter, sparkly bits, and texture, so I just applied the mediums and waited for them to dry. The added texture is a bonus and time saver.

I used a piece of patterned paper from the Vintage Maps Paper Pad to decorate the inside lid on the top portion of this tin. I added a skull and cross bones embellishment to the ship to make it even more menacing. Once the paper was down, I applied several mediums over the top to add more color and texture to the paper.

Lastly, I created this axolotl scene using the July Stamp of the Month, plus faux seaweed, shells, and pearls. I really love the juxtaposition of the menacing pirate ship above the water and these cute creatures below.

Brutus Monroe Supplies:
BRU4509 Alabaster Cardstock
BRU4565 Vintage Maps 6x6 Paper Pad
BRU4997 Axolotls Stamp Set
BRU7430 Siren Song Embossing Powder
BRU9712 Succulent Embossing Powder
BRU0307 Jade Embossing Powder
BRU4724 Haluski Embossing Powder
BRU2487 Gilded Embossing Powder
BRU8494 Polar Embossing Powder
BRU5854 Gold Stars Chunky Glitter Glaze
BRU6266 Blue Raspberry Shimmer Glaze
BRU8200 Teal Candy Coat
BRU4332 Guacamole Creative Confections
BRU9316 Galileo Aqua Pigment
BRU4515 White Gesso
BRU9118 White Aqua Splash
BRU2081 Clear Embossing Ink
BRU2543 Raven Detail Ink

Other Supplies: Metal Tin; Metal Handle; Skull and Crossbones Brad; Pearls; Shells; Faux Seaweed; Gold Wax

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