Hello my friends! It's Monday again and that means we have a new challenge for you - NOT A CARD. So we would love to see what you create that's, well, not a card! I think that leaves a world of creative possibilities!
Years ago, following one of our family summer camping adventures in the southwest, when we came home, my husband drew up a design and cut out a bunch of Kokopellis with his jigsaw. I thought of them with our theme this week, and we were even able to find them in a box in the garage! I wanted to alter one.
We have been fascinated by the many stories that surround Kokopelli, who is an indigenous figure dating back 3,000 years to the Anasazi. It is a Hopi word, meaning "wooden-backed." He is known as a fertility god, prankster, story teller and healer. You can read much more about him HERE.
You can see the wood cutout of Kokopelli here, and the first step was to paint it entirely in black gesso. This sealed the wood and provided a surface to paint on.
I used a sea sponge, and sponged on Mud Splat, then Mahogany on both sides.
Almost looks like marble or granite...
Next I used several Simon Says Stamp stencils and Texture Paste to add a design to each side of my figure.
Next step was to add a mixed layer of Terra-cotta and Autumn Fire. These worked well because they are translucent paints, so you can still see the bottom layer through them.
Next I wanted to add another layer with stamped designs, and started with Simon's Artsy Flower parts, using the dots and circle.
Since my theme for my figure was Autumn, the new Stamptember 2017 Ornate Leaves worked very well to add stamped images. This time, I brayered the Copper onto the stamp to add a metallic layer.
I decided for my finishing touches to add some Harvest Moon Gilding Flakes, sequins and a leaf necklace.
Kokopelli dressed in the colors of Autumn!
I hope you've enjoyed my interpretation of Not a Card, and are inspired to join us in this week's challenge! One lucky person will win the $50 voucher to shop at Simon Says Stamp, thanks to our generous friends there!
SUPPLIES:
A GREAT place to shop!!
Simon is on Instagram! use #sssmchallenge
Be sure to head on over to the challenge to see how all the awesome designers interpreted this week's challenge!
Fabulous sculpture Maura! I love that your hubby cut out the Kokopelli! the textured surfaces and colours are perfect, very earthy and tribal. It reminds me of the early paintings you see in ancient caves. Very clever and arty! LOVE it :-)
ReplyDeleteluv
Lols x x x
Wow, this is awesome!!! Wonderful cut-out, thanks to your husband, and you decorated him so originally!!! Fantastic work and I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool, Maura! Living in Arizona, I see these Kokopelli's all over the valley in many different shapes and made out of all kinds of different materials. Your's is stunning. I love the texture you created on your piece and how you stayed traditional with the colors. It's awesome!
ReplyDeleteCathie ♥
Oh my! This is stunning. I love how you gave him a second life, I am sure he's proud of you. I love the first layers of colors which seem a marble! What a cool effect. And the structure made with stencils is amazing. Hugs, Marzena
ReplyDeleteWow, Maura! LOVE this! It's so neat that it was a "team project" with your hubby too! The gold accents are really cool and very nicely placed. : )
ReplyDelete*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!
Wonderful!!! Love all the texture and the finishing gilding!!
ReplyDeleteStunning!!! I have to admit I had to 'google' about Kokopelli, and it's a fascinating legend. Your work with this piece (already a work of art from the start) is absolutely amazing, Maura...love it so much! Hugs xxx Simona
ReplyDeleteYour autumn inspired Kokopelli is amazing! I love both autumn and Kopepelli so this is perfect, thanks for sharing 😁. Wishing you a happy Friday and weekend! J 😊
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous transformation, this is wonderful Maura and such a unique project...it looks amazing and I adore all the metallic accents, they just bring the whole piece to life! Hugs <3
ReplyDeleteWow! What a bonus to see a project that your hubs contributed to! I love the figurine and you really brought it to the next level through the makeover you gave it. I especially love the way you added those shimmery touches, which gives this guy a magical vibe. I enjoyed reading your write-up, too, where I always learn new things!
ReplyDeletewow you did such a intricate work there!!! So many layers!!! It is awesome and I love the fact that you hubs helped somehow to this creation! I love it!!! Love the color combo aswell, i wish I had it laying around my house!!!
ReplyDeleteoh my giddy aunt, the textures and details on this stunning piece are amazing, very tribal looking...love it...hugs kath xxx
ReplyDeleteOh... wow.. this is such a creative and beautiful creation, Maura. The colors and the texture you created on this piece are stunning. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool, Maura, the kokopelli looks amazing! Hugs, Sandra
ReplyDeleteAmazing project, you're always original! Barbara
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