SASPC Steampunk Summer Special!

Hello steampunk friends and welcome to our SUMMER SPECIAL challenge! Our Summer challenge is a two month challenge, which means you have both July and August to create and enter. Please be sure to read the challenge blog for ALL the details. 

LOOK CLOSELY AT NATURE!

Have you looked closely enough to see armored beetles? They may not have pipes and all on them like this one, but they sure are cool. How about robotic beetles? Imagine the places they could go, right! Guess we could call this fellow a "borg" beetle. 

This portfolio could be carrying your artwork, or that story you are writing, or photos and mementos from your trip to an exotic land.

I started with a kraft portfolio from Tim Holtz Idea-ology, and edged it with a Stamperia stencil.

I used a mix of Carbon Black and Quinacridone Gold, and applied it with a cosmetic sponge.

I cut papers to fit all sides from the awesome steampunk style Stamperia Mechanical Fantasy papers. Later, I decided to color the beetle with fluid acrylics to add more color to the front of the portfolio.

Green Gold, Diarylide Yellow and Quinacridone Gold were my beetle palette. 

I dug in my stash and found a few dimensional embellishments to add to the cover, and decided some embossing would add to this, so did a mix of Boho Blends in Turkish Brass and Cinnamon. 

Cover, before deciding to add gears. I also decided to include previous steampunk work onto the portfolio, as well as have it hold more, so you might recognize previous projects.

Back of portfolio

Inside of portfolio, with a mix of my work and the patterned paper.

Included with the portfolio is a three layer sewn piece that you can add tags and things to, so I added in previous steampunk projects here. 

Inside...

Closeup of projects inside...

detail...

Gear detail...

Front cover flap...

Steampunk Beetle Portfolio

Are you inspired to join our Summer Special Challenge? I hope so! We would love to see what you create and share with us! 

Many thanks to DecoArt and Boozybear Chipboard who are our amazing sponsors and help keep the cogs and gears turning at SASPC! 

Have a wonderful, steampunk summer!

Maura