Confused Protein - Deb Stephens

This large Mixed Media functional project, is a gift for someone's 50th birthday. The title is Confused Protein because he loves fishing, but his nickname is T-Bone, lol.

The fish base is approx. 22" long (MDF) which makes it hard to photograph on a craft mat for size comparison, but that means I got to use many of my favourite sets of Dusty Attic chipboard on it.

The base layer and all chipboard was covered in white gesso first. Rice paper and paint was added to the base, and graphite paste through the DA 2158 Metal Plates stencil and dried.

I used DA1413 300 x 300 Chipboard sheets 1.8mm thick to die cut out my own large alphabet letters. I didn't cut an 'O', as the

DA3361 Industrial Frame Circle was topped with a hardware dome to replace it. This was then filled with some of the memorabilia and ephemera from T-bone's era (like a vantage motorcycle sign, mini number plates, skeleton fish, float, bullet casings, beer caps and so much more!) It's like the contents of the fish's stomach is open to view and it has travelled far and wide!

Other chipboard pieces include the DA2859 Industrial Gears, DA0232 Jumbo Cogs #1 and DA1941 Bike Chains.

An feature piece to finish off the tail end is DA3374 Industrial cluster #2 and DA3357 Marine Mechanicals Angler Fish (Small). I finely hand painted bronze metallic details onto the angler fish (even though it did not photograph well) and finished the project with lots of patina wax.

Now T-Bone has a place to hang his keys to his beloved Bike, Boat and Car.

I love getting handmade gifts, as I appreciate how much time, effort and love goes into them so I am hoping this inspires you to do some making and giving.

The Dusty attic products used are shown below.