Saturday, July 27, 2013

Experimenting with Mixed Media

Hello, Blog...long time, no write:(
 
Although I haven't posted in a while, I have been BUSY playing and creating!
 
I am LOVIN' the Viva Inka Golds (VIG), the Silks Acrylic Glazes by Luminarte (SAG) and the Viva Modeling Cream (VMC) and just can't get enough of them!
 
I've been experimenting with each of the products by using them alone and mixing them with other products and am thrilled with the results!
 
What  have found so far:
 
  1. VIG mixed with VMC:
    • The vibrant color in the VIG comes through in this combination.
    • Since the consistency of the products individually is similar, they mix well together.
    • Using a stencil and a spackle knife allows for rich texture and application control.
  2. SAG with VMC:
    • The vibrant color in the SAG is subdued a bit when mixing it with the modeling cream.
    • Since the silks are more fluid than the modeling cream, the mixture is a bit lumpy.
    • The lumpiness is fine because when you apply it to your project, application is great.
  3. Using VIG on it's own with a stencil;
    • It works well as long as you give it good coverage
    • If using you finger to apply, it takes a bit longer to fill the holes in the stencil.
    • If using a spackle knife to apply, just be careful of the consistency of the VIG.  If the jar has been open for a while and the consistency is dryer, apply some VIG to your craft sheet and mix just a little of water and knead it with your palette knife for a smoother consistency.
  4. Painting with SAG
    • I LOVE painting with SAG because you can transform them into a water color effect by adding a little bit of water to your brush or putting some of the glaze on your craft sheet or paint palette and adding water.  The more water you add, the more it reduces the opacity of the color...VERY COOL for shading.
  5. Painting with VIG
    • I also LOVE painting with VIG because you can reduce the consistency from a paste or waxy texture to water color consistency by adding water.  I recommend applying a scoop to your  craft mat or paint palette, then dipping your paint brush in water and mixing it with the VIG.  Start with just a bit of water and keep adding until you like the effect.
  6. Using VIG on stamps
    • I have applied VIG to stamps (using my finger) and have stamped with them and love the effect.
    • Because the VIG is a thick consistency, the stamped images are very distressed and exactly the effect I was looking for!
  7. Stamping with SAG
    • I brushed the SAG on my stamps and really like this effect, too.
    • Because the SAG has a more fluid consistency, the stamped images are more pronounced than wit VIG...a very nice combination!
  8. Using VIG on other surfaces:
    • Corregated Cardboard, corregated side:
      • Works great when applied to the raised surface.
      • Keep applying layers until the vibrance you want is achieved.
      • Can use multiple colors on surface once they are dry (drying time is very short)
    • Corregated Cardboard, smooth side:
      • Works great, I love the shine and the fact that the corregated texture is also visible.
      • Can add more than one color for varied effect.
      • May need more than one layer to obtain optimum shine
    • Buttons
      • Works best on smooth buttons
      • Can paint textured buttons with SAG, and once dry, highlight with light color of VIG for highlighted effect.
    • Flowers (paper)
      • Works well with multiple coats, easy way to change the color of flowers to match your project.
    • Fabric
      • Lace
        • Adds to the texture, use multiple layers for best shine effect.
      • Cotton/Linen strips
        • Works great, application is very smooth, use multiple layers for best shine effect.
Drying times vary with each application, but you can always use a heat gun to decrease drying time.
 
Here is the project I recently completed:
 
 
Pin It

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Father's Day/Graduate Canvas Workshop

I am soooo excited to share the sample for my newest canvas workshop!  I just LOVE the Mama Razzi 2 paper line by Bo-Bunny so I knew I just had to create a canvas with this line.

Since I really LOVE this paper line, I decided to do something a little different on this mixed media canvas.  I chose to leave the paper from this line exposed, rather than covering most of it with paint.

I think this is the PERFECT class for scrapbookers that want to branch out and give mixed media ART a try.

I knew I wanted to create this canvas with more of a masculine theme, and am thrilled with the way it turned out!  This makes the perfect Father's Day gift and is also perfect for your favorite graduate.


 
Close-up showing dimension

This workshop will be offered at Ever After Scrapbooks on June 8 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  The cost is $35 and the workshop is jam packed with loads of scrapbooking AND mixed media techniques.

The finished size of this canvas is 11"H x 14"W.  Students will receive an entire sheet of sticker letters, so sentiment can be customized (i.e. the "LOVE YOU DAD" can be changed).

Supplies for class:

Quick drying liquid glue (3 in 1 beacon, for example)
Faber Castell PITT artist pen in Sanguine (or some other waterproof pen in a sepia tone)
Ranger Distress paint in Picket Fence
Ranger Archival ink pad in Black
Scissors
Paper Trimmer
Paint brush (inexpensive 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide will work)

I hope to see you in class:)

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Paints, Paste and Paper Dolls Workshop:)

Remember all those paints, paste and paper dolls, from your past?  Well I am bringing them all back in a workshop that is sure to take you back to simpler times.  You will create an awesome canvas called "Her ART is filled with LOVE"...and will work with many of the newest mixed media products on the market. 

Join me and be prepared to let loose, get creative, and complete a wonderful piece of ART that is sure to INSPIRE your inner ARTIST!

The completed project is a 9 x 12 canvas as shown below.  All materials are included in the price of the class except for a few items listed below. 

When:  April 27, 2013 from 11 am to 4 pm (will have free time for lunch during the class)

Where:  Ever After Scrapbooks, 1954 Hacienda Drive, Vista, PA (call 760-630-2767 to sign up)

Fee: $40

What to bring:

Black permanent pen (PITT Artist Brush Pen works well)
Black archival Ink Pad (Ranger Archival Ink works best)
Heat Gun
Spackle knife
Paper Trimmer
Scissors
Brayer
Quick drying liquid glue (Beacon's 3 in 1 or Fabric tac works best)

 Space is limited to 8 people, so sign up soon:)

 
 


Saturday, March 30, 2013

Her ART is filled with LOVE...in the beginning...

After many years of crafting and creating ART, my journey has taken me into the magical world of Mixed Media ART. 

I know there are many definitions of Mixed Media ART, so I think it is important to tell you what Mixed Media ART means to me.

The term "mixed media art" has a broad definition that covers anything from collage, altered things like books and boxes and more.  The term can also include homemade greeting cards and artist trading cards (ATC's) and tags.  Art journaling can also be considered "mixed media art".

To me, Mixed Media ART is all about the TEXTURE:)  I just love it when a piece of Mixed Media ART makes you want to reach out and touch it.  Layering one item on top of another and "building" the art piece out of various materials helps to build texture.  Texture can also be assumed by adding depth and dimension with color. I also think Mixed Media ART is about using "found items" and including "hidden treasures" in the finished piece.

Here are a few examples that I found on-line:


The texture in the piece above is really showcased I this photo.  You can really see the depth and texture.  I love the way the artist used various textures, color and shapes throughout this piece.  I think the artist did a great job of combining these things while keeping an organic feel throughout this piece.



 
This piece, on the other hand still shows dimension although, I believe this is probably a 2D piece.  The layering is obvious on both pages and I love the color scheme and assumed dimension created with layering.
 
 
 
 
This piece pulls me in with great used of shapes.  I think that the use of logical lines along with the abstract spatterings and bleeding of paints give this piece a well balanced appeal.  The layering of media on top of one another in this fashion also shows "movement" in this piece.
 
I look forward to the opportunity to share my mixed media and altered ART with you.
 
This blog will contain my ART, ART I see on-line that I want to share, and techniques that I find along the way.  I also plan to include occasional tutorials, class announcements and notifications of products I have available  for sale at my LSS.
 
If you need to contact me directly, please do so via e-mail at herartisfilledwithlove@gmail.com.
 
Here's to hoping your day is filled with the creative joys of LIFE in ART.