Stencils Pull Everything Together

I'm sharing a card I made today using things strictly out of my stash.  I'm trying to do this more and more since I have a box (okay, boxes) full of things that I can recycle.  I use water color paper to do a lot of projects on so I always have the beginnings of a master board.  Here is the card I made using paint, stamps, an ATC and gesso with a stencil called Vine (TCW351).

I cut a piece of the water color paper with paints on it to measure 5" by 7", this will fit on the front of a basic white card stock blank card.  Then I placed the Vine stencil on top and scraped some white gesso through the stencil and carefully lifted it up so it wouldn't smear.

When the gesso was completely dry I used a Dina Wakley script stamp inked up with Jet Black StazOn ink randomly all over the paper.  I pulled an ATC out of the stash, it had some of the same colors in it so that worked out well.  I glued that to the top of one of the vines with a strong adhesive.

Then I glued the entire panel with a strong adhesive, I used Beacon 3-in-1, to adhere the panel to the blank white card.

  I applied black permanent ink all around the edges to distress the card a little and it is done.

Now I feel good about this.  I not only used my work "master board" paper but also my stencils and a discarded ATC.  When you are doing your art don't hesitate to just make what you love, enjoy the process. If it doesn't work out you can set it aside and find a use for it later.  Stencils and gesso have a way of tying things together.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'll do another short stencil tutorial next Tuesday.  I hope to see you then.
Hugs~ Renee

Child's Play

There are some amazing artists that make art look like child's play but of course it's not.  It just is the style that they have developed using playful colors and images.  One of those phenomenal artists is Romero Britto.  While looking through a magazine some time ago I found an image that was so intriguing that I ripped out the ad and saved it for several years.  I happened upon this ad last week and was again so taken by the artwork that I researched the artist Romero Britto.  His art is reminiscent of Picasso and alive with color;  if you get a chance go check out his site.  This was my inspiration piece.  Isn't she a beauty?

I have used this to inspire me and a couple of stencils to fill in the gaps.  Here is my girl and a short tutorial showing how I made mine.

I started by trying to imitate the woman's image on a piece of white card stock.  I sketched it out and then painted it in with Dina Wakley's acrylic paints.  When the paint was dry I cut out the image.

 I went back with a black Gelato crayon to section off the colors.  I used Memento ink pens to touch up some of the other colors and outline the eyes.  Then I started preparing a background on water color paper to glue the image to.

I sprayed Dyan Reaveley's Dylusions in Vibrant Turquoise, Fresh Lime and Lemon Zest onto the paper and blotted off the excess ink.  Then I used Dyan's stamps with Black StazOn ink to stamp numbers and alphabet letters randomly.

To give the back ground needed texture I used the Artistcellar stencil called Pomegranate and some heavy gesso.  When the gesso was dry I glued the head onto the back ground paper.

When everything had dried I applied some black gelato to the stenciled part and removed the excess with a baby wipe.  Trying to add more interest I used Mod Podge to adhere Tim Holtz's Tissue Wrap paper called Melange to the neck and shoulder area.

I gave her the look of a summer lace dress with Artistcellar's map of Venice stencil and some gesso.

It is always fun to use an inspiration piece and put your own spin on it.  Stencils are a wonderful addition to any back ground to add texture and interest.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'll be back next Tuesday with more ideas on how to use your stencils.  I hope you are having a wonderful summer!
Hugs~ Renee

Out in the garden

I noticed today that I've been AWOL a lot when it comes to my blog lately.  I've been trying to catch up out in the garden.  Normally in New England the target date to have everything in the ground is June 1st.  I'm just a little behind this year.  Fortunately I've had a lot of helpers pulling weeds and digging holes for me so I at least have a fighting chance.  My Dahlias went in the ground early and are already blooming, the rest should catch up soon.  I thought I'd share a few photos of my 35' by 35' herb garden.

Everyone who sits in the big comfy chairs under my black umbrella usually falls asleep to the sounds of the fountain, the birds and dragonflies buzzing around.  The hummingbirds and butterflies are always a distraction.   It is truly a magical place to read in the summer and early fall.   The planter boxes are packed with fragrant plants and herbs.  My personal favorites are the scented geraniums.  When you brush up against them they release their different perfumes... coconut, chocolate mint and a citrus one that repels mosquitoes.  I'll share more photos with you when it really gets rocking and rolling.  Tune in tomorrow for a stenciling tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Renee xxx

Clowning around with stencils!

I love working on small canvases.  They are not intimidating and can be finished quickly.  Using stencils makes it even easier to complete a fun piece with lots of texture and interest.  Today's project is a small 6" by 6" canvas made with left over acrylic paints, a fun clip art image and some stenciling to pull it all together.  Here is my finished project with a short tutorial if you are interested in seeing how it was achieved.

Cheers!

To begin I covered a 6" by 6" canvas with a thin layer of gesso and allowed it to dry.  When it was thoroughly dry I painted some of Dina Wakley Media acrylic paints randomly on the canvas.  I was working on a different project and didn't want to waste any of that beautiful silky paint.

When the paint was dry I used a stencil called "Numerals" (TCW200) paired with white gesso.  This gives the canvas some raised texture.

Don't worry about any imperfections in the stenciling as these will be covered with the clip art image and rubber stamping.  Embrace the imperfections!  I added some stamping with Jet Black StazOn ink.  The stamps are by Wendy Vecchi and Crescendoh.

For a pop of color I stamped a balloon, colored it red, cut it out, attached it with glue and then added a piece of black waxed twine, punching a tiny hole in the canvas with a needle and tying it off on the back of the canvas.  I taped the twine knots down on the back to make sure they don't pop off later.

I drew a horizon line across the bottom of the canvas to "ground" my clown with a Fude pen and then painted the entire canvas with Creative Medium in clear gel to seal it.  This would make a sweet addition to a child's room or a get well gift for a friend.

Thanks for joining me today.  I'll see you next Tuesday with more stenciling ideas.  In the mean time, take care~ Hugs, Renee

Craft Stamper Challenge Reminder::Embossed Resist

Ever since I started working with the embossed resist technique last week I haven't been able to stop making things!  I used this technique many years ago when I first started making cards but it has been one of those things that I set aside and neglected for a long time now.  Every once in a while when teaching someone who hasn't seen it before I remember what it felt like to see that embossing powder melt for the first time!  I see the look of wonder in their eyes and know that, like me, they're hooked forever.  So for today here is another book mark using the technique but  with a twist.  Read on for the short tutorial.

I wanted a strong surface to work on so I chose 140# water color paper.  I started with spraying the paper with three colors of Dylusions Spray inks.  I sprayed Bubblegum pink, Vibrant Turquoise and Fresh Lime.

The colors may seem a little bright but I will be toning them down later.  Next I used VersaMark embossing ink with an old brayer type stamp for my pattern.  After applying the design I sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over it and then tapped off the excess.

Wow!  Cool pattern!!  Watch what happens when I heat it with the heat gun to melt the powder.

Gone.......but not for long.  Using Black Gelatos is like magic.  I applied just this much and it was way too much.  No problem, bring on the baby wipes and watch what happens.

Now we have our pattern back.  I felt it was still too dark for me so I continued to wipe it down with the baby wipes until it looked like this.

At this point I started cutting the book marks to measure 3" by 8".  You can pick and choose the color combos that you want on your project at this point.  After I had cut several of the markers I wanted to dress them up a little more, add more texture.  I used Dina Wakley's word stencil for this and some modeling paste, carefully applying the paste with a small paint brush.  If any of the words get smeared just wipe them off and come back later when it is dry and reapply the words as necessary.

Now mat the colorful panel onto a piece of black card stock that measures a quarter of an inch larger all the way around the tag.  It was still crying out for more decoration so I pulled some ribbon out of my stash and a K & Co button with a bird's nest on it to put at the top of the mark.   Just enough to make it look like a very special book mark!  Now to find a new book to read.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you'll try your hand at this technique and share your results with us at the Craft Stamper Take It Make It Challenge.  Talk to you soon ~ Renee  xxx

All Occasion Stenciled Card

It is Tuesday so I'll be sharing some stenciling ideas today with you using Artistcellar stencils.  I wanted to make some heart cards with my new Dina Wakley stamps and I thought it would look great to showcase them on some stenciled paper.  Here is the first one that I did.  If you keep reading you can see the short tutorial on how I achieved it.

I started with a sheet of 140# water color paper.  I used gesso with TCW's Bubble Doily stencil to begin with then  I added one of my Aristcellar Quasicrystals stencils called Penrose into the stencil mixture.  When the gesso was dry I sprayed Dylusions Vibrant Turquoise and Fresh Lime through another stencil called Chevron.  I blotted off the excess inks with a roll of paper towels.

I cut the base for the card to measure 5" by 7" then I cut another section to measure 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" to make some ATCs at the same time.  The first ATC I made had a lot of gesso on it so I stamped a large heart using Jet Black StazOn ink.  The heart is from Dina Wakley's new collection called "Collaged Hearts".  I stamped it directly onto the dry gesso.  The ATC was mounted on to a piece of black card stock.

I wasn't totally happy with the result so I stamped the heart again on a piece of acetate and allowed it to dry.  When it was dry I cut it out and glued it directly on top of the first stamped heart.  I allowed it to overlap on the right side of the ATC.  Now it pops a little more.

To finish it off I pulled out my Pocket Stencils Creative Words for an inspirational word.  Believe.  We all need to believe, some times more than others.  I used Midnight Blue StazOn ink and a cosmetic sponge to add my word to the card.

Ink the edges with the Midnight Blue ink before gluing it to a black mat, then the panel is attached to a white blank greeting card.  This is the first in a series of inspirational word/heart cards, more to follow.  I'll just keep mixing it up with different words, colors and stencils using the same process.

There is no limit as to how many stencils you can use when creating your cards and back grounds.  I love all the texture my cards and other projects have when they're done.  You just want to run your fingers over the nubby surface!  I invite you to get out your stencils and just go for it, have fun.

Thanks so much for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits.  Next Tuesday I'll have more stenciling projects to share with you.  In the meantime, take care.  Stay cool.  Hugs ~ Renee xxx

Craft Stamper Take It Make It Challenge::Embossing Resist!

I can't believe it is July already!  A new month means another opportunity to be published and win some prizes over at the Take It Make It Challenge presented by the Craft Stamper magazine.  This month our challenge is to use the embossing resist technique.  Here is a description of the challenge technique:

Technique: Heat emboss an image/design onto the project, then colour over the top with inks/watercolour paints. The embossing powder will resist the inks etc, and show through. This could form the focal point to your project, or be part of the background. Real stamping needs to be included as well (in case you doodled with an embossing pen for your resist rather than stamping!!)

Since it is summer and a great time to read outside in my garden I decided to keep it simple and just make a few book markers.  Here is the finished project, if you keep reading you can see a short tutorial demonstrating this easy and fun technique.

I started by cutting a piece of 140 lb. watercolor paper  into a strip measuring 3" by 6".  I stamped the flower stamp created by Anneke De Clerck with VersaMark watermark stamp pad.    This ink pad is perfect for embossing.  I stamped the flower three times trying to keep them an equal distance apart.  I decided to use Ranger's White Detail powder to sprinkle on top of the embossing ink.  Then I melted the powder with my heat gun.

I never get tired of watching this process and seeing the powder melt  and turn shiny!  Once the embossed flowers have cooled down then I applied the Dylusions spray inks in Funky Fuchsia, Fresh Lime and Vibrant Turquoise.  I tried to keep the colors separated by blotting the ink off after each color was sprayed.  Just use a roll of paper towels to do this.  You can adjust the deepness of the colors by spraying more water on the inks and blotting until you have just the colors you want.

Now I started adding the finishing touches.  I stamped Dyan Reaveley's border stamp in Jet Black StazOn ink all around the edge.  I looked through Tim Holtz's Chit Chat words and picked out a few, positioned them where I wanted and then coated the top of each word with clear Goosebumps using a tiny paint brush.
I added Goosebumps to the circles in the border, too, they seem to pop out when they are glossy.
After the Goosebumps application had dried I decided to glue the panel on to a black mat that was cut a quarter of an inch larger all around.

Now I have a delightful book marker that didn't take long to make.  What a fun gift to give to friends this summer.  I guarantee that it is hard to stop after making just one, the ideas just keep coming!  The technique has other elements that can be added to change the appearance.  I'll share that with you during the month long challenge.  This is a great project to make along with kids, they are amazed when they watch the embossing powder melt.  Just don't let them try it on their own, the powder does get really hot when melted.

I look forward to seeing what you enter at the Take It Make It Challenge!  Have fun with this.  Talk to you soon.  Hugs~Renee xxx

A Vintage Style Canvas using Artistcellar Stencils

It's Tuesday so I will be doing a stencil tutorial today.  This project is a small canvas.  This was done with the newest release from Artistcellar Lynn K's stencils called "Marked Series".  This is the finished canvas and if you read further you can see the short tutorial.

I started this project with a small canvas measuring 7" by 10".  I coated the canvas with a small amount of gesso and allowed it to dry.  When it was thoroughly dry I laid one stencil in the group after the other using Broken China Distress Ink, Walnut Stain Distress Ink and the I used gesso again with the final stencil.

When the canvas was completely dry I applied additional Walnut Stain ink to form a sort of frame for my centerpiece.  I painted Creative Medium over the entire canvas to seal it.

I made the same stencil design pattern on a piece of watercolor paper, trimmed it down to measure 6 1/4" by 5 1/4".  I glued a piece of digital art on the right side and applied a shading of Walnut Stain ink all around her with an applicator.  I used the Creative Words Pocket Stencils, some Walnut Stain ink and an applicator to stencil uplifting words on the panel.  My lady looked like she needed some flowers, pearls and a feather in her hat so I glued those on.  When the panel was completed I put glue pop dots on the back and applied it to the canvas.

I applied a small amount of stamping with some StazOn Jet Black ink and a very old Stampers Anonymous stamp.  My vintage style canvas is complete!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I'll be back next Tuesday with some additional stenciling ideas!  There is a blog hop taking place right now where you can see what other artists have created using the new stencils.  Follow along, leave some comments, who knows maybe you can win your own set!   Take care ~ Renee xxx

June 28th - Lisa Cousineau - www.artistcellar.com/wp

June 29th - Melanie Testa  - http://melanietesta.com/blog/

June 30th - Lisa Chin - somethingcleveraboutnothing.blogspot.com

July 1st - Jen Osborn - http://identityseven.typepad.com/themessynest/

July 2nd - Deborah Boschert - http://deborahsjournal.blogspot.com/

July 3rd - Kristin LaFlamme - http://kristinlaflamme.com/musings

July 4th - Ingrid Dijkers - http://ingriddijkers.blogspot.com/

July 5th - Guadalupe Cabal - http://guadasartplace.blogspot.com/

July 6th - Lynn Krawczyk - http://smudgedtextilesstudio.com/blog/