A Master Board using DecoArt products

Since my return to South Carolina I've been playing with my DecoArt paints, etc.  We happened to have house guests this past week, our friends Beth and Kevin from Massachusetts.  Myrtle Beach is one of those locations that people seem to pass through often on their way to Florida so we'll be seeing a lot more of our old friends from Mass.  Kevin loves to tinker around the house so he and my husband adjust a lot of things around here when they pop in.  That gave Beth and me time together in the studio.  This was Beth's first foray into the world of mixed media.  Fun times.

To begin we chose to create master boards using DecoArt Americana Paints in Peacock Teal, True Red, Saffron Yellow, Payne's Grey and Cool White.  We applied a thin coating of Gesso to a large piece of 140# watercolor paper, allowed it to dry and then applied our paints.  We squirted the paint onto a Gelli Plate, brayered the paints together and pressed the watercolor paper onto the plate.  When this was dry we used Andy Skinner's stencils with some white gesso and then a touch of the Saffron Yellow paint.  Here's one of our master boards when completed.

The interesting part begins when the master board is cut into different sizes to be used for projects.  Beth began by making her first mixed media card ever.  She looks pretty pleased with her creation.

Beth created Card #2 with a Donna Downey stencil and some black gesso

We made our boards at the same time with the identical colors so we each had one to cut up.  I used mine to make postcards and a portrait using a Prima stencil and some black gesso.

By making a 11" by 15" master board you can create a series of pieces with the same background colors.  It is also a fun project to do with friends who often wonder what you actually do when you're creating art.  All who pass through this studio space are instantly hooked on mixed media when they release their own inner artist.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I certainly appreciate your visits and welcome comments, please leave one whenever you have time.  Hugs~ Renee

Creating with Tracy Weinzapfel and DecoArt products

While at CHA Anaheim I had the opportunity and privilege to assist Tracy Weinzapfel in her Wood Art Panel class using DecoArt products.  As her assistant I took a lot of photos, ran like a gopher to ensure that all the students had what they needed/wanted during the class and was able to listen and observe Tracy's class.  And what a fabulous class it was!  I also got to meet her artsy co-conspirator Andy Skinner.  The photos caught the essence of how much fun everyone was having.
As a gift Tracy gave me all I needed to create my own wood art panel piece when I arrived back here at home.  Since it is her class I cannot share the directions with you but I can share the end results.  The workshop was filled with DecoArt's latest and greatest products including:  American paints, decoupage papers, stencils and other treats.  The Americana line of paints are really lovely and very smooth when applied.  They blend easily with each other too.

Tracy shows her finished masterpiece

This is my take on Tracy's inspirational painting

All I can say is that if you ever have a chance to take one of Tracy's classes you will not regret it, she is a wonderful teacher.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have you had a chance to use any of the DecoArt products?  Let me know what your favorites are.  Hugs- Renee

A glimpse inside CHA Anaheim 2016 and Stampington

Hi I'm back!  My stay in California not only included several days at CHA but also a month long visit with my 90 year old mother.  I stayed after CHA to take care of her and allow my siblings a well deserved rest.  So my visit was very busy and I didn't have my computer with me hence my long silence.

I wanted to share some photos of what it's like being inside CHA, a couple of the classes taught there and also a quick side trip to Stampington in Laguna Hills.

First I picked up my friend Marjie Kemper at CHA and we drove south to Stampington to visit editor Devon Warren.  Here is a photo of Devon, on the left, and her sister who also works at Stampington.

It was pouring rain that day and we had trouble locating the offices, which is comical since I used to work almost directly across the street about 30 years ago.  Here's the outside of the office.

We couldn't take many photos inside to share since most of it is top secret and hasn't been published yet.  Over the weekend I had the privilege of meeting many more editors and the CEO of Stampington, Kellene Giloff, which quite frankly blew my mind.  I met up with my friend, the highly published Tenia Nelson, and together we visited the Stampington booth at CHA.  It was a terrific experience to hear some of their ideas for next year.

Marjie taught a class sharing a lot of mixed media ideas, it is obvious by the smiling faces that it was a success.  I was fortunate that she had my daughter and me assist her during the class.  We benefited by hearing the class and getting to hang out with Marjie and other great artists.

DecoArt teachers Dianne Bush, Tracy Weinzapfel and Marjie Kemper

The lull before the storm

Students from all around the world attended Marjie's class

I met Tracy Weinzapfel through Marjie and this resulted in being asked to assist her with her class the next day!  Who would say no to that, not me.  Fun, fun, fun!

More about that in the next blog post.  Here are a few of the other artists that are readily available at CHA and teach techniques throughout the day.

Seth is a lovely person, he was doing a demo for Spellbinders.

It was so fun to capture John's expression when he looked up and saw me in the audience.  Surprise!

For an artist CHA is a complete sensory overload experience!  So much to see and so many things to do at this event.  It goes on for days and yet it seems impossible to see everything.  All the new products are being demonstrated every step of the way.  Ranger had all of their Signature Designers there such as:  Tim Holtz, Dyan Reaveley and Dina Wakley.  It is amazing to be able to just watch these designers create and discuss their techniques in such a relaxed atmosphere.

I hope you enjoyed the few photos that I had on my camera to post.  There are many more on my iPhone but I'll spare you from having to look at all of those too.

I will share with you more about Tracy's class in a couple of days.  Thanks so much for stopping by, it is so good to be home, back in my studio and online again.  I missed you all more than you know.  Hugs ~ Renee

CHA Anaheim new releases from Art-C

Hi there!  I'm sharing a couple of small canvases made with the new releases of acrylic paints and stencils from Art-C.  Here's another shot of the box of goodness they mailed to me to try out.

Here are two cute little canvases I created using the acrylic paints and stencils from the box.

I layered the Walnut Brown Luxe color onto the canvases first using the lattice stencil.  The Metallic Gold paint can be applied straight from the tube to the canvas or through a stencil such as the Bee or Butterfly stencils.  I wrote the words with the tube of Ultra Chalk black matte paint.  The edges can be painted on with the Gold Metallic paint or make a raised design directly from the tube.

The products are very fun and versatile!  Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to share these tiny creations.  Take care ~ hugs, Renee

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What's new with Art-C?

Recently a box of goodness was mailed to me from Art-C.  They have lots of new products and I was delighted to get a sneak peek and a chance to try them out!

You can see the wonderful paints and stencils enclosed.  The paints in the circular tubs are the most wonderful colors with a little metallic added to them.  I used the products on a canvas that did not have any gesso as a base so the colors are deeper but I was still able to move them around and lift off color with a baby wipe.

I started with a stencil and the Ultra Chalk black matte paint.  I applied this with a sponge.

The stamp was one that I carved a few months ago, I painted the black paint on that with a brush and stamped the canvas.  Then the turquoise blue paint was applied with a brush and wiped off with a baby wipe.  The Walnut Brown Luxe is my favorite and was easily applied and then watered down to allow it to run down the canvas.  A roll of paper towels came in handy to stop the drippage and lift off color.

A little bit of Gold Metallic paint followed by stenciled flowers in Ultra Chalk Grey, Country Green leaves and more of the Walnut Brown Luxe, all applied through stencils.

It's fun to just play until you get that look that makes you happy.  This small 6" by 6" canvas almost resembles a tile.  I completed a couple of tiny canvases that I'll share with you in a later post.  These are all new products just released by Art-C.  They're easy to use and have lovely colors!

Thanks for stopping by, leave a comment if you can.  Hugs ~ Renee

My word for the year 2016

I can't believe it is 2016 already!  The year has flown by with many changes that have required a lot of adapting.  My word for this year is a simple one:  Happiness.  I also have included a symbol on my canvas, that of an arrow.  An arrow has to be pulled backwards on the bow in order to be launched forward into the unknown.  Isn't life like that?  A few steps backwards and then suddenly a huge leap into the future.

I wish you all happiness for 2016 and beyond.  I'll be heading off to California tomorrow and hope to photograph a few of the highlights at CHA in Anaheim while I'm there visiting family.  I also plan on seeing my dear friend Marjie Kemper while there.  Hopefully there will be lots of pictures.  :-)))))

Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate your visits and comments.  Take care, hugs ~ Renee

Make a practical little gift box

 Well, my 2015 term as a DT member with IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko is nearing its end.  It has been a fun year creating projects for them 3 times a month but there's a new team in place for 2016 and it's time for me to move on.  I will always love their products, I do believe they are exceptional and I will continue to use them.  This project is a gift box and is great for holding completed Zentangle tiles or even coasters.  Here is how I made it.

Supply list

IC/T supplies

Delicata 4 ink pad

irRESISTible Pico Embellishers:  Bronze, Copper

Memento Markers:  Pistachio, Pear Tart, Bamboo Leaves, Love Letter

StazOn:  Jet Black ink pad

Miscellaneous supplies

Old book paper, Stabilo All pencil, Golden Self Leveling Gel Medium, watercolor paper, Idea-o-logy metal feet and pull knob, card board cardstock, Chalkboard Paint, The Groove Tool with sandpaper tip, adhesive

DIRECTIONS:

1.       Choose a card board box, new or recycled and paint it inside and out with black Chalkboard paint.  Use the Groove Tool with the sandpaper tip to rough up the edges and apply a small amount of red marker to distressed edges.  When dry attach metal feet to the bottom of box with a strong adhesive and begin working on the lid.

2.        Cut a piece of background paper, this one is from a previous master board.  Cut a flower basket out of old book paper and adhere it to the background panel.

3.        Stamp flowers and cut them out using old book paper.  Glue the flowers to the panel, color in the flowers and leaves with Memento Markers.  Use a stencil and some gesso to make a tablecloth at the bottom of the basket.  Allow to dry.

4.        Use the irRESISTible Pico Embellishers to outline the flowers.  Screw the handle onto the middle of the arrangement.  Add metallic colors from the Delicata 4 ink pad.

5.        Adhere panel to a piece of card board cardstock, glue with a strong adhesive to the box.

6.        Apply dots with Copper irRESISTible Pico Embellisher; when dry apply a coat of Golden Self Leveling Gel to seal.  This can be filled with coasters, photos, candy, etc.  Whatever fits.

Thanks for stopping by!  Leave a comment if you have a moment, I love reading what you think.  Take care, hugs ~ Renee