I’ve been home bound these last three days; snowed in and extremely cold. But! I have been productive. If you count getting dirty and making messes in the craft room as being productive. And, I do. Most definitely.
I’ve been making. On my list of things to dabble in or learn this year: mixed media art. I’m not sure why I feel pulled toward paint and canvas. I’m not good at drawing, sketching, or painting and the finished pieces aren’t what I would normally choose to decorate with. But, drawn I am; to the pretty colors, the messy technique, and the freedom and ability to change directions suddenly at will. It’s a fun way to practice layering, something I’ve always had trouble bringing to life.
In a burst of creative energy I decided to throw together a “make” journal-something I can fill with little pieces of mixed media art. I work better on a smaller scale-much less pressure that way.
To start, a cover. I chose some miscellaneous chipboard file tabs I found in a drawer and some pretty, coordinating patterned papers I’ve been saving for a special occasion.
*I sliced the papers in varying sized rectangles and glued them down.
*Time to play with paint! I used a dry foam brush to cover the papers with white paint; not too thick. I wanted some pattern to show through.
*A cover needs a title, right? Stickers to the rescue. Except, I’m using the stickers as a mask. Sneaky. I chose another pretty shade of paint to cover; again, a dry brush, not too thick.
*Time to add some interest (layers?) I got out some fun stamps, black ink, a paper doily, and some accent paints (orange & green). This was the SO FUN part. I used my fingers to brush on the accent colors. I laid down the doily and stamped some orange over to create a pattern. I found a thin black pen and added some doodles and some writing. I’m
*Finally, I peeled off the letter stickers to reveal the muted patterned paper and it’s finished!
*The hard part is knowing when to stop. I have a difficult time knowing when it’s time. I think i did okay with this project.
I love, love, love this. I understand the draw toward this kind of art. It’s okay to be messy. It’s okay to mess up-just slap some white paint on it and start over.
There’s definitely more of this in my future.
For some mixed media inspiration, check out these blogs:
Fun! I haven't done much mixed media like this, but I love the texture.
Looks so pretty!
where can you learn this stuff ??? online ?
I look forward to seeing more of this! Have you done any more?
I look forward to seeing more of this! Have you done any more?
I look forward to seeing more of this! Have you done any more?