15 minutes of mixed media

So this week my 15 MINUTES OF MIXED MEDIA challenge resembles a carnival ride. Not what I intended, but bright and colorful all the same.

I struggled this week. My base had no background, which always proves harder when the clock is ticking. I hurried and ended up with a bit muddier collection of colors than I wanted, so I overcompensated with bold stamps and bright colors in my second layer. Definitely a week I needed the embosser.

I did, however, remind myself to add some journaling this week. This is my weak spot. I like to keep the words inside, so writing them on a page of art is tough for me, and something I am working on.

I took a leap of faith on this page. I wanted to TURN the page on this one and I didn't. I let the clock tick and I kept working. I like the happy colors and bold shapes.

Here is my supply list for the week- things that were on the table when I started the timer. *yellow and pink dylusions spray inks *4 paint colors (the little acrylic craft paints) *black and white paint pens *permanent marker *scraps of deli paper *glue stick *scraper *embosser (to dry the layers) *paintbrush *stamp *stamp pad.

Sometimes we find in a challenge that even though it is not what we wanted or expected, we like it. Kind of like going to a carnival and getting on that scary ride. Sometimes it was worth the leap of faith.

Here are some more 15 minutes of mixed media art journal pages--->

 

papered paint cup

When my daughter wanted to have some friends over to paint, I ran to my local Dollar Tree and grabbed a few disposable plastic tubs to use for paint cups. That was supposed to be the end of it. Well, if you know me, you know I just couldn't leave those cups plain. Time was a factor, so I kept it really simple. Plus this way, no one's heart will be broken if you throw them away at the end of the day.

You only need a few supplies: *a disposable plastic cup or tupperware *deli paper *craft paint *paint pens *decorative tape *gel medium or adhesive OPTIONAL: *gelliplate *brayer

STEP 1. Choose your container and grab some deli paper. I chose to use the gelliplate to paint my deli paper, but you could paint your own design on it instead.

STEP 2. Once your paper is painted and completely dry, cut it in to strips. I measured the height of my cup then cut two strips just wide enough so they would overlap. I cut several more to fill in where my strips didn't meet and to use for shapes and monograms.

STEP 3. Adhere your strips to your container. Smooth out wrinkles as you go. Set aside to let dry completely.

STEP 4. Once your cup is covered and dry, begin adding your layers. I started by adding some washi tape to the top and bottom borders. Then I cut a monogram from painted deli paper and glued that to the center of the cup. Once dry I added borders and pops of color with black and white paint pens.

These are easy, affordable and completely disposable. The girls were thrilled that their paint cups were pretty. I was thrilled that they were happy! Enjoy!

a day in the studio and maybe a little art

Fifteen minutes of ART at a time might be all I get these days, but at least it is something. I look forward to that time and I look forward to being in the studio. Sometimes just being on that stool is all it takes to make a less than perfect day better.

To be honest, some days I get on that stool and nothing happens. I sit, I look around, I rearrange some things. I rearrange some more. Every day isn't always the most inspiring. This is real life people and it just has this way of butting to the front of the line.

Other days you get a break. You grab a brush and the ideas flow out of you. You create five journal pages before you realize you ever sat down. You end the day with muddy water and painted hands. These days make the days we sit on our stool and wonder what the hek we are doing in the first place worth it...so enjoy the good days and the bad days will just have to take a back seat.

tutorial: 1 mini project, 4 mini gifts & big happy new year

I have been a little behind since the second half of this year started. Not my fault. Seriously. I never let art or meetings or appointments or shopping take precedence over family life. Never. So I am a teeny tiny bit behind in making and delivering a few of my gifts. Nothing huge. Just a few little THANK YOU's I wanted to make sure to deliver to people that matter in my life, but might not know it, like the postman, the kids teachers, and even my bank teller. I thought since I was behind anyway it might be nice to change things up a bit and surprise them with a NEW YEAR gift instead...it works for me. And the best part is you just need some scraps and a few supplies!

I made all four of these in just under an hour. Grab this stuff to make your own: * scrap of canvas or duck cloth. Mine was only 2 inches high by 12 inches long. * some paint *paint pens *hole punch *eyelets *scissors *sewing machine *cotton balls *bakers twine *bead ball necklace chain *bead ball key chain *aircraft cable key ring *felt or fabric scraps *glue gun *silicone finger caps

Step 1. Paint circles on your canvas scrap. **If you want both sides of your canvas pouf to be the same, you will need TWO of each color circle**I took mine all the way to the edges to allow cutting and stitching later.  Add little designs using paint and pain pens. Let dry completely.

Step 2. Stitch around the edges of each circle a few times.

Step 3. Cut each circle out. You can trim your threads or leave them dangle. Cut tiny pieces of felt or fabric and stitch on for a little 3-D embellishment. Using a coordinating thread makes it pop!

Step 4. Place one of each color circle RIGHT SIDE DOWN on protected surface. Place a small dot of glue on cotton ball and lay on WRONG SIDE of circle. Run a small line of glue along outer edge of circle and place MATCHING circle on top of cotton ball RIGHT SIDE UP. Using silicone finger tip protectors, quickly press edges of circle together.

Step 5. Punch a hole near the top edge of each of your canvas poufs using a heavy duty hole punch.

Step 6. Add eyelet to hole you have punched.

Step 7. Add twine, chain or rings to complete your canvas poufs.

Enjoy what my little girl likes to call "those jelly fish things!" Hey I see an UNDER SEA party theme somewhere in there!

15 minutes of mixed media

New to the blog? This has turned my time in the studio around.

For this layout I started with a gelliprint background and had the following supplies at the ready before I started the timer---> *3 paint colors *black & white paint pens *permanent marker *a few scraps of painted deli paper *scissors *glue stick *number stamp set

Want to see some of my other creative exercises like this? Here you go! --->

 

Enjoy!

sewing stuff: she loves pretty too

When my sweet friend, and other NO. 1 fan, Lorraine at Serendipity Studios wanted me to create a painted pillow for her I knew it had to be special. She is special. She laughed when she read this - so here you go Lo- because you loves pretty too!

Can't wait to visit her beautiful studio again- it is amazing! This will fit her bright and beautiful personality perfectly!

If you haven't stopped by here and met her - do it today! She is beautiful, kind and wickedly talented! AND SHE LOVES PRETTY TOO!

art stuff: 15 minutes of mixed media

Here we go again. 15 minutes of mixed media is the best thing to ever happen to my journal.

Same routine. Set the timer to 15 minutes. I had a few supplies out and ready, but tried to keep it simple today. A few paints, a permanent marker, some spray inks,  a few paint pens and a little washi tape.

I continue to work in my small Dyan Reavely Journal. I like the smaller page layouts when I am setting the timer.

This is a fantastic creative exercise. I encourage you to set the timer and try it yourself. I think you will be pleased with the results. Enjoy!

art stuff: tiny canvas magnets

Seriously. I love these things. I have made several this week with the intention of putting them in my etsy shoppe. Something keeps happening and I can't part with them. My magnetic board is going to fall of the wall one day. These two are going into the shoppe. For sure. Like yesterday.

art stuff: something pretty to remind us

We use A LOT of magnets around our house, especially considering the size of our magnetic family wall calendar, but most of them aren't pretty. They're functional, heavy duty - meaning they can hold up a stack of papers three inches thick for the next Junior National Honor Society Meeting.

Adding just a pop of color and ART to this board makes it so much easier to view - overloaded schedules and all. This is our family calendar- not pretty, but useful.

Now this is is pretty. And fun. A little painted canvas turned into workable magnet. We have started using these on our family calendar to remind us of something important.

( Plus we reserve these ART magnets for special tidbits - like love notes and free tickets! No tacking up a yucky dentist appointment with these - fun stuff only! )

Sometimes all we need to feel better about our crazy schedules and hectic lives, is just a little bit of ART. Everyday life can be so routine that we dread it. That's why anything unexpected makes it so much better- like a secret note, or a child's drawing-  things that are visually pleasing. I don't like to LOOK at my family calendar. It is almost always overwhelming, but by adding a little bit of pretty, I get an unexpected smile from myself. I am reminded that eveyday life can be beautiful- I just have to help make it that way.

December is not so bad, but most of the time our calendar is overflowing with stuff to do, places to be, people to meet. Having something pretty to remind us to slow down, have fun, and LOVE YOUR LIFE - well that's worth looking at.

art stuff: workshop peek 2

Sharing a peek at my second workshop that will be coming soon!

More information coming soon!