Tuscan Wall Mural

I enjoy painting murals on my walls.  I had painted this several years ago and had run out of green, didn't like the size of the house. I have been promising myself I'd fix it.

The is the Tuscan Scene from Social Art-networking.

 Yesterday, I decided it was time!  I got my pattern out and my paints and set to work.  I used a watercolor pencils to roughly hand draw the design. 

 

 About 3 hours later, Viola!  Here's my finished wall.

January Cardinal with DecoArt Premium Acrylics

The Cardinals were spotted in my yard Christmas day! 3 at one time!! That's extremely rare.  I was so inspired by their beauty, I wanted to paint one.

I just received my new set of DecoArt Premium Acrylic paints.  They have a satin finish.  I won't even have to spray the canvas when complete. 

The paint is creamy and thick.  

 The background started with gesso.  While it was still wet, I added some watered down Phthalo blue, grey, sienna and white. Allow the background to dry really well before stenciling your letters.

I sketched the cardinal in with a scribe-all pencil. Using Naphtali red, burnt umber, black, white and orange, I painted the bird. I used a DecoArt 3/8 angle brush. The brush strokes have to go in the direction of the feathers so you can get the correct look.

DecoArt new Premium Acrylic Mixed Media Paint Home Project

Recycling and creating something new has always been one of my favorite things to do. 

 The square "shadow box" I've been saving for quite some time and now have forgotten what came in it.  It's part of packaging. The initial C I purchased from Joanne's.

The "shadowbox" had a couple of layers in the bottom. Gesso, white acrylic, dry brushed black, titan buff. I used a small round brush to paint in the lines. 

 The new Premium Acrylic paint leaves behind a satin finish.  Really nice.

The background -which is a recycled 16x20 canvas coated in white gesso, was painted with Americana Deep Burgundy. Once dry, I dry brushed some Titan Buff (Premium acrylic) randomly.

I painted the C in black premium acrylic.  Glued it to the bottom right corner of the shadowbox with tacky glue.

I used a whie Posca pen to write my favorite verse around the edges of the shadowbox. 

I used Tacky glue and hot glue to adhere the flowers.  I like to use both. Hot glue helps it stick instantly, but the tacky glue keeps it in place forever!

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

You can find the DecoArt paints -HERE

 

Shaving Foam Background -Unity Stamp

Having a good time with my new Unity Kit.
This is a great stamp -has lots of details to color in.
I colored using markers and a blender.
The background was down with one of my favorite techniques using shaving foam!

Here's a couple of links to how to use shaving foam.

DecoArt Media Mister

Mother's Day Card

 Here's my finished card-mounted to a matching cardstock. Size 4.25x5.25. 

I hope this inspires you to try new techniques!  Happy New Year!!

 

Watercolor with Unity Butterfly Stamp

It's been a while since I've been in my studio. I finished up a painting project and wanted to do something more fun! So I searched challenges and saw the one for Craft Stamper Magazine-anything goes. I haven't even had time to play with my newest stamp set from Unity Stamps.

Butterflies are one of my favorites!
I stamped and embossed the butterfly stamp in white on watercolor paper.
Then you just drop in watercolor paint.  I made two panels, so I was able to stamp my sentiment on the extra one and cut out so it would match the theme.  What an easy and fun card to create! You could definitely do multiples with no trouble at all!

I hope you are inspired to try dry embossing yourself. There are so many options.

Entering Craft Stamper Magazine Challenge for December. Anything goes.
 

Being Published!!

I am so excited to share with you a card I made that is being published in 

Craft Stamper Magazine! It's in the November issue!!

 To find out the details of how to create your own card-you'll have to buy the magazine!
You can find it here-Craft Stamper Magazine.

Kitty Christmas Canvas

Isn't this the cutest cat ever?!
I saw a card similar to this and wanted to paint it.
I used DecoArt Acrylic paints.
DecoArt Mandela stencil for the background.
Hand painted the tree limb and cat.
Stamped the ornaments from Unity Stamps November kit.

 Stamp the ornaments on tissue paper in Stazon Black ink.  Add them to the canvas with DecoArt matte medium.  Then paint them whatever color you like.

Entering the following Challenge: Craft Stamper Magazine: Anything Goes