MIXED MEDIA JOURNAL FOR ANDY SKINNER

Well, I hope everyone had a very very Merry Christmas!  

Creating and sharing art is a passion for me ... as I am sure it is for so many of you!

2019 is just around the corner and let me take this opportunity to thank you so much for your friendship and support of my art over the years.  I am thrilled beyond measure at the friends and art "family" I have met here.  I am truly blessed.

I am also thrilled to have a new post being featured on Andy Skinner's blog right now.  

Click HERE to be wisked away to to Andy's place and see the complete pictorial tutorial.  

Again, thanks to each and every one of you for your thoughts and comments you've left not only on my blog but also on Andy's, DecoArt's and my Facebook connections as well.

Love to all and may you be blessed in 2019!

Ho! Ho! Ho!  

Christmas is almost here!  Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones the most BLESSED Christmas season you have ever had!

I absolutely love this season for creating home decor, ornaments and heirloom pieces that hopefully will be something passed down in our family.  Maybe you do the same?

I am so proud to be a part of the DecoArt Mixed Media Design Team.  DecoArt is a fabulous company to work with.  They are so generous with their amazing products and I truly LOVE working with them and their partner companies.

Here I have created a sweet Mini Christmas House ornament.  You can see all of the pictorial tutorial over on the DecoArt Mixed Media Blog HERE. 

Leave a comment there and/or here if you would like.  I LOVE hearing from you!

Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!  May your 2019 be filled with joy and laughter.  And may all of your Christmas wishes come true!

MINI BOOKS FROM ONE EXTREME TO THE OTHER

December 1st already?  Does anyone else wonder WHERE this year has gone?

There's a saying that time flies when you're having fun.  That must be the case as I am working with my DecoArt Media, Andy Skinner and Tando Creative products.  They really are so much fun to work with and the time in the craft room seems to fly by when I am in a "creative mode".  That being said ...

I am really excited to share my latest creations for Andy over on his blog.  HERE is the link to see posts by his super talented Creative Team.  New today on his blog:  My MINI BOOKS FROM ONE EXTREME TO THE OTHER!

These two mini books were super easy and super fun to make. Using DecoArt Media products and two books from a 5 book Tando Creative Mini Book Kit as well as other miscellaneous Tando Creative elements, these books came together quickly.

From Andy's more signature industrial/grunge style to a retro Santa Clause mini book these little gems are so versatile.  They can be actual little books or in the case of the Santa book, a Christmas tree ornament.

For the entire pictorial tutorial and list of supplies needed, be sure to go 

to Andy's Blog.  

Have a fantastic week and thanks for stopping by!

SACRED SECRETS SKELETON SHRINE

Happy Almost Halloween Everyone!

I am so proud to be a member of Andy Skinner's Creative Design Team!  

Halloween and Christmas are my favorite times of year to create home decor pieces.  There are so many things to grab your attention and inspire you to just let your creative imagination take over and explore the possibilities!

This month, I am featuring a project using Andy's very inspirational Sacred Secrets Grey Board Kit from Tando Creative, DecoArt Media line of products and some of Andy's Stamps from Stampendous. I hope you'll take a few minutes to check it out as there are lots of fun techniques and tips.

Here is a sneak peek at what awaits you on Andy's Blog. 

Click HERE to be taken to the complete pictorial tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by and take time for yourself to PLAY and experiment in the world of Mixed Media.

CHRISTMAS REMAKE OF OLD DOLL HIGH CHAIR

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I recently visited a flea market and found an adorable little 18" wooden doll high chair for $5. It was in remarkably good shape. When I saw it hanging on a peg, I immediately saw it as a little sparkly Christmas high chair. So, I scooped up my treasure and brought it home with me.  

Yesterday was the day I finally got to spend the time it deserved to bring this little forgotten high chair back to life!

Typically I absolutely LOVE the traditional Christmas colors of red and green. But this little guy was screaming "Retro TEAL!" So I spray painted the chair with a teal paint and let it dry.

(This photo shows the napkin the I used on the chair:  snowflakes and snowman on the chair and peppermint stripes to wrap the little rods on the chair).

I added one of my favorite DecoArt Media products: Vintage Effects in white. There are all sorts of ways you can apply it but I chose to lightly dampen a cloth and wipe it on, adding more as I went until I reached the white wash effect that I wanted.  

I found an adorable Christmas napkin that I wanted to use. I removed the back two layers of white tissue from the napkin; leaving only the top layer. I tore around the snowman image. You tear the napkin edges because they blend into the base much better when not given a nice cut edge. I brushed DecoArt Media Matte Medium (a clear glue and sealer) onto the area of the seat that I was adding the snowman. 

I laid the napkin image in place being sure there were no wrinkles and then brushed the Matte Medium over the image to seal it. I then added more random snowflakes around the snowman using the same method: tearing around them and then applying them with the Matte Medium. I also added snowflakes on a bar across the top of the chair and also on the front of the lifting tray of the chair using the same method. You can gently heat set these to speed up the process. Once dry, I added a bit more of the Vintage Effects over the seat and the other areas to better blend everything together.  

Then I added the stripes to the little rods by painting the bars with Matte Medium, adding the stripes and then painting over them with Matte Medium to seal them in place. You can gently heat set to dry them or let the dry naturally. I did not add more Vintage Effects white wash over them.

Next, I added Holly Green, Light Green and Candy Cane Red Stickles over the snowflakes and the snowman to give this little chair some real Christmas sparkle. Let the Stickles air dry completely. 

Once that was finished, I used a bit of DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics Cadmium Red Hue and my finger to highlight the edges of the chair.  I think it really adds a lot and pulls everything together.

The little tray lifts and it also needed some Christmas cheer! Using a couple of Tim Holtz stamp sets, I stamped "Merry Christmas" onto a plain piece of white tissue paper using Wendy Vecchi's Carnation Red Archival  permanent Ink.  I stamped the holly onto the plain white tissue paper using Wendy Vecchi's Leaf Green Archival permanent ink. Heat set the ink and then tear around the words and holly.  Glue them in place using the Matte Medium and then brush over them to seal them. Again, you can gently heat set this. I added the Stickles to these images as well and let them air dry. Once dry, I added the red paint along the edges with my finger.

Here are a couple of pictures of the finished chair.  This will be so adorable sitting next to my vintage Christmas tree in my entry way this Christmas. I'll probably have a little vintage Santa doll standing in it.

Thanks for stopping by! Be on the look out at flea markets and garage sales for little vintage things like this that you can completely redo and use as Christmas decorations and so forth. Just looking at this makes me happy and brings back lots of childhood memories of my own Christmases when I was a little girl.

FAUX AZTEC INDIAN POT FROM TANDO CREATIVE

Greetings Everyone!

I am SUCH a happy girl now that Fall is here!  It's my favorite time of year!

Today I am pleased and proud to announce a Faux Aztec Indian Pot that I have created and is being shared on DecoArt's Mixed Media Blog.  

Here is a sneak peek at this very colorful and fun piece:

This pot began as nothing more than Grey Board from Tando Creative's Round Pot Kit.  It's a very durable kit and I was amazed at it's strength and easy construction.  

If you're not familiar with Tando Creative's Products, I encourage you to check them out.  Their line of products, including their laser cut greyboard is nothing short of amazing!  Andy Skinner also has specialized Tando Creative pieces at his online store.  Check them out HERE.  

All of the textures and colors and stenciled designs on this pot are from DecoArt's wonderful line of products.  You can see the entire line of products used over on this pictorial tutorial post. Click HERE to be taken to DecoArt's Mixed Media Blog.  Check it out!

Thanks for stopping by!

FROM TRASH TO FARMHOUSE TREASURE

Happy Fall Everyone!

I am loving the cooler temperatures and "nip" in the air.  Before long the leaves will start turning and everything will be going to "sleep" for the winter.

Recently, I was staying at home and decided to pull out an old chair that I bought at a flea market a few years ago.  I bought the chair for $5. Even at just $5, my husband thought I was nuts. (haha)  I have to admit, it was in pretty bad shape.  But, when I looked at it, I could imagine it's place at a family table at one time and the many holidays, celebrations or simple family dinners this chair had been a part of.  It seemed so sad to me that this chair ended up in a flea market with just a $5 tag on it.  (Kind of like seeing someone's old family photographs in a flea market).

But now, I was not imagining this as a chair anymore but more as a decorative little table or plant stand.

So, I cleaned the chair up as best I could and pulled out my paint brushes, rags, and DecoArt Chalk Paints, Stencils and paint brushes.

I first gave the chair a coat of DecoArt Americana Decor Relique Chalk Paint.  It's a dark grey color and I love it.  After it dried, I brushed a coat of DecoArt Americana Decor Everlasting Chalk Paint over it and let it dry.  Next I randomly sanded the edges of the chair and some of the surface.  The grey began to peek out from underneath and I loved the weathered, peeled paint look I was getting.

Next I attached DecoArt's large 12 x 12 Cafe Paris Stencil to the center of the back of the chair and using the Relique Chalk Paint, I stenciled a portion of the design to the chair back.  

So far, so good!  I was loving this new "vintage farmhouse" look.

I measured an area for a table or plant stand top and glued three pieces of birch wood together.  Then I had my son saw cut them for me and router out where that original supports of the chair were.  

I painted this table/planter base the same way I did the chair; sanding and allowing the grey to peek out from underneath.  Next I placed my next DecoArt Americana Mandala 12 x 12 Stencil in the center of the top and taped it in place using painter's tape.  Just as I had done on the back of the chair, I used the Relique Chalk Paint to stencil this fabulous design on the table/planter top.

Isn't this just a gorgeous design?  And look at the crackled, sanded surface of the paint below!  I love it!

 I then wiped some extra of the Relique Chalk Paint around the edges random surface to add to the charm and "age" of the table/planter top.

I slid the table/planter bottom in place and "whalah!" my old, ratty chair was looking pretty proud and stylish once again!  I sprayed a clear matte sealer all over the chair (2 coats) to protect it.  This may end up on my front porch or back patio garden area when the weather is permitting.  Otherwise it will be in my art studio where I can enjoy it.

I've already got some plants sitting on it and I love the very sweet, homespun feeling I get from this chair!

Thanks for stopping by.  This is just a reminder that even old "junk" can be given a new, useful purpose if you just think about it and let your imagination take over.

FACE YOUR FEARS 3D SKULL TAG

Helloooooo my mixed media friends!

Halloween will be here before we know it!  I had so much fun experimenting with Decoart Media Line products the past couple of days!

As I was looking through my Andy Skinner stamps, I was struck with an idea to create a 3D object out of a flat stamp.  Which stamp you ask???  Andy's skull stamp from his Stampendous Skuldoggery stamp set!  Yikes!!!

Here is a sneak peek at the project I created using some of Andy's fabulous stamps, some Tando Creative Greyboard items, some weird eyes from Michaels' Halloween section and a little Seth Apter's new Baked Texture Embossing Powders thrown in for good measure.  

I am so honored to be feature on Andy's blog right now.  Click HERE to go to his blog and see this entire project.

I know some of you aren't so much into Halloween.  But consider what you can do with the tutorial I am sharing on how to create something 3D from a flat stamp.  It's a really fun experimentation with pretty amazing results!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

A VINTAGE HALLOWEEN ALBUM STILL IN THE WORKS

Greetings friends!

A while back, I shared some paint pouring that I'd done using DecoArt's new

Paint Pouring Mediums.  They really are fun to experiment with.  I poured onto two 9" x 7" canvas boards using Halloween colored DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylic Paints.  These canvas boards came out really well and became the covers for my Halloween book; which is a work in progress.  This book will be an album for all of the pictures of my grandkids from their first Halloweens to present.

I wanted to share my progress with you.  

I think I posted photos of these poured canvases on Facebook. This is the book cover laid flat out.  The back of the book is to the left and the front of the book is on the right.  I think the cover on the right looks like an orange ghoul rising up with his arms spread above his hooded head.  

The covers are joined together by a 2" chipboard spine that is covered with Halloween fabric and trimmed in various Halloween-ish colored ribbons and trims.

Here is the inside of the book covers.  Both are covered in cardstock.  The spine is covered with the same Halloween fabric and edges with trims.  These were glued in place using Fabri-Tac glue and/or double sided tape.

I will be punching holes into the chipboard spine at some point to add elastic straps so that I can slide my signatures in and out of place in the book. I'll also be adding some fun charms and decor to dangle from the spine.

Now onto the pages that will create my signatures.  They all are pretty much 7 3/4" tall by 7-7 1/2" wide.  They are joined together by washi tape and also Tyvek underneath so that the pages will never wear or split after being turned so many times.

I love this page!!  It consists of two pockets on either side. I save all sorts images onto my computer.  These are two vintage postcards that I sized to fit my pages.  They are printed on white heavy cardstock.  They are mounted onto a piece of Authentic's Nightfall Paper Collection.  I also used some papers from Echo Park's Chillingsworth Manor and a few from Graphic 45 from past Halloween papers.  These are such cute collections of vintage images and patterns in the traditional Halloween colors.  You'll see more of those papers in a minute!

I also have used Halloween ribbons, washi tapes, crepe papers, metallic Dresden trims and  little Halloween ephemera on all of the pages.  

Here is another example of the Authentic Nightfall papers.  Not only do you get the papers, you also get a couple of pages of fun vintage images. The page on the right are my own vintage images take from the computer.  I created pocket to stuff fun memorabilia on the right hand page.  The vintage girl is from my computer.  She is sized and cut out to give an interesting edge as one flips through the book once it's all put together.  Flip the pages over ...

You can see the back of the cut out girl on the left.  I made a crepe paper medallion to put behind the vintage witch's head.  That filled up that space really well yet allows plenty of room for photos I will be adding of my grandchildren.  The page on the right is more of the darling Authentic images included in the paper pack.

The next page is a mix of a couple of papers: Authentic and Graphic 45.  I have also added some rub ons that I've had for years.  Those things always come in handy!  The little boy on the left is a vintage image that I sized from the computer.  He is on the back of an extended envelope pocket added to the other side.  He bends in and out for a playful interaction in the book.  There is plenty of room for photographs on this spread.  Flip the pages over ...

The envelope pocket is on the right.  The little boy is on the back side of the envelope pocket.  The envelope pocket bends over into the page.  The papers on this page are from Authentic's collection.  I added washi tape and metallic Dresden trim to the pocket on the left. Again, room for photographs among the fun images ... and plenty of pockets for memorabilia and notes. 

Look how adorable these papers are together... mix and match!  This is the envelope pocket folded over.  So cute!

You don't have to limit the pages to cardstock!  These two pages are actually Halloween fabric covering heavy cardstock!  I love the fabric feel that is mixed in with all of the papers, trims and so forth.  Plenty of room for photographs!

Here is the other side of the fabric pages.  These were created using Halloween Napkins on white heavy cardstock.  I brushed the napkins in place using DecoArt Media Matte Medium.  Once dry, I added black paint around the edges and some Stickles to highlight areas on the napkins.  Each page has a pocket to stick photos and so forth.  The black cat on the left was also encased in Seth Apter's Faux Beeswax Embossing Powder.  That stuff is very very cool!  I LOVE the texture and the faux beeswax look.  The pocket on this page is from Graphic 45.

Here is another page made partially from napkins.  The trick or treat is from napkins.  These were glued in place on a paper from Chillingsworth Manor.  I love how they compliment each other!  The metallic Dresden on either side of the spine really completes the look and will be visible when all of the pages are joined together into signatures.

This last series of pages are really fun!  These are mostly papers from Authentic.  I added the large vintage boy from my computer and he is cut out on the side, just like the vintage girl earlier.  I added trick or treat and happy Halloween washi tape as trim along with small black and orange metallic Dresden trim.

Turn the pages over and you have this.  Also from Authentic.  I added the little boy as a vintage image from my computer.  He fills up the space from the cut out boy on the other side nicely.  At the bottom of this page, I added some more rub ons from Tim Holtz and Kaisercraft.  On the right, I added some metallic fringe trim along with some gathered black and orange crepe paper.  Very festive and vintage looking!  There is also pumpkin washi tape that is there for a trim but it also is adding yet another flip page to this layout.

Flip the TRICK OR TREAT page over and you find this!  A pocket on the left for more goodies and room on the right for more photos surrounded by darling vintage Halloween images.  The pocket on the left is from my computer files.  The images on the right are from Authentic's Nightfall papers.  The white ghost and windy wisp are old rub ons.

Thanks for stopping by.  I'll show you the completed book once I finish making more pages for signatures and actually put the book together!  What a fun project!

CAPTURED MOMENTS FOR ANDY SKINNER

Hi everyone!  

I'm excited to say that I am back with a brand new vintage/industrial wall art piece being featured on Andy Skinner's Blog.  

Here is a sneak peek at just one little section of the 8" x 8" wall art piece. 

There are lots of details and fantastic Andy based products used to create this nostalgic piece.  I hope you'll take the time to check it out.  Click HERE to be taken to Andy's blog.

Sending lots of love your way and hope you have a wonderful day!

SCHOOL TIME VINTAGE MIXED MEDIA SQUARE

Greetings art lovers!!

Can you believe that the summer is almost gone??  It's been such a hot summer, I'm ready for fall and cooler temperatures!  But with fall, comes the beginning of another school year.

Here's a sneak peak at a sweet little vintage style canvas that is being featured on DecoArt's Mixed Media Blog.  You can click HERE to be taken to that blog post and see all of the details and step by step instructions.  Maybe you can pick up some new tips on how to use your DecoArt products to their fullest potential.  Create some wonderful home decor pieces, mixed media canvases, journal pages ... whatever your can think...you can create!

Hello everyone!

I hope that this hot summer is winding down and cooler temperatures will be coming soon!  While the weather thermometers are being so ridiculously high, it's a wonderful time to be indoors in the craft room and doing some creating!

I am proud to have a new piece on Andy Skinner's Creative Team Blog for you to enjoy.  

I call it the "Industrial Wings Compartment Book".  Andy's line of DecoArt Media products are first and foremost on this piece.  There are lots and lots of wonderful Andy Skinner Tando Creative greyboard elements included on the cover.  Andy's very versative Halftone stencil really compliments the industrial bolts and grunge of his Industrial Wings Kit.  

Click HERE to be taken to his blog to see the complete story on how this was created.

Thanks for stopping by! 

I'm back with another new project being featured on Andy Skinner's 

Blog today.  

I am so proud and honored to be a part of his Creative Design Team and to get a chance to play with all of his wonderful techniques and products.

This piece is called the Industrial Elements Doorplate Canvas.  It's a cross of industrial and steampunk with a big of nostalgia and vintage thrown in.

You can go to Andy's blog HERE and see all of the details.  So many fun techniques and products ... and .... lots of creative ideas from his crazy talented design team!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hello everyone!  

We're already almost half way through 2018!  Can you believe that?

Today I am sharing a DecoArt Paint Pour Project that is being showcased on DecoArt's Mixed Media Blog.  There are actually TWO projects using the Paint Pouring Mediums in a couple of different ways.

Here is a sneak peek:

For all of the lovely details, click HERE to be transported to DecoArt's fabulous Mixed Media Blog.  

Thanks for stopping by!

HIDDEN HEART CANVAS

Hello again all of my artsy friends!

I am thrilled to be featured on Andy Skinner's blog today with my latest creation for him.

Here is a sneak peek at a small portion of the project.  You'll have to head over to Andy's blog to see the entire piece plus all of the details on the "how's" and "what's" of its creation.

Hope you enjoy it!  Thanks for stopping by and if you're so inclined, I'd love for you to leave a comment here and/or on Andy's blog!  

Have a great week!

PLAYING WITH DECOART'S ALL NEW POURING MEDIUM AND CLEAR POURING TOPCOAT

Hi everyone!  

Is it HOT enough for you outside???

What happened to Spring?  It feels like we went straight from Winter to Summer here in Missouri.  These hot days are a great time to stay indoors in the cool air conditioning and play with your art supplies.

I was recently gifted by the lovely people at DecoArt with their BRAND NEW DecoArt Pouring Medium and Clear Pouring Topcoat from their new Paint Pouring Line. 

I CANNOT tell you enough how cool these new products are!  I am totally hooked after only the first pour! They are SO SIMPLE to use! Click HERE to see more about these fantastic new ways to make crazy cool designs that will never be the same twice.

If you're a Mom or Grandma, just think about playing with this with your kids or grandkids!  It's that simple to use (with your supervision) and it's amazing to watch the colors move and run as you are tilting the surface. 

Can you tell I'm just a little excited about this??!!? (smile)

Here is a sneak peek of something I am working on for Andy Skinner's Creative Team.  This post will go live tomorrow so be sure to check it out. 

CHATEAU De SKINNER NOW ON ANDY SKINNER'S BLOG

Hello Everyone!

I am so excited to be sharing my latest project on Andy Skinner's blog!

I love birds and I love Spring!  So I combined these two passions into one really fun home decor piece.

Here is a sneak peek!  You can see a pictorial tutorial on Andy's Blog now!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy seeing this project!

Happy Spring!

MAKE IT YOURSELF SPRINGTIME TRAVEL JOURNAL FROM DECOART

Is it Spring yet??  We've had THE WORST beginning of Spring.  It's been cold, windy and rainy ... even SNOW in early April!  

I have bird feeders out for my "little winged friends" and I am sure that they are as confused as I am as to which season it is.

I'm sure I'm not the only one yearning for warmer temperatures, the aroma of beautiful spring and summer flowers as bees flit from bloom to bloom. 

So I was inspired by my new Stampendous 6" x 6" Sunny Sketch stamp to create an easy and fun little travel journal.  These are so handy and they can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose to make them.

Check out the entire pictorial tutorial now at DecoArt's Mixed Media Blog. You'll want to make several of them for you and your friends!  

Thanks for stopping by and if you'd like to leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Spring!!

FUN WITH FROG AND FISH

Hello everyone!  Welcome back my crafty friends!

For this month on Andy Skinner's Blog, I have created this really fun tag.  It's a combination of Andy's ALL NEW TAGTASTIC 1 greyboard set from Tando Creations and his new FOSSIL stamp set from Stampendous.

There are all sorts of new kits coming from Tando Creative.  You are going to LOVE them all!  So stay tuned for that!

You can click on THIS LINK to be taken over to Andy's blog for all of the details of this larger tag with another little tag attached.  On the smaller tag, is a "fossil" of Fish's little cold blooded friend, "Frog".  Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Have a fabulous and creative week!