A New Canvas Creation

Running a little late on my blog post this weekend. Life has been crazy busy. Work, grad school, and attemping to have a life. Throw in being sick and hurting my other foot, and there just isn't enough time in the day. 

It's been either non stop freezing weather here (AKA 43 days since winter started below 0) or non stop snow. Our "inch" last night went over my ankle this morning, and resulted in very wet pants and socks during church this morning. We are looking at another winter storm tonight. Our summer keeps getting pushed back more and more. 

On Valentine's Day, I met up with Rita from my crop group to try our hands at mixed media. I did a canvas back 6 months ago, and have been itching to try another one. I was planning springy with a bird, besides that I didn't have an exact plan. 

 To start off I covered my canvas with paper from an old book, using modge podge.

Then I covered in with gesso to lighten the color.

From here I stopped remembering to take pictures. Partially because my fingers were all dirty and I didn't want to keep touching my phone. I used Jenni Bowlin's Speckled Egg paint in the paint dabbers. I tried to paint in circular fashion.

The raised elements started with Faber Castell Modeling Paste. On the branch I used a Heidi Swapp stencil from her new line, and colored with her Chartusese spray ink. On top I used an Artist Workshop Stencil from Balzar design, along with gold Heidi Swapp spray ink.

 I hand fashioned the bird myself, with an idea from Pinterest. I used Tim Holtz ink with the sponge applicators to color-my colors were Concord Grape, Dried Marigold, and Tumbled Glass. My pen was a Pitt Pen from Faber Castell. Eventually I traced around the branch and colored with my CTMH Metallic Markers inside.

After this my phone was forgotten. In the top right I used the Rose and Peach Heidi Swapp sprays to add color. The paper along my page is Basic Grey's Sweet Thread's line. This is retired, but it is part of the "Best Of" Collection at Hobby Lobby.

 Later at home I added the quote and did some stamping. I really struggled along with right side, and have at least 5 things underneath that I hated and covered up. It was oozing gelatos, modeling paste, spray ink, and gesso at different points this weekend.

 When all was said and done I really like this canvas. I plan to do the second canvas that coordinates next month. We had some friends who wanted to join this month who could not. So we are going to continue the fun!

I just love the fun spring colors on my canvas! I decided to stop while I was happy, and not keep adding more details that might change my mind. Here's to going to work tomorrow, this teacher is ready to be back in the classroom.