Monday 6 August 2012

Paint It Up. . . . . .

The challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show this week is to use paint. I'm really starting to love using acrylic paints and recently I made a mini canvas for a swap with some crafty friends. I used a combination of paints, spray inks, chalky ink and metallic paste to create my little canvas - with a little bling thrown in for good measure!

The theme for the canvas was nature and I had to go with flowers as I love using them in a rather grungy way. I included die cut flowers, a flourish (cut up a little)  and some texture paste through a stencil. See if you like what I made:

The completed canvas.
These are the elements used: mini canvas prepared with stuck on die cut flourish parts, texture paste flowers and colour created from gesso, acrylic washes and dylusion inks. The flowers at the bottom are die cut and  some have been glued together to give a little more depth.

The die cuts were glued on and the texture paste was added through a dylusion stencil.You can see that several layers of paint and ink have been applied to achieve the multi coloured background! Once dry, metallic paste was added randomly to edges and some flat surfaces in the design. You may also see a slight shadow around the die cut - this was achieved using a graphite stick and later some exposed areas were shaded using the stick in a subtle way.


You can see that this die cut flower was sprayed with dylusion ink, stamped with chalky ink and metallic paste was added roughly to the edges. The flower petals were manipulated with a paintbrush handle to give them some dimension before they were glued on. Stick on gems in toning colours were added for the centre of each flower.

The smaller flowers were all constructed using the method outlined above although not all  were stamped. I like the way the texture paste adds detail and dimension to the background.
Hope you like this little piece - I do seem to be using these colours a lot lately but I  love them!! I'll have to put them to the back of the drawer and make myself use something else! Thanks for visiting and a big hello to my new followers: I will visit you to say hello, just give me a little time to get there!  

A Little Extra Post 

Can I also share some images of a gorgeous little envelope that dropped on my mat a few weeks ago? My beloved moggy Frankie was diagnosed as having some kind of bone marrow problem and it would seem that he wouldn't last out the week - I'm pleased to say he's still with us and amazingly seems a bit better! My blog friend Alie from Holland knew of this so sent me a little something to cheer me up - people are so kind and even though I've only been blogging since January 2012 I feel that I have made some really lovely friends. Alie is incredibly talented and creative and if you don't know her work yet I would suggest you pop over to her blog and have a look. Here's the card and tag she sent me - even the envelope was decorated:

                                                                                      The gorgeous tag!!
Beautiful envelope and little card!




42 comments:

  1. Julia, what a great canvas! The use of colors and texture paste is so special, the flowers are so nice...you had attention for so many details! Lovely! Be proud of your talents :-)
    And wow, what a story about me *blush*...I had the feeling you could need a bit of simpatia..
    Thanks very much Julia!

    Greetings for now, Alie :-)

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  2. Your little canvas is adorable, I love the colours, too. And the pesents and love sent from Alie are just priceless! Enjoy! Valerie

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  3. So rich and colourful, it's wonderful, Julia! Here's wishing Frankie a speedy recovery.

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  4. What stunning colours and texture Julia - absolutely love this fabulous piece of artwork.
    How thoughtful of Alie to send such a beautiful gift - love the tag!
    Sylvia x

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  5. What a wonderful surprise to pop through your door and you're little canvas is wonderful too. Beautiful rich colours. xx

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  6. twos what a fabulous textural canvas. Love all the layers of colour. The dimension is fabulous as are the colours. Love the touches of gold. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x

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  7. Your Canvas is gorgeous, love the textures & colour. The gift from the talented Alie is awesome as well. Have a great week, Shirleyx

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  8. I haven't seen anything quite so amazing in some time how beautiful!
    Thanks for inspiring the blogging world!

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  9. Your canvas is stunning! I would love to jump into mixed media, but keep dragging my feet! I love the vibrant colors and the flowers are gorgeous! Such a sweet gesture from your blogging friend too! Hope Frankie is feeling much better soon! I grew up with a gray kitty and have quite a soft spot for them! He is quite handsome!

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  11. Awesome canvas with all its texture, golden accents and gorgeous colors. And the post ... well I just know Alie does gorgeous and stunning things :-) You're lucky to have received such great post. All the best for Frankie from me too.
    Suzanne

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  12. Sumptuous canvas Julia :) and what a lovely talented friend you have that duck is so appealing :)
    Von ♥

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  13. What a lovely little canvas. I love the colours and the textures and the little flowers remind me of porcelain flowers. Thank you for your kind comments on my Pan Pastel post and I send my best wishes to little Frankie.

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  14. Very very nice litlle canvas Julia with really beautiful colors.
    Als the gift yiu recieved is very very nice.

    Greetings Janny

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  15. Your little mini canvas is awesome. I love the deep, rich colors you got with using acrylic paints! I also love the gold highlights. That gold metallic paint always adds so much to a piece. Thanks for sharing your work with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy

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  16. Canvas is very interesting and the paste makes for a great dimensional flower. Hope frankie is doing well, know just how you feel.

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  17. I'm so sorry to hear about Frankie, but glad to know that she is doing better! (((hugs))) Loved your canvas too, with all those yummy layers! The touch of gold is perfect! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

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  18. yum yum yum, totally scrumptious canvas.

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  19. I love your blog! Can't wait to work with you at ABAC!

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  20. And to think that little canvas is mine all mine now! Stunning piece of work - love it.

    Cassidy

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  21. Love the colours and the texture on the canvas awesome ( as my son would say!)and yes blog friends are amazing- think it's because we're all on the same wavelength!! x

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  22. So fantastic, wonderful colors and texture.

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  23. Hi Julia, thanks for dropping by. I am just getting my blog email sorted ( too many emails, passwords, numbers some days) so that I can get to meet you all. It is very exciting to be doing something a whole lot different!
    Now to your art today. I like the colours and the way it has blended so well - gotta get some Dylusions sprays love the fuschia, which has popped the flowers and swirls beautifully.

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  24. Hi Julia, your canvas art is gorgeous ! I love the colours, texture and your design. What a beautiful tag that the talented Alie sent to you ! Have a great day, Shirleyx

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  25. Hi again, just realized that commented twice, oh dear, rushing too much :) Love this piece ! x

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  26. Beautiful canvas, I love the colours and texture. Thank you for your kind comment on my blog, much appreciated. x

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  27. Ooh how gergeous this is! I love colours you've chosen, you alway put so much detial.

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  28. Beautiful, Julia! Love how you've blended and built up the colors between washes and sprays.... really fabulous and rich!

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  29. It is gorgeous Julia! You choose really nice colours and texture is amazing!
    Also Alie`s tag is gorgeous...I am going sneak around her blog! Everything best to Frankie!

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  30. Fab canvas Julia!! Love that colour scheme you've got there!!! xx

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  31. Wonderful to hear that your friend is doing better! Your canvas is stunning and I love those vibrant colors and layers of goodness! How sweet to receive such thoughtful mail! Have a great day!

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  32. Hi Julia, Of course I don't mind (as long as it's not better than mine!)
    Seriously though, I am pleased that I have given you some inspiration and I take that as a compliment.
    Love the canvas you have made, the texture and colours are stunning.
    Glad your little moggy is doing well.
    Avril xx

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  33. Completely fantastic canvas! The colours and the textures are amazing, and the gilding takes it onto a whole other level. How lovely of Alie, and what a work of art (her work is so amazing, isn't it?). Do hope your pusscat continues to hold his own. - Oh and I'm following you right back on the strength of this one fabulous canvas. Will be back to explore more post-wedding!
    Alison x

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  34. Oh Julia. Your canvas is absolutely stunning. My favourite colours too! Love the goldiness on there.
    Lovely of Alie to send you that card and tag. Sorry to hear about your cat. My dog Dobby sends a lick!
    Thanks for visiting me this morning. I was taken aback when I saw your message so had to look on SSSS - this has made my Friday!
    Hugs xxx

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  35. Your canvas is so fab! Love the images underneath all the fabulous color! The gold touches really transform it! It's bright and fun! Love your cute little gift as well. Hope kitty is better!

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  36. Gorgeous colors and the textures just make it all pop. Beautiful!

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  37. Wow Julia...congrats with your top 3 at SSSS!!! Great :-))))

    greetings, Alie :-)

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  38. WooHoo!!! We made Top 3 at SSS&S!!!!! Huge congrats hun. You SO deserve it.
    Hope Frankie is still doing ok? Hugs, Buttons x

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  39. This is GORGEOUS! I love love love the deep, rich colours and all the texture. Congrats on your top 3 at SSS&S. Hope your moggy is doing okay.

    Ali

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  40. Congratulations again Julia! Your canvas is beautiful - love the colours and what you've done with the texture paste. Elizabeth xx

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  41. Wow this is fabulous. So much color and texture.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Juliax