I'm Starting to get the Hang of This!

It was a quiet winter in my Etsy Shop so to stir up sales I decided to try my hand at making mixed media canvases. I thought it would make a nice change from the scrapbook albums and altered items. After much research I loaded up with ideas, mixed media products and canvases.  Then just when I get started BAM - the albums started selling again. Murphy's Law! So, after finishing another canvas it is time to restock my shop and get started on a custom scrapbook order. Before that though, I want to share my canvas with you. I'm getting a bit braver - this one is 12x12 in size.

I used Prima Colour Bloom sprays in Tangerine, Peony, Guilded and Gold Foil to create the background. It looks a brighter orange in the photo but is more of a salmon colour. While the sprays were out (if you do not have Color Blooms RUN do not walk to your nearest scrapbook store to get them!)  I gathered some flowers and covered them with gesso. The colour does not matter as they will be painted so pick ones that you are likely not to use (a good way to use up stash). Once the gesso dries spray some of each  colour on a plate or whatever and paint flowers - or spray! I also covered felt leaves and small rosebuds with gesso and painted in blues and greens.  While these were drying I used texture paste to make a brick background. Once dry (I'm impatient so I used a heatgun) I dabbed the bricks with 2 shades of Ingveld Bolme chalk edgers. After adding gesso and ink to a chipboard fence I  attached this over some stenciled cobblestone and Graphic 45 Secret Garden paper then adhered the flowers. A girl  fussy cut from the paper overlooks the garden.

At the top I stencilled a tree branch and birdcage using a Crafters Workshop stencil. I added  a 3D Copper colour dimension paint to the birdcage as well as a bit of green Stickles to the leaves to give them  a bit of shimmer.

Handmade butterflies from Angellica Fransens Etsy Shop (see blog on right hand margin)

flutter about with a rhinestone trail (Zva Designs).

I hung a metal key on a blue ribbon to replicate the one in the picture.

I wanted to give the option of adding your own (6x6) photo or using the 'Secret Garden' picture. So a photo can easily be slipped onto the pic using it as a mat. Underneath it simply says 'love' in painted wood.

And speaking of love, I really loved doing this. It presented me with new challenges and techniques - some that I just may need to use in creating new albums!

Have a great week!