A Step in My Evolution

Dear Reader,

I have been stamping off and on for more than a decade.  I am not always sure it shows.  I am still finding my voice.  I have a lot to improve on although this is a good thing as I have so much more to learn and new places to venture.  

Working with paper wings productions stamps has really made me branch out and try new things.  Some work out and others are...a step in my evolution.  I recently created a 12x12 mixed media canvas using some adorable paper wings productions stamps:

Prince by handmade by Lissie girl

Princess by handmade by Lissie girl

And these trees that I love:

Howlin' For You by Rag & Bones Studio

I also used the lines from this stamp set (I have been using them a lot):

Hanging Stars by Fine & Fancy

I used a lot of patterned paper on this one in addition to the stamps.  All of the background paper and stars come from various Studio Calico patterned papers along with the castle and the crowns.  The Prince and Princess and horse drawn carriage are from 6x6 paper pads: Paper Heart by Crate Paper (gorgeous collection that I still love); Kissing Booth by Basic Grey and Madison Avenue of Lost & Found by My Mind's Eye.  Any coloring in came from Copic markers.  The paint is all acrylic.  The detailed marker is a black Precision Pen (outlining the scallop border for instance) from American Crafts which worked well over the dry paint.

I need to say I used matte Multi-Medium by Claudine Hellmuth Studio by Ranger for the first time to adhere the pieces of pattern paper to the canvas and it worked like a dream.  I am sold.

For more instructions and details check out this post HERE.

Is it a success?  Sort of.  Would I change some things?  Yes and maybe I will.  

Do you also evaluate your projects to gauge what needs improvement?  What was the last project you sighed with a sense of well-being about?

As always your time and attention are greatly appreciated!

Shay.

Flashy: April's ATC

Dear Reader,

Real life has gotten in the way of blogging.  I have been making art, but also indulging in other hobbies.  I recently read the Hunger Games trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed the books which I am still digesting (I can't wait until my sister finishes them up so we can fully discuss them).  When I picked up the trilogy I also bought a much desired copy of "The Muppets".  Everything about this movie brings me joy from the Muppets themselves, to the humor, to the human actors, and most especially the music (how I miss Flight of the Conchords!, but "Man or Muppet" is an amazing song and I sing it all the time).  Sometimes it is a blessing to be reminded of childhood loves.

Anyway, I thought I would share with you a picture of the ATC I made last night for today's trade.  If you happen to be trading with me look away!  The theme I chose to sign up for this month was sparkle.  This meant I found some glittered paper, got out my stickles, shine Mister Huey's by Studio Calico and some gems.  I of course wanted to also use paper wings productions stamps.  This time it was the Polaroid camera from Vintage Technology by handmade by Lissie girl along with the frame from Day Framer and the "smile" from Life Framer.

One last thing: how would you like a chance to win a stamp set of your choice from paper wings productions?  Enter by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. (central time) HERE. 

Happy creating,
Shay.

Dramatic Frida

Dear Reader,

If anyone is trading ATCs with me this evening, please ignore this post for the time being.  This month's themes were No Tim Holtz (we all happen to use a lot of Tim Holtz product so this was a challenge theme) or Theatre.  I chose to sign up for the Theatre theme.

There happens to be a stamp set from Paper Wings Productions that is perfect for the Theatre theme.  Frida Por Vida as drawn by the fabulously talented Liz Balderas of handmade by Lissie girl happens to have a Frida I fell in love with along with two panels of curtains--I could not have asked for anything better.  I stamped the curtains on a subtle red patterned paper by My Mind's Eye and then colored in the rope with a gold pen.  To the curtain I added a strip of scalloped punched matching patterned paper.  Ms. Frida was stamped directly on the ATC and colored in with Copics along with the row of flowers at the bottom.  Masking off Frida and her birdie friend, I added some Distress Inks in scattered straw and antique linen to the background (obviously I didn't do the No Tim Holtz theme).

I hope you like the dramatic Ms. Frida taking a turn walking the boards.  I think she would have been captivating.

Happy creating,
Shay.