Excited to share my art journal cover!

After I did my first beeswax experiment I had the idea to use some of the same colors and techniques for my art journal cover. I've been working on it here and there and finally completed the front cover. I purchased this book at a thrift store it's approx 8 1/2 X 11. I thinned it so I wouldn't end up with a monster journal that's impossible to work in (been there done that). I covered it with black gesso, then dictionary paper then a white wash of gesso. After that I used stamps, Tim Holtz distress inks, paint, gesso and a couple embellishments to get the look I was after. If you like this look check out a Youtube video by RachO113 called Beeswax Tag(there's 3 parts). Even if you plan on never using beeswax the video is worth watching also check out her other video's too she's amazing!

Got my little crock pot plugged in...yeah!

I want to finish my little petite doll so I bought a mini crock pot for $5 @ Goodwill. The challenge came with trying to get a chunk of wax cut off that would fit. I ended up boiling some water putting the knife in to heat it up. I got a couple inches in & was able to whack it against the counter to brake it loose. I'm not sure how long this will take but I'll have reference for the future.  I'm so excited to get some wax on her! Hoping it turns out as great as I think it will...

Gotta tell you about my recent book purchase!

I ordered Journal Spilling by Diana Trout....wow! I'm having so much fun reading and trying some of her lessons out. I have watercolor crayons and watercolors but I haven't used them much. I love growing my knowledge and realizing what both products can do. I'm working on a page that's confronting my inner critic. I like doing the spill writing and just letting words go. It's very freeing! Part of the lesson is making a sort of self portrait, it's pretty rough right now but I think it will turn out ok. Even if it doesn't I'm learning that's just fine. I'm doing it and that's what matters!! If you have a art journal or you've thought about creating/making one I highly recommend this book. I've had my art journal for several months now and this book has truly inspired me to take it further. I've also learned a few things that I want to try to incorporate in my canvases. ~Peace

I've been busy with life!

These past few weeks have been crazy. Migraines & icky viruses but I'm trying to get back to my art.
Thanks to Suzy Blu (again I can't say enough good things about her Mixed Media Girls book) I've been playing with wax. I'm so loving how it looks the wax adds such a great finish and it smells wonderful!  For a test run I started with a 6x6 piece of paper, covered it with book paper used distress inks stamps & paint. I can use this on a canvas or put it in my art journal, I haven't decided. I bought an old iron at a local craft store and a block of wax.  After working with the block I'd like to try wax pellets they might be easier to work with.  I'm currently working on a petite doll that I will seal with wax. She's not done yet but I'll include a couple picture anyways. I'm excited to see how she turns out.  I'll post the finished canvas soon....

Women's retreat 2013

I learned a lot this weekend. The big ones are not to stress about how things will turn out and to go with the flow. I had plenty of stuff that's for sure! We had barely enough room to fit my daughter in the car and that's no joke!  I was expecting more people to participate but it turned out how it was suppose too. The point of the weekend was to do what you needed for yourself, make connections and have fun. Everyone did, so I couldn't ask for more.  I stayed up till 3am the last night completing a canvas that summed up our time there. I think this is my favorite canvas so far! I love how it turned out...

Working my buns off!

Getting ready for the Women's Retreat boy I have a lot to do. I'm trying to stay focused & get it done hate having a mad rush at the end. This is my front cover for my first sample signature. Showing tape transfers, bubble wrap stenciling, washi tape, stamping and a cute little fur baby inspired by the Suzi Blu book.  Gotta get back to work!

Have you ever wanted to draw faces in your mixed media projects?

If the answer is yes you need to check out this book. Mixed Media Faces with Suzi Blu. Her instruction is wonderful and her advice on using graph paper to help get your proportions right is spot on. I've already made a couple parties of decent eyes! I have no idea if this will lead to using faces in my art but I'm having fun doing it. Do you have a favorite book your working with? If so leave a comment I'd love to know.