What do you do when you have four Zoom calls in one day? How can you work on anything else? One idea is to work on a project that requires multiple breaks, e.g., drying time intervals.
That's what I did yesterday. :) I've had this idea for a while and never found time to implement it. I got my supplies together when I looked at my calendar and saw how many Zoom calls I had.
The fabric is from a pair of pants I used to wear. The elastic was worn out. I could have replaced it if I were a seamstress, but sewing is not my jam. I cut two rectangle pieces from one of the legs. I knew I would cover them with tape so I did not have to be exact with my measurements.
It was easy to remove the front covers of the journals. I used pliers to help bend the spiral binder. I roughed up the journal covers with a sandblock as they were very slick. After sanding, I wiped them with a damp cloth to remove all the debris. Both these journals are Strathmore Mixed Media.
Next, I added gesso (Utrecht) with a sponge and jumped on my first call. I didn't add much gesso to the center as I planned for the fabric to cover that area.
By the time that call finished, the journals were dry. I applied a flat acrylic paint (Golden SoFlat) for my base and then jumped on my second call.
After I got off that call, I used Elmer's glue to adhere the fabric, pulling it to lay flat. I laid down washi tape for a clean border, as well as hold the fabric down, and then jumped on my next call.
After that call was complete, I applied a coat of Liquitex gloss medium and varnish over each cover (the whole cover) and jumped on my last call for the day. After that call, I ate dinner and then came back to apply one more coat of varnish. After letting them dry overnight, I reassembled my journals first thing this morning. I just love how they turned out!
Today I'm sharing three journals I painted for the conference vendor fair I did last weekend.
But first, I want to let you know that tomorrow is the last day to sign up for Sarah's class!
I’ve been taking classes from Sarah for the last two years and love her teaching style. She breaks information into understandable blocks. I learned Ps and worked independently to clean up my artwork and complete patterns. I highly recommend Sarah, so much so that I became an affiliate to help share information about the class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! I'd be happy to share my experience.
Now onto the journals!!
This painting adventure started as a request. In June, I spoke at one of Dr. Carmen's Zoom events about the different ways to journal and the benefits of journaling. She saw a journal I made for myself and loved the look of it. Last weekend I attended a Women's Conference in Lansing, Michigan, hosted by Dr. Carmen, who asked me to make a journal as a giveaway during the conference. I had so much fun making it I made a couple more to sell at my vendor table.
I love using disc journals! There are a host of paper designs you can order, plus you can purchase a punch and put in whatever type of paper you want. You can move your papers around. I ordered the journal covers from Amazon and added a variety of papers - lined, graph, storyboard, blank, to-do lists, hot pressed, and bristol. Most papers are from Levenger, where I first got hooked on disc journals.
I used paint mediums and sealers before and after painting and various acrylic paints from my stash.
I love the look of creating layers that build upon each other.
Shout Out: Dr. Carmen Thomas, who leads Transformation GEMS, a 501c3 Public Charity, focuses on the engagement, education, and empowerment of women passionate about starting a business, sustaining a business, empowering communities, and creating legacies while eliminating poverty.
Today I'm sharing my art piece for another #100daysofStencilGirl day.
This was an easy and fun way to mass-produce ATCs. Stencils are so much fun to work with!
To see many ideas for using stencils, check out the hashtag #100daysofstencilgirl.
I used a Tulip sponge to apply acrylic paint and inks through the stencil Couture ATC Patterns L916 for the background, designed by me. If you want a sharp image, sponge off excess paint for a dry brush technique. If you want a painterly/blurry image, do not sponge off. The harder you press, the more the paint will spread under the stencil. You may want to practice a few times to find the balance of paint and pressure.
After the background dried, I painted flowers on each card.
After the flowers dried, I added black outlines and dots in the centers to make the flower colors pop.
Is it spring yet?! Where are you, sister?! I needed warmth and recently took a flower painting class with Christie Herrmann Hawkins. I came out of the class with an acrylic and a watercolor version of bold blooming flowers.
acrylic watercolor
I am a lifelong learner with many classes on my list. I love checking out new teachers, exploring new techniques, getting various tips and tricks from multiple people, and then see how I can fit them into my style. I’m partial to the black outline, just a smidge. Painting with Christie @thesocialeasel brought back warm memories of watching Carol DuVall back in the day before YouTube - does anyone remember Carol?! Priscilla Hauser was a frequent guest, and I loved her decorative art paintings. That’s the first place I remember seeing a black outline of painted flowers. I took a photo of the piece before I added the black line.
Which style do you prefer, white outline (yesterday’s post), black outline, or no outline?
Shout Outs: Christie is a lovely teacher. Austin Kleon, Author of Steal Like an Artist. I read Austin's book once a year.
Sales are everywhere and I'm sharing our StencilGirl® sale!! Get your your wish list together. It starts December 1st!!
I'm also sharing this journal cover I made featuring a couple of my stencils - I Get to Choose L648 and Brush Alphabet L645 and this lovely image by Art Impressions called Main Squeeze. Unfortunately, AI does not sell it anymore, however some retail stores may have it, or you may be able to get it on Ebay.
Sometimes I get full at work...in life. I need little reminders to help me remember to take care of myself while I'm busy working my lists (yes, I'm a list person and quite proud of it! :) )
My surface is the cover of a spiral note book. I had previously written the subject of the contents on it in black marker - of course, that was much too plain. After creating a boarder with some low tack tape, I used an old credit card to spread thick gesso over it, not making it smooth on purpose. I wanted lots of texture on this cover! For even more texture, I took a piece of bubble wrap and dabbed around the page and spritzed the surface with isopropyl 91% alcohol in random spots - just to see how the surface responds when I added acrylic paint.
I poured paint directly on the dried surface in a similar pattern to my inspiration piece.
I spread the color around with a paint brush, a sponge and my fingers. I realized I had way too much paint - oops! I started dabbing off, then thought oh! I could "kiss" a journal page and pick up all that rich color. So, that's what I did - I laid a piece of hot pressed watercolor paper from one of my journals and rubbed it like it was on top of my gelli plate. I actually got two pages of color! I used a sponge to spread the remaining paint around and blend. It was then I noticed all the texture. I also noticed some cool designs that formed. I think that may have been where I spritzed the alcohol.
Next I stamped my image and filled in the shape with gesso. I used an old stubby brush to make sure the texture continued. After the first coat dried, I painted a second and let that dry completely.
I used a stamp positioner to stamp the image on top of the gesso and painted her with paint pens. After she dried, I inked up just her face features and stamped them in, again using the stamp positioner to get her features in the right spot. As a final touch, I added meaningful words as my reminders. "Today I am living life" and "self care."
I don’t know what it is about faces! I just find joy in painting them 😊. One thing I heard from @janedavenport ...”let ‘s see who falls out.” Which was so freeing for me. I don’t have to get the exact face that’s in my mind,I can just enjoy the process! Woohoo! I am! Hehehe .
I laid down the face basic shape.
And, then just embraced the journey, through the ugly stages, boo-boos and adjustments - all of it!
Hello Beautiful and welcome! You have arrived at the StencilGirl® Creative Team’s Spectacular Squared-Off Swap Hop.
My piece of art work incorporates beautiful design papers created by some of my StencilGirl® creative sisters: Tina, Claudia, Katie, and Sunila&Aditi!
Before sharing the tutorial, let's talk about your chance to win!!
The more blogs you comment on the more chances you have a chance to win one of four $25 gift certificates for stencils from StencilGirl® Products. Comment by May 3, 2019. Winner notified by email May 6th.
Here are the original lovely design pieces I received.
I painted the piece in an art journal that I transformed form a large paperback booklet. I created the journal for a Jane Davenport workshop - Express Yourself. I've been doing my workshop homework in this journal, as well as my homework for another workshop I'm taking - Ady Almanza's Dark is beautiful painting workshop. Below is a painting I did on the cover (inspired by Ady).
This particular face started our as home work for Ady's class. I had previously created the outline.
As I thought about how to use the papers, her hair came to mind - a collage of the papers would give her hair texture, fabulous color and volume. I tore the four designs into smaller pieces and adhered them to my page. I love how the designs add interest and depth to her big hair.
After everything dried, I used color pencils to fill in gaps and used the background paint to remove the black outline.
Next, I sketched in her face with a white pencil and used acrylic paint to add in some highlights, fill in a base coat for her flower and clothing... and here we have "the ugly" stage - or should I say "one of."
After that, it was all about the details - buildings layers, adding highlights and shadows, and of course covering up what I didn't like and re-painting. 🙂So easy to do with acrylic/mixed media supplies.
There's just something about putting color on a page that makes my heart smile and I find a sense of peacefulness. Sometimes I find there's just too much noise coming at me - news, new information, old information, chattiness, my own thoughts, etc... I need to make time to allow my senses to rest...
I am so drawn to faces - big eyes... luscious lips. What makes your heart smile?
This month's theme is "Artful Celebrations." When I think of "artful," which I looked up, it inspired me to create a piece of art inspired by Street Art.
This month's theme is "Gratitude." The Creative Team is sharing some diverse projects! I have a different way of thinking about gratitude. As I was creating this post, the scripture of the day was from James 1:2-3
Trials and temptations 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
This month's theme is "Stored in My Studio – Stencils & Then Some". The Creative Team is sharing their spaces and organizational tips! My blog post involves alcohol... alcohol ink that is. I’m sharing a video with an idea for how to add pops of color to your space, how I refreshed a found item in a second had store, as well as a tour and some organization tips. Here's a little peek:
Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project(s) and a link to the video.
This month's theme is "Favorite Craft/Art Books". The Creative Team has been sharing some cool books and awesome techniques! My blog post involves glass... Here's a little peek:
The theme was a challenge for me as I have MANY favorites!! :)
Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project(s) and a link to a video.
To celebrate, I'm giving away stencils with my new designs!
For a chance to win:
Leave a comment on this post and tell me how you would use the stencils in your artwork.
Leave the comment before June 21st noon USA Eastern time.
I'll pick 3 comments at random (2 USA, 1 outside USA) to receive one large and one small stencil.
Please be sure to include your email address.
I'll post the winners on my blog on June 22nd and also send email.
Enjoy reading through the comments to see all the creativity from around the world!
Now to tell you about the stencils and my artwork today!
I was inspired to create a brush alphabet and fun/positive words stencils because of how versatile letters are. Brush letters add flavor and style to any piece of art work. Letters can be used soft and subtle in the background, they can be used as elements in a focal point - they can be THE focal point! You can use the same letter over and over, or a group of letters that do not even spell a word, yet add interest to your art work. Plus, letters are just plain fun and part of our every day life!
Below is a two-page spread I created - can you feel her confidence!?
Before I get into the step-out tutorial, a video is available for you to see ideas and projects using the stencils.
Now for the step-out tutorial! In my Strathmore 400 Series mixed media journal I started with scribble writing using a Sakura clear gel pen. After it dried, I colored the two page layout with Distress Oxide Inks - direct to paper and also using a round blending tool. Since it was my first layer, I was not too concerned about how smooth or blended it was - just getting down some color.
Next I spritzed water to get that very cool effect that the Oxide inks make. I also used a baby wipe over my Brush Alphabet stencil (L645) to remove color and allow the letters to show through - this technique works best on darker colors.
For the next layer, I used Kristie's Diamond Dot stencil (L539) and a stencil brush to start adding depth and interest with the same three Oxide ink colors.
Added splatters with watered down Silks shimmer acrylic paint - staying with the same color choice.
At this point, I wanted to add some contrast. Using a darker shade in same color family that I already have on the background, I laid down some color. I chose Golden Turquois... so pretty! Before I added color, I added texture. I spritzed Distress Resist Spray in a couple areas through the Diamond Dot stencil (L539). I knew where I wanted my focal point, so I sprayed away from that area. NOTE: Be sure to spray inside a box or contained area and wash your stencil and any tools the spray touches with soap and water right away. The spray is a glue and will stick to everything it touches.
After the spray dried, I lightly stippled and swirled Turquois with a stencil brush over the resist spray. I also added color in other areas through the stencil. I brought in Golden Titan Buff and add a little more color with Oxide inks. I'm still following along in my color scheme.
Now to rough in my focal point - a face, Karen's Cool Attitude Large L613. I think she is fabulous - so confident! I used Golden Burnt Sienna - a darker color so I could easily see the image over my light backgroud. Since I had a lot of area to cover, I broke out my Smudgee to to apply the paint. I drew in a little face detail with a color pencil to envisioning her features and thinking about how I wanted to paint them in.
I started with her hair. To give it some texture, I combined Dylusions (thicker paint) black marble and Tourquois and used a paintbrush, picking up lots of paint and applied over the stenciled area. I filled in the gaps with Turquois. I added highlighted curls of black, Tourquois and Titan Buff with a little wooden stick.
Next I blocked in color in her face - not adding much detail yet, just getting mid tones and shadows in. I used Golden Yellow Ochre and Burnt Sienna for her skin tone.
I know what you're thinking...I covered up all the beautiful features of her face! No worries - one of the wonderful benefits of stencils is that you can lay the stencil back down in place and add back in her features. Please stay with me through the ugly stage! I'm trusting the process of building layers and imaging what could be...
After that layer dried, I smoothed out the color in her face with a mixture of the Yellow Orchre and Burnt Sienna , and also added some highlights and shadows. At this point, I thought she should have a scarf and I also decided to color her whole head of hair with texture. I'm just going with the flow of my mojo.
I also added words to melt into the background. Placement is so easy with stencils because you can see thorough the stencil to align!
For the impact words, I added a phrase from my These Jeans stencil (L647), coloring in with a Sharpie. I believe this is how we all should feel!
TIPS/Suggestions on using Alphabet/word stencils:
when applying paint, use a dry brush or dry sponge and dab off most of the paint to get crisp lines. If you want a different, more painterly look, use a slightly damp brush or sponge - totally up to you, go for the look you want.
press the stencil firmly to the surface and follow along the letters just as you would if you were writing the words with your handwriting - as with all stencils, be mindful of the tiny bridges that make the connections for the stencil.
use a thin paint brush or same color marker to connect the letters to each other to make them look seamless
if needed, smooth the letters with a thin paint brush or the same color marker
for words/phrases "in the center of an area," count the letters and start in the middle. I actually write them down so I don't get lost along the way. hehehe
for words ending at a specific place, start at the end of the word
I encourage you to take your time, just like with hand brush lettering
have fun!
Here's a photo of the supplies I used during my detail stage, in addition to the supplies I listed above:
Shout Outs: Sending a big THANK YOU and hug to Carol at StencilGirl® Products who is awesome! The background techniques were inspired by one of Vickki's wonderful videos.
I made this piece without paintbrushes and I am digging all that texture!
To apply gesso and color, I used a hotel card key, a palette knife, and sponges. The hardest part was waiting in between layers. I outlined the little bird with a black Pitt artists pen and filled in color with a tooth pick. After I finished, walked away to let it dry. When I came back, I found my favorite part is the texture is my path - will never achieve that with a paintbrush. hehehe
Shout Out:Michelle Turbide, awesome teacher - she really made me think about my process of creating! This lovely scene was inspired by her lesson in Wanderlust 2018 this month.
Sharing a layout in my art journal that is full with depth and color. I started this layout during the 2017 StencilGirl & Friends Art Journal Affair retreat at Kristin's Place - Ephemera Paducah!
Ephemera Paducah is an art studio and workshop space located in Paducah, Kentucky.
I had so much fun in each teacher's class and the evening events!
Back to the journal page... I added a base of color and marks to the background in Traci's class. When I received my new paints and inks from her line I thought what better place to get to know them than on this layout. As I was playing on the page, my December StencilClub package arrived - designed by Seth! I used the large and medium stencils on the pages. I love to incorporate faces in my art work and am always inspired by Pam's artwork so of course, there are faces - the profile is from Seth's stencil. I created those cool sketchy, dimensional circles using a technique I learned from MaryBeth.
I really dig the way the acrylic paint and ink layer, resist, integrate and play. So cool!!
Allison and I had the most wonderful time #AtTheImprov with MaryBeth Shaw (MB), Seth Apter and a room full of talented artists!
MB, Allison, me, Seth
A couple years ago Allison and I attended a workshop with MaryBeth and Seth at Mary Beth's studio in St. Louis and had a great time. Please click here to see the photos. We had the opportunity to do it again this past weekend. We spent our days in MaryBeth's Studio and our evenings at the cutest hotel. Words cannot express all the awesome moments of the weekend. Sharing a few photos to show how special it was for me.
There were lots of demos with cool techniques from Seth & MB.
Seth getting a little help - some techniques need multiple hands!
Me and Mary Nasser (awesome artist AND wonderful teacher)!
Allison in her creative groove.
Allison's beautiful art pieces and collaged journal cover
One of my favorite new techniques - alcohol inks dripped on metal sheets - die cut by Seth.
My journal and two canvases. I asked for tips, techniques and input from MB and Seth!! Ohhh, how I enjoyed the whole process!
Another favorite technique I learned involved fiber paste and yes, I have ordered some. :) I made this real cool texture with the paste and a stencil and then dripped Golden fluid and high flow acrylics over it.
I caught Seth working on his own piece of beautiful art.
Here are my absolute favorite two pieces from the workshop!
The one on the right is from a fun exercise the whole class participated in. We each got a piece of paper and put our name on the back, then we passed it around the room and every single person put some type of mark/stamp/stencil/drawing/etc... It's special because we each touched it. I'm putting mine in my journal!
The canvas on the left was used by Seth to show us attachment techniques - it has holes and a few splatters. After I add my contribution - color - to the piece, it will be a collaboration between Seth and me. LOL! A very special piece from the workshop!
The next several photos capture the theme of where we stayed, The Moonrise Hotel. The theme, decor and artwork was just so cool, and the food was delicious! Small warning - it is right next to a club and you'll hear lots of music, as well as you can hear your neighbors. That aside, we really enjoyed it! We knew it was going to be a fabulous weekend when we saw our room number - the street number of our first home.
My attempt at a selfie. Hehehe
Allison's selfie. Much better - in focus, includes entire faces, and she even added hearts!
Check out all the little things that make the hotel so cool...
Even the bathroom tissue was wrapped in cool artwork.
After I got home I hung up my artwork in my creative space (I keep looking at it and smiling).
On the first day, as we went around the room introducing ourselves, I wrote down each name. I just adhered the piece of paper in my journal from the first MB/Seth workshop, next to the names from the first class. I'll also put the class art piece in that journal. Ahhhhh, what a lovely, fun group.
Shout Out:Allison, MB, Seth, and all the lovely women I spent the weekend with - Thank you for a very special weekend in my life!
All the Images and Text on this site are owned by the original creator, Trena Brannon. Please do not copy or use anything without asking permission. These projects and stories are shared for inspirational use only. Designs may not be copied for the purpose of publication or contest submissions. Thank you for your support!
I added a base of color and marks to the background in 
