Stamping, Painting, & Coloring make me Giggle

Sale Starts Now!

Hello Beautiful!

I don’t want you to miss out on the biggest STENCIL SALE of the year.

Now is your chance to get 25% off of my stencils and all the stencils! Discount code to use at checkout: joy25.

If you buy 6 stencils of the sale size StencilGirl’s 10% everyday discount is automatically applied to those stencils.

But the best part is there are FREEBIES to be had!
$100+ Anniversary Stencil by Mary Beth Shaw
$300+ a StencilGirl Studio class by Mary Beth Shaw
Please note: Freebies are calculated after the discounts are applied.

You can take advantage of colossal stencil savings through 11:59 p.m. CST, December 1, 2020. *Some restrictions apply. SALE FAQ

Thank you for loving stencils like I love stencils!  Stencils add so much to your artwork!

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #paperartsy #sethapter #dylusions #blackjoural

Take Care and Stay Positive!

My StencilGirl® stencils are going on sale for Cyber Monday!

Hello Beautiful!

My StencilGirl® stencils are going on sale for Cyber Monday! This is the biggest sale of the year and the savings are huge. Fill your cart up at stencilgirlproducts.com.  Start, or update, your wishlist now! I updated mine. :).

Below is some artwork I created from my latest collection West African Symbols ATC Mixup - a collaboration with the fabulous Wendy Featherston.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #adikrasymbols #hope #understanding #wisdom #creativity #pastels #softpastels #dianetownsend #art #oilpastels #crayola #craypas #mungyo #onmydesk #art🎨  #stencils #strathmore #graytonepaper #legion #blackpaper

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

New West African Stencil Collection!

Hello Beautiful!

Today I'm sharing some exiting news that I've had to keep secret for several weeks - ohhh, that has been hard for me! :)

I have teamed up with the lovely and talented Wendy Featherston to create a stencil collection of Adinkra symbols.  Please visit our StencilGirl® Talk blog post  to see how we used the beautiful symbols and words! 

The stencils are now available at StencilGirl Products.. 

 

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #adinkra #stencils

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Artwork With Words and Sentiments - I'm Sharing at StencilGirl® Talk Today!

Hello Beautiful!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

It's all about how to use word/letter stencils in your artwork. 

Here's a little peek:  

Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project with step out photos, as well as other ideas. 

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #greetingcards #liquitex 
#marthastewart #goldenpaints #stencils #americana #folkart #pebeo #copicmarkers #sennelier #jacquard #pinata #rangerink #alcoholink #hydracolour #watercolor #rubbernecker #tombowdualbrushpens #pastels #dianetownes #oilpastels #crayola #panpastels #craypas #sharpie

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Rich Pigment Inks

Hello Beautiful!

Thank you for stopping by to visit. I hope you are finding moments of peace and joy throughout your day!

In this post, I'm sharing some beautiful colors....

I am diggin' Seth's pigment inks! When I get new art supplies, I have to get to know them - build a relationship with them. 😊

I usually start with swatching. I used StencilGirl® stencils to provide divided spaces for coloring. I added the rich colors of the inks right out of the bottle with the little brush that is attached to the tops. I colored on both white and black cardstock to see how the colors look. Aren't the colors beautiful?!  By doing this, I get a feel for how fluid or thick they are, the opacity,  if I need one coat or two, and if they blend nicely - which they do!  I also dig how they dry matte - except for the four metallic colors which are awesome on black!  I plan to use them for my greeting cards and in my art journaling - and I'm sure I'll find more uses for them. Right now I have a couple blank journal covers waiting for some splashes of color... 😉📚

#trenabrannonart #sethapter #pigmentinks #aladine #mft #cardstock #colorchart #ranger #fudeball #sakuragellyroll #colorwheel #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram 

Take Care and Stay Positive!

Huge Stencil Sale at StencilGirl®!

Hello Beautiful!

The  StencilGirl® sale starts today!!

Now is your chance to get my stencils on sale for 25% off!
 
Discount code to use at checkout:  cheers25.
 
If you buy 6 stencils of the sale size StencilGirl’s 10% everyday discount is automatically applied to those stencils.
 
But the best part is there are FREEBIES to be had!

• $100+ exclusive large stencil made only for this sale
• $300+ a StencilGirl Studio class
• $500+ original piece of art made by StencilGirl Founder, Mary Beth Shaw

Please note: Freebies are calculated after the discounts are applied.
 
You can take advantage of these colossal stencil savings through 11:59p.m. CST, December 3, 2019.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #sale #cybermonday

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Self Care Cover - A reminder to take care of myself

Hello Beautiful!

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."

 Shout Out: Dina Wakley for color inspiration - a Dina Wakley Media Printed Journal Band. I just love her choice of  bright, bold colors!

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #goldendpaints #goldenmediums #mixedmedia #acrylicpaints #artjournaling #art #sharpiewhitepen #dylusions #artimpressions #sale #cybermonday

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Rich Colorful Technique with Stencils

Hello Beautiful!

Today I'm sharing some one of my favorite techniques with stencils. I really dig the rich vibrant colors and interesting texture.

I am preparing for a Vendor Boutique  that will be held at the 2019 Transformation Conference - a Women's entrepreneurship event - in October and making greeting cards by the dozen. I am mass producing backgrounds. It's so easy to do with this technique. 

First, I picked out stencils, choosing designs that had some detail. 

I used gloss gel medium to provide texture and alcohol inks for the beautiful color. Scroll down to click on a link to a  step by step video I did.

 

I was first introduced to this technique by MaryBeth Shaw.  MaryBeth has so many cool ways to use stencils, as well as a variety of ways to add texture and interest in artwork. I love her workshops - online and in person!

All the stencils used are from StencilGirl®.  You can see a video of this technique here. 

 Shout Out: MaryBeth

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #ranger #jacquard #pinata #yupo paper #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Stencil Sale!

My stencils are on sale for the Summer Solstice!

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Save 21% off all* stencils

Use code: sol21 

Coupon code expires June 22, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time) USA

PLUS The 10% discount when you buy 6 stencils of the same size still applies!

Choose 1 FREE large stencil for every $100 spent (after discounts are applied). You MUST specify your choice(s) by L### (such as L048) in the comments section of the cart when you check out or it will be StencilGirl's choice. Sorry, no exceptions.

SHOP NOW: https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-trena-brannon-s/2068.htm

*Stencils only. Does not apply to DVDs, books, tools, wholesale orders, StencilClub, or gift certificates. The StencilClub exclusive monthly member discount does not apply.

have fun shopping!

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!!

The Spectacular StencilGirl® Squared Off Swap Hop - Big Hair

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 6^th.

Dots2Lines, Aditi & Sunila Mahajan

Natalie May 

Trena Brannon (me. hehehe)

Sandee Setliff

Kristin Peterson

Tina Walker

Claudia Neubacher

Katie Lamb

Jill McDowell

Kristin Williams

Debi Adams

Silvia Souza

Cheetarah Cheeda

Louise Nelson

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.

What emotion do you see on her face? 

 Shout Out: to wonderful artists that have shared their process and tips for drawing and painting faces - in classes, on blogs, and on youtube!  Just to name a few that I've learned from and inspire me: Dana C, Jane Davenport, Pam Carriker,  James Luke Burke, Ady Almanza, Zoe Hong, Danielle Mack, Gabrielle Brickey, Tamara Laport (Willowing), Christine Lorre'

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #stencils #mixedmedia #drawing #folkart #janedavenport #jdmm #paperartsy #sethapter #decoart #acyrlicpaint #artjournaling #tracibautista #collagepauge #drawingfaces #onmydesk  #carandache #sharpie #prisma #faberscastell #colorpencil #tombow #ohto #loewcornell #kingart #art🎨 #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Poetry - Sharing at StencilGirl® Today!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

This month's theme is "Poetry." Maya came to my mind! Her poem Phenomenal Woman inspired my art journal page.

Here's a little peek:  

Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project with step out photos.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #liquitex 
#decoart #goldenpaints  #artjournal #janedavenport #jdmm #sharpiewhitepen,  #fabercastell #bigbrush #tombowdualbrushpen #molowtow #phenomenal #phenomenalwoman

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Carry It - Sharing at StencilGirl® Today!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

This month's theme is "Carry It." As soon as I saw the theme, I knew what I wanted to create! :) 

Here's a little peek:  

Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project with step out photos.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #gelliarts #gellieplate #printmaking #liquitex 
#marthastewart #goldenpaints #paperartsy #stencils #pebeo #F&Wacrylicink #acrylicink #colorpencils #copicmarkers #windowtote 

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Food - Sharing at StencilGirl® Today!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

This month's theme is "Food." I had a tough time choosing a project due to the fact I love food! :) 

Here's a little peek:  

Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #liquitex 
#food #tablesetting #tropical #fun

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Artful Celebrations - Sharing at StencilGirl® Today!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

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. 

Here's a little peek:  

  

Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project with step our photos.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #liquitex 
#alphabetstencil #acrylicpaints #Golden acrylic #PamCarriker #acrylic #paint  #pebeo #sharpiemarkers #derwentgraphiklinepainter #JaneDavenport #JDMM acrylic pants #streetart #urbanstreetart

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Gratitude Art Journal - Sharing at StencilGirl® Today!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

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.

Here's a little peek:  

 
  

Please visit my post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog to see the the full project and a link to the video.

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #liquitex 
#alphabetstencil #techniquevideo #FabrianoArtisticoExtraWhite #WatercolorPaper #Strathmore #drawingpapertone #gray #Strathmoremixedmediapaper #Canvasfabric #DesignsbyRachelBeth #watercolors, #homemadewatercolors #DistressOxideink #StampinUp #ColourArte #acrylicpaints #Jacquard acrylic paints #Golden acrylic #Matisse #PamCarriker’s #sheercolours #acrylic #paint, #artalchemy #sparks acrylic paint  #Kuretake #Metallicmarker #Marabu #fineliner #fabercastell #BigBrush #Sakura #glazepen #Micron pen #Penteldualmetallicpen
#DanielSmith #transparent #white #watercolorground,#JaneDavenport #JDMM #Smudgee 

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Vibrant Stenciled Vase of Flowers

Hello Beautiful!

Today I'm sharing how I made this vibrant vase of flowers.  I'm working in my large Jane Davenport journal - that has fabulous paper to create on! It's a nice quality watercolor, hot pressed on one side and cold press on the other.

My first step was to spread Golden fiber paste with a palette knife through StencilGirl® Spring Flower Vase L406 stencil. NOTE: this was the first I used it and had not cut it out yet. I dig the little boarder that showed up - I think it adds interest.

After allowing the paste to dry completely, I wrote some words/thoughts with a Sakura clear glaze pen. The gel pen acts as a resist. I learned this cool technique from Pam Carriker at a retreat last year. After the words to dry completely, I spritzed the page with water and dropped color, dripping warm colors in the flowers and cool colors near the leaves.  I chose purple as the dominate color for the vase, dropping in some other colors and spritzing water to balance the page. I repeated the process until I was happy with the colors. For a couple highlights, I used Peerless transparent metallic gold.

 When I got too much color in any one area and lost the detail of the stencil design, I dabbed with a paper towel or baby wipe - which turned out to be so pretty! I will save and use for collage!

I thought I had the adjacent page protected, but the color spilled over, so I just went with it - spritzing and dripping more color, pulling in some interest by wiping away color through StencilGirl ® Swirl M197. Had a ball and my fingers got REALLY inky [insert joyful face!]. 

 Shout Out: MaryBeth Shaw for creating an awesome company that provides so many ideas for creating. I never know stencils could be so much fun! 

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl #stencils #mixedmedia #watercolor #artjournaling #art #onmydesk  #art #art🎨 #jdmm journal #drphilmartin #peerlesscolor #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

I'm Sharing at StencilGirl® Today - Stored in My Studio – Stencils & Then Some; Adding Pops of Color

Hello Beautiful!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

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.

 #trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #alcoholinks  #liquitex  #organization #ikea
#alphabetstencil #artsupplystorage #stencilstorage #techniquevideo

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

I'm Sharing at StencilGirl® Today - Painting on Glass

Hello Beautiful!

Today I'm sharing a post at the StencilGirl® Talk Blog!

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.

 Shout Out: Sherill Kahn,  Donna Dewberry, Donna Downey!

 #trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #goldendpaints  #liquitex  #art #paintingonglass

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Winner of Stencils!

Hello Beautiful People!

The winner is: Sharon

 Congratulations Sharon!! You will receive one of each! Your stencils will be shipped this week. I'm excited to see what you create with them.  Thank you for commenting! 

I apologize for the delay in posting. Our cable was accidentally cut a few days ago. The Cable guy came today - we were so happy to see him!! :)

#trenabrannonart #stencilgirl  #blogcandy

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

Light in the Middle of Color

Hello Beautiful People!

Do you like contrast? How do you use it? I really dig it and I'm learning to use it more.  For this layout I worked on the outer edges with vibrant color left the center light. I used one of the brush word stencils I designed for StencilGirl®.  I am just bubbling with joy and excitement as I'm typing this. 

  

 

In my Jane Davenport 9x6" journal, I put a strip of journal tape to protect the seam from liquid. I then laid down a thin layer of gesso and let it dry overnight.   I then stamped some of my hand-carved images in black. 

 

Next I added areas of resist with a stencil (SC-01-2016 Shaw) and light molding past.  NOTE: Be sure to clean your stencil and tools right away.  I use a soft brush and warm soapy water get all the paste off.

 

Now to add color!  I sprinkled colorbrusts and spritzed with water, allowing the colors to dry in between.  I used a white paint pen to add some white lines.  The flowers and bee (Stampin' Up! In Full Bloom -retired, can find used online) were stamped onto watercolor paper, sprinkled with clear embossing powder, and heat set. I then added sprinkles of the same colors that are in the background. After I spritzed water, I "kissed" the color rich piece of watercolor paper to a  journal page down to pick up the excess color - that will make a lovely background for a future design. I used a brush to paint more yellow into the bees and added sparkle 3D paint to their wings. I then cut out the pieces. 

 

 

The words are added with paint. To make the words crisp, I used the "dry brush" technique - only I didn't use a brush, I used a round blending tool. I dabbed most of the paint off and then dabbed the color into each letter. After the paint dried, I used Sharpies to complete some of the open spaces on the letters and add a white shadow to the letters in the darker color. 

I actually made the colorful background  a few months ago and had it as a draft post waiting for something else to finish it...I didn't know what, but I felt it needed something more.  Little did I know I would have the awesome opportunity to create brush word stencils for StencilGirl®!  You just never know what wonderful things are in store for you... I encourage you to continue doing what you have a passion for and know there's a connection out there somewhere just for you...

  Shout Out: to the talented woman on Youtube who inspired the techniques I used in this layout. It was a random mixed media video I saw and unfortunately I was not on my device so I do not have it my history.  If anyone knows that video (she used butterflies, where I used flowers), kindly include the link in the comments below this post. 

#trenabrannonart #janedavenport journal #stencilgirl #stampinup #goldendpaints #goldenmediums #utrecht gesso #mixedmedia #watercolor #rubberstamps #kenolivercolorburst #stazon #dylusions#artjournaling #art #onmydesk #art🎨 #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram

Take care and STAY POSITIVE!