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.
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!
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.
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!! :)
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.
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 admit I am a LLL - Life Long Learner! I love to take workshops, on-line classes, self-study courses, etc... - all in the spirit of getting better and better. That's one of the reasons I subscribe to Skillshare. They offer so many different types of classes! This week I'm focusing on my face drawing skills and I created a journal just for that. I used spray inks and stencils to create the cover on Bristol smooth. The March StencilClub set designed by MaryBeth helped me create a lovely background. I really dig the thick and thin lines in this design!
To assemble the journal I used discs. This method allows me to easily take the pages out and work on them flat, the journal opens flat, AND it's so easy to add pages and move them around within the journal. For years I've been using the Levenger Circa solution for my day job organization and found them to be a great solution for adding various papers/cardstock (plus the benefits I mentioned above) for journaling. Office Depot now offers a similar solution.
After the ink dried completely, I added a face and one of my favorites words to the front cover, punched holes, and added the discs to complete the journal.
Sharing a couple practice pages from the inside (I also sprayed the inside cover - both back and front).
Shout Out:Gabrielle Brickey does a great job of breaking down the face for drawing!
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!
Today I'm sharing some messy fun! :) I spread medium through stencils on watercolor paper. NOTE: you can use any type medium/paste you have - you will get a different results depending on what you use. I made several A2 size pieces of watercolor paper at one time so I'd have lots of backgrounds.
After the medium dried completely, I spritzed water on two pieces of paper. I sprinkled powder on one piece and tilted it to move the color around. I laid the second piece of paper on top (I call this a kiss) and lightly pressed to pick up color. I then turned the piece right side up, and tilted, blotted, and sometimes added more water and/or powder, until I was happy with the result. I like to have light and dark areas on a piece. After the pieces dried, I used a slightly dampened paper towel to wipe away the color on the resisted design. I just love creating backgrounds with stencils - especially StencilGirl stencils (Stencils I used: S339, S319, L266, L213, SC-04-2014, SC-11-2016, SC-01-2017.) - such lovely designs! I'll use these backgrounds for greeting cards. For some some of them, I'll add a focal point, others are complete as they are.
The iridescent medium creates a more subtle design, yet very pretty!
TIP: Create a sample chart of your colors - get to know your colors. I used the chart below and the color wheel to choose color combinations for the backgrounds. I find it very helpful so I don't make brown when I don't want to. :)
Shout Out: These backgrounds were inspired by this video by Keren. She has a couple other cool techniques using powders.
I started with a background that already had color laid down from when I cleaned paint brushes off from other projects. I used a variety of stencils, paint, and gesso to create layers of color and design. I printed the digi face I made in Procreate onto regular printer paper, cut it out and adhered it on the page with gel medium.
After it dried, I painted her hair a base color of dark blue, gray and purple. After that, dried I painted her face. I'll just mention, at this point I poured a glass of wine - nothing like wine and journaling. :) I used variety of art supplies for the details in her face. To add dimension to her curls, I used high flow black paint in a Fineline applicator and a paint pen.
During the months of November and December, I'm just coloring and coloring and coloring. Each day I'll post at least one image/design on my social media sites: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+. Most of the coloring will be with markers, but I will sprinkle in some other supplies as well! Ohhh, all the colors!! I hope you will be inspired to create something that makes you smile.
Today I'm playing in my art journal. Received my StencilClub September package yesterday! I was drawn to the littlest one, the 4x4" stencil of the little bird and used it in my journal. I also used some of the 9x12" cool designs.
My project today is totally inspired by Mary C. Nasser - one of my favorite people to create with! Not only is she a talented artist, she's the sweetest person and so much fun.
This is Mary and me at one of MaryBeth's workshops.
I started with a log book from the 70's. I found it when I was cleaning out some boxes in the basement. I immediately thought NEW JOURNAL - woohoo!
The first layer was a coat of black gesso. After it dried completely, I pulled out my August StencilClub set, designed by Mary (see her other stencil designs here). The next layer was done using the 9x12" and 6x6" size stencils in the set. I layered the paint a bit thick - I was not going for crisp edges. I wanted the paint to ooze beneath the stencil just a little. I broke up the design by blending bright colors on the top section and a single dimensional color with a sheen on the bottom section.
Next I added detail inside each section by laying the 9x12" stencil back in place and using the 4x4" to make a smaller design in side some of the shapes.
I continued to make designs in the sections using the 6x6" and 4x4", as well as my own doodles and drawings. My favorite sections include scribbles made famous (for me) by Mary. :) I used a variety of colors, along with black and white. Those cool stamp images are also Mary's designs (this is why the post title is "All About Mary"). :)
Shout Out: Check out Mary's Blog and see all the fabulous creative art pieces she designs!
I was watching MaryBeth's video on alcohol inks and stencils, sooooo I had to get mine out - they were calling me. :) In her video MaryBeth reminded me that I had Cathy's book, Pigments of Your Imagination: Creating with Alcohol Inks! I was inspired to break out all my alcohol related tools & inks, and picked out some stencils I thought would make cool patterns. I also got out my notes from the classes I took with Cathy at CREATE Retreats. Click here to see past posts I've done featuring alcohol.
Here's a photo of my desk after I pulled all the supplies out.
Next, I just played with a variety of techniques - starting with some texture...
dripping, swirling, and cling wrap...
the design on the left was made with cling wrap... the one on the right is the wax paper that was underneath the one on the left - I dig them both!
w/stencils... lots of stencils!
cleaned off this stencil in a journal...
after the grounds dried, I added color - love this texture!
In a few days I'll share this one as a completed card - with one of my face drawings.
For July MaryBeth designed the StencilClub Stencils! I created an 11 x 14" canvas piece with her exclusive Private Collection 16.3. Most of my artwork is in the size of a greeting card or journal page. Mary Beth's design inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and go bigger. :)
To create the background, I made random designs with molding paste and the 4x4" & 6x6" stencils. Color was added with Golden High Flow acrylics in spray bottles and water spritzes. After it dried, I sprayed a little white Dylusions Ink Spray to knock back some of the brightness. The large stencil and molding paste make a great focal point.
I used acrylic pants with shimmer and shine for the beautiful bird design. After painting through the ugly phase :), I stepped back and look and found I had arrived at a boring phase - not enough contrast. So, I added deeper colors to the background and changed some of the color on the focal point.
I used a gray water-based marker to add shading to the flower petals. I ended up coloring white over a dark blue on the pedals and I liked the way it turned out! You just have to keep workin' it, if your piece is not making you happy.
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!
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I added a base of color and marks to the background in 
