We Like Us

"We Like Us" is an 8" X 10" mixed media collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, Stampotique Stamps, vintage ephemera and vibrant blues, yellows, reds, greens and purples.  The canvas is layered with pieces of scrapbook paper, vintage dictionary pages, paper shopping bag pieces, mod podge, paint, modeling paste.  

It was important to me that each of the Stampotique stamps that I used had a visible heart. I used Smooch ink to color their hearts purple as a sign of their bond to one another and their intention to be true to themselves. Let me introduce you to Liaka, Connie Shows off her nails, and Buru.  These guys are the coolest.  I feel like they're inviting me to hang out with them for a bit...and I know you're invited too!    

Thanks so much for visiting!!....xoxoxoxoxoxo

She is Inspired

"She is Inspired" is an original, one of a kind, mixed media collage that I made by layering a 8" X 10" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, a Dylusions stamp, vintage ephemera and vibrant oranges, reds, yellows, blues and greens.  

After layering the canvas with vintage papers and adding texture using modeling paste and the Tim Holtz Alphabet stencil, I went to my fabulous, fabulous Dylusions Stamps stash and chose Curious Corin to add a bold statement to the canvas.  She's colored in using vibrant and shimmery Smooch ink.  When I look in her eyes, I see strength and positive energy which I find to be quite inspirational!!  Do what you love....    

Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Journaling Fun

I'm having a great time working on this journal cover.  Journaling is super popular right now and I have a tendency to shy away from 'the most current at the moment thing' but I have to admit that spending time focused on coloring in the cover of my fabulous new journal has been both rewarding and relaxing. I think I get it! 

I love using the gel pens too. I've already used an entire black pen due to retracing the gorgeous design. I'm filling in with sharpie colors covered by the gel pen or the colored gel pens on their own.  The gel is so shiny - I love the added flair.

Even more exciting knowing that there are blank journal pages waiting for attention...and to think I've been blocking myself by not joining in the journaling fun!! Thanks for visiting!!...xoxoxo

Fabulous Journal

I found this fabulous journal by DianeKappa at Marshall's for $5.99 and it was screaming at me to take it home and start coloring...so I listened!!  The journal is nice and thick. The paper is so nice and smooth and it has a grid print or as I prefer to call it - miniature polka dots haha...

The sharpie markers I started using are a bit flat on the surface which isn't surprising because it's similar to kraft paper. Tomorrow I'll be popping over to Michaels for some Sakura Glaze pens because I know those will sit on top and look shiny fabulous!!...and I needed an excuse to buy some of those lol...

I will share some pics once I've covered a bit of the surface.  Thanks for visiting!!...xoxo

I Am Free

"I Am Free" is an original, one of a kind, mixed media collage that I made by layering a 4" X 12" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, a stencil from Retro Cafe Art, vintage ephemera and vibrant oranges, reds, yellows and greens.  

After layering the canvas with vintage papers and adding texture using modeling paste and the Tim Holtz Numbers stencil, I went to my stash of whimsical Retro Cafe Art stencils.  Where else can you find such a cool set of versatile and fun stencils??  I've used the dinosaur stencils in the past (again, too cool) but this background called for something more groovy...and so, I introduce you to 'Boogie'.  She is Free to dance the night away...and you know what....I might just join her!!  

Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Dare to be Yourself

"Dare to be Yourself" is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 4" X 12" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Layering Stencils, Stampotique Stamps, vintage ephemera and vibrant blues, oranges an purples. 

Earlier in the day and while I was cleaning up my studio, I had been choosing random stamps to stamp on plain paper.  These two were in my random selection and they happen to be the catalyst for my projects.  Yippee!!...Aren't Minkeygirl and Gibi the absolute coolest??  I used shimmery Smooch ink to highlight the girls here and there, such as Gibi's rocking pocketbook or Minkeygirl's heart.  I love these stamps!  

What better message for these girls to spread but to Dare to be Yourself?  Many of us need a little reminder now and then to be true to ourselves.  Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

She is Brave

"She is Brave" is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 4" X 12" canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture. This is a collage made using Tim Holtz Stencils, a Dylusions Stamp, vintage ephemera and vibrant purples, yellows and blues.    

I went into the studio with a blank canvas (pun...intended?...lol) and I started layering scraps of paper I had collected with no specific plan in mind.  What a great experience!!  The next piece that came to mind for me was the Tim Holtz layering stencil Numbered because I love numbers - and I happen to have this fabulous stencil nearby, cool, right!?!  From there I wanted to stay light in my focus and let the layers build themselves.  And to finish this collage, I chose Dependable Dotty from Dylusions colored with shimmery Smooch ink.  

She Shines, She Dreams, She Creates, She is Brave and she wants to share her positive message with you! Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxo

I Choose You This Day and Every Day

"I Choose You This Day and Every Day" is a custom collage I was commissioned to make as wedding gift this past summer.  I knew that the couple was married on the beach and the bride loved shades of Tiffany blue, reds and golds.  I wanted this collage to be relaxed, young, happy and non-traditional.  I also wanted it to be beach inspired with my twist so they're standing on colorful circles of sand....with a beautiful and bold sun shining on them.  

One of the first comments people make when they see a picture of this collage is that the bride isn't wearing shoes and I absolutely love that!!  But then they begin to see the hidden messages, such as 'This makes me happy' or "Remember This' or the ampersand in the lower right corner that the bride is leaning against.      

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to create this collage.  I wish them heartfelt joy and happiness in their marriage!  Thanks for visiting!!...xoxoxoxo....

  

Loved Her Right Back

"Loved Her Right Back" is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 10" X 10" wide edge canvas with scrapbook paper and blue, red and yellow acrylic paints. I used a bit of cardboard, a bit of fabric, and a metal pin along with some modeling paste for texture and variation. Then I add more layers and visual interest with ink, stamps, rub ons.  It's just the right size to fill a nook on your wall or site on your table with a family photo.   

I'm really pleased with how this collage turned out.  I wanted to create something out of an every day item and the nearby cardboard box was just perfect!  I balanced the weight of the cardboard with the shimmery softness of a lime green fabric bow.  I fastened the bow to the hear with a decorative metal pin.  

I truly believe we need to love ourselves first and I will pass this message on in every collage so that you can share in this positive vibe!  Thanks so much for visiting!! xoxoxoxoxo

Fall in Love with Yourself First

"Fall in Love with Yourself First" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 12" X 12" deep edge canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture. This is a collage of a bold orange/yellow asymmetrical heart surrounded by vibrant turquoise and red with touches of black, yellow, blue and green.  

The deep edge of the canvas makes it the perfect width to stand on a bookshelf or sit on your desk with family photo.  And it's the perfect size to fill a nook on your wall.    

I believe that we live fuller, richer lives when we love and respect ourselves first.  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo

Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy

"Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 12" X 12" deep edge canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture. Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments.  I love to see the scrapbook paper showing through the paint, adding more visual interest.  

This is a pretty and bright melon, blue and green collage with a heartfelt message.  'Live with Intention' is hiding in there as well!  The deep edge of the canvas makes it the perfect width to stand on a bookshelf or sit on your desk with a family photo.  And it's the perfect size to fill a nook on your wall.  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo....

Do What You Love

"Do What You Love" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 9" X 11" deep edge canvas with strips of scrapbook paper, modeling paste and mod podge for texture.  Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments. This collage is made of vibrant pinks and greens in contrast to the grey asymmetrical star.  It has a lively energy when you see it in person.  The deep edge of the canvas makes it the perfect width to stand on a bookshelf or sit on your desk with a family photo.  And it's the perfect size to fill a nook on your wall.  

This collage was made using paper by Glitz Design. I was in the mood for a star!  Often times when someone sees one of my collages they apologize for wanting to touch the surface.  This is the greatest compliment!  The surface has so many textures and layers and this is my goal.  I love that they're looking below the surface and noticing the layers of paper and paint and hidden messages.  My parting thought...'Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart'.  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo....

Summer!

I've been so busy this summer!  The warm weather and long days don't last in New England so I've been taking advantage of the outdoors.  And now it's nearly August!!

I have two new collages that I made using Dylusions stamps and stencils by Dyan Reaveley and Ranger.  If you haven't heard of Dylusions or had a chance to check out her product line, please take a look.  I love, love, love working with her collection.  Not only are they begging to be filled in with bright, vibrant colors but the collection is easily interchangable.  A lot of her products are made for journaling and her line includes a gorgeous line of Dylusions Ink Sprays that blend beautifully on canvas, paper, etc. (Check out the Dylusions Journals as well - wonderful paper!)  Dyan's style is a great deal of fun and I'm so thankful Ranger produced her stamps and ink sprays and stencils and journals!!  

I think Dylusions are made for sharing becasue they're just too cool so I released them from their journal! "Beautiful" and "Embrace" are original one of a kind mixed media collages that I made by layering 8" X 10" canvas with paper and modeling paste for texture.  Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments.  The Dylusions are stamped on vintage papers and colored with Smooch by Clearsnap.  Smooch comes in 32 pearlized colors and adds a jazzy accent! 

I believe in sending positive thoughts out to the world so you'll find that my canvases often have positive phrases hidden here and there.  It's even better when really cool artsy stores like Red Lead Rubber Stamps & Paper Arts feel the exact same and create positive, cool stencils.  'Embrace the special moments in your life' and 'she is Joyful' came from Red Lead.  Check out their fabulous site as well!!  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxoxo....

"Beautiful" by Danene Elise Designs

 

"Embrace" by Danene Elise Designs

Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart

"Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart" is an original one of a kind mixed media collage that I made by layering a 12" X 12" deep edge canvas with paper and modeling paste for texture.  Then I add more layers and visual interest with acrylic paint, ink, stamps, rub ons and embellishments. 

This collage was a complete joy to create.  There are a couple spots with text hidden in the layers.  'It's a good day' and 'thank you' are visible in the upper right corner, but 'simplify' is layered into this piece as well.  Can you find it?  Thanks for visiting!....xoxoxoxo....

Springtime Awakening

Claudine Hellmuth is teaching her fabulous Composition Class at Big Picture Classes and the assignment for week one is to complete an asymmetrical collage.  I started "Springtime Awakening" five or so years ago with the turquoise painterly background, the music paper and her image. I loved how she looked against the turquoise, but I just wasn't sure what to do next. 

Once I'd reviewed the class materials, I thought back to this piece I'd started so long ago and decided that this was the ideal time to finish her.  I immediately thought of a really cool butterfly stencil called 'Flutter' that I got from Retro Cafe Art, and I also knew I wanted to add red.  Next, I used yellow to bring the attention back to her face and hat.  I'm so excited to say that I received a passing 'Asymmetrical' grade!  This is Claudine's feedback: "I love the way the butterflies lead the eye into the piece and bring us to the focal point! this is a wonderful asymmetrical!" 

A very exciting moment for me indeed!  Thanks so much for visiting...xoxoxoxo.....

A Dog Wags Its Tail With Its Heart

I'm the proud mom of a 11-year old long-haired tweenie dachshund who's name is Shamrock.  He is full of love and personality and I can't imagine a day without him!  He is always thrilled to see me when I get home and he loves, loves, loves his treats and belly rubs.  I realized that I hadn't made any dachshund-related mixed-media collages....until now!  Life is good!...thanks for visiting...xoxoxo...

You Make My Heart Sing

"You Make My Heart Sing" is an original one of a kind 8" X 8" mixed media collage that I made using paper, stencils, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Collection, Prima Marketing Printery Stamp set, modeling paste and rub-ons from 7 Gypsies.  The fabulous vintage pic printed on metal is courtesy of 'Industrial Chic'. 

I love working with the various mediums, stamps, stencils, paints, papers and inks that are available today. There happens to be a little birdie peeking through this canvas - can you find her? I love the serious expressions you find in the vintage pics - I wonder if they were ever truly happy!?! Thanks for visiting...xoxoxoxoxo

Shine Bright

"Shine Bright" is an original one of a kind 11" X 14" mixed media collage that I made using paper, Christy Tomlinson's She Art 6x6 Mask Vintage Lace, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and Christy Tomlinson's She Art Rubons Doilies and Doodle Flowers and 7 Gypsies rubons.  

A friend of mine says that this stencil reminds her of a pizzelle. Do you agree??...lol

This is My Happy Place

"This is My Happy Place" is an original one of a kind 11" X 14" mixed media collage that I made using strips of scrapbook paper, stencils, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and rub-ons from Kaisercraft.   

I love adding houses to bright colored backgrounds.  And I might share a few happy thoughts along the way...

Junkin' Gift

So exciting!  I recently saw my nephew and he handed me this fabulous, decorative, whatchacallit......

.....that he found at an older house that's being rennovated.  He thought of me!!  Love!!!  This is exactly the kind of 'junk' that I love to collect and incorporate into my mixed-media collages.  Very exciting!  Thanks for stopping by - xoxoxoxo

John

"John" was a gift for my aunt.  I'd had this picture of my uncle for quite some time.  He'd often stare back at me from his spot.  But I wasn't quite ready to work with him yet.  I was shopping in Target last August and I saw a package of napkins - $1 - with fabulous bands of colors.  I instantly thought of John's picture, so I bought the napkins and ran home to plug in the beeswax.  Next, I trimmed the napkin to capture the orange, blue and yellow stripes, and to remove the bits of pink (because he wouldn't want that).  Next, I lightly colored and stamped a vintage Bingo card. I knew I didn't want to use beeswax on his picture, so I used matte medium to adhere him to the card.  And that was it for the John collage for a few months. He didn't like the napkin. We began staring at one another again.  

November rolled around and I plugged the beeswax in again with the purpose of completing this collage.  I told John I was using the napkin.  Period.  I wanted the vintage Popular Mechanics magazine (very masculine!) and the napkin to look warmer and transulcent.  I began adding pieces of the napkin in sections to the background and this seemed to work better for John.  But now that the background was complete, how was I going to secure the bingo card without using Beeswax?  I bought a staple gun!...(any excuse to shop...thankyouverymuch...)  Because the collage was made using an 8 X 8 wood frame, I could staple John directly to the beeswax bacground. Ta-da!

His name is made using various items I'd collected over time.  The 'J' is a piece of jewelry.  The 'O' is a piece of rusty metal I'd found on the ground. Nothing wrong with a little repurposing!  The 'N' came from a game.  And the 'N' is a metal letter I picked up while on a junkin journey. 

Unfortunately, we lost my uncle a few years back, but my aunt loves this collage of him.  And I love that he and I had the opportunity to hang out this way for a little bit.  Thanks for visiting! xoxoxox

Sew Buttons

I made "Sew Buttons" for my mother this past Christmas.  I started with Tim Holtz Kraft paper, a vintage piece of metal (that was clearly meant to be a dress) and a chipboard dress form.  The collage grew to include fabulous flower heads, vintage buttons, dress pattern paper, german glass glitter and miscellaneous scrap bits.  I'd had a lot of these items stored in my vintage drawer or taunting me from my bulletin board for quite some time.  It felt fabulous to create a new collage with pieces that I'd collected over the years in various places at different points in time.  The bright frame completed the look of this eclictic 8 X 10 collage which was made entirely from my head and my heart! 

I'm often so excited when I finish a collage that I can't wait to take a picture and show my friends...hence the pink surface protector sheet as a back-drop...lol... 

Cherish Everyday Life

It was so nice to see my family this weekend and celebrate Mother's Day. It was such a busy weekend that I'm surprised I completed two mixed media collage canvases - but I did just that!

 

Cherish Everyday Life is an original one of a kind 11" X 14" mixed media collage that I made using paper, Balzar Designs stencil 'Flowers' TCW327, Dina Wakley's 'Messy Circles' stencil TCW310, Prima Marketing's 'Stencil Bicycle', mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and rub-ons from Basic Grey, Kaisercraft and 7 Gypsies. 

 

 

 

 

 

You Are Just My Type

"You Are Just My Type" is an original, one of a kind, 6' X 12' mixed media collage that I made using paper, October Afternoon washi tape, Balzar Designs 'Stripes' stencil, mod podge, acrylic paints, alcohol ink, stamps, modeling paste and rub-ons.  I took a vintage black & white advertisement and colored it with ink.  

He is cleary a very focused and busy professional who loves using his typewriter.  I love the expression on his face as he works on his love letter!!  Thanks for stopping by!! xoxoxoxo

Most Excellent Decision!

Volunteering at CKC Manchester this past weekend turned out to be a most excellent decision.  It was really nice to be surrounded by people with similar interests.  I found that if I asked a question, 30 of my neighbors could easily answer me and provide additional suggestions.  Faber-Castell Gelato's or Pitt Pens were a very popular topic (and are really fun to use)!! 

On Friday, I signed up to be a teacher's assistant from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  As it turns out, the convention was short on TAs and I arrived early so I was put to work straight away.  I was so busy crossing off names and handing out kits, that I didn't notice when two of my high school classmates entered the class - can you stand it!  I traveled 90 minutes away from home to bump into folks I went to school with who had similar interests.  Thankfully they were paying attention to me!  They introducted me to their friends and invited me to join them for dinner Friday night.  I had a wonderful time and I look forward to getting together with them very soon. 

On Saturday, I signed up at the door-prize give away slot from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.  Every 30 minutes, I selected 3 new door-prize winners and wrote the names on the whiteboard.  The door-prize was a voucher for a free gift from one of the many vendors on the floor.  I became a very popular person!  One of the winners was also named Danene but her name was spelt differently.  When she arrived to claim her voucher, I showed her my name tag.  Nevermind meeting another Danene, but both of our names came from an Irish Soap commercial from the late 60's.  I was more excited over our names but, I know she was much more interested in claiming her door-prize voucher -- and who could blame her!  

I had a most excellent time and I plan to head back next year.  Instead of volunteering, I'm going to look into teaching a mixed-media collage on canvas class.  I use a lot of the same papers, empherma, stencils, stamps and inks in my collages so my class wouldn't be too far of a reach for a scrapbooker who is considering crossing over to canvas.  So maybe I'll see you there next year!  - thanks for visiting! xoxoxoxo...

CKC Manchester

I'm so excited for the weekend!  I'm normally excited for the break from work and the opportunity to spend more time in my studio, but this weekend is a little bit different... I am signed up to volunteer at the Manchester CKC convention!  I will be a teacher's assistant from 12:00 - 4:00 pm on Friday and from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday.  I expect to meet lots of creative folks who share similar interests, and I'm excited to see the products on display!!!   

Road Trip - You Are Here

I wanted to have a little fun with this piece.  I love, love, love vintage car ads but why not add your random dinosaur when the opportunity arises! This particular dinosaur came from Retro Cafe Art and his name is Triceratops.  Maybe his friends T-Rex and Brontosaurus  will visit... 

 You never know what you'll see on your next Road Trip! Enjoy the journey...xoxoxoxo

 

 

 

Retro Cafe Art Gallery Newsletter

Look!  Look at me!  Not only was Bus No. 9 reposted, but my mixed media collage was mentioned in the Retro Café Art Gallery Newsletter!!  I'm over the moon excited!! 

Road Trip

This is an original, one of a kind mixed media collage that I made using the american road mini paper pad from Paper House with mod podge, acrylic paints, stamps, modeling paste and rub-ons and a fabulous vintage car ad. 

"Road Trip" by Danene Elise Designs

 

This is a close-up of the detail that goes into my collage art.  I love to add color and texture and hidden surprises here and there... There's also a gas sign and gas tank in this collage. 

This vintage car ad (love, love, love) from a 1959 magazine was black and white so I colored it using artisan ink.  This wagon is the coolest!

 

 

Bus No. 9

Fast forward a bit to today and I find myself mixing all types of paper and mediums with Tim Holtz Distress paint and stain or Dylusions ink or acrylic craft paint with stencils and stamps from Technique Tuesday to Dylusions to Prima Marketing to Graphic 45 to Coffee Break Designs.....which brings me to the most absolutely exciting development.  I made this collage called Bus No. 9 using a stencil that I had purchased at RetroCafeArt.com called the Large Bus Stop Lady Mania Stencil:  http://www.retrocafeart.com/item_4026/LARGE-Bus-Stop-Lady-Mania-Stencil.htm.  Given that I'd made the collage using their stencil, I shared Bus No. 9 on the http://www.coffeebreakdesign.com/ site.  Well, guess what....it was noticed!!! 

And not only was Bus No. 9 noticed, but this is the first piece of art made by me, yours truly, that was reposted on the https://www.facebook.com/RetroCafeArt site by the owner!!!  Beyond exciting...thrilling really!!!

The Beginning

This adventure began 10 years ago when I fell in love with scrapbooking.  I found this amazing world where my love for paper and stickers and stamps blossomed.  Scrapbooking paper has beautiful swirls of color and endless design possibilities.  I spent many joyful hours compiling scrapbook albums, learning new techniques and investing in new products.  While I loved the scrapbooking options, I needed something more. 

 

I also have an love for junking or collecting old items for reuse, such as a typewritten or handwritten letter from the 1940's or a piece of music paper combined with an old photograph or postcard.  Before long I found myself taking a mixed media collage beeswax class taught by Claudine Hellmuth.  I love how the beeswax makes the paper transparent and adds warmth. 

 

Here are my first couple beeswax collages: