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

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...

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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!! 

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: