Ambre Dandelions Wood Art

 

 

Dandelions Weeds or Wishes? 

 

Paint + Vinyl = Art
 



This gorgeous wood wall art was created using 3 acrylic paint colors blended to create an amber affect. Once paint is dry rub on the vinyl saying and you are done!

Craft Warehouse Design Team Member Heather Valadez

Welcome local Northwest design team member Heather Valadez! We love Heather's mixed media style! She loves to get creative with canvas and paint which makes us just as happy! We've invited Heather to share with us what inspires her to be creative...

 How long have you been crafting? I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I loved the idea of crafting to make gifts. I never had a lot of money so I would draw pictures, or make cards for gifts because it was all I could do. But people seemed to love it. So now, even though I could afford to go buy a gift, I try and make ones that I know the recipient couldn't get anywhere else while including a piece of their personality in it.

  

What inspires you to be creative? It really could be anything any given day. Perhaps a quote, a vibrant colored painting, a doodle, song lyrics, etc. There really isn't a concrete method to my madness. : ) I used to scrapbook all kinds of things from magazines just I so could keep them around in some way. But now we have Pinterest for that!

What Craft Warehouse products do you love to use? Do I have to pick just one thing?! I love drooling over all the paper, the selection is always great. I could easily be a paper hoarder. I love the vast selection of frames and canvases, both things that seem simple but can be hard to find for a great deal! I also really love all the wood pieces - ones you can Modge Podge stuff on and bam! You have a cute box, or plaque.

How can you encourage others reading this column? I think just helping people see that crafting doesn't just have to be for the pros - anyone can create something awesome with good supplies, some inspiration, and simple instruction. Also, that you can craft on a budget - because I always seem to be on a budget!

You will be completely inspired visiting Heather's blog and get to know her on Instagram! Visit again to see her mixed media tutorial she created for our readers!

Starting an Art Jornal by Dana Sanchez

 

Art journaling and mixed media are fun because everyone can do it.  No skill level is required.  Supplies are whatever you choose.  No measuring is needed if you don't want to.  Art journaling is your story.  It’s that memoir you always wanted to write.  It’s that list of goals you’d been meaning to make.  It’s favorite quotes.  It’s your story and no one else's.  

I highly recommend the Ranger Dylusions art journal.  I have purchased cheaper blank page journals. However, in my experience, they don't hold up to lots of liquid use and inks bleed through the pages.  I think anyone who buys this journal will love it. My local Craft Warehouse has a lovely stack of them - and they are just so tempting. I'm pretty sure I need to stock up for the next few years.  

For this spread, I sprayed one layer of  Vibrant Turquoise, moved it around with some sprays of water and a baby wipe (also known as an art wipe). Once I let the blue dry, I used the Dylusions Shattered Stencil with a few spritzes of the white color.  I couldn’t just have one color when I want to play with so many colors. Another benefit to these inks visiting their buddies is that they do blend beautifully. I would advise against too much fraternizing between the colors to avoid an over-abundance of dirty dark brown. 

One way to use these sprays is to layer elements on different pieces of paper. I sprayed yellow and pink on a separate piece of paper, dried it, then used Tim Holtz Distress paint with Tim Holtz Hearts stencils. Lastly, I randomly applied the Dylusions Checkered Dots all over the paper.  The Distress paint is slightly thicker to hold the shape of the stencils a little better.  It’s not perfect, but this is play time. This is learning what I like and what works for each piece I create. This is not a test.  This is art.

The yellow and pink make these amazing dawn colors.  Which helped me know what I wanted to make – a sky.

I enjoy mixed media because I get to use different kinds of supplies.  

Trying new things keeps my projects new and interesting to me.  I'm don't feel like I am really great with a paint brush, but I saw the Niiji water brushes and knew there were lots of things I could do with one.  I loaded it with a little of the Pink Bubble Gum Delusions Ink and water and used it to paint my word of the year.  

Have you tried any of the Wink of Stella brushes yet?  They come in different colors, and have this lovely bit sparkle to them.  They are filled with water based ink in a pen complete with a brush on the end.  If you like stamping, these would be so lovely to add a bit of extra sparkle just in areas you wanted.  I played with the pens a bit to get the feel of them. Once I felt comfortable with their application, I used them to highlight my word and a few other things --- it was really hard to put them down.  

I cut clouds out of the peachy dawn papers, and made a bird from a free pinterest download. The next step was creating a trial layout to get an idea where I was going.

Can you see the sparkle in this picture?  These pens are really easy to use.  The ink flows without much effort, and the delicate glide of the brush is sublime.  The pens are much easier to use than I expected. As a bonus, they didn’t pick up too much of the Dylusions which was an initial concern.

I used: GL Red 029, GL Pink 027, Gl White 000, GL Clear 999.  I like the basic black as well, especially for writing but I didn’t think this spread needed it.

I also used a Uniball Signo White pen.  This is The White Pen - the pen on every art journalers must have list.  Opaque,  it glides onto a dry surface and it will write over matte or glossy gel medium or Mod Podge. There are other pens available, however I've only found them online.  Those other pens don’t matter though.  Craft Warehouse has the Signo - and that is all you need.   If you come to Vancouver I can even show you exactly where in the store.  I don’t work at Craft Warehouse, but I like to visit these pens often and invite a couple to come home with me.

My word for  year is Fearless, because I am going to live and create Fearlessly. Do you have a word for 2015? I’m learning to avoid comparing  myself to others and put myself out there.  I am so honored to share my art journal with you here on the Craft Warehouse blog.  You can see more of  my play with these products on at my blog, Dapoppins.com.    That’s my story for 2015.    What is yours? 

She Created Magic All Around Her Mixed Media Art by Design Team Member Tamara Dinius

She Created Magic All Around Her was painted in honor of the special people that bring joy and magic into our life; the kind of magic that creates life-long memories. It takes a certain person to create these kinds of moments  and this painting celebrates that person.   My hope is that you will look for the magic that lies within you and bring it to life in your painting.  

Heart-to-Heart Chat From Me to You

My art is my art. Your art will be your art. They do not need to look alike, nor should they. I want you to do your thing with this. You can use the colors, stencils, and stamps that you already have. Of course, we can all use a few new items in our craft stash so if you want to experiment with what I am using, then by all means do. Craft Warehouse has a unique selection of Dylusion Ink Sprays in some yummy colors! I will warn you though, once you start using Dylusion Ink  Sprays you will want them all!

Quick Note For Following My Step-by-Step Process

Much to my daughters chagrin, I think a recipe is nothing more than a suggestion. If I am out of tomato sauce then I will substitute ketchup. If it calls for sour cream and I have mayonnaise in the fridge, then  mayo it is. It's either a hit or a miss. I enjoy mixing it up a bit, and who knows, one day I may come up with a killer new recipe. So please use my instructions for this project the way I do a recipe. Experiment, substitute, and just have fun!

This is the right time, the right format, and the right products to begin your journey into mixed media art.

Onward We Go, Let's Get Started!

Step 1

Wet down your substrate (another term for painting surface) with water using a Ranger Mini-Mister. I am using Dylusion's Creative Journal as my substrate but you may want to use watercolor paper, canvas, or something similar.  The next step is to apply your favorite ink sprays, I have used Dylusion Ink Sprays in Vibrant Turquoise and Funky Fuchsia. Once applied, I smoosh (I know this isn't an actual word but it is the only word I can think of that fits the action)my two pages together  by laying one page on the other and rubbing my hands over them. Separate the pages (here you will ooh and ahh because they look so cool) and let them dry. Once completely dry, take a paintbrush (I used a #4 round) dipped in clear water and let drips of water run down your page. The clear water will remove the inks, leaving some really cool drip lines on your substrate.

Step 2

Create some background interest by applying white acrylic using your favorite stencils randomly throughout your painting (I have used Luscious Leaves and Letter Jumble stencils from Dylusions). I have also used Daler Rowney Metallic Brown 721and Violet 450 to add some contrast.

Step 3

I have added  random circles for additional  interest and texture. You can use bubble wrap, stencils, needle punch canvas, and just about anything that creates a pattern.  Stroll the aisle of your local Craft Warehouse, dollar store, or thrift shop to find some really cool items. Apply white acrylic paint to create contrast against the darker background. Please don't get too concerned about the product used in this step, you are just creating background interest. Texture good, striving for perfection bad. Remember, this is about having fun!

The great thing about Dylusion Ink Sprays are that they re-activate with water allowing you to obtain some dynamic movement within your painting. However, there are times when you don't want this to occur. To eliminate the inks from re-activating we need to create a barrier. This can be done by using a spray fixative or applying clear gesso or matte medium over the inks. I have lightly brushed matte medium over the entire painting. Use a light hand or your inks may start to move and cover your drip lines. Allow to dry.

Step 4

 

Use a dye based ink pad (this will eliminate the ink from smearing later) to stamp flowers and leaves on regular typing paper (I have used Dylusion's Fancy Flowers rubber stamp set DYR40941). Using Tim Holtz Distress Ink Minis Kit #1, quickly and haphazardly color the leaves and flowers. Don't cover every inch of the stamped image as we want some highlights to show through. I know it can be hard to leave some white showing, but this will add some interest to your painting. Trust me on this!

Step 5

Cut out your leaves and flowers. Notice they are not precise, we are looking for a random artistic approach at this point. Repeat after me, "Random artistic approach good, symmetrical spacing boring"!

Step 6

This step is optional. I drew a rough sketch of a girl and based her in with Daler Rowney Portrait Pink 573 acrylic paint. I colored her hair with Burnt Umber. I encourage you to be fearless and give this a try. If it doesn't work out, cover her up with a large flower and keep on going.

Step 7

Start gluing down your flowers and leaves.  You can use glue, gel medium, modge-podge, etc. The choice is yours. Remember to think "random" at this point. We don't want wall flowers. Remember your middle school dance? We don't want all the orange flowers lined up against one edge, and all the pink flowers lined up against the other. Add brown to the center of the flowers.

Step 8

Hand lettering! I used to teach calligraphy and yet I struggle with simple hand lettering on my art work. I think it's because I am afraid of ruining a piece by misspelling a word or having goofy spacing. So this is my secret (and millions of other mixed media artists), we write on tissue paper, deli paper, rice paper, vellum paper, etc. and then adhere it to our artwork. Isn't this AWESOME! If I make a mistake lettering I just throw it out and start over.

So grab yourself a pastrami on rye sandwich and keep the deli paper it's wrapped in. Or better yet, check out the Craft Warehouse paper section for some really cool vellum papers.

I typically use waterproof Sharpie markers for my hand lettering  but you will find many other brands work well too. This is where experimenting on different papers using a variety of pens will be important. Once you are happy with your lettering, adhere it to your artwork. Again, experimenting with the different papers and glues is crucial. I find that a less watery adhesive works better on lighter weight paper. I will brush on my adhesive and then use a credit card or room key to smooth out the paper. This works really well for me and seems to eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.

Step 9

We are almost at the finish line. Hydrate and keep up the good work(water, coffee, or  a nice red wine will do the trick)! I used a regular gel writing pen to add cross hatching and outlining to my flowers and leaves . The white highlights have been done using a fine and extra fine white Sharpie marker. The white markers were also used to add highlighting to the lettering. I used some water-downed white acrylic to add the splatters and background markings.Lightly spray your finished product with a clear fixative.

Take a step back and look at what you just created! You can now become a magical moment collector and start spreading magic of your own.

See the companion to this piece, as well as photos of my other artwork using Dylusion's Fancy Flowers rubber stamp set DYR40941 on my blog!
 

Zentangle Art

We are back featuring our Meridian Craft Warehouse Employee Design Team Contest winner, Ashlee Pelletier! Ashlee sure can make her Zentangle art shine! She says it is really relaxing and quite easy to do! Anyone can do it; you don't need to know how to draw to doodle!

Supplies:

11x14 Piece of Mat Board (or other stiff drawing material)
11x14 Frame
Selection of Stablio Fineliner Pens
Pencil and Eraser
One "Life is a Great Big Canvas" Decorating Your Life Vinyl

Directions:

1. With your pencil, divide your mat board into six sections. Do this free handed and allow your lines to flow naturally and your spaces to be uneven.

2. At the intersections of your lines, draw paint splats in various sizes, Draw these in pencil, then trace over in pen.

3. Using the pencil lines as guides, fill in each of the six sections with different Zentangle patterns. Look for Zentagle books to use as inspiration in our stores. Don't be afraid to freehand these patterns in pen.

4. Erase all of the pencil marks and guides.

5. Frame your sentangle art and clean the glass thoroughly.

6. Apply the vinyl, according to package directions, centered on the glass.

Enjoy your hand-drawn wall art!

To learn more about Zentangle Art, check out our previous posts here , here, and here.

DIY Love You To The Moon and Back

Handmade projects don't have to be complicated to be impressive! Join us through out the month of April for ideas that are easy DIY, that will satisfy your desire to create, and will wow your family and friends!

Supplies:

• 12x12 finished burlap board. on Sale $9.99
• Basic black Thicker stickers
• Gold Sequins
• Chunky Gold Glitter
• Martha Stewart Glitter Glue
• Beacon 3 in 1 Glue
• All Night Media Mini Glue Dots
• Gold Leaf Pen
• Cereal Box
• Gold Glitter Spray
• Painters Tape

Directions:

1. Start of by taping of your frame with painters tape, then spray your burlap surface with glitter spray.
2. While that is drying cut out a moon from a cereal box. Then glitter it with Martha Stewart Glitter Glue and Gold Glitter.
3. Peel off painters tape once the burlap surface is dry and use the leafing gold pen to out line the frame. I did this in a couple of different spots.
4. Place Thicker letters were you want them on the board. Glue the moon to the burlap using beacon 3 in 1 glue.
5. place the letter N on top of the moon using Beacon 3in1 to glue it down.
6. Then finish off adding sequins to the top of your project using glue dots.

Ombré Heart DIY Shadow Box

Handmade projects don't have to be complicated to be impressive! Join us through out the month of April for ideas that are easy DIY, that will satisfy your desire to create, and will wow your family and friends! This wall art is easy but packs punch! When you are done you will surprise yourself at how beautiful it will look hanging on your wall! 

Supplies:

• 12x12 White Shadow Box
• Dear Lizzy 12x12 Wood Hearts
• Foam Brush
• Acrylic Paint color of your choice (turquoise is use in this project)
• White Acrylic Paint
• Glue gun

Directions:

1. Start with the color you would like to be the darkest.
2. Using your foam brush paint your first row of paint.
3. Then ad White paint to your starting color and slowly paint each row adding white to make each row lighter. If you paint a row and its too light or too dark your can always go over that row later.
4. Once its dry open up your shadow box and place the wood heart piece into the front of the shadow box. Then glue into shadow box using your glue gun.
5. Add the shadow box inset on top of the glue and push down the black tabs to hold in place.
6. Throw away the back piece of your frame & hang!

House Rules To Fit Your Life!

Come check out our New House Rules! We also just got in Marriage Rules, Laundry Room Rules and more! Vinyl created from Decorating Your Life is easy to apply to any surface. You can even place directly on to your wall. 

 In the photo I painted the slat board with acrylic paint then added the vinyl. If you want to protect it from outside elements add 2 coats of Modge Podge and seal it with a clear acrylic spray.

* Unfinished Wood Slat Board $8.99 (Reg. $14.99) Sold undecorated. Vinyl House Rules Sayings $15 (Reg. up to $21.99) on sale until August 25th!

Washi Tape Monogram

Create the perfect design using Washi Tape! Choose your favorite number or letter in our wood section and create your master piece!

Supplies:

• Wood Board (don-95)
• Wood letter
• White Acrylic Paint
• Washi Tape
• Blue Montana Gold Spray paint
• foam brush
• E6000 Glue

* MDF Letters, Numbers & Symbols $1.99 (Reg. $2.99) on sale until August 25th, 2013!