Art Journaling Class

I have decided to take a monthly art journal class taught by my friend, Linda Neff, at her Green Door Studio. Since I have a tendency to be a hermit, I thought it would be a fun way to make me go out and be social each month. Besides, my husband is now on a golf league, so I figure I should have something to do, too, right?

This was the first page I created in the class … I’m using a different journal this time — Strathmore Mixed Media 5.5 x 8.5. I wanted to try a different kind of paper than in my Dylusions journal because I have had some issues with the pages sticking. I also wanted to try to work with a spiral bound book so I can get my book completely flat while working. I cannot say I like one better than the other … they are both great for different reasons.

This technique uses acrylic paint and alcohol. I fell in love with it. I have since tried it with chalk paint, Distress Paint and Dylusions Paint … I must say it is a favorite. More details to come … for now, this is how I used the technique on a few projects …

This is with Distress Paint and Chalk Paint …

This one is with Distress Paint and Dylusions Paint. Details on this one to come …

In the meantime, Art Journaling is the fourth Thursday in Brighton … give the studio a call and join us!

For the Birds

Spring is just around the corner and the songbirds are starting to return. Welcome them to your yard with these unique feeders made from thrift-store finds.

I started by collecting some glass pieces at my local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores. I even found the little mice figurine there (I sprayed it with a UV protector so it will not fade in the sun.)

Next, I got to work etching with etchall.

I used a Cricut to cut out the etchall etchmask and used the etchmask transfer sheets to transfer the images to the plates.

Then, I used a pick to pull out the pieces where the etchall will go.

I used painter’s tape to mark off the rest of the plate and then applied etchall. (It gets brown with use.) Apply a thick, even coat for the best etching. Let it sit for 15 minutes, scrape the excess back into the jar (it is reusable!) and then rinse it off and remove the tape and etchmask.

I used silicone to adhere my pieces of glass together. I let each piece sit for an hour before adhering the next piece.

I tucked the little mice in one of the pieces.

Here are the two finished pieces … perfect for the garden.

And here is each piece with birdseed … they hold about a cup of seed each. But you could also use it as a bird bath.

My chickens tried them out and loved them. However, chickens weigh too much to leave these where they can try to roost on them. These are meant for the little songbirds in my yard. I cannot wait for spring to officially arrive so I can put them outside!Are you ready to make one for the birds in your yard? Visit etchall.com to purchase yours, today … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order! Click here and get etching today!

NOTE: I received compensation for this post.

Getting Organized

I love my studio … it’s in the living room, so I can watch tv or chat with my husband while I work. And, I have two huge windows for plenty of natural light.

But, those big windows also mean I have virtually no wall space to hang anything.

I do have lots of table surfaces, but they are always piled with stuff and I am always having to move things around to work.

I’m not complaining … I love my studio. But I’m sure people think I am a slob when they come in the door and see my stuff everywhere … It’s hard to explain to non-artistic types that I must work in a mess because 1. I always have more than one project going at a time; 2. I am always adding to my collection; 3. I need to be able to see my stuff in order to be creative; and 4. even if I had a 6,000-square-foot room for a studio, it would probably not be enough room. It is the nature of crafting.

Needless to say, I am always on the hunt for ways to find more space in my tiny house. So, when I saw a little shelf unit at Green Door Studio in Brighton, I knew I needed it. I neglected to take a before pic, but it was glossy black. It looked fine, but I didn’t want something that dark, so I painted it.

My friend, Linda Neff, who owns the Green Door Studio, is always trying to get me to paint furniture. She says it is relaxing and calming. I found it particularly frustrating and tedious. I have decided that any additional projects I need painted are going to her. Four coats of paint and a coat of sealant later, I filled it with my collection of antique mason jars, which hold ribbons, twine, flowers, washi tape, buttons and other bits and pieces I need when I create.

Ignoring the damage on the walls (from the much smaller shelf that was removed), I think my space turned out pretty great.

I also realized, after putting everything in one place, that I do not need anymore buttons … despite the fact that I was shopping for them last night! I cannot help myself … I love buttons.

 

Decorative Cans

This month’s challenge at Scrap It Girl is to use paint.

 I used paint to upcycle tuna cans to create these fabulous containers. You could use them for candle holders, trinkets or loose change. Making them is simple … paint them with acrylic paint (I used Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint) and then decorate them with stickers, paper, ribbon, washi tape, burlap, flowers or whatever you wish.

I made these for the craft show I will be participating in on Nov. 23. I hope you will stop by and say hi … I will also have cards, gift boxes, home decor and more for sale.

Now it’s your turn … create a project using paint and post it to Scrap It Girl’s site. You could win fabulous prizes!