create magic

Hello, I was just having a play yesterday.

I've decided to create some artwork using different techniques, so that I can hang the finished pieces on my 7gypsies photo carousel. Then I can have them on display in my craft room and also flick through them to inspire me, as needed!

I recently discovered my carousel, still in its original box, in a recent craft room clear out. I bought it four years ago and remember having to hunt it down at the time, so not sure if it is still available to buy.

So this is the first piece that I have made for the carousel, and appropriately entitled 'create magic' to begin my journey.

I started off by pulling a page from my Strathmore Mixed Media Journal. I have literally tons (well six!) of these journals in various sizes and different paper formats. This one is from the 5.5" x 8" journal. A perfect size for practicing techniques and also I thought a perfect size for sneaking away with me on my next holiday ;)

I first of all covered the page with gesso and let it dry.

I then covered the page with a Liquitex Matte Medium and smoothed down some book paper over the top of it, ensuring it was firmly pressed down.(Secret: I use old Mills & Boon books for my book papers!).

I waited for a few minutes, and then peeled the book paper off. The exact time is an art to master, as too short and the whole lot will come off and too long and your page will be firmly stuck down!

I was left with a mixture of some words going forwards and some going backwards and some gappy bits. Perfect!

I stamped a Stampers Anonymous stamp down the left hand side. I then drew a line all around the edge with a Faber-Castell Gelato - Metallic Blueberry. I then used a wet paint brush to drag the colour in towards the centre, but not completely. 

This completed the base upon which I would create my girl.

I've coloured the skin with PanPastels. I've added detail with various types of pencils and pens.

For the hair, I've mixed Liquitex ink! with modelling paste and applied it through the Tim Holtz ~ Burlap Layering Stencil. I've then reversed the stencil and applied it to the foot of the page, to bring in some co-ordinating colour to balance the page out.

And that is it! Fun!

Thank you for looking.

Keeley 

be your own rockstar

Hello!

Continuing with my learning to draw journey ...

I wanted to practice with my PanPastels again, loving these! And practicing my turned faces. And up flowing hair!

The face and body are worked in PanPastels, then a few other pencils and pens on top.

The hair was created with Dylusions Ink Spray in Cut Grass and Fresh Lime.

I've painted the background with Dina Wakley Heavy Body Acrylic Paint ~ Lemon. Then with Dina's white paint, I stenciled through Prima ~ Finnabair Alpha Stencil, working it vertically.

I added a few rub-ons and that completes my new journal page.

Thank you for looking.

Keeley

keep a green bough in your heart

Good morning and Happy Easter!

Today I have another whimsical girl to share, being the second in my 'learning to draw' process.

I drew the girl in pencil onto a clear gesso background and then coloured all skin areas with PanPastels. My first time using this medium and I think I like them :)!

I have built up her face with various pencils, including pastel pencils (another new addition to my craft room!).

The background is painted with Dina Wakley ~ Midnight Acrylic Paint.

I thought the hardest part to do would be her hair. My intial sketch wasn't looking too good! However, in the end, it was the part I enjoyed the most and I am pleased with the result.

As you can see, my bird underwent a little operation and changed shape completely! I think I need a lesson in drawings birds!

The sentiment is from the  Dina Wakley ~ Scribbly Birds stamp set.

Thank you for looking.

Keeley