July's Canvas Create - Birds on a Banner

Hi there,
I have been taking it easy today, resting from a weekend of intense redecorating of my daughter's bedroom. I decided instead of counting the day a total loss I could at least post my latest Canvas Create project!

This one was probably the most challenging for me thus far. I am not sure if it was the project or my state of mind but in the end I do like the results.

"Birds on a Banner"

Prayer Flag Swap with Lenna Andrews

I just finished my first ever mixed media prayer flags and boy was that fun!

The lovely Lenna Andrews is hosting another one of her fabulous international art swaps and this time it's prayer flags. If it sounds like something you would like to try click here for more information.

Here are my offerings....

 "Keep the Faith" 

 "Bliss"

"Just For You...Love...Joy"

The how tos:

The main focus of all three pieces are copies of art journal pages I created for my "Your Living Canvas" workshop printed on Claudine Hellmuth sticky-back canvas. I then backed each piece in a cool tie-dye peace sign cotton fabric and brought the fabric around the front for a rolled edge hem. Then using Stickles, water color crayons, Gelatos, paint pens, Scalet Lime pens, stamps, and machine stitching I embellished each flag. After everything was good and dry I sprayed them with fixative to keep everything protected. For a last bit of bling I added eyelets and strung specialty fibers with bells on each side.

"Your Living Canvas" online workshop...amazing!

I have been taking an online workshop with Christy Tomlinson called "Your Living Canvas" and let me tell you it has been a great experience for me.

I have really wanted to delve into art journaling and it has been a struggle since I am not one to just sit and create without purpose. This workshop not only inspires me to sit and create but the content is also a meaningful journey into yourself.

I encourage everyone to at least check it out and see if it is something that you might need in your life. The 6 week workshop is available for a full year so you can do it at your own pace. This is especially good for me because I was not able to follow along while it was "live."

Out of respect for Christy and Art (her co-teacher) I will not divulge any pertinent information like workshop subjects or exercises. I will simply let your eyes to the wandering. Enjoy!

The cover and following pages are only 1 1/2 classes worth of work (I told you I was behind).

 This is the book I used.

 

Redecorating Rampage

A little later than my Wednesday blogging goal but hopefully you will think it was worth the wait!

For the last few months I have been itching to redecorate my home. I don't mean a total reno or calling a decorator to spend thousands of dollars. I mean the kind of redecorating where you recover loved pieces, give things a new life with a new paint color, rearranging furniture, a new accessory here and there, that sort of thing. I absolutely love to reinvent my spaces and breathe new life into them. As an artist I need a space that is inspiring and makes me happy because boring does not suit my muse!

A couple of weeks ago I got bitten by the motivation bug. I started with pillow (see last post) and ended up with a completely redone living room and updated dining room. Here are the results. (Unfortunately, I did not have the forethought or the patience to take before photos so just image brown, black, beige, and green....very sophisticated and BORING!)

The Living Room

 

 

 Lamp and side table detail

Fireplace wall

 

 Towers before and after

 Front door and window wall

 

Sconce detail

 

Entry Coat rack detail

 Throw detail

 

 Side table detail

 Sofa and art wall

 Pillow detail

Dining Room