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.

 

Canvas Create Workshop - In Progress!

Hi folks
I know this is two posts in one day but I am so excited about this workshop that I had to share.

The workshop is called Canvas Create and it is taught by the fabulous Donna Downey. Now if you have never taken one of her classes or workshops you are really missing out! She is fun, funky, and breaks all the rules and she is exactly what I needed at this time in my life.

Once I watched the promo I knew I had to do it and to make sure I followed through I enlisted my mother to join in with me. Each month we get together and create the latest Donna masterpiece. Her techniques and radical process were just what my muse ordered. The classes actually began in January but they are video downloads so you can start anytime you want really. I highly recommend any of her classes, even if her style is not your thing she will push you to places you have never gone and make you a better artist!

Here are my first six canvases.

In the class she uses different sizes and orientations of canvas but I wanted all the same size so I could hang them together in a grid. I think one of the greatest things about Donna is her ability make you feel comfortable enough to make your own choices.

I honestly can't say enough positive things about Donna, her workshops, or my experience....it's all been great! Each month I can hardly wait for the the next video so I can create another canvas.

Stayed tuned each month for the remaining six canvases.