Mixed Media Mess {what to do when a painting goes wrong!}

Hi friends! This painting started out OK but soon was a frustrating mess. Instead of tossing a painting when it hits the hot mess stage why not persevere? After all you’ve got nothing to lose!

I had a reader ask about negative painting techniques and that is what I started to do here but struggled with the watercolors I used and realized that I did not pick the best supplies for that technique. Rather than force my paint and paper to do something it didn’t want I chose to let go of expectations and just play. Even grown up artists need to play and like I said, what have you got to lose? Grab those mixed media supplies you have been collection and give new life to a bummer of a painting!

Productpalooza! I must say it is strangely satisfying to grab those supplies that “I HAD to have” but rarely get used and give them a workout. If you are curious about any of the stuff I used on this piece I have linked them below. Affiliate links used.

• Fluid 8″x 8″ watercolor Easy Block #140 CP
• Viviva Colorsheet watercolors
• Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle watercolors 24 set (love these!)
• Prima watercolor confections “Pastel Dreams”
• Princeton Neptune #16 round brush
• Royal Aqualon brushRoyal Aqualon brush
• Distress Crayons
• Mungyo pearl watersoluble oil pastels
• Prima Watersoluble oil pastels
• White liquatex gesso
• Derwent coloursoft wax based pencils
• Stencils
• Metallic watercolors (Twinkling H2Os)
• Mermaid Markers *Finally on Amazon!

This was kinda crazy at times, I thought it might be fun to see how I get out of trouble in a painting LOL:) This painting took 45 minutes in real-time, you could probably do it faster if you set out to do a mixed media piece from the beginning. I wanted to share some info from viewers of this video on YouTube, I asked them about Prismacolor Pencils, they have been so cheap on Amazon lately and I was considering getting a set but I had heard the quality had gone downhill. I have, and love, prismacolors but mine are all older and I was thinking of replenishing my set. The results were hot and cold, I have 11 viewers say they recently bought Prismacolors and they were great and 5 said they were very disappointed and 2 people said they seemed less pigmented than the older versions. I am not sure what to think, but I wanted to pass that on to you and if you have recent Prismacolor pencils and want to let us know what you think leave a comment:)

I also wanted to mention that if you make a bad watercolor you can always cut it up and make bookmarks or gesso over it and use it for pastel, acrylics or oils too! There is no need to cry over a failed attempt, we succeed or we learn! Have a great night and til next time happy crafting!

Alcohol Ink Techniques on YUPO!

Hi friends! Today I have a really fun project using alcohol ink on YUPO paper! You can use either liquid alcohol ink or alcohol ink markers (BTW the sale links to snag the 24 packs of Spectrum Nior markers are now working! You can get the four original 24 marker packs for $20 each and the two NEW 24 marker packs for $24 each and there are NO Duplication between any of the 24 or 6 packs sets so you can build your collections budget allows.) Thanks to everyone letting me know there was a problem with the links yesterday and being so patient while it was resolved:) You are the best!

If you don’t have YUPO paper don’t despair! You can use vellum/parchment (modern vellum is not really vellum, it is a plasticized paper) you can also use glossy cardstock for a similar effect or if you are feeling brave try this on any light-colored non porous surface like tile coasters or white dominoes. Watch the video for full instruction!

Video!

Supplies:

• Alcohol markers: Spectrum Noir Markers 24 packs on sale for $20-$24 this week at Consumer Crafts. Also on Amazon,  and International viewers can purchase from Simon Says Stamp
• Liquid alcohol inks: Consumer Crafts, Also on Amazon, and Simon Says Stamp
• Hero Arts octopus Layering Stamp: Amazon, and Simon Says Stamp
• Yupo Paper
• White craft felt*Cheap acrylic craft store stuff is fine:) To make my ink blending tool I simply glued the hook side of Velcro to a small wooden block, the felt naturally sticks to it:)
• Alcohol or Alcohol ink Blending solution *The strongest you can get, I use denatured alcohol. SSS, Amazon
• Label die
• Spray ink, I make my own with liquid watercolor and water in a spray bottle but these from Lindy’s Stamp Gang are affordable if you don’t want to go through the trouble:)
• Clear “drops” for bubbles (get the clear ones and you can color them with alcohol markers or inks if you want other colors! You get a TON in a bag LOL!)
• Metallic gold crochet cotton
• Tombow liquid glue
• Foam tape adhesive
• Distress oxide ink: Amazon, SSS
• Ranger Archival Ink: Consumer crafts $4.27 a standard size pad, SSS $5.99 a pad but they also offer minis and sets, Amazon *Note, the ancient page ink I used in the video is the same kind of ink as ranger archival. I looked for these inks and the only place I found therm were really expensive on amazon, I think they are discontinued so I recommend getting Ranger Archival because you can get reinkers and they are more affordable.
• Foil anchor

I hope you enjoy experimenting with alcohol ink on yupo paper, if you don’t have Yupo try whatever glossy paper you have or even acetate sheets or vellum. Art is all about experimenting and having fun so make some time for arts and crafts today! This post contains affiliate links, when you shop via my special discount links you help support the free content on my channel and get great deals, thank you and happy crafting!

Colorful Cat Card {that was SO much fun to make!)

Hi friends! Today we are going to get inky and make a cheerful belated birthday card!

I am really loving playing with my new Distress Oxide inks but you don’t have to have them to make this card, use the inkpads you have and see how they work, even in the effect isn’t identical that’s part of the fun! Crafting would be pretty boring if we all made the exact same stuff. Watch the video to see how this card was put together then try some of the techniques for yourself:)

Supplies from Sponsor Top Flight Stamps (Use coupon code thefrugalcrafter10 to save 10% on your order!)

• Stamps: Katzelkraft Cats
• EZ Mount foam

Other Supplies:

• KAI Scissors for trimming stamps
• Cutter bee scissors for paper
• Bristol Board (Heavy cardstock for mixed media)
• Distress Oxide inks
• Distress ink
• White Gel Pen (Uniball Signo)
• Black Micron pen 03 and 08 size
• Chalk Markers (Crafty Croc)
• Rhinestones
• Brads (The tiara shaped ones I have are discontinued:(
• Double stick tape (ATG adhesive)
• Blending sponges: See tutorial here
• Spray bottle of water
• Black heavy cardstock (Recollections #110)
• Embossing folder from Nifty Fifties set (Cuttlebug)

The watercolor I used are not on the market yet but you can get more info here.

I have to admit I feel like a bit of a doofus giving a belated birthday card but the funny thing is I often get told that it’s better than an on-time birthday greeting because it is unexpected and it extends the celebration longer. At least we can still show someone we care even if being punctual is not out strong suit:) Do you send belated birthday cards? Let me know in the comments below and share any clever sayings you put on them, it will help us all out! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

A Brush Winner & a Mermaid

Hi friends! First off I want to congratulate Danielle Grater for winning a set of FabArt paint brushes! Don’t worry if you didn’t win because you can still use the 20% off coupon: 7L35VMG2 to snag some for yourself! My life has been pretty hectic lately, how about yours? I find that I am much more at peace with the world if I take a little time out each day to create for fun. The other day before my family was up I saw with my coffee at my desk and painted this mermaid. You might recognize the palm tree form a tutorial a couple of days ago.

Paintings like this are a stream of consciousness, I don’t really have a plan, it is more like playing. I like to do this kind of work in an art journal or sketchbook so it doesn’t feel too formal. If it turns out bad, no worries I just close the book LOL!

Supplies (Use what you have or find them below via my special discount affiliate links)

• Ken Oliver Liquid Metals
• Prima watercolor pencils-Julie Nutting Skin-Tone set
• Waterbrush
• Colored Pencils
• Watercolors (Sennelier & Winsor & Newton)
• Art Journal (hot press watercolor paper journal by Jane Davenport at Micheals)

Make time for a little art everyday using whatever you have handy. You will be so glad you did! Happy crafting!

 

Mixed Media Tips for Art Journals & More!

Hi Friends! I have decided to turn on my camera while I create for fun. During these sessions I listen to audio books or music and zone out in the creative process. I never know if the project will turn out well or not, I just enjoy the process. This painting took over an hour to create and it was a lot of fun just playing with products!

I packed the video full of quick tips and techniques that you can apply to your next painting!

Supplies (Feel free to use what you have!)

• Paint: Watercolor & Gouache /Tempera (opaque watercolor)
• Ink: Mermaid Markers (Jane Davenport Mixed Media), Ken Oliver Liquid metals or metallic watercolor.
• Powders: Schminke Aqua Bronze
• Colored Pencils (Apply these near the end)
• Paint brushes
• Surface: 140# cold press watercolor paper

*Affiliate links provided are to Consumer Crafts who sells vastly discounted art and craft products. They have fantastic prices on Darice and Crafters Companion products and many other brands too.

During this speed paint video I will talk about the process of creating this piece and how layers are built starting with a watercolor wash, adding metallic inks and layers of darker paint. The we build body with gouache and finally add detail with colored pencils. After the colored pencil layer is laid down you can adjust further with more watercolor if desired, just be aware that it will not stick fully to the pencil area. We will talk tips and techniques through this painting that took me more than 1 hour to create in real time. I hope you find these tips helpful in your next painting and til next time happy crafting!

Video sponsored by Audible

Messy Mixed Media Birthday Card!

Hi friends! Today we are going to make a mess and make a card at the same time!

I will also share ways to get a messy spattered background without actually spattering with paint! We will also give your supplies a workout. Watch the video then make a card!

Sponsored by Tupelo Designs! January is their birthday month and they have some amazing deals for you! For every order placed you get:
a) Free USA shipping on every order with no minimum ( we offer this every day)
b) Free desk calendar ( $15 value)
c) Free Ranger mini ink blending tool ($3) value
***For order over $20.17. Along with the above free gifts
d) A free stamp from my favorite things (MFT) ( $15-$18 value)

Check out their amazing selection, some of which was used on today’s project!

Supplies:

• Card base and envelope (white)
• Prima water-color pencils
• Prima water-soluble oil pastels
• Spectrum Aqua Markers
• Paint brushes (or water based blending marker)
• Prima Spills stamp
• Patterned paper
• Adhesive (ATG)
• Foam Squares
• The sock monkey stamp is a moldy-oldy from my collection that I love, please use your favorite stamp!

Tips:

1. Choose pattern paper first then find coloring media to match. Working from a single collection can make mixing and matching easier!
2. Hide mistakes by stamping or placing an embellishment over top!
3. For mess free spattering place your card in a cardboard box before flinging paint or using spray mist.

I hope you try your hand at some messy mixed media cards soon! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Stamp School: Cardmaking Mistakes & How to Fix Them!

Hi friends! First up let me apologize for not having a live show today, we were hit by a ‘Noreaster with high winds and our electricity and internet were down today. I spent the day watching Harry Potter movies with the kids and painting watercolors in the living room. I can’t complain about a power outage because we have a generator and a wood stove, we are very lucky:) Several neighbors had large trees come down and rip electric wires off their homes and cause lots of damage. We fared quite well. I hope everyone who is digging out from this storm does so safely and if needed reach out to a neighbor for help or offer your home up to a neighbor in need. Take care of each other:)

I wanted to share this video tonight for a couple of reasons, first off I wanted to give you some hope and inspiration for your weekend crafting, no matter how badly a craft seems to be going you CAN salvage it and secondly because I mentioned the 40% off selected peg stamp sets and accessories sale going on at Rubber Stamp Tapestry and I wanted you to have a chance to grab some deals before the sale ends tomorrow night.

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry BIG sale – 40% off 90 sets AND 35% off crafting goodies + free shipping on orders of $75 shipped within the USA (use coupon code: FREESHIP75) Sale Ends 12/31/16

Supplies:

• Pegstamp sets: Between the Paving Stones, Cherry Blossom, Stars & Stripes Forever
• Unmounted stamp (Cottage Containers)
• Neenah Classic Crest solar white super smooth cardstock for stamping/coloring with alcohol pens
• Kraft and cream cardstock
• Chameleon pens (Alcohol markers)
• Gelatos/Gel Sticks
• Memento dye inks
• Distress inks
• Embossing powder
• Black pigment ink (for embossing)
• Twine
• Grommets
• Heat tool
• Woodgrain embossing folder
• White gesso
• White gel pen
• Black fineliner (I used the one in the Chameleon pens kit)
• Dry adhesive (ATG gun)
• Foam squares

Directions:
1. Stamp window box with black memento ink on Neenah white cardstock and color with chameleon markers. Use the mixing chamber if you want a blended image and start coloring in the lightest area. Practice on a scrap piece of cardstock if you are new to these markers.

2. Stamp on flowers with peg stamps and dye inks.

3. Accent image with white and black pens. Add more color and shading with alcohol pens if desired.

4. Run a scrap of cream cardstock through a embossing machine with a wood-grain embossing folder. Color with distress inks, gelatos and gesso. Repeat steps if desired until you get the look you want. Fold up top and bottom of that panel to make a contrasting border on the panel. Attach panel to frat cardstock with grommets and thread twine through he holes to make a frame.

5. Stamp Thank you with black pigment ink an heat emboss.

6. Make a 5″x7″ side fold card with cream card stock. Ink edges and stamp border is desired and attach all card elements.

 

I hope it goes without saying, use what you have, you do not need to have the exact same brand of ink, pastel, marker, pen etc to make a fabulous card. The best supplies to use are the ones you have. Have fun working through those mistakes and til next time happy crafting!