Hi! It is time for another SWAT Challenge. This time, we are hosting a color challenge. For my take on this challenge, I decided the gold should definitely sparkle, because if you can, you should always shine!
I made a thank you gift for a friend who helped my husband with a major project. She adores Almond Roca, and I adore mason jars, and this is the combination of both!
I created a mixed media tag to include a special thank you note. I started with the Kraft base and added some Dylusions white spray. I selected my layering papers, and then added some ribbon flowers, sequins and buttons with collague pauge.
On the back, I added a white background and some washi and wrote my personal note. I decorated the jar with a chalk sticker on which I wrote thank you. To make it stick, I had to use some foam adhesive squares to keep the label secure.
I hope you are all well, and find someone to thank! Create a project using the color board, and of course use your own interpretation of the challenge. Don't forget to link up to SWAT to enter our great prize drawing.
This month we Have an amazing sponsor! And one lucky winner will win a $20 Gift Card to shop at......Flying Unicorn Store. How Awesome!
~Venetia
I get asked about my creative process, so I took some progress photos of this comissioned project.
The requestor is a great friend and she had specific instructions, teals, greys and browns, "Return with Honor" statement, and 11x14 canvas size.
I thought about that for a bit. I decided to add a compass and crown to the design, because she is LDS, and those items would fit well with her beliefs. I sketched out my idea to play with placement.
After the sketch was finished and approved, I decided on what to use for the background. I started the canvas with an background of acrylic paints, a mix of burnt umber and iridesent turqoise. I decided to incorporate a map in the background, and some papers to tie in the colors she requested. I arranged and distrisssed the papers and glued them down. I also incorporated a compass and compass rose into the background. I drew that on manila paper and then inked it to create depth and age on the piece.
While those elements dried, I sketched the crown onto paper, and built up the design with ink, pencil and markers. I fussy cut the final design. I also drew the heart and used colored pencils to build up the dimension of the heart. I played with laying out the elements, and decided I needed to make the statment.
I hand drew the words on cardstock, and distressed the pieces. upon placing them on the background, it was clear more depth was needed. I used gesso, acrylic paint and bubble wrap to add a layer of texture to the background. I smeared out the paint from the Utah on the map to highlight the state, and arranged the elements.
Everything started to meld, but the heart looked out of place, so I glued it and fussy cut a lighter background that I distressed. Everything was arranged, and glued down to create the finished piece.
~Venetia
Like many of us, I browse Pinterest. I don't usually make what I see, but this project was perfect for my office. I have hyperlinked the image to what I reasonably believe is the original artist, Amy Rice's, Etsy store. I believe in giving credit when credit is due, and Amy's piece was the clear inspiration for my interpretation. She uses a letterpress on antique atlas pages for her unique creations.
For my version, I used an older, but not antique folded car map of my home state and cut it to a 16x 20 canvas size. I used pen to draw the letters, and then decoupaged the map to the canvas, which gives is a slight sheen in the light.
~Venetia
Remember this sketch? I started this sketch after the Sandy Hook shootings, as I thought about the families of the victims. Eventually, the sketch turned into a colored pencil drawing, which I incorporated into a collage. I am sharing this with you because a piece that was born out of a reaction so many of us had.
Creating this was a way for me to reflect upon my thoughts about the incident, and the lives lost that day. I wish nothing but comfort and love to the Newtown community, and the relatives and friends of those impacted by the event.
I am not explaining the piece; it should speak for itself, because it grew from an event for which there are no words.
~Venetia
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I find myself using a lot of hearts in my art. This canvas was a gift last Valentine's day for my husband.
I painted the canvas with acrylic paint to get a subtle background. I used Authentique papers for the heart element, and sketched on them to create the name banner.
I like the mix of elements on this piece, and it has happily lived in our dining nook since last year.
Supplies:
Paper- Authentique Journey
Paint- Daniel Smith Acrylic
Ribbon: May Art
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