New Album on Etsy...

 Here are the additional "Its About Us, a Love Story" photos for the album just listed in my Etsy shop!

Holy Mary Collage...

So Friday at Art Group, Valerie taught us how to do an encaustic collage.  I hated my finished canvas...just didn't like anything about it and couldn't change it to make it more likeable...it was hopeless...So I decided to start over.

I really love vintage religious items so I decided to make a Virgin Mary collage...I didn't do the whole wax thing...maybe next time.  I could really get addicted to collage work!

And I definitely like this one much better.  Wish I had a good photo of my original one to show you what a disaster it was!

Mushroom Box Tutorial

Last night was our monthly Art Group, Val taught us how to make fun encaustic collages.  I don't collage very often but since my supplies were still out from last night, I decided to do something with a few wood boxes I had laying around.  I originally intended to use them for a different project but they didnt quite fit what I needed.  I'm my own worst critic, as most of us are,  but I actually like the finished product so thought I'd share with you how to make your own.

1.  Draw lines around the bottom of your box as a guide for the paint.  You can use a paper mache box or a thin wood box like I used (it's either balsam or beachwood...don't remember the technical name).  You can find these at any craft supply store like JoAnns, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

2.  Paint inside the lines with watercolor paint but don't worry about staying perfectly inside the lines, the messier the better.  Also paint the inside of the box in addition to the outside of the lid with acrylic paints (although you could use watercolors as well)

3.  Trace the outline of the lid on the paper you choose to use for the top of the lid.  I used an old ledger page.  Cut just inside the line for a nice, smooth fit.

4.  Cut out your illustration...you can use anything you like, mushrooms, birds, flowers, etc.

5.  Mod Podge your ledger paper to the top of the lid first.  I've found that applying Mod Podge to just the box lid works best...sometimes applying it to both the lid and the paper creates air bubbles and it doesn't look as nice.  Smooth it down with your fingers nice and tight with your fingers.  Next, apply Mod Podge to your illustration and adhere it to the lid.  Now is the time to add any other embellishments you want.  I added dennison labels to both boxes and little red painted dots around one of the boxes.  When everything has been "glued" on and all painted embellishments have dried completely, put a final layer of Mod Podge over the entire lid.  

6.  After the final layer of Mod Podge has completely, apply a layer of "One Step Crackle" finish to the top of lid, sides of lid, and sides of box.  I use DecoArt found at Michaels.  You can skip this step if you can't find one step crackle.  After the crackle coat dries, rub brown acrylic paint into the cracks with a damp paper towel to give it an aged look.

7.  Finally, tie a bow around the lid.  I used a strip of old cheese cloth to give it a shabby, worn look.

8.  Sit back and admire you work!

ED:  If you're going to make your own mushroom boxes, make sure you don't copy the way in which I spelled Specimen...it's 'EN', not 'AN' as I have shown in the photos...lucky for me I was able to change it without too much hassle! 

Art Journals and Other Goodies

Lately I've been obsessed with making these little journals for my etsy shop. I keep telling myself that I can't buy anymore vintage trims, buttons and trinkets until I use up the huge supply I have now...but I seem to be one of those people that want to keep everything for myself, I always grab some supplies for a item I'm making for my shop then think to myself...I can't use this on something to sell, I want to use this on something I make for myself. Well, I've been forcing myself to use some of those items and here are the end results...(although I still have a few items I can't bear to part with!)

The "X" on the button isn't thread, it was actually made that way...the "X" is metal.

This is a "he said/she said" book that has preprinted questionnaires in various categories (food, first date, favorites, etc.) for both him and her to fill out. My husband and I did this and I was really surprised at his answers. You may think you know how someone will respond but then again, you may be way off track!

This is one of my favorites (sometimes I secretly hope items I have listed in my store don't sell, then I don't feel so bad keeping them for myself...like this one!)

And here are some cute shabby and primitive hearts I made. They'd be good for Valentine's Day decor but I leave mine hanging all year round.

Well I've got to hit the showers...Sunday is the day Tom and I visit our local Goodwill stores and we've got to get there early to get in on the good deals. Sundays and Mondays are the days they have half off depending on the color of the price tag, I think today is half off the green items. If you haven't visited your local Goodwill store check it out...you'd be surprised at the treasures you can find, not to mention that the money they raise helps charitable causes. Hope you all had a nice valentines day.