Shabby-chic mixed media canvas

Today I'm sharing a Vintage styled, mixed media canvas that I've created as an end of year gift for a swap on Facebook.   The only brief was for it to be mixed media and to be able to house a little calendar that could be replaced each year.

I started with a deep framed 8x8" canvas and then using a scraped paint technique gave it a base of a light terracotta with highlights of a mossy green and gold. The edge was done in a darker terracotta (created by mixing the other colours together and adding a bit of red). I then did the same with 2 smaller canvases - one was 2.5 x 2.5" square and the other 2 x 1" the smaller one I also wrapped with some lace border ; and then glued them in place on the main canvas.

Next bit - embellishments :o) I love digging through all my bits and bobs decided what to use!   I chose some metal filigree pieces and added paper roses, together with a little bottle cap shaped piece holding a picture of a butterfly.   I stamped some sentiments onto tissue paper and used melted beeswax to place these.  I also went around the edge of the larger canvas with some flourishes in dark glitter glue.  A lovely metal dragonfly placed on the lace covered canvas and a matching piece of lace across one corner finished of the main piece.

Then I had to work out how to place the calendar and how to make sure it could be replaced each year.

I realised that the calendar was just a little smaller than a credit card so I decided to cut a sleeve from a plastic card wallet and used some patterned packaging cardboard as a back for it. I made a little flap out of some scrap card and used this to fasten it to the bottom of the canvas, covering it with some washi tape.

I'm really pleased with it and hope my swap partner is too.

I would like to enter this canvas into the following challenges :

Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - Challenge 22 V is for Vintage - here http://snarkystampers.blogspot.ca/2014/11/soss-22-v-is-for-vintage.html?m=1

Sugar Creek Hollow - Challenge 101 Not a Card - here http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/101-not-card-important-announcement.html?m=1

 Artist Trading Post Exchange - Recycle for Christmas - here http://artisttradingpost.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/recycle-for-christmas.html?m=1 (recycled packaging and card wallet)

Frilly & Funkie - A Vintage Holiday - here http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/a-vintage-holiday.html?m=1 (created for New Years)

And

Miriam's Crafting Blog - Challenge 19 Handmade Gift - here http://miriamscraftingblog.com/1/post/2014/12/miriams-crafting-blogs-19th-monthly-challenge-handmade-gifts.html

Thanks for reading
Stefanie xx

December - New month & some news :o)

So countdown to the end of the year - I'm just wondering where it went!?

I wanted to quickly share the result of a workshop I went on the other weekend, it was a needle-felting one.  Loads of fun, and more tiring on the wrists then you would imagine!!  It was a last minute decision to go, two of my friends were going and there was a spare place - so 'Why not?' I thought.  These are the cute little penguins we made - mine is in the middle.  He has now been named Hector and adopted by my Auntie who fell in love with him on first sight!

We started of by making a cone shape for the body using wool tops and building it up by needling in layer upon layer of more wool.  The needle is a special one designed for the purpose and has a little barb on the end which helps the layers mesh together.  Next was the head which began is just a simple ball shape.  Once both bits were the right size and shape we put them together and joined them by needling more wool over the top.

Greys and black were added to make up the 'tuxedo' look of the penguins and then the face.  I added some quirky eyebrows to mine so he looks a little like a rock-hopper!!

Hope you like them!

And now my news!!  I'm really excited to announce that I will be joining two design teams in January!! They are at Altered Eclectics and Rhedd's Creative Spirit - two challenge blogs promoting mixed media and altered art that I have enjoyed taking part in over the last year and I'm really looking forward to sharing my makes over the next few months!!

Thanks for reading
Stefanie xx