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