Final Mixed Media Page Reveal

Hey, Peeps. 

As promised, here's the final mixed media page that I did for my friend. 

She has 5 children, therefore the significance of the flash card numbers.

Thanks for looking!

Fondly, Tami

Journey Mixed Media Canvas with Gelli® Prints

After going through some struggles over the last year, something profound touched my heart. You know, we all have our own journeys- joys, sadness, sorrows, or jubilation. My journey has been because of changes in health. I remember lying in bed back in the early spring, wondering what my new health issues were going to mean for me long-term.
Several people had said things that were very discouraging. Being someone who strives to encourage people, that hit hard. Why would they tell me that the test I'm going to have done is terrible (which it wasn't, by the way)? Why would they imply that I won't be able to recover from this? Why wouldn't they tell me that I'm going to beat this, and that life will still be enjoyable, and that I'll be able to find joy in the little things?
Needless to say, I stayed away from those people until I was strong enough to stand up to their remarks.
However, it caused me to think about my journey. The fact that I can write my own story. That I don't have to freak out about a potentially scary test. That I can still press on and receive peace from Jesus that passes all understanding.
Which led me to make this canvas. I made up this saying for my daughter years ago when her friends were telling her how horrible it was to have braces put on. I told her to write her own story.
So, that's what I'm doing, Folks.

I love creating canvases with meaning. This canvas is chocked full of elements and techniques, from hand painted gouache vintage papers...

...to metal keys and hand-dyed crinkle ribbon...

...to metal medallions...

...to vintage sweater clasps...

...to Gelli printed papers with crackle paint and distress inking...

...to paper vines...

...to a vintage lace butterfly...

...to tissue pattern paper and adorned sides.

And, if you really like this, it's available in my Etsy shop. Thanks again for checking out my blog. I truly appreciate it. 

Fondly, Tami

Mixed Media Page

I've had lots of fun lately, and one of my projects was for a friend. 

I started out with a homemade paint spray of a mustardy yellow.

I sprayed over my all-time favorite key stencil. I have to say that I love this, all modesty aside.

I really like making my own paint sprays for a variety of reasons. The first is that I can custom make my own colors. The second is that they're permanent, which is SO convenient and often necessary when doing a mixed media technique. 

Mixed media is often about layering. Here is some stamping...

...and some painted bubble wrap over dress pattern paper...

...and vintage paper with gouache, India ink, versamark stamp with Perfect Pearls...

...and rubons...

...and vintage lace...

...and a shrink art key with gesso...

...and a custom color of crinkle ribbon...

...and a vintage flash card...

...and some more vintage lace...

...and some vintage buttons...

...and making some transparent pearls...

And, sorry for the teaser Peeps, but I can't show the rest until I give this to my friend. Thanks for checking in!

Fondly, Tami