Peeled Gesso

So, you know how when you discover mixed media, and then you never throw anything out?
And, if you do think about throwing anything out, you think twice.
And then, you don't throw it out?
And then, you discover a new technique because you're hoarding?
Yups. That happened to me today.
I was minding my own business in my Craft Room as I was using gesso on my non-stick craft sheet.
As I went to scrape the dried and partially dried gesso off, I thought, "Hey. This would be cool if I could use it."
So, I did.

As you can see, my "non-stick craft sheet", aka Teflon oven liner, was covered with gesso.

I made sure it was completely dry. Some of the thicker areas needed to be coaxed with my heat gun.

Then, I decided to color it with some Distress Paints and Distress Stain. 

I played with a little color mixing as well. Distress Paints are permanent when they're dry, so I made sure to mix them while wet.

I wanted to keep my peeling colors separated, so I ran my credit card on the sheet to divide them.

I scraped the gesso by pulling away at the edge. This way, it kept the peelings small.

Then, I pulled the thick parts up in sheets.

Here it is decopaged onto a book page which I will be using in a junk journal.

Close-up

Then I thought, "Why not stamp it before I pull it up?"

So, I did. 

This was stamped with Staz-On, because I knew I'd be using Mod Podge to adhere it to the book page, so the ink had to be permanent as well, otherwise it would smear.

Here's some blue and white stamped with dots.

Some more peelings.

Blue dots, decoupaged to another book page.

The texture and color variations are fun.

Tone on tone-ish.

And, here is my baggie of peelings, ready for another project.

Of course, I had to experiment with some more stamps. Here's my favorite crackle stamp.

I'll be sure to post more pics when I finish my journals. 

Thanks for reading!

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