Thursday 19 January 2017

Mixed Media Artist Pallet

Do you remember when Donna Dewberry made videos of her painting techniques? I remember she said in one of the videos that before you know it you will be looking at everything as a blank canvas. I think that is the stage I am currently at with mixed media. Everything I pick up I want to slap gesso, lace and flowers on. This is my latest creation. I picked this up at Dollarama and thought it would make an adorable piece for a bare spot on the wall in my studio. My husband said I should have used a picture where my face is less slowly but I think this one was appropriate as not all dreams and wishes are full filled with smiles and laughter, some require focus and thought to achieve.


Wednesday 18 January 2017

Vintage Market Tote DIY

Sometimes it is hard to find just the right bag to suit your personality. (Or maybe it's just me?) I love the Canvas bags from Canvas Corp Brands. They come in all shapes and sizes and endless decorating possibilities. Imagine how your mother or sister would feel receiving a custom made bag. Perhaps a gift for the teacher or bus driver.  This simple technique makes it so easy to put any picture or graphic directly on the bag.

How to: 


Choose a canvas bag from canvascorpbrands.com 
Print your favourite image using regular copy paper and a Laserjet printer
Remember to reverse print the image if it has text on it.
Using medium or heavy gel mediums cover the coloured side of the paper in a thin coat right to the edge of the paper.
Place the image gel side down onto the Canvas and gently flatten it using your hands.
Allow it to dry for at least 12 hours.
Saturate the paper with warm water and gently rub off the fibres until you can clearly see the image.
You may need to go back after it dries and clean up any white patches that still have paper.
Using tattered angels spray mist colour the rest of the bag. You can use stencils or masks to create fun patterns.
Embellish with your favourite trim.

Enjoy


Thursday 12 January 2017

CHA Sneak Peek from Spellbinders.

The time is flying past as we countdown to the Craft and Hobby Assosciation's main event Creativation in Phoenix. One week from now manufacturers, designers, bloggers and store owners from around the world will converge in Arizona to feet a glimpse at all the new products being released in 2017. I have been following all the sneak Peeks and I am so excited about what we will have access to this year.

Today I received a sneak peek from Spellbinders. I fell in love with their adorable new create a house die. It will make the cutest Valentine or Easter treat packaging.


Isn't it Adorable?

If you are interested in purchasing this die set please email me mygrandmasteacups@Gmail.com and I will put in a pre-order so that we will be at the top of the que when it begins shipping.

If you would like to see more of this die set check out this post on the Spellbinders blog. Spellbinders Blog



Tuesday 27 December 2016

Gecko Galz Christmas Tag Celebration

Welcome to all my friends visiting from the Gecko Galz blog. Today my tags are featured on the blog and you are likely here to find out how they were made.

I love the vintage metal look of these tags. It reminds me of an old Victorian Copper Ceiling. It's hard not to go all Victorian when Christmas come to the blog. Its everything I love, lavish laces, ornate decorations, fresh pine swags and bows, It is my favourite era this time of year.


Vintage Tag How To:

The tags were created using a cover weight white cardstock. I used the tag die from Heartfelt Creations Snow Kissed Flake and Tag.

Using the round Tim Holtz ink sponger I applied Faded Jeans, Ground Espresso and Forest Moss to the tag. I tried to colour a triangle shaped area of each colour.

Next  I lightly misted the tag with water to activate the ink. Use a damp paint brush to mix the ink to achieve your desired pattern.

While the tag is still damp, gently put it in your chosen embossing folder. I used the leaf flourish folder from Darice. To add interest to the piece I only put 2/3 of the tag inside the folder and turned it slightly to create an angled effect.

Once the tag dried I applied a tiny amount of Faber Castell Texture Lux. Be sure to barely get any on your finger as it goes a long long way. Gently rub the raised area of the tag. Be sure to be sporadic and don't cover the entire embossed pattern.

Using Kraft Cardstock I created a neutral base for the tag and glued it down.

Once the two pieces were dry I used my cropadile to punch a hole in the top of the tag, being sure to go through both layers for added stability.

Using the beautiful Gecko Galz images I fussy cut my focal image and popped it up using foam squares.

To finish the tags, I tied a pretty crimson ribbon to each.



I hope you enjoyed my tags and can't wait to create more projects for you in 2017.