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.

Create Custom Canvas Bags with a Simple Image Transfer Technique

Create Custom Canvas Bags with a Simple Image Transfer Technique

Finding the perfect bag to match your personality can sometimes feel like a challenge. (Or is that just me?) That’s why I love the versatile canvas bags from Canvas Corp Brands. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering endless decorating possibilities. Imagine how delighted your mother, sister, teacher, or even your bus driver would be to receive a custom-made bag! With this simple technique, you can easily transfer any image or graphic directly onto a canvas bag.

Follow these steps to make your own personalized masterpiece:

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Materials Needed

A canvas bag from Canvas Corp Brands

Your chosen image (printed on regular copy paper with a Laserjet printer)

Medium or heavy gel medium

Warm water

Tattered Angels Spray Mist (optional, for added color)

Stencils, masks, and embellishments (optional, for decoration)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Bag and Image

Start by selecting a canvas bag that suits your needs. Print your favorite image on regular copy paper using a Laserjet printer. If your image includes text, make sure to reverse it before printing to ensure it transfers correctly.

2. Apply Gel Medium

Cover the colored side of your printed image with a thin, even layer of medium or heavy gel medium. Be sure to coat the entire surface, right up to the edges.

3. Transfer the Image

Place the gel-coated side of the paper face down onto the canvas bag. Use your hands to gently flatten it, ensuring there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. Allow the image to dry thoroughly for at least 12 hours.

4. Remove the Paper

Once the gel medium is completely dry, saturate the paper with warm water. Carefully rub away the paper fibers with your fingers until the image is clearly visible. Take your time to avoid damaging the transfer. After the bag dries, touch up any remaining white areas by gently removing additional paper fibers.

5. Add Color and Embellishments

Use Tattered Angels Spray Mist to color the rest of the bag, creating patterns with stencils or masks if desired. Finally, personalize your bag further by adding your favorite trim, buttons, or other embellishments.

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The Perfect Handmade Gift

This simple technique transforms an ordinary canvas bag into a unique and thoughtful gift. Whether for a special occasion or just because, a personalized bag is a creative way to show someone you care. Try it out and let your imagination run wild!

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Ready to Get Started?

Head over to Canvas Corp Brands to explore their wide selection of canvas bags and craft supplies. Start your next project today and create a one-of-a-kind gift that will leave a lasting impression!

Would you like more project ideas or tips for customizing gifts? Let me know!

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

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.