Petal Lu Challenge #34

Hello lovelies.

It's challenge time over at 

PETAL LU 

The theme is all about white. Now, you can incorporate another colour if you wish or go with a full white theme, whichever you choose we would like to see a white flower on your project. You may want  to use a few white flowers or just the one...it's up to you.

Here is a picture of some of the beautiful white flowers available from PETAL LU 

I decided to make a mixed media project for my design team project this time. I love mixed media work, and I have to say I am pretty pleased with how this canvas turned out.

I first of all used texture paste with a stencil to create some bubble texture in random areas. I glued various Snip Art pieces and then I have used lot's of beautiful embellishment's which I have glued to the canvas.  

I added some lace and washi tape and then also a picture of a butterfly with a frame over. I added some beads and then painted over it all with gesso. I used a couple of coats to make sure everything was covered how I wanted it. 

I then glued the beautiful Petal Lu flowers to the frame. I sprinkled over the canvas randomly using some mica powder which I then spritzed with water and dried with a heat tool. I added the Beautiful sentiment which I stamped onto paper. To finish I splattered black ink randomly over the whole canvas. 

I think the Petal Lu flowers finish the mixed media canvas off perfectly.  I now have this hanging on the wall in my hallway and I have to say it does look really pretty!

Hop over to the Petal Lu challenge blog to see lot's more gorgeous design team inspiration.

Have fun and happy crafting, 

lot's of love

Nicola 

XXX

Memory Lane - Mixed Media Art Journal

Hello lovelies!

I have so many lovely old photo's of my family, it is so nice to be able to look at them and think about the history that goes with them. I decided to start an Art Journal to use these beautiful photo's. Of course the start of the Journal is the front cover. So, using mixed media techniques I have picked out a beautiful photo of my mum as a little girl. I have co-ordinated the colour scheme of my project to match the photo.

I subscribe to CRAFT BOX which is a monthly craft box subscription. All the lace, embellishment's, flower's and SNIP ART is from the February Box.

The other material's I have used are...

- Finnabair Clear Gesso

-Cosmic Shimmer Glue

- Cosmic Shimmer Matt Chalk Paint's in shades Pink Dusk, Citron, Warm White

- White Ecoline Paint

- Tim Holtz Bubble Stencil

- That Craft Place Heart Stencil

- Distress Ink Vintage Photo 

I really enjoyed creating this mixed media piece. It is so lovely to look back at these old photo's.

Thank you for stopping by to see my project.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lot's of love

Nicola

XXX

That Craft Place Challenge - Anything Goes

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at the challenge blog

THAT CRAFT PLACE 

The theme is

'Anything Goes'.

I have chosen to do an MDF project this time. 

The lovely MDF heart wreath is of course from 

THAT CRAFT PLACE 

I have painted this using Crackle Paint's.

I have embellished with Petal Lu flower's and an ornate butterfly and a vintage brooch.

I haven't gone into too much detail about my product list and how I've decorated this lovely heart wreath, because if you pop over to THAT CRAFT PLACE BLOG on Wednesday 20th January I have done a tutorial with the product list and step by steps. I would love you to see how I decorated this so remember to hop over on that day!

Don't forget that on Facebook too you can join  

THAT CRAFT PLACE NATTER AND CHATTER GROUP 

THAT CRAFT PLACE GROUP 

Hop over to the challenge blog to see lot's more gorgeous design team inspiration.

I am entering my heart wreath into the challenge over at 

PETAL LU - ANYTHING GOES

Have fun and happy crafting,

lot's of love 

Nicola 

XXX

That Craft Place Challenge ...Mixed Media

Hello lovelies!

I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner. Time has absolutely flown this year!

We have another fabulous challenge over at 

That Craft Place 

The theme is 

Mixed Media - Anything Goes

As it is Christmas I decided to make something with this theme.

I have used a set of the MDF coasters from That Craft Place. I have decorated them using 

Craft Consortium Decoupage Papers.

I used acrylic paint to paint the base. The curved edges are painted with Cosmic Shimmer Gold Pearlescent PVA. I used sparkle spray on the base too.

Finally, I added the golden embellishements to finish.

I love this coaster set, it will match all my Christmas tableware. 

We would love to see your projects for the challenge.

Don't forget to hop over to

That Craft Place 

You will see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration!

Merry Christmas to you all, have a lovely time.

Lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at 

That Craft Place 

The theme this week is 

Mixed Media - Anything Goes

For my project this time I have used an MDF Christmas sign from

That Craft Place 

I love this sign, it makes a lovely Christmas decoration.

I painted the words using a red acrylic paint.

The stars are painted using Cosmic Shimmer Crackle Paint in Saffron.

The snowflakes I have used Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Texture Paste Icicle Blue. 

I also used Distress Ink Fired Brick, to rub over some of the stars.

I embellished with berries, santa hats, twine and mini pegs.

My finished sign is now hanging in my Christmas window display at work.

We would love to see your mixed media creations for this challenge.

Hop over to 

That Craft Place Challenge Blog 

to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration.

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at 

That Craft Place 

The theme is

Mixed Media.

I love making mixed media creations as it gives me the opportunity to try so many techniques. Also it allows to experiment with certain techniques too. The great thing about mixed media work is not only can you alter things and create beautiful pieces of art, you can also show off some beautiful treasures you may have.

I went to a vintage fair a few weeks ago, while there I bought some beautiful vintage brooches. So, for my design team project this time I have used two of them. I have used the MDF shrines that I bought from 

That Craft Place 

The shrines show of my brooches perfectly!

The materials I used from That Craft Place are...

MDF Shrines ~ Gesso ~ DecoArt Chalk Paint in shades Primitive and Timeless ~ DecoArt Ultra-Matte Varnish ~ Stencils Butterfly Flourish, Diamonds Drain, Abstract Circle ~ Cosmic Shimmer Texture Paste Silver Pearl ~ Glamour Dust ~ Metallic Gilding Wax in shades Pewter and Midnight ~ MDF Hearts ~ Resin black flowers ~ Black Stamens ~ Collall 3d glue ~ Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue

and of course my two lovely vintage brooches. 

I painted all the mdf with gesso. I then painted with the chalk paints. Once dry, I used the stencils over the shrines with the chalk paints. This was then sealed with the varnish. 

I brushed on the silver texture paste in various places and along the edges of the shrines.  While wet I sprinkled over some Glamour Dust. This needed time to dry thoroughly.

I then rubbed over the gilding waxes, and also rubbed them onto the resin flowers. 

I glued the brooches into the centres of the shrines. I used 3 black stamens with one of the resin flowers.

I love these shrines, there are so many ways you can alter them.

I am entering my shrines into the following challenges:

Altered Eclectics - Anything Goes Mixed Media 

Eclectic Ellapu - Pink Team Anything Goes  

Rhedd's Creative Spirit - Altered Art 

Don't forget 

That Craft Place 

also have a group on Facebook where you can buy lots of gorgeous things

That Craft Place Group 

The selection of MDF is fantasic!

There is also the group 

That Craft Place Natter and Chatter 

We would love to see your mixed media creations for this challenge.

Hop over to the challenge blog

That Craft Place 

to see lots of stunning design team inspiration!

Happy crafting,

lots of love 

Nicola 

XXX

That Craft Place Mixed Media Challenge...Anything Goes

Hello lovelies!

It's time for another challenge over at the

That Craft Place Challenge Blog 

 Today is my birthday. So, with this in mind, my design team mixed media project is a little gift to myself for my craft room. My favourite colour is pink, so I have made a gift set using this as the dominant colour. 

Sssh...let's whisper quietly, I'm 44 today! It's just a number, who cares? LOL

Anyway, I have made this gift set, which would be ideal for any of your crafty friends to make for. You could just enjoy making it for yourself too, like I have done!

The lovely products I have used from 

That Craft Place 

are...

Cotton reel ~ Gesso ~ Texture Paste ~ Cosmic Shimmer Paints in shades Pink Plum & Gold Lime ~ Petal Lu Flowers..Pinks ~ Pink Stamens ~ Imagination quote from the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection ~ Large Peg ~ MDF Butterfly ~ Cosmic Shimmer Sparkle Texture Paste ~ Cosmic Shimmer Colour Cloud Blending Ink Decadent Grape ~ Tag from the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection ~ MDF Ovals ~ MDF Heart ~ Letters from the Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection ~ 6x6 Stencil ~ Collall 3D glue ~ Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue

Other materials from my crafty stash...

Pink Straw ~ Pink Lace ~ Selection of pins ~ Pink Beads - Pink Satin Ribbon ~ 3 gems

How I made the...

Cotton Reel ~

I painted with white gesso. Then painted with the Cosmic Shimmer Paints. I cut the straw down and then poked it into the middle securing into place. Then wrapped lace around the reel, glued the pink stamens into place along with the beads and flowers. Finally tucking the pins into place and finishing off with the 'Imagination' quote.

MDF Ovals ~

Paint both ovals with gesso. The larger oval paint with the pink paint. Lay the stencil over the smaller oval and brush over Texture Paste. Lift the stencil off carefully and leave to dry. Once dry, use a small paint brush and paint over the raised pattern using the Gold Lime paint around the edges and the Pink Plum in the centre. Leave to dry.

Once dry, paint over the whole thing with the Sparkle Texture Paste. Leave to dry. Ink around the edges using the Colour Cloud Blending Ink. Glue the ovals together. Colour the MDF heart with the paints and ink. Glue to the centre. Glue the letters LOVE to the bottom of the small oval. Tie a ribbon and lace bow and glue to the top of the oval. To finish add a flower and secure some ribbon at the back to create a hanger.

Peg ~

Paint with gesso. Paint all over with the Pink Plum. Leave to dry. Paint on the Gold Lime paint using sweeping brush stroke motions to create a random contrasting look. 

When dry, paint over with the Sparkle Texture Paste. Leave to dry thoroughly. Glue pink lace and ribbon in place to create a cascading effect. Glue the pink stamens to the bottom and add a flower centre. Glue two flowers at the top. Paint the MDF butterfly with the paints, apply sparkle texture paste, then when dry ink with Colour Cloud ink. Add 3 gems to the middle. Glue onto the ribbon. Finally thread the small fairy tag with ribbon and glue into place.

I'm over the moon with this gift set!

It is now sitting pretty in my craft room!

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you have enjoyed your visit.

Don't forget to hop over to 

That Craft Place Challenge 

to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration! We would love to see your entries for the Mixed Media Anything Goes Challenge.

That Craft Place 

also have a FaceBook group called

That Craft Place Natter and Chatter 

We would love you to join. Lot's of crafty inspiration in the group.

 Don't forget also you can buy from That Craft Place on Facebook too. Lot's of lovely product's to choose from.

Happy Crafting

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

That Craft Place Challenge - Mixed Media...A Little Bit Of Love...

Hello lovelies and welcome to my blog, I hope you enjoy your visit today!

It's time for another great challenge over at 

That Craft Place 

The challenge theme is

'MIXED MEDIA - ANYTHING GOES'.

The perfect opportunity to get all inky and messy!

I have used an MDF heart for my project from 

That Craft Place 

I love using MDF pieces, the quality from That Craft Place is just amazing. I love also how you can take a plain shape and turn it into something beautiful!

So, here is a list of the fab goodies I used...

Available from That Craft Place 

MDF Heart, 3 small MDF hearts, MDF Love banner, MDF Love tag, Gesso, Texure Paste, Stencils, Cosmic Shimmer Crackle Paints in shades Jade Mint & Heather, Distress Inks in shades Cracked Pistachio & Shaded Lilac, Cosmic Shimmer Embossing Powder Ancient Copper, Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue

From my own crafty stash

Metallic Gilding Wax in shades Patina & Vintage Plum, Distress Embossing Ink, Mica Flakes, Various embellishment's..I've used a metal heart charm, Prima flowers, string, pearl string, and 3 purple flowers that I made for a previous project using UTEE and a mould, Sakura gelly roll pen, Pearl Ex Pigment Powders in shades Sparkling Copper, Antique Copper, Duo Green Yellow, Spring Green. 

Paint the MDF pieces with Gesso, leave to dry.

Use the texture paste with the stencils over the heart. Leave to dry.

Use the small diamonds stencil with the texure paste over the small hearts. Leave to dry.

Paint the larger heart and banner with Jade Mint, wipe excess paint off the word LOVE with a cotton bud. Paint the other pieces off MDF with Heather paint. Leave to dry thoroughly until the cracks appear.

Use a sponge to blend Cracked Pistachio onto the larger heart and banner. Use the same technique with the Shaded Lilac on the small hearts and tag. This will show off the cracks even more.

Randomly rub the gilding waxes over the heart and other pieces. Use kitchen roll to buff the waxes.

Dab the embossing ink over areas of the MDF pieces, sprinkle over the embossing powder and heat until melted.

Apply glue to areas of each of the MDF pieces, then sprinkle over the Mica Flakes. Press into the glue and leave to dry.

Thread the tag, banner and heart with string and pearl string. Glue the banner and tag into postition. Use the gelly roll pen and go over the LOVE word. Glue a Prima flower at the end of the banner and use an embellishment in the middle. Thread the heart charm with string and pearls and glue into place. Glue the UTEE flowers and hearts as shown.

Add the powders into 4 ink sprayers and carefully spray random areas of the heart to create a slight shimmer. Then use a small brush to pick up the Pigment powders and use at the bottom of the heart and around the top edges. Use a larger brush to lightly brush away excess powder.

Finally, here you have your finished result!

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial on how to create this beautiful mixed media altered heart.

Hop over to the challenge over at 

That Craft Place 

to see lot's of gorgeous design team inspiration!

Have fun creating,

lots of love Nicola 

XXX

  

That Craft Place - Mixed Media Challenge...

Hello lovelies!

We have another fantastic challenge for you all over at the 

That Craft Place Challenge Blog 

The theme for this month is

'Mixed Media' - Anything Goes...

This means we would like to see anything that you have used Mixed Media techniques on. This is a perfect chance to get all inky, painty and very messy if you wish. Or you can alter and decorate something using gorgeous papers.

I have decorated a printer's tray for my Mixed Media project. I've used gorgeous papers by Graphic 45, and used a combination of Crackled Paints and Gilding Waxes.

The lovely list of ingredient's I've used are...

From That Craft Place 

Large Printer Tray ~ Grapic 45 8x8 Couture Paper Pad ~ Gesso ~ Cosmic Shimmer Crackle Paints in shades Saffron & Vanilla ~ MDF Ticket, Tag Beautiful, Hearts & Dress form ~  Resin Flowers ~ Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue ~ Collal 3D Glue ~ Red Beady Spirals ~ Tim Holtz Distress Inks Tea Dye & Vintage Photo

From my crafty stash I already had...

Red Paper Roses ~ Red Stamens ~ Jute ~ Sequin Length ~ Lace ~ Satin Crinkly Seam Binding ~ Mini Cotton Reel ~ Tape Measure Ribbon ~ Mini Jar ~ Seed Beads ~ Various Ornate Buttons & Beads ~ Diamante Ribbon Slider ~ Red Organza Ribbon ~ Self-adhesive Crystals ~ Gilding Wax in shades Deep Red & Cast Bronze

I absolutely loved creating this Mixed Media project. The printer tray is so easy to decorate. I used the gorgeous papers to decorate the sections, crackle paint for the panels of the frames, and the ornate corners. I then finished the look with Distress Inks and Gilding Wax. Finally adding lot's of pretty embellishments.

I am entering my Mixed Media Printers Tray into the following challenges...

Altered Eclectics - Anything Goes Mixed Media 

Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes (but must have ribbon) 

Rhedd's Creative Spirit - Mixed Media 

Hop over to 

That Craft Place 

to see the rest of the design team inspiration.

Happy Crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX

That Craft Place Mixed Media 'Anything Goes' Challenge....

Hello lovelies, well I am loving my time as a design team member over at 

That Craft Place 

Such a lovely bunch of girls to work with, and they are all very talented and inspirational too. 

It's time for another challenge over at 

THAT CRAFT PLACE CHALLENGE BLOG 

'Anything Goes' Mixed Media.

I altered a canvas for my project this time...

The ingredients I used ...

From THAT CRAFT PLACE 

Betty Boots Clear Stamp Set, Cosmic Shimmer Acrylic Glue, MDF Cogs & a scrap I had left from the Mr & Mrs MDF sign, Heart Stencil, Peach and Pink resin flowers, Greyboard Feather

Already in my crafty stash...

10"x10" square canvas, gesso, watercolor card, Rich Cocoa Memento Ink Pad, Distress Inks Tattered Rose, Victorian Velvet, Tea Dye, Waterbrushes, String, Scrap Negative Grunge paper from a flourish die cut, Acrylic Paints Linen, Rose Garden, Victorian Rose, Distress Crackle Paint Tattered Rose, Tim Holtz Bubble stencil, Sea sponge, Metal findings and cogs, Wax paper, 3 brads, Stazon Ink Timber Brown, Glamour Dust, Beads, Diamond Stickles.

How I made it...

Paint the canvas with gesso.

Stamp Betty onto watercolor card using the Memento ink.

Dab the ink pads onto a brown craft sheet.

Use the water brush to build up colour.

Build up the colour gradually, until completed. Glue string to the canvas to create a criss cross pattern and a loopy border. 

  

Trim the negative from the flourish die cut.

To fit the bottom left corner, glue onto the canvas.

Glue the MDF pieces to the canvas.

Paint over all of this with the gesso, apply it over the edges of the watercolor card to blend them into the canvas. 

Paint over with the Linen Acrylic Paint.

Use a sea sponge in a dabbing motion to apply Rose Garden and Victorian Rose Acrylic Paints. Also use the stencils in various places.

Paint the Distress Crackle paint in the criss cross squares, in the loops and on the MDF pieces.

Once dry you will see the cracks that have appeared. Use a soft sponge to apply Distress Tea Dye ink to the cracks. 

Use the stazon ink to stamp elements from the Betty Boots stamp set onto the mdf pieces and parts of the canvas. Cut circles from wax paper, attach together with a brad. Scrunch up then pull apart the edges to separate them. Add glue and sprinkle with glamour dust. Colour the greyboard feather with Victorian Velvet Distress ink, add Diamond Stickles. Glue the embellishments and beads onto the canvas. 

I really enjoyed making this. I hope you have enjoyed seeing how I made this.

Don't forget to hop over to 

THAT CRAFT PLACE CHALLENGE BLOG 

to see the rest of the fabulous design team inspiration.

I am entering my Mixed Media Canvas into the challenge over at 

Altered Eclectics  - Anything Goes

Eclectic Ellapu  - Steampunk

Rhedds Creative Spirit  - Anything Goes

Have fun and happy crafting,

lots of love

Nicola 

XXX