Showing posts with label paint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paint. Show all posts

November 28, 2012

Grumbacher Academy Acrylics

As we all know, I have a deep and profound love of acrylic paint. The viscosity, the building of layers...it all has a very special place in my heart, so when this box of gorgeousness arrived from Grumbacher at my door, it was like Christmas morning.



I had a project in the works, two large painted glass ornaments, and I wondered how the acrylics would do on a rather nontraditional surface. Acrylics, typically, are used on canvas or board {at least in my studio} but the results on glass were exactly what I was looking for.


First, I mixed the Cadmium Yellow and Ultramarine to get  really awesome forest green colour. I was really impressed that while the paint is nice and thick, it comes out of the new plastic tubes very easily. The paint blended really well together, another bonus since some acrylics resist one another and never fully mix.

Next, I went to town with the small angled brush {stay tuned for a full brush review next week} to paint my ornaments.


I was really impressed with how the paint held up. I've found in the past that layering with wet acrylics either means that you need a tonne of paint, or that you're setting yourself up for frustration as when you paint one layer over another typically the underlayer wipes away. Not with the Grumbacher Academy Acrylics. They are so nicely buildable, I was able to create such dimension and depth in the trees.

All in all, these acrylics are top notch. I really enjoyed using them, and would highly recommend putting a tube or two of the new Academy Acrylics under the tree for the artist in your family this holiday season!

disclosure: I was provided the Grumbacher Academy Acrylic and brushes by Grumbacher for the purposes of doing a review post on my blog.

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April 10, 2012

Talk-To-Me Tuesday: Celeb{rate}

I've had the amazing opportunity to connect with some incredible people lately...people in high places.

Well...in shiny, sparkly places...and people who appreciate handmade.

Over the next few weeks, I invite you to Celeb{rate} with me on Tuesday's! I'll show you who I'm sending some work to, and the amazing pieces that they'll receive....you can shout it from the rooftops with me...jump on a table and dance...fist-pump...the whole thing!

In March, I had the opportunity to create two gorgeous pieces for one gorgeous women that I really admire and find incredibly inspiring.



First and foremost, isn't she gorgeous?

I am so proud to say that I have painted Lauren a journal, with an antique skeleton key embellishment. The journal itself was inspired by ballet, and her clothing collection. All very flowy, fluid lines and with lots of ribbon detail. Absolutely love it!

Then, I sculpted her a double pansy hair clip on a vintage alligator clip. It's a little heavy, so will have to be worn pointing downwards so it stays put. I just love the white and plum together. So pretty, especially with her California blonde and tan!

Stay tuned on Tuesdays as I reveal more gifts to Celeb{rate}!

March 23, 2012

Fabulous Finds Friday: A Painting for a Headboard

I stumbled across this idea on Pinterest and think that it would be just perfect in the guestroom should we go ahead and use the double bed.



While our guestroom will likely only have the one bedside table (unless I can find a cheap and cheerful DIY for two!), i love the way the painting fits with the room overall without taking over.

Since this wall will be painted a darker grey/grey-brown, I'll have to paint something new for the space {oh, darn}. I have the perfect 4'x3' piece of wood that would be...well...perfect for this space! The contrast is going to be spectacular!

March 16, 2012

Fabulous Finds Friday: Focal Wall

One thing that is absolutely certain about the guest room, it will have a focal wall behind the bed.



While I love the use of turquoise here, ours will very likely be a charcoal grey, with the rest of the room being a softer dove grey.

Maybe a bit more of a brown-grey since the walls in the rest of the house are more earthy and I want the whole house to fit together without looking like we moved in, painted the bedrooms and didn't bother with the rest of the house.

The best going into this room...well...we're undecided. We have a lovely wrought iron day bed, but it's only a twin. It certainly would leave the room open and airy, but is it big enough for guests? We also have a double mattress set, so we could use that and maybe DIY a headboard, add a chest or something at the end of the bed...

Ideas abound!

Happy Friday!

January 24, 2012

Special Post: New Journal Sizes!

Happy Tuesday!

I went out searching for journals yesterday, and found two new sizes that I'm so excited to introduce to you!



On the top...5.5"x8"
On the bottom...8.5"x11"




Small journal...5.5"x8"
$25.99



Large journal...8.5"x11"
$35.99

Journals are painted in an abstract fashion...either painterly or linear...and can be embellished in a variety of ways.

I'm currently waiting on a shipment of twenty brass antique skeleton keys, which have inspired a whole ballet-esqe line of the journals...soft, flowy, pastel colours with wide shimmery satin ribbon and a skeleton key to keep all of your secrets safe.

I'm also working on a variety of sculpted embellishments, including rolled rosettes, five petal flowers...all in different sizes as well! I'm very excited to get back to sculpting sincei t' an area that I majored in for my studio courses in University.

Order your journals now! 2 small and 1 large have already been spoken for! I only have 1 large and 3 small left until I restock!

September 8, 2011

Y3W Friday: Halloween Mask GIVEAWAY!

Yes yes, you read that right!!

Since I just adore these lovelies so much, I'm going to giveaway ONE CUSTOM handpainted and embellished MASK! You give me the theme, and we'll design it together!

Now...will it be something truly Halloweeny like the Glittery Ghost



or something more Masquerade like the Water Nymph



or perhaps something dress-up for your little one's costume closet like the Warrior Princess



Whatever your fancy, it will be custom designed just for you and mailed to you before Halloween should you choose to use it for your outfit, or your little ones! Masks are unisex and while I have been creating them with an Haute Couture feminine edge, they certainly can be created for the mysterious {little or big} man in your life!

There are so many ways to enter, and the new Rafflecopter widget makes it super easy! Just follow the steps in the boxes below and enter as many times as allowable by the options!

Good luck!

And remember...there's a daily entry for tweeting about the giveaway!
      

Happy Friday! Don't forget to link up Your Three Words with Jenni From The Blog!

September 4, 2011

Special Post: Just Something I Whipped Up

Joining a new blog hop today, courtesy of The Girl Creative...really really awesome blog, and I highly recommend that you follow it if you're into things that are wonderful, handmade and inspiring!

Here's a sneak peek on the new masks that I've been whipping up...y'know...the ones for the photo shoot in the morning!







My husband remarked that the mask looks sad...but in a really beautiful way. I can't think of a better compliment!

Link up your creative with The Girl Creative!!

The Girl Creative

August 25, 2011

Y3W Friday: {Paper} Faces on Parade

Masquerade!
Every face a different shade.
Masquerade!
Look around -
there's another
mask behind you!

That's right! This week, I was asked by a lovely photographer to create a mask for an upcoming wedding shoot that she has in the fall.

An amazing opportunity for some really awesome, hand painted designs! I've created them out of a satin mask form, painted with high quality and non toxic artist acrylics, them embellished with a variety of powdered glitters, metallic paint, feathers, gems, ribbons and pearls.

Here's a sneak peek of what I've been creating!


~Snow Princess~


~Bubblegum Cutie~


~Black Widow~


~Autumn Goddess~ this is the mask that will be going to the wedding shoot


~Ice Queen~

So...what do you think?! I've got to say, I'm absolutely in love with them!

Masks will come in two styles; Couture and Basic. The Couture masks will be embellished with feathers, gems, glitter, handpainted designs and ribbons. The Basic masks will be handpainted with optional glitter and gems.

They're all so different and wonderful, and I definitely will be doing a GIVEAWAY for a custom Couture Magnificent Mask in a few weeks!

What was your week like? Can you sum it up in three(ish) words?? Link up with my girl Jenni!


June 22, 2011

Simple Things Thursday: The Painted Baby

I found the perfect fit for Thursday's!

It's very simply, and beautifully called Simple Things Thursday

If you haven't seen Simple As That, I highly recommend you tour over there. Rebecca captures absolutely beautiful moments, so simple...and so incredible!

With each installment, you'll get a view into what inspires me as an artist, and as a mom. My life so much these days is playing with trucks on the floor, then working during naptime and late at night (I wouldn't have it any other way!) So with Simple Things Thursday, you'll get a sense of who I am..who my family is, and how they inspire me to be the artist that I am.

Here's my simple inspiration for this week




Join in the hop over at Simple as That, and don't forget to link up on Sunday's.

Emmy Given Wednesday: Hand Painted Journals

As you all know, I've been running around like a crazy person between custom birthday orders, trying to manage this silly postal strike, and planning my son's 1st Birthday Party.

Well! After all was said and done, the kitchen and yard cleaned up (thanks to my ever supportive husband) I put my headphones on with a little Mumford & Sons (my favourite music to work to in my studio) and started painting.


The set-up...much cleaner than when I was actually painting


The mostly finished journals, all set for the Emmy's!

I've got to say, I love them all. If you were with me on Twitter on Saturday night, you probably saw each and every one of them as they were finished; I began to love each one more than the last!!

Beautiful and striking combinations, amazing brush strokes, and paint that literally sticks up and off the cover! AMAZING!

Now...I'm having a very difficult time choosing my display piece! This is where you come in!

I'm going to post a poll up to the left with the five options. Vote vote vote, and get your friends to vote, because I'm having a really hard time with this!

Here are the five finalists!


Purple, Cadmium Red and Vanilla


Black and Silver


Teal, Neutral Grey and Vanilla


Deep Violet and Yellow Ochre


Deep Violet and Vanilla

Obviously, I need something that will photograph well for when the celebs grab it off the table and are in awe over it!

What do you think? Which should go on display?

January 10, 2011

How-to Tuesday: Fabulously Stained Frames

Ready for your how-to lesson of the week?
This week, we're getting crafty with a stained and fabulous picture frame!

Fabulously Stained Frames

Items needed:
- paintable wooden picture frame
- paintable wooden embellishments, such as wooden letters
- UHU Epoxy
- acrylic paint in the colours of your choice


Paint the wooden embellishments first as they will take longer to dry than the frame
colours used: Vanilla, Cobalt Blue



Thin acrylic paint to a watercolour consistency
colour used: Burnt Umber


Paint frame, and quickly rub with a paper towel to remove any excess paint, paying particular attention to the inside rim and outside edge of the frame


Once dry, decide on placement of embellishments and letters


In a well ventilated room, mix equal parts of resin and hardener, taking care to breathe in as few fumes as possible and to not get any on your skin


Put a thin layer of epoxy on your embellishments, one at a time. Epoxy will harden quickly and you will not be able to move your embellishments once they are on your frame


Attach embellishments to your frame and allow to dry overnight


Et, voila! A Fabulously Stained Frame!


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