My first TRUE mixed media layout...

I've been wanting to to try an art journal type of mixed media page for quite some time, but was never really sure how the heck they actually came together...enter Sanna Lippert's tutorial for Scrap Around the World...I love Sanna's tutorials.  I always learn something from them and they inspire me to try new things and grow my technique arsenal.  Of course, I sit there and watch and think to myself "How the hell does she make it look so EASY?!"  Here is her tutorial which inspired me to try a page of my own.

And here is my first attempt at a real mixed media (as in, I pulled every wet and dry medium I own out of my stash lol) layout.  There is gesso, modeling paste (light and regular), stamps, sprays, ink, rub-ons, acrylic paint, cardboard, burlap, washi tape, scrap paper, etc., etc.  If you can name it, it's stuck on this page. ;) I am absolutely thrilled with the end result.

Here is my base layer, over gesso and adhered with Mod Podge.  I just gathered up a bunch of random scraps and stuck them on there.

Then I just started layering.  And layering.  And misting.  And layering.  And stenciling.  And layering.   Oh...and did I mention the layering? LOL

Definitely going to try this type of a layout more often.  This one will go up on the wall in my craft area, to remind me to try new things.  Thanks for looking.  I hope this will inspire some of you to give this type of layout a go too!  Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

xoxo,

Shawna

Mind Mapping - CSI #87

Happy Friday!!  There's an amazing case file this week over at CSI...one of the testimony prompt suggestions is this very cool concept called "mind mapping."  It inspired my inner wanna be artist and I do think maybe I will give art journaling a try after this.  That's the thing about CSI...it pushes your limits and encourages you to try things that you might not have otherwise.  :)

If you go check out Pinterest you will find tons of different examples of how to create a mind map - many involve a flow chart or graph type of a structure.  You can click here for some examples. I saw the map a bit differently though, using a foundation word as the trunk of the tree, supporting the branches/areas where I need to find balance in life.  I used a mix of mists, gelatos, and chalk to create the  background, and the rest is simply pen and molding paste. Below is the final result.  I'm pretty happy with it...kind of reminds me of an old Smashing Pumpkins album cover!

And here's the sketch I started with, and some close-ups.  PS.  I went through an obscene amount of molding paste to do this layout.  If you haven't tried molding paste to add dimension to your pages, give it a try.  It is so workable and if you goof up, you can actually scrape/wipe it off before it dries.

Thanks so much for stopping by and having a look!  Have a fabulous weekend!