Mixed Media Art

There is a common methodology often repeated throughout many mixed media pieces. You begin with a substrate; something to paint and stick things onto. In the picture shown, I started with some light cardboard, cut into the size of a "moo" card (23mm x 73mm). I then added some sepia coloured ink. After tearing some background papers with a post card theme, I stuck these down with a glue stick, making sure I covered the pieces right to the edges to make sure it sticks properly. Next came some rubber stamping, to create interest and depth. The letters "LOVE" were stamped using an alphabet set and sepia ink. To compete the pieces, I added four different punched hearts from black card and words cut from an old book (even I was surprised that I own four different heart punches!)

These elements of background, text, layers, stamping and embellishments are often found on many of the different mixed media styles.  And these elements can be made using things you already have at home.

So what are you waiting for?  If you want some more information, you can head over to my Mixed Media Art site.

Happy creating!

When faced with a "grunge" topic for my weekly Gothic Arches theme, my research for this topic took me to Wiki, where I was informed that Grunge music includes the likes of Pearl Jam and Nirvana (cool). The look includes torn jeans and more of an attitude than look. And you can only be grunge by not being grunge - or something like that! So I attempted to include this new information into my art work, along with a more contemporary, Tim Holtz definition of Grunge.

The base is made from light card and cut into an arch shape. This step isn't always necessary, it's just a fun shape to play with. The background was painted with walnut ink, then the flourish stamps were added. These stamps are from Boutique Grunge set by See D's. It was stamped in Adirondak Espresso ink. The lettering stamps and clock face embellishment are by Collections. The wings are from Tim Holtz Grungeboard and painted with gold paint. The gorgeous French script stamp is by Stamp Oasis, and again stamped with Sepia ink. A little gold paint also added, with a very dry paintbrush, to add highlights.

I had lots of fun making this. The arch size is a great format and my ideas seem to flow really well around the space.

Happy creating!