Mixed Media project

My husband and I were lucky to sneak away to our condo in VT for Columbus Day weekend.  The weather was amazing - near 80 degrees and sunny every day!  When we spend a weekend up there, I generally have a lot of down time, which I enjoy immensely.  I read book and magazines, nap, take walks, head to the fitness center for a swim or a hot tub, and cook a lot.  I would love to spend the time scrapbooking, but I could never be organized enough to figure out what I need to bring with me. I have, however, been able to work on mixed media projects.

I am a complete newbie when it comes to mixed media.  All of my inspiration comes from Kelly Rae Roberts.  I bought her book, Taking Flight, and there are a lot of interesting techniques in there.  

For this project, I first covered a 12x12 canvas with layers of old dictionary paper, using multi-medium to glue it on.  All of the patterned paper is from Crate Paper's Pink Plum collection.  I cut out the shape of the skirt on one of the pieces of patterned paper and then layered the other pieces on top of it.  The legs are just Making Memories paint (the color is cantaloupe.)  The flowers on the blouse were cut out from a border sticker in the Pink Plum Collection and the "Life is Pretty Wonderful" title is a rub-on.  I use a Stabilo pencil to outline it and add any detail, such as the belt.

The orange dots were made with a combination of Studio Calico's Mr. Huey in orchard and multi medium.  I "stamped" it with bubble wrap.  Initially I tried to stamp Mr. Huey directly onto the dictionary background, but because it was covered in a layer of multi medium, it didn't dry (at all, it really just pooled.)  I posed the question of the Studio Calico message board and Davinie from the SC design team suggested mixing the multi medium with the spray mist first and then stamping it.  Since the multi medium dries clear, just the color shows up.  It worked perfectly!

Thank you Davinie for the tip!  

Have a great weekend everyone!

Brenda