Saturday, March 30, 2013

Watercolor Class Week 7

This week, we created the fronts of our watercolor journals.  Using a stencil and Wood Icing, I covered the dark brown cardboard cover with a flower design.
I painted the entire area with gesso then brayered on layers and layers of acrylic paints in spring colors.  Dots, doodles and outlines were added with paint and pen.  My journal now looks happy and personalized just for me!

Only one more watercolor class left in the session, it has gone by way too fast.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Watercolor Class Week 6

Nasturtium - we were instructed to paint something from life using 3 angles, then paint them in abstract.  It's amazing how you notice the small details of a flower - a great exercise.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Vernal Equinox

IT MUST BE SPRING!!!
Our Jasmine vine is blooming!

Our Texas Laurel tree is blooming!
We got new cushions for the outdoor chairs!
We got a new mat outside the kitchen door!

Happy Spring everyone!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Ironman Memories

I made a collage/watercolor page in my journal in honor of my husband, Storm. He completed the Ironman Canada 2004 held in Penticton, British Columbia.  After months of training for the swimming, bike ride and marathon - he finished the race and received this medallion which is proudly displayed at our home.

Way to go Storm!!!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Watercolor Class Week 5

This week, Jane taught us reductive stamp making.
This photo shows the process we went through to get our final print.  The top left is a print of my carving block using yellow acrylic.  Next, I carved a simple design and printed on top of the yellow using gold acrylic.  I carved more into my block and printed with pink.  Lastly, I added more design and used a black stamp pad for my final layer of the print.

I really enjoyed this lesson.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

March Calendar

My March calendar is finished.  I made it light and whimiscal to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, the first day of Spring and Easter.  I painted the background in acrylics using green, pink and blue then covered them with gesso to lighten the colors.  The grid is a sheet of scrapbook paper with the dates glued on.
Using artist tissue paper, I traced characters from the internet with permanent ink then adhered them with matte medium.  I added color with pencils.  For the title, I used stickers.
This is such a fun project, thank you Annie for getting me started!!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Block of the Month Stars

This past weekend, I was able to make the 6 1/2" Ninja Star to add to the other paper pieced blocks.  I see I need to add more of the teal fabric and with 9 more patterns to go, I will get the opportunity.

I'm already looking forward to April's design!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Watercolor Class - Week 4

This week, we collaged a background using old books or maps.  After covering our page with absorbant ground, we painted a collection of items using watercolors.  I chose some ceramics my daughter brought me from Europe and a small bowl I purchased in Mexico.

Another great lesson from Jane LaFazio!!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Ninja Star

Here is the March Lucky Star Block of the Month - The Ninja Star.  I have to admit, this one was the hardest for me to put together so far.  So many angled seams to match - really a challenge.  I hand basted, ripped seams out and fussed with this star until I was really to scream!!!  It's not perfect - but I love the design.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Watercolor Class - Week 3

This past week, our assignment was to finish the last 4 spaces on our page.  We used a water-soluble pen (Tombow), a water-soluble pencil with watercolors, a tissue overlay and finally we drew on a book page (I used a small piece of blueprint) with pencil, ink and watercolor.
On the back, I added photos of my "model homes" to fill in the shapes left by the black stitching of my watercolor spaces.

This was a wonderful exercise, we tried many different watercolor techniques and learned a great lesson.