White Canvas Art

I have seen these white canvases around lately and have been wanting to give one a try. I love all things crafty and I thought something for my master bedroom wall would be perfect. I am in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I am super excited about it!! It took awhile to convince my hubby that light colors would be fabulous. He was against all white bedding - with two young kids, I guess I understand. I think he pictured dirty little hand prints everywhere. In the end we are going with mainly gray, some white, and pops of turquoise/aquas. LOVE!
 

So, this cute little canvas is the perfect addition to our wall. The great thing is that you can personalize it any way you wish. It was super easy & didn't take much time either.

I used a 12 x 12 canvas, wooden letters, a wooden heart,  puffy sticker ABCs, glue, Mod Podge, and white paint.

First, I laid out the letters the way I wanted it to look. After a couple tries, I found something I liked. I had to overlook all the crazy colors of the letters and picture it white. The pink was throwing me off!

Once I was happy, I glued everything down. I used Mod Podge for the smaller letters on the top. I thought I would use my E6000 to really secure the heavier letters, but sometimes there is nothing better than this bad boy. :)

Good ol' Elmer's glue :)

Finally, I let the glue dry and painted! I used Rustoleum's semi-gloss white spray paint. I wanted something quick and easy. I used a couple light coats.  Now it is finished and I really like it. Hopefully, my hubby will too. The saying on the top is special to us, so I am hoping it tugs at his heart a bit. It will be a sweet reminder each night before we go to bed. 

:)

I am linking up to some fabulous places like Paint Party Friday (although I am not sure if this is "painting"...I did spray paint.), Sneak Peek Friday, and
Crafty, Scrappy, Happy. Oh, and Jaime at Crafty, Scrappy, Happy is having a giveaway too from The Fresh Picked Whimsy... super cute prints. I mean - adorable! I hope you have a chance to come visit. :)

Are you working on any fun projects lately??

Have a wonderful, creative weekend!

I think you are finally here...

Welcome Fall 5x7 canvas board

 I do! 

I think Fall may have finally made her entrance.

I live in southern Cal & although it was in the 90's last week...today 

it is cool, overcast, and perfect.

I love autumn weather and can't wait for...

changing leaves

cool breezes

boots (although I am a die-hard flip flop wearer)

turtle-neck sweaters

Pumpkin spice lattes (made at home!)

cuddling up in cozy blankets

pumpkin patches

Thanksgiving

I just love it!

Fall used to be my absolute favorite season. 

Now, I love each season for their little unique characteristics. 

I can't choose a real favorite...but, I am very happy that Fall is here! :)

I am looking forward to carving out some time this week in the studio and to work on my poor little ETSY shop that has been empty for months...

I mean, months! 

I am really anxious to work in my art journal too. I was watching some wonderful YouTube videos from Roben-Marie. So fun to watch!

I hope you are enjoying the arrival of Fall!!

Do you have any Fall favorites??

  XO,

Jen

Inspired by IRIS

A couple of weeks ago my hubby took me to see Cirque Du Soleil's IRIS at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles. Oh my heavens - AMAZING!

I was so taken by all the art that surrounded me. It was everywhere!

The costumes, the set, music, lights, make-up, the acrobats, dancers, writing, directing, cinema, humor, imagination, detail, the theater itself...so much. 

Journal page in progress

So this Friday I wanted to work on some pages in my art journal about my night. I wanted to use the program from that evening. I used the paper for the background & pictures of some of the performers to highlight. I loved the girl on the right side with the white & black stripes. If you have ever seen Cirque, then you know everything is over the top & sometimes pretty quirky. She was exactly that. Yes, she has a huge spinning movie reel around her waist! :)

I love working in my journal. It is so freeing and pressure free. I don't worry about what I am creating and just try to silence my little inner critic diva. She reminds me quite often that I have a lot to learn...but, isn't that part of the fun? It is a place to practice, experiment, learn, grow, release, and relax.

Have you seen any of the Cirque shows?

If you live close to Los Angeles or come for a visit...IRIS' permanent home is the Kodak Theater (well for 10 years at least I read). It is a great show! 

Here is a little clip....

Come join the fun & creativity at Paint Party Friday & Sneak Peek Friday. I am posting late...again. Somehow my "Fridays" become "Saturday mornings!" :)

Have a Happy Day!

Jen

Recycled art...

It is done and hanging back on the wall.

I wrote last week (creating the background) about this piece of wall art 

that just needed to be changed. 

Why not do some thrift store shopping right off my own wall, right? 

Pretty convenient. :)

I knew once I had created the background, I just wanted to paint some very simple flowers, nothing too realistic. I used a new set of inexpensive watercolors that I bought at Joann's, graphite pencil, and pens. 

I love using the watercolors! 

I think it is fabulous that this...

Turned into this...

And the best part  - it was free. :)

I am having a great time reworking some things 
I have around my house. 

I am feeling like I need to change it up a bit. It is just time to make my surroundings reflect more of where I am now, what inspires me, and what brings happiness to my family.

I am finding all kinds of inspiration on so many blogs & Pinterest (come follow me if you'd like! I'd love it!) So I am looking forward to sharing.

What changes or additions are you making to your home?

XO, 

Jen

I am linking this up to a wonderful blog  Crafty, Scrappy, Happy. 
Come find some wonderful ideas!

Remember...

 

September 11, 2001

Remember today.

Remember tomorrow.

Remember always.

Out with the Old

I was meaning to post this Thursday, but my little one has been sick this week which puts everything on hold. He is feeling better now and is back to being a typical boy...you know - climbing, running, jumping, throwing, smashing, and bugging his big sister. :) I love this little man more than words can express, so my little Mommy heart is filled with gratitude that he is finally feeling better.

Now that he is better, I have had a chance to work on a project that I have been anxious to start. I really, REALLY  wanted to repaint a piece of artwork  that I have had hanging on my walls for years. As I have mentioned before I am loving lighter and brighter colors for decorating. I have LOTS of deep burgundy reds...but I am slowly trying to replace those pieces or make them new again. I saw Heather from Little Red Henry's recycled art - and knew it was time! So I finally grabbed this piece off the wall and decided to repaint it! I am SO glad I did. 

  Here it is before. Not bad, just not my style.

I added some gesso straight to the canvas - frame too.

 Then added some turquoise. I knew I wanted soft, whites, creams, blues, flowers, book pages, and some words. 

  I added the old book pages and some stamps. I used an old copy of Hamlet that I love using. It is actually from high school! How sad that it is considered vintage now...it was that long ago. :)

Time to add more paint to make the background more cohesive. I used a circle stencil with ink. I also just decided to paint the frame white with my Liquitex soft body acrylic. It will need another coat, but it worked well!

And this is where it stands as of now. It still needs lots of work, but I am happy with the way it is turning out. I am looking forward to finding more time to work on it. I think it is fabulous that it didn't cost a dime and when it is finished it will brighten up my walls. :)

I am hoping you have a chance to check out Paint Party Friday. So many talented, talented artists. 

Be Blessed,

Jen XO

Getting Artsy with Stencils

You know you have been bitten by the art bug when all kinds of things at Lowe's or discarded items become creating treasure. I seriously look forward to visiting home improvement stores, the dollar store, or my trash bin (don't worry...I actually get my divine little treasures before they are IN the can!) Ohhh, and I am not shy... I'll ask my friends for their trash too. :) No, I am kidding. But, I do love keeping my eyes out for things that will make fabulous stencils. They are so fun to play with and add such interesting texture to backgrounds.

Martha Stewart paper as stencil

So, today I wanted to mess with these fabulous Martha Stewart papers I found at Micheal's on clearance. Martha Stewart products don't go on sale or clearance very often, so I scooped these puppies up fast. Even the nice guy behind the counter said, "Ohhh, these will make a fabulous stencil." That's right! I used some turquoise acrylic paint mixed with water in a spray bottle and some chalk ink for the dollar bin. I like the way they turned out, although I think I'd use spray ink next time. :)

 

background WIP on cardboard

Adding some ink with Q-tips (Loving the red!)

Earlier in the week, my daughter was setting up a new board game she had. She was about to toss the chipboard sheet that the little pieces were punched from...when I jumped from my chair to grab it. What a great stencil! So, be sure to check packaging material, kids toys, games & whatever else you can think of to make your own stencils.

See that great Disney game stencil!

I had fun using the stencils and creating this little cutie. There is much to rejoice about and gratitude was on my heart today. 

I'd love to know some of your stencil secrets and 

where do you buy your favorites?

I am linking up this post with some other very creative souls at 

Paint Party Friday and Sneak Peek Friday. So, so much inspiration. Come join in or at least come take a peek. :)