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