Sunday, December 21, 2014

Using Watercolors on Paper Floral Designs

Thought I would end off the year with one more tutorial!   I know, I've gone overboard this year with things that are not bear related but I am having SO much fun making and sharing!   I wanted my Christmas cards to be unique and even though I love buying patterned, colored paper, I wanted to make something different.  I used three types of watercolors - two different types of water color pencils and water soluble oil pastels (of course, water color paint will work,too!).  Here is a picture tutorial on how I made some of my Christmas cards ...



















If you decide to try this, I would love to see photos of your finished flowers!   Merry Christmas!   Hugs & Blessings, Janice

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Funky Fifties Type Vase ...

One more Goodwill makeover and then I need to work on bears!  I bought this rather bland glass vase and decided to paint it with Krylon Looking Glass Paint.  My daughter said it looked like something that a rapper would drink from ... certainly not the look I was going for!  So, I whitewashed it with Gesso & Grounds, sprayed some 50/50 Water/White Vinegar mix on it and quick dried it with an embossing dryer.  I like how it looks now!  I'm pretty sure a rapper wouldn't be caught with this in his hands!   Added some Christmas greens and voila ... a funky fifties type vase!
Hope you have a lovely day!
Hugs & blessings,
Janice

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Goodwill "Creative Collector Art"!

I have been visiting Goodwill stores for a few months looking for things that I can "Repurpose" or "Upcycle".  I have found myself perusing "Valley of the Sun" Goodwill stores regularly lately and am becoming concerned!  What if I become a "hoarder?!"  My latest find was a huge bag of large silver, brass, bronze and copper beads for $2.99.  Whoever heard of such a thing?  I couldn't let them stay there, they were so pretty!  I brought them home wondering what in the world am I going to do with these?  Am I becoming one of those people who buys useless things and ends up on an episode of "Hoarders"?!   Well, I posted this question to my facebook page where several people came to my defense.  My favorite was "No, you're not becoming a Hoarder ... you are a Creative Collection Artist".  So, that is my story and I am sticking to it.   I hope you don't mind me sharing my latest Goodwill Creative Collection Art with you!


Here are the beads being used as Christmas Decor. 
The top silver bowl was a Goodwill find, too!
The ornaments I made from Sculpey Clay, Cookie Cutters and Stamps.

This is one of my favorites!
Everything used but the ornaments, bells and candles
were Goodwill finds!
The crystal goblets ranged in price from .69 cents to $2.99.
The silver tray was $4.99.
This will be displayed on top of my entertainment center through Christmas!

The silver platter was a Goodwill find.
Painted and glittered pinecones and sculpey clay ornaments were added.

It is so much fun being a "Creative Collector Artist"!
I hope you  have a blessed week!
Lots of hugs,
Janice