Luna the Bunny: Mixed Media Process Video

I was reluctant to even post this video, because you see... Luna the Bunny doesn't exist anymore.  The day after filming, I just couldn't get over how her ears weren't right.  She just wasn't what I had intended, and the following day I covered her in black gesso.  Do I regret it?  Maybe a little bit, because in hindsight, she is cute in her own way I suppose.

The biggest surprise and the most wonderfully unexpected result of filming my creative process, is seeing where I went wrong (for me... as there is no right or wrong way to create!).  After editing the video, I re watched it, and I could almost pinpoint EXACTLY when I overworked the piece and turned it into something I didn't like anymore.

This is such a wonderful learning opportunity, and if I hadn't recorded the process, I would never have figured out: STOP IT WITH THE INK ALREADY!

There, I got it out of my system and put it out there... now only if I can remember this the next time I get messy and play in the studio :-)

Here is the process video, hope you enjoy it!

Products Used:

8x10 wooden board canvas

(I covered it in Black Gesso before the video)

Misc Acrylic Paints

Liquitex Matt Medium

Sharpie White Paint pen (fine point, water based)

Liquitex Modeling Paste

Hard Foam Stamps

(handmade with kids craft items at Dollarama... feels like mini pool noodles!)

Foam/Sponges

(recycled electronic packaging, instead of foam brushes)

Misc Stencils

Bamboo Pen

Glass Pen (Gypsy Road)

Punchinella

Stabilo Pencil

Bubble Wrap

Spectra Art Tissue Paper

LCOM Crop - One Hour Challenge: Scrapbook Layouts

I was in Moncton recently to attend the LCOM Fall crop with the lovely Kristine!  We had so much fun catching up and playing with paper.  We haven't spent any time together since the Spring, so it was a much needed reconnect! 

The crop had two "One Hour Layout" challenges, and I had great fun with the sketches provided!  Having limited time, and limited supplies (since I'm not in my scraproom), really takes the pressure off.  It's a bit surprising, because you would think otherwise.  However, it really forces me to stop over thinking every darn enamel dot placement and to "Get 'er Done!"

The first layout above was a cool chevron sketch, and I used Crate Paper's Wonder collection.  I believe it's meant to be a baby collection, but with all those cute little kitty faces on the paper and embellishments I couldn't resist!

The second layout was a layered layout using Studio Calico's Baxter collection, and I'm still not sure about that pop of yellow... but I'm leaving it in there anyway.  That's what this is all about, to stretch your creativity and get you out of your comfort zone.  I probably would never use this color combo again, but that's ok! 


Thanks for stopping by!
Steph
xo

Rosie Posie: Scrapbook Layout

I'm continuing my Stash-busting journey this year, and so far so good!  I have so many beautiful paper collections that are piling up, and I really would love to use them up before the new trends hit the streets!

The paper collection is an older one from Amy Tangerine, and I just love it!  I thought it was a perfect fit for photos of our foster kitty Rosie sitting on my hot pink chair.  The layout itself is slightly light blasted, as I wanted to be able to SEE Rosie's face!  Who knew that black kitties were so difficult to photograph?  I sure didn't!

The journalling was done with my favourite dollar bin stamp set.  I'm not a big fan of my hand writing, so these come in handy.  (and I love the look!)  It makes a nice change from the typewriters, as I can stamp directly on my layout as opposed to making journalling strips.

I miss this beautiful kitty so much, and we are still her "back up plan" if things don't work out in her happy new home. The experience was a bit of a heart breaker, I found it so difficult not to get attached when they are this sweet!  (Dave chose not to spend hardly anytime with her, he knew it would be difficult to say goodbye otherwise)

However, we would do it all over again: she's happy, healthy and so loved in her new forever home.

Steph
xo

Meow: Scrapbook Layout

These four furry critters crack me up!  I often feel like I'm part of a never-ending Conga line, and I love it!  Sure they are underfoot, and I have to watch out that that I don't trip over them, but having  their company in the house is so lovely.

All four cats are VERY different from each other, and they all show affection and cuddle in different ways.  However, they are all so social they can't help but follow me around the house even if it's just to the washroom and back!

I scrapbooked this favorite photo with a lovely collection by Studio Calico's Seven Paper.  I think it is hands down, my favorite release of 2015.  I love that it's all about cats/dogs and in a pastel palette!  Often pet lines are in browns and oranges and I just find those colors difficult to work with as I'm still on my "bright" kick.

And the kitty wood veneers?!?  I may have ordered about 10 packs of those, I never want to run out!

Thanks for stopping by!
Steph
xo

Château Frontenac: Scrapbook Layout

Last month Dave and I drove up to Québec city for my Birthday and stayed at the Château Frontenac.  What a treat to celebrate my 41st in a castle!

One of my oldest and dearest friends lives in the city, so it was lovely to visit with her and her husband and their 3 cats.  Guylaine and I went through our teen years together,  and she's been there for all the heartbreak and triumphs that the age entails.  The history that we have is palpable.... and when I go too long without speaking to her, the disconnect doesn't sit well within me. 

Spending time with loved ones who accept you, with all your flaws is good for the soul.  I find that as an adult, I spend so much of my time explaining my behavior, and trying to ensure that I'm doing right by so many people, friends, family and coworkers. 

Some days, you just need to chill with the gal that has stayed up so many nights dreaming with you about how our lives would be like when we were old enough to be on our own... she knows your intentions, she knows your heart.   And in turn, you know hers and love her all the more for it.

BlueBelle the Bird!: Mixed Media Process Video

3 weeks.  That's all it takes for me to be out of practice.  I need to remember this, to help me stay focused and maintain my motivation!  Life just got busy this fall and I spent more time in Photoshop then creating and getting messy.  I must remember to find that balance!

I'm not sure how to explain it, but my spirit feels so much better, sated even, when I find the time to create something.  My mind is always thinking of things to do next, things to create, that if I don't try and make one of these ideas a reality every now and again, I feel antsy. 

Here is my latest mixed media piece, BlueBelle the Bird.... she just makes me giggle!  I love this cartoony style, and I hope to make a few more characters (non bird like) with the same googly eyes soon!

Here is the process video, and the Original painting is for sale in my shop!  Thanks so much for visiting!

Products used:

8x10 wooden board canvas

(I covered it in Black Gesso before the video)

Misc Acrylic Paints

Liquitex Matt Medium

Sharpie White Paint pen (fine point, water based)

Hard Foam Stamps

(handmade with kids craft items at Dollarama... feels like mini pool noodles!)

Foam/Sponges

(recycled electronic packaging, instead of foam brushes)

Misc Stencils

Bamboo Pen

Glass Pen (Gypsy Road)

Punchinella

Stabilo Pencil

Bubble Wrap

Spectra Art Tissue Paper

7Gypsys Tissue Paper

Grand Opening! The Creative Cat Lady Shop!

I'm so excited to finally share with you what I've been working on for months!  My own little Art Print shop, full of bright colors and cute funky characters! 

Eventually, the shop will be a combination of Art prints, Original pieces, along with perhaps a bit of funky silver jewelry... but for now I've only listed a few prints.

I've been saving up for months and months to purchase the equipment required to print at home, and I'm just tickled pink that it is finally a reality.  The equipment and software were just the stepping stones... getting the proper scanning and Photoshop skills in place were a bit more of a challenge! haha! 

What a great learning curve though, I love that "outside of my comfort zone" feeling... when you take the time to learn, challenge yourself to just dive in!  I've learned more about Photoshop in the last 2 weeks, then I have in the last 8 years I've owned the software.  The best part, is that I think this may change up my photo printing for scrapbooking as well!  Yay!

Please drop in and check out the shop, let me know what you think!
Cheers,
Steph

Twinkling H20 Process Video: Cat in the Valley

I love adding context/scenery to my kitty characters!  Here is a little Bengal kitty taking a stroll in a valley.  One day I'd love to draw a mini story/adventure, with a sequence of watercolor kitties.... but I need to learn how to draw different body poses for variation and interest.

I've been reading a book on perspective drawing this week, so hopefully this will get the ball rolling on that skill set.   

Here is the process video for my little spotted Bengal kitty... and you can see that I'm keeping it real!

I messed up when adding my ink, and I included my "fix" in the video. 

Making mistakes is all part of the learning curve, and for the first time in my life, I am embracing them.  The more mistakes I make along the way, the more interesting this adventure becomes for me and the more progress I make with my artwork.

Enjoy!

Steph

xo

*Supplies used: Twinkling H20s, Ink and Canson 140 Lbs watercolor paper

Guest Blogger: Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine

I'm so thrilled to be a guest blogger on the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine today! 

There are a couple of new Scrapbook layouts using some Echo Park and Studio Calico collections, and a bit about my new process video adventure.   Please pop over for a visit!

Steph
xo

Process Video: Twinkling H20s and Arches Watercolor Paper

I've been trying different types of watercolor paper to use with my Twinkling H20 paints, and I think I have found my favorite so far: Arches Cold Pressed 140lb 100% cotton.  I think it may still be a student grade paper, as it was the least expensive of the Arches papers (mind you, it was a pad of only 12 sheets!)

I was really interested in trying out something that is 100% cotton, and was curious to see how the Twinkling H20s react to it.  I was having "blooming" issues with my black Twink paint when using the Fabriano Hot press papers, and I thought perhaps it was a wonky reaction due to only being 25% cotton.

Here are the results, and I have to say I really enjoyed these papers! They were much rougher than I expected, but I didn't mind it... It's not like my work has super fine details that would be hindered by the texture :-)  I loved how the paint dried without pooling too much, as I tend to be heavy handed with the water. 

Here's a quick process video, hope you enjoy!
Steph
xo