Sunday 29 June 2014

Dream With All Your Strength

Hi, everyone!
So here's the thing - I just love my big projects (like the one I showed you in my previous post) that absorb me thoroughly and take days and days to work on. They are my fuel and even though it's often hard to organize my life to make enough time for them, they are something that I'm absolutely passionate about.
However... I think it's nice to mix and change my ways of expression and from time to time create something quick and easy - be it a simple spontanous journal spread or cute cards for my friends.
Then here I am - presenting these little cuties. ;)



There is no big theory behind this little one. ;) Just pure pleasure of playing around with some of my favorite materials, enjoying different combinations of colors and textures.

It's quite relaxing I must admit - some fantastic Sizzix dies, coloring with Archival inks and putting on some glossy accents to add the final touch.

Here's a list of some of the supplies I played with on this card:


On the same note I created a tag:


What I did was I glued cut out pieces of paper (Sizzix dies again!) to create a structural background, then came a layer of gesso and some subtle coloring with Color Bloom sprays and Archival inks. And again - a touch of liquid pearls here and there. Below you can see the texture I ended up with.


Curious about the supplies? ;) Here they are:


The cut out text on the tag in Polish means: "Keep dreaming with all your strength."
And this is my wish for each and every one of you!
Hugs...




Thursday 26 June 2014

More and more of dimension - Altered Doll

Hello, Friends...

First of all, let me tell you how excited I am seeing this huge wave of Design Team applications flooding us from all over the world!!! :)
We are honestly impressed - seeing old friends and meeting many new artists, reading your personal stories and - my, oh my... - experiencing your enthusiasm and absorbing A LOT of fantastic mixed media art!
As you probably imagine, it's quite a whirlwind and it will take us a while to go through all the entries... Please, be patient... We pay attention to every single e-mail we receive and we're spending some amazing time on your blogs and all of your virtual galleries.
And I know everyone says it but now I realized how true it is - we already know it will be super tough to narrow the numbers down.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your amazing kind words and sending an extra wave to all my students! :)

And while we keep reading and admiring and racking our brains about the future Finn Team, I'd like to show you a very special project of mine...

I just LOVE challenges: no matter if they come from the outside world, or I when do something to challenge myself - they always push me to create better, faster and more. They open new doors, windows and gates and let my ideas run free. But is it possible to challenge myself to do even more dimension in my mixed-media projects? Some may say it is not going to be easy... but how about creating a 3D version of one of my collage characters?
Fun? Inspiring? Oh, yes!


Here is the whole story:
I was lucky to find a suitable base for my project is a sale department of a popular Irish DIY shop. I have to admit - this figurine was ugly. Faceless, colored in browns and deep reds it was a modern version of home decorator's nightmare... but it had promising shapes and size! Lack of face was a bit creepy though - luckily I had in my stash something matching perfectly this project: a white resin mask from Shabby Chic Treasures by Ingvild Bolme (Prima). It was a perfect moment to try some fabric hardener (I used Powertex) and a combination of gesso, Silks and more traditional acrylic paints.




First - the outfit: I used pieces of fabric, paper flowers, gauze and Powertex to create a multi-layered, dimensional dress and hair decoration. It took a while to dry, but when it was finally hard enough to proceed with embellishing, I used thick glossy gel to add the elements I wanted: metal embellishments (Prima Mechanicals and some findings), polymer flowers, gems, lace and more.
Again - the project needed a break for drying before I could cover it all with gesso, acrylic paints and Silks.
I have to admit - the colors were chosen by my husband - and I love the final effect we got with this combination!

Here are some Instagram "in progress" photos I found:




In general, it took me about 2 days to finish this girl, including fabric wrapping, drying, painting 2 or 3 times and drying again... but you know what? She was worth of every minute. I had the best possible time playing with all the layers, colors and grungy stuff. And I'm really pleased with the final result!
I'm hunting for more figurines and Powertex now - ideas are waiting in a row, I just need a bit more time, right? ;)

Here are some of the supplies I used and I must say that they became my go to products no matter what kind of project I'm currently working on. This must be love... ;)


Happy creating, everyone!



Friday 20 June 2014

Finnabair: 1st official DT Call!

It is always better with "a little help from your friends", isn't it?
I think it is high time to follow that quote, too! So... fingers and toes crossed, here it goes!


The call is ultra short - just one week - so make sure you send your submissions before the deadline. :) 
I'd love to see your personality and style... and  learn a bit more about you!

The official announcement will be in August 2014 (I simply have to come back home from my Canada-USA tour and make sure we will get some goodies ready for you!), the DT will officially start their adventure September 1st 2014 and the term will last for 6 months. We expect you to prepare 2 projects a month, one of them including video or step-by step photo tutorial.
At least - that is my plan! :)

I can't even express how excited I am - I can't wait to see your emails hitting the mailbox!
Sending loads of good energy in your direction...

Thursday 19 June 2014

Summer and Autumn Classes Reminder!


Hi guys, you are probably wondering what is happening with me and where on Earth I am now...
To admit the easiest way to get the latest updates is to Instagram profile. I really like to share a couple of photos from time to time... starting with the peeks into the latest projects (and products, coming very soon!), through records from my classes and journeys to the snapshots of our everyday life. It is all there - and I promise you won't feel flooded :)
Too keep you updated about everything "Finnabair related" you can also follow my FB Finnpage :) Me and my followers are  making this place quite busy!


Ok, time to give you the updates on the classes coming in the next months, some of them may still have seats available, so check them out! I'd love to meet you all... I know I can't, but I'm really doing my best to visit as many places as possible :)

Canada:
2-3rd July 2014 - The Inked Stamper - St Albert, Alberta
contact: theinkedstamper@gmail.com
(bookings closed)

5-6th July 2014 - Clipper Street - Langley, British Columbia
contact: deanna@clipperstreet.com
(bookings open!)

8-10th July 2014 - Scrapbook Centrale - Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec
contact: info@scrapbookcentrale.ca
(bookings open!)

12-13th July - Scrapbook Tendance - Quebec City, Quebec
contact: scrapbooktendance@hotmail.com
(bookings open!)

USA:
16-17th July - Queen’s Ink - Savage, Maryland
contact: queens@queensink.com
(bookings open!)

19-20th July - Donna Downey Studios - Huntersville, North Carolina
contact: bill@donnadowney.com
(bookings open!) 

 26-27th July - Pages in Time - Lincoln, Nebraska
contact: pages_in_time@hotmail.com
(bookings open!) 


Europe: (more dates coming!)

8-10 August 2014 - Event in Turku, Finland
(last spaces available!) - bookings: matkaluovuuteen@emmo.fi

6-7 September 2014 - Trondersaksa Event, Trondheim, Norway
more details here!

13-14 September 2014 - Classes in Middlesbrough, UK
SOLD OUT

26-28 September 2014 - Scr@p! Event - UK

4-5 October 2014 - Classes in Middlesbrough, UK
(last spaces!)  - details here - contact: sue.tucker1@btopenworld.com

7-9 November 2014 - Stockholm Scrapclass, Sweden 
(bookings open!) - more details and bookings here!


I wish you all a great, creative week and I'll be back soon with more good news and (hopefully) inspiring projects to make your creative juices flowing! ;)

Sending warm hugs from the Emerald Island

Tuesday 10 June 2014

* Finnabair Prima Week ! *

Have I ever told you what a lucky girl I am?! :)
I'm feeling lucky on so many levels but today I need to confess that one of my favorite feelings in the world is seeing my products (my babies!) being used in beautiful artworks.
Every single time I see them, I feel really proud and privileged that I can inspire creative people from all around the globe!

This week is very special to me... It actually feels like a week long birthday party. :)
That is becuase.... it's Finnabair Week on Prima blog!!!


You really have to check out all the stunning works that are featured!
There are lots of tips, tricks and techniques there but most of all - really gorgeous and inspiring art pieces including my products.

-> this cutest canvas by Karen Foster
-> a breathtaking frame created by Keren Tamir
-> a wonderful grand finale with Louise & Delaina

Keep checking back for more beauties!

Hugs, dear Friends...


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