Ocean Artefacts - by Finnabair

Hi, my loves!
It's a very busy time for us all I guess - December is always both exciting and filled to the brims with to-do lists, Christmas preparations, buying gifts, cleaning and more... it is great if you are able to carve some time for creativity and include some handmade gifts, greeting cards or home decors in plans - making these is so very rewarding (and you can find so many mind-blowing inspirations online that it would be a shame not to try, right?).
I have to admit I'm not great at making greeting cards. I really suck when it comes to traditional Christmas decorations - I'm more into decorating the house than making small projects to display, although I've done some of the altered projects which are in general "winter" genre. This is not my thing - and I've accepted it, not forcing myself to do things I don't enjoy... this type of project though - is 100% my cup of tea!

I still have a hard time to tell what these really are - except they're a kind of a home decor or altered art and they are supposed to be displayed in glass domes I've bought before.
You can see its a bit weird mix of ocean and vintage-mechanical theme and I've used a lot of found supplies such as shells, moss or some mysterious ocean creatures...

This is a very basic kind of project, not advanced mixed-media - but so fun to do!
You can clearly see some of the Holiday influence here - the glitters and Art Stones are adding both beautiful texture and so much needed bling to the organic, sea-inspired composition. It's almost like having Christmas under the sea - but why not? Nothing wrong with that mix, I think!

I've made these projects using mostly found stuff - and believe me, collecting the objects for future projects is almost as fun as creating! My plan was to use some old candle holder and pieces of moss and shells - so I needed some good adhesive. As always in more difficult cases I'm using Art Basics Heavy Body Gel - after applying a generous amount and drying EVERYTHING is staying in place - it is a really great 3D collage solution.
For the smaller details and glitter touches, I've used a bit of Soft Gel, applied with a small brush. This art medium is not only a great resist, paper adhesive or transfer medium but also a perfect product to stick smaller and lighter embellishments.
The final results are sparkly yet organic looking objects which will be part of my new bedroom display. I'm still working on the details, but I know already what I'm going for: cabinet of curiosities would be the best description... I guess these two will fit just perfectly, and I can't wait to make some more!

For your reference - here are some of the products I've used - all linked to Mixed Media Place Store:

Have a wonderful time - enjoy the Christmas preparations!

Sending love

Waiting for a miracle by Juliya Tirskaya

Hello there, creative friends!

Today I'd like to share with you a new inspiration - a mixed media canvas about waiting for a miracle. Wonderful time of Christmas and New Year! What do you associate with these days? Taste of tangerines, red Santa Claus costume, holly and fun?

My associations are night, stars and frost. Snow sparkles and shines in the light of lanterns. It crunches under feet.

As a child I lived in the village, and our house stood on the edge of the forest. The trees created a sense of fairy tales. Mysterious and beautiful.

And this childish feeling is still with me. I tried to convey it in this canvas.

My recipe for forest magic is Heavy Gesso Black and Art Alchemy Acrylic Paints. A little bit of White Crackle Texture Paste and Wax. A few wonderful metal embellishments. And at the end  Snowflake Paste. It is like magic dust, reviving the canvas. Making it shine and sparkle!

I have prepared a video tutorial for you on how to make this canvas. I hope you enjoy viewing! And I wish you all a wonderful winter! Let your dreams come true!

Products I have used - all the images linked to Mixed Media Place online store:

Listen with your heart by Olya Kravets

Hello there lovely creative friends! Today I'd like to share with you my brand new inspiration - a mixed media canvas with lovely amazing Finnabair's products! Sometimes I want to do something simple but beautiful, just to convey my emotions. And this time I listen to me and created an inspiring board and a reminder. Do you see this interesting and inspiring picture inside? That is what inspired me to create this project. This is a card from the new release of  Art Daily "Words you need"!

The very first step was taking a clipboard. I mixed Mini Art Stones and Black Gesso to create a textural background. It is so simple! Then I took several shades of Impasto Paints and Acrylics and started my magic with colors. I really enjoyed the process and painting. To make my texture even more interesting, I added some Texture Fantasy.

I covered the reverse side of a small canvas with Texture Fantasy Paste. I did the same with  chipboard. I wanted to create uneven relief on it! There are more decor elements such as lace and burlap. And my favorite metal elements - Mechanicals! I also added cards from the set Ephemera Melange.

I decorated my project with new cards and words from Art Daily. This is something that fills your project with meaning! Just try and you will immediately fall in love with it!

I invite you to watch my video tutorial to see the whole process of creating my project. Enjoy! 

  

I really hope that I was able to inspire you! 

Create simple things but put your heart in them. Then you will be unique. Remember that you are beautiful and everything that you create will be amazing! Play with new products from Finnabair and let your inspiration always be with you.

With love, Olya.

Products I have used - all the images linked to Mixed Media Place online store: