Art Recipe: Art Secrets - scrapbook page for HDP

Hi again crafty people!
Today I've got a scrapbook page for you - simple and fun to do, perfect for someone who would like just add "a touch" of mixed-media feeling to the project!
This page was originally made for French scrapbooking magazine - Histoires de Pages where I had the pleasure to be featured as a guest artist. Enjoy!

As I said many times before - I can't help it – I'll put my finger on everything possible! I'll color not only the background and papers but I find deepest pleasure in altering the embellishments: I cut them, layer them, paint them – anything that will change their usual look into something more challenging, more matching the project and something closer to the image I have in my head.

Here my first touches were done to the background papers - using Art Basics Heavy White Gesso and a stencil I was able to add interesting yet simple to do texture which corresponded beautifully with the mixed-media style of the paper. Extra stamping with similar motive only made the effect stronger!

Looking at my embellishments you will see I'm not very “girly” in my choices: I won't use many flowers or butterflies - I'll mix them with heavy, dark elements instead. I adore everything found, old, repurposed: metal, plastic, wood are all inspiring for me! Even my own line of embellishments – Mechanicals – was inspired by flea market findings and my love to mix, match and alter!

Here thy were grouped in nice, balanced composition and coloured using shimmering sprays - Primary Elements Pigments mixed with water and a bit of Black Ecoline. I love working this way - you can use ANY element you have and make it "yours"!

Ok, are you ready? it's Art Recipe Time!

Here is a simple step-by-step tutorial for you - enjoy!

1. I started my project with creating nice white texture on my background – I used one of my stencils and Art Basics White Heavy Gesso - which works quite nicely with stencils too! I applied it through a stencil and dried with heating tool.

2. When the White Heavy Gesso was dry I started layering my doilies and papers – I used some 3D Foam Squares for extra dimension. I used plenty of paper scraps, some cut-outs and other leftovers in neutral colours which I could find on my table.

3. I continued with more papers craps, pieces of lace and photo, building dimension layer by layer – great technique when you want to get rid of the paper pieces from your desk! Some 3D foams were adding extra dimension too!

4. I attached the biggest elements of composition: paper vine which was cut in half. This is the beginning of the clusters.

5. I added some stamping on the top of my white texture – to focus the attention in the middle of the project. (I used permanent ink for that - always better choice with art mediums!) I continued embellishing adding metal and plastic embellishments: grouping and layering one on another. This time I used my Art Basics 3D Matte Gel instead of glue – it grabs faster and holds stronger.

6. Using shimmering spray paints I repainted my embellishments, layers of paper and lace and a bit of background. To create the sprays I simply mixed a bit of Primary Elements Pigments with water in the spray bottles. For black colour I used similar solution: I mixed a bit of Ecoline - liquid Watercolour with water and sprayed on my embellishments.  I tried to create nice, muted color palette with darker accents. After drying my project was ready!

So here it is - I hope you like the idea and you will try similar solutions in your projects too!

Here are the links to products used for this project - all from our Mixed Media Place Shop:

Before I'll say goodbye - there is one more super important news to share - this week Prima is releasing my new set of STAMPS!!! Have you seen them already?

To celebrate this big occasion I will be doing some Giveaways in my main social media in the coming days - Instagram, FB Page, Blog and in our new place - Finnabair & Friends - Open Studio Group - stay tuned to win some stamps!
Woo hoo!
Sending best wishes