Homecoming: Finding My Flow

Hi, my dear Creative Souls.
A few months ago, I mentioned in one of my blog posts that creating certain kinds of projects, ones you make" just for yourself" feels like coming back home. How great it is to take all the time you need to think about the emotions, meanings and elements you want to include - especially when there is a lot happening in your head and you seriously need to listen to your inner voice.
This project, is no different, but...
... It was sitting in my mind for weeks, bugging me and waiting for me to start it, find the time to let out the story that appeared in my imagination. And I was fighting with it, seriously!

"Vortex" - mixed-media collage on canvas (20x60 cm - 8x 24'')

I was trying to push it back as there were many "urgent" and "important" matters, projects, plans and other excuses (as always)... but what I realised - it was not going away. In fact, the more I was pushing it back and away the more it was jumping right into my face, demanding attention. It was a pain to focus and create something else, as deep inside I new I really wanted to work on something else. Do you know what I want to say? I'm sure you do!

Procrastination is something all creative people have to deal with. My life is a constant battle between a need to be on-time, orgasnised and efficient (not my nature at all!) in order to have important things done and my need to let my thoughts roam free, working on a bunch of things at one time and binge sleeping, reading and creating. Usually, my responsibility and motivation is the winner - I'm pushing myself to the limits and somehow, everything clicks in place, but this time it was not working.

One evening I took a deep breath, put my fingers on gel and gesso and all the findings and pieces which were sitting on my table for weeks. Then everything fell into it's right place.
For few evenings, bit by bit, I was building the collage which was filled with my raw emotion, having the liberating feeling of going back to my roots and things I loved the most. I had the best time, real creative flow filled with trying new ideas, supplies and simply following my heart. What a relief it was!  Surprisingly (or not?) once it was finished all my creative blocks were gone and my head was buzzing with ideas.
Why was I waiting for so long to simply let go?
I guess being too thigh and too down to earth didn't serve me well when it comes to my creativity.

Note to self: less thinking, more breathing (and creating).
Inhale. Exhale... and warm hugs to you all!

---------------------------------------------

P.S. 

I promised to pick 3 winners of our Art Alchemy Wax Giveaway. 

It was a hard job indeed, as you left so many beautiful comments, filling my days with joy. I'm so happy and proud to see you like my new product so much and to hear all the creative ideas you come with. 

After a longer debate we finally picked our winners - but if I only could I'd give prizes to all of you!

Set of Metallique Waxes goes to Ellen Dematos

Set of Opal Magic Waxes goes to Anna Nowicka

and set of Antique Brilliance Waxes goes to Mel.

Please contact us at: missmoth1@gmail.com with your address to claim your prizes!

Thank you again for joining the giveaway and all the support.
You make it all worthwhile.

Change

Hello my Lovely Readers!

As you probably noticed, my wonderful Creative Team started this New Year with some really thought-provoking projects: Gayle's Chakras inspired tags and Kasia's motivational banner. 

Today is no different - and this time it's Athanasia whose art journal creation is way more than just a pretty cover...

I'm sure you will feel absolutely inspired by this artwork and when you scroll down, you will find Athanasia's video showing how this beauty emerged. Enjoy!

The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization. It is that kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life.

So, what do I expect from 2017? Lots of changes and lots of dragonflies in my life.

I wish all of you dear friends to have this year lots and lots amazing artful moments to fulfill your life and why not: Lots of dragonflies :)

My first project for this year is making the cover of my black journal and what would be more perfect to impress a dragonfly, so to remind me this year's expectations every time I hold it in my hands.

and psssst! I also have a little secret to share... after I was done with the cover, I decided to get my first tattoo: a dragonfly on the side of the wrist of my right hand! :)

So....let's get started with the project!

As my journal was already black, I started with a nice coat of Heavy Black Gesso to prime the cover.

After it was dry, I glued the Mechanicals parts I used for the body of the dragonfly with Heavy Body Gel and covered them with Black Gesso.

Then I placed a sketch I made on a piece of paper on the cover to shape the dragonfly, but here is the trick: I used a pin to scratch the canvas cover, then a pencil to draw the lines.

This way I created an interesting texture, a 'destroyed' base all mixed media artists would love to work on. ;)

Next step was to choose my paints. Well, with no second thoughts I grabbed my Art Alchemy Opal Magic Paints, the perfect acrylics for any black surface.

They dry permanent and I loooove the amazing two-tone iridescent effect they give on dark and light backgrounds. In order to reinforce this effect, I painted some spots of the wings white with the Heavy White Gesso. You will see the whole process in my video below.

After the Opal Magic Paints where dry, I used again the White Gesso to make lots of splashes.

To give even more interest to the background of the wings, I used the Clear Crackle Paste as my final touch. I always let it dry overnight to get the best results.

For the title I wanted something simple and small, not to distract the attention from the dragonfly, so I wrote by hand the word 'ART' with Heavy White Gesso and a black permanent pen.

Now it is time for my video. I hope you will enjoy it and get inspired. :)

Thank you for visiting

have a lovely crafty YEAR!

xxx

Athanasia

Products used:

Imagine Your Life

Hi my Lovely Readers!

Kasia came up with the most perfect project to start the New Year with. You will love her beautiful mixed media reminder!

We hope you will join Kasia and create your own pretty sign that will help you focus on whatever's important for you in 2017. Don't forget to share your makes in our Finnabair&Friends Open Studio facebook group!

pssst... Don't miss my brand new Art Alchemy Waxes giveway! Still time till Sunday. Good luck you all! :)

Hello friends in the New Year! As many of you, I too have my terms, dreams and goals to achieve. But this time I'm going to go after what I want, instead of waiting. I think this is the perfect plan. Keep fingers crossed! 

For a good start, I made this mixed media banner that is going to be my motivator, a driving force to action. Maybe you will feel inspired to create your own one, too.

I used a lot of Mechanicals metal embellishments, some pieces from Prima moulds and crystals.

Even though my banner is not large, I wanted to create a feeling of rich texture and deep space.

I believe a little bit of Glliter is always a good idea. :)

Once I arranged my composition, I covered it all with Heavy White Gesso to achieve a mysterious, foggy effect. It also beautifully highlighted all the details and "softened" the glitter effect.

As for the color effects, I used Mica Powders that are such an amazing and versatile product!

You can make your own pastes, paints and mists simply mixing in these magical powders - just imagine the possibilities...

Or you can also simply sprinkle the surface with this shiny product and spray it with water. That's what I did here and I got some really beautiful color transitions.

I made a video tutorial especially for you so you can follow my creative process. Enjoy!

I hope I made you inspired to create your own inspiring signs like mine.
Happy Creative 2017 to you all!
Kasia

Products used:

Art Alchemy Waxes Giveaway!

As you know, this is a very exciting time for me - time for the release of my new 'art babies'!

I'm very happy and proud to introduce my new Art Alchemy Waxes line. I believe they will make many mixed media lovers inspired and that many of your art tables will look a bit different from now on... ;)

Why different? This line of Waxes opens a completely new art field not only for myself but also for you all. I just know you will love their delicious creaminess and lush colors but what really makes my own heart sing is the fact how easy they are to use.

As always, I'd love these new products to tickle your imagination and wake up your creativity!

Let's celebrate then! :) Giveaway and this time there's a chance not just for 1 but for 3 winners!

[ the giveaway is now CLOSED! thank you all so much for your wonderful comments and good luck to 3 lucky winners who will be announced on January 11th]

What is there for you to do is to simply tell me which kind of Waxes you love the most and how would you use them? If you will be chosen you will receive the set you admired the most !

To make your decision easier, here are my video guides:

Opal Magic Waxes

Antique Brilliance

Metallique

Are you ready?

I'm waiting for your comments till Sunday January 8th and I'll announce the winner on Wednesday.

Can't wait to hear which of these babies makes your heart sing. :)