Abstract Landscape Collage

This past Sunday our FULL GROUP of artsy pals got together for a special play date.  It was our year end altered book swap and the start of a new year - which i'll share in a different post.  But our activity for the play date was to create abstract landscapes a la Jane Davies. 

 Our friend L. took a workshop with Jane and showed us how to start off with a series of sketches to illustrate that a landscape doesn't necesseraily mean a horizontal horizon line.

 Here is a shot of the inspirational artwork L created at the workshop.  We couldn't wait to get started.

 We used American Masters Printmaking Paper from Utrecht as our base.  They were folded and torn into sheets about 8x10.  Using matte medium (Utrecht's in a tube) and a credit card, glue scraps of paper to the sheet - smoothing well with the card.  No excess glue.

 Although it is not meant to be "literal" i liked the idea of using little buildings. You get to have two or three pieces going - so you can let one dry.

 For my third i chose to use all text with a bit of texture thrown in with the gold mesh and the doily.

Then you start adding colour.  Keeping a contrast between the top and the bottom - add colour with a stiff brush - overlapping the papers here and there.  There is no magic - just go for it!  Add a lot of white to the acrylic paint to get a softness.

 There is no rule that the sky must be blue and the grass green - Here i went for a bold orange red sky and a watery sort of forground.  You can then add texture with bubble wrap, sequin waste as a stencil, or with various drawing tools.

 Here is K's dramatic piece with a lot of black and bright colours.

 I am sorry i cannot remember who is responsible for this one - but it is great!

 This one too!

 And this one also!

 I think these were S's.  the only one who ventured into the realm of the aforementioned alternate horizon with the string diagonal.

 This is one of L's new pieces.  Most of her paper strips were laid vertically.

Here is another.  We were all very impressed with L and learning this cool technique!

Altered Tin Signs

 At our first play date of 2013 we each altered a blank black metal sign.  Here is one of mine - "sing with the flowers".  I'll probably add some additional embellishment - like paper flowers, leaves and perhaps a butterfly or two.

 This what the blanks looked like before we started.  painted black - we roughly sanded them to allow our papers to stick a bit better.

You had a choice of a three or 4 section sign.  I purchased them online through Pick Your Plum - one of those daily deals sites.

 First i glued pretty papers to each section  - i used a bit of sand paper to scrape off the edges.

Next i painted my letters.  I added some ink to the edges after they were dry.

Next it was time to figure out the spacing and glue them on.

 For my second sign i glued the letters directly to the signs. Make the people Laugh and Dance and Sing is what i say to my husband when he goes out to play a gig!

I covered the sections with heavy metal duct tape - the kind with the super sticky backing.  I carefully outlined each letter to make them have that embossed licence plate effect.  Then i used adirondak ink - sponged on to give a mottled metal effect.

 Here is Z's sign in progress.  She went with a neutral theme - and used France as her influence.

 Salle de jeux translates as play room or game room. 

 Here K was trying our various funny family expressions. 

 But this is the one she went with - using a masculine black and silver colour pallette.

Here is D's colourful plaque - probably going to hang in her classroom - the lesson for the day: Laugh - Love - Live and Learn!

And finally here is S's sign wiht a collaged background with a cheery message for us all!

Joy to the World...

 

and Peace on Earth! 

Happy holidays to one and all. 

lots of crafty to things to share left over from 2012

 and many many more to come from 2013!

 

Diane

Royal Play Date - Christmas Cards

 My over the top wonderful creative friend K. hosted a play date for us to make christmas cards.  The second annual event.  To make it even more special, it had a royal theme.  We were all dressed in gowns and tiaras and crown jewels to get into the spirit of the event.  Here you can see some castles on the supplies table.

 K. pulled out all her tricks and treats to make the day as memorable as possible.  Here an assortment of gemstones in cocktail glasses, and two unique trays for sorting embellishments.

 On each of the tables were dollar store "silver" trays and two types of glitter in vintage salt and pepper shakers.  And treats!

 We had pastries, fruit and yogurt and coffee to start, but luncheon was OVER THE TOP.  the table was set with all the glitz and glamour K could muster. China, silver, candelabra, crystals and fine linens.

 We had grilled peach salad with an "upscale" chicken pot pie.  That mini silver goblet held the salad dressing.  such a nice touch!

 For dessert we had berry cheescake in shooter glasses plus a tray of cream puffs was decorated with edible flowers.

 Oh yes - and we made cards!  I managed to make about 20 of the 75 i need to send this year.

 I went with a simple design - on a robin's egg blue oblong card with a scalloped edge, i added "presents" cut from assorted christmas themed scrapbook pads.  I added some glitter tape and ribbons to select packages.  Each card will be punched and a ribbon added to make the card hangable if anyone so desires.  A final dotting of glitter glue and a sprinkle of the aforementioned "salt" crystals added a nice wintery sparkle to each card. 

 K's mom and aunt joined in our fun and they made these cards - sorry not sure who made which ones - but aren't they lovely!

 More cards from Mom and Auntie.

 Here are K's cute vintage cards with a pretty little baker.  So appropirate for our hostess with the mostess! 

And here are some of Z's cards - she also went with an oblong single card design but used a fun assortment of christmas papers and embellishments.

So....we were all dressed up, and even the man of the house wore a crown and cape to greet us on the royal purple carpet runner adorned with flowers.  But i will respect my own wish not to show pictures of myself, and also keep all the other incriminating evidence to myself!
The older gals actually changed into NEW gowns for luncheon, lest they get glitter and glue on them in the morning.  It was such a hoot to be all dressed up for a play date.  Thanks K for a truly awe inspiring magical day!

Under the Sea Altered Book

 As these altered calendars go around the second time - it is harder to come up with an original idea!  ALl the cool fish had been taken already....

So i came up with the idea od an undersea look at polar bears!  I printed some images on paper and some on transparencies to give the pages an icy glow.

 I cut the two inside pages of the spread to resemble icy frongs and added white pain, blue green ink, and some fish stickers.

 There is a polar bear swimming in the icy blue transparency.

I was sure to add some specks of "ice" with micro beads and stickles.  Bbrrr...!

Halloween Altoid Tins

 Last month we had a play date to alter altoid tins using halloween as inspiration.  This is one of mine - with a vintage image of a boy and girl - but added a pointy hat and some butterfly wings.  I got little glass bottles for everyone to add potions to their tins.

 Here is another one of mine - with a plastic glow in the dark skeleton and a white rat with an orange feather tail.

 Here is D's box filled with creepy things and black netting to hold it all in.

 Here is S's box - she used a larger tin with a window - there are two sets of eyes inside.

 Here is the back of Z's with a vintage witchy image.

Here is the front of Z's- - with a shiny moon and a creature terifying a young girl.

 Here is the tin from K showing more of those cool glass bottles filled with beads.

Here is a book cover K made to enlose her tin.

L made two tins even thought she could not spend the day with us.  I have images in an email i cannot seem to attach to this blog!  Sorry L.!