The Challenge of Transfers

Transfering images onto your mixed media work can be challenging.  On our Melange Team thread over at Etsy, we have had an ongoing discussion about all of the different methods ‘out there’ and decided to do a challenge to show some of the different ways they can be done. 
This is a transfer that I did on my altered Halloween Cookbook for Somerset’s Holiday edition.  I used an inkjet transparency and gel medium which worked fairly well.  I like that it came out a bit rough, which helped with the aged look I was going for. 
The method that I like the best is using hand sanitzer.  It is so much less messy.  I use inkjet transparencies with it, but I know that others use photo paper.  I find that for myself the transparencies seem to work best. 
I think the key to getting good results it practice.  Experiment with different methods, find one or two that you like and practice.  There is a ‘knack’ to it that can only be learned by actually doing it.  Take a minute and visit our Melange Team blog to see what everyone had come up with!

A Nice Little Suprise

I have been anxiously awaiting the new Somerset Art Journaling magazine. I have not seen anything but a peek at one of my articles in the ad at Stampington. One of my workshop attendees and dear friends Nancy Lefko is going to be featured as well, so we have been emailing to see if the other got their copy yet, lol! For those who missed out on the first issue, (it sold out pretty quickly) this publication reads more like a book. It is full of not only lovely pages, but informative articles and tips from a variety of artists. It is an inspiring read. Back to my story, while accosting the mail lady the other day, I did get another great publication from Stampington, Somerset Holidays. I was originally slated to have this piece in the first issue last year, but they held on to it for this issue instead. It is kind of a look back in time to see work that you did well over a year ago published. My hubby said, oh yeah, I kind of remember that! It will be fun to get this altered Halloween Cookbook back in time for the holiday. We enjoy Halloween a lot in our neighborhood full of kids. This holiday issue is packed with ideas for all holidays, and this is the perfect time of year to start planning ahead, the kids go back to school next week…
On the horizon, Jenny Doh has asked me to do a ‘Workshop’ and ‘With One Palette’ features in a couple of upcoming Somerset Studio issues, so my muse is already working on ideas for those.
While back to school and end of summer bring a tinge of sadness, it also brings free time that just can’t be found during those lovely sunny days. I have a full line up of projects to work on and I’m itching to start, but for this week, I want to squeeze out some more fun in the sun!

Everyone’s Invited

You are all invited to the Witches Ball. I used this lovely image from Gail’s Mind Wide Open Challenge, and created an entry in my ‘Serious’ journal. She is inviting you to share your innermost thoughts and to find beauty in everything around us. Her goodness keeps her apart from the sisterhood. She is truly enchanting. Wishing you all an enchanting Halloween!

Mind Wide Open September Challenge

Here is my piece for the September Mind Wide Open Challenge. If you have not been over to check out this site, it is just awesome! The voting will begin on the 7th and I can promise you mind boggling artwork. I love participating in this challenge, because it is that, a challenge!
I used the lovely image that Gail provided and collaged some additional elements to pull it into my current Poe theme. I used an 8×10 canvas that has been turned over using inspiration from my friend Glenda of Twocooltexans. I have covered the whole thing with molding paste and pressed stamps into it to give it texture and a design. It looks like tooled leather. Layers of paint and inks were applied and then I added some extra elements, mica, wire, key, hinges and nails. The back is completely done, making it perfect for displaying on an easel. Our word prompt is ‘Boo’, and though I did not use the actual word on my piece, I can think of nothing as spooky as some of Poe’s writings. So my ‘Boo’ is implied here, just listen to the beat of your Tell-Tale heart. These words are from Poe’s work, Eleonora and read, “She whom I loved in youth and of whom I now pen calmly and distinctly these remembrances. The loveliness of Eleonora was that of the Seraphim. Hand in hand about this valley, for fifteen years, roamed I with Eleonra before love entered within our hearts. Eleonora was the name of my cousin.” I have titled it simply, ‘Eleonora’.

More Tales From The Dark Side…

I just finished up a few Edgar Allen Poe inspired ATC’s to list in my etsy shop. These were so much fun to make! I use this wonderful Italian Watercolor paper with a soft, torn edge for my Artist Trading Cards. It is a great base to start a mini collage on, and takes paint really well. I always use a coating of gesso, front and back, to ensure my card lays flat. Then layers of paint, water soluble crayon, papers, gel medium, graphite, and charcoal, mixed with some stamped images, complete these miniature sized collages. Rigid plastic holders, make sure the work can be held and viewed without fear of damage. If you haven’t yet discovered ATC/ACEO’s take a minute to look them up on Etsy. They are so much fun to collect and trade! The Metsy Team, (Mixed Media on Etsy) is having a Fall ATC challenge. These are two of my entries. They had to have something to do with Halloween or Fall.