Monday 29 February 2016

Starting my new commission.

Hello All,

This weekend I managed to get quite a bit done. I finished the journal a friend had asked me to make for mothers day. And made a heart shaped journal as part of February's art swap (I will post photos at a later date) I also started on the first of three commissioned abstract mixed media canvasses:


This is the first layer of one of the two small canvasses and has been done with modelling paste, pigment powders and silver acrylic. 

Can't wait to get back to it and keep adding those layers!!

Bye for now! xxx

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Eco Bookbinding!

Hello All,

This week I set to making up a new journal for a friend of mine who asked if I would make one for her mum for mothers day. I do love making journals and haven't done one for a while so I enjoyed making this one. The journals I tend to make are eco journals, made from mostly recycled materials:


The cover is made from a cereal box and recycled paper. and the interior has a mixture of plain and graph paper pages. It is about A5 size.

Also this week I was experimenting on a mini canvas board with one of my stencils and texture pastes:


I thought I would share it as I am loving the gold! It is a bit of a pratice run for my next commision which is for one large and two small abstract canvasses. Hopefully going to be starting on them this week although this weekend I have my daughters 7th birthday party! wow can't believe she is going to be 7, that really has flown!

Bye for now! xxx



Wednesday 17 February 2016

January Art Swap

Hello All,

Last month I took part in the art swap on Jennibelle's art community  The theme this time was to create an art journal page using a technique or medium that was new to you. I was partnered with Jackie from Denmark. I just had confirmation that she has received it so I can now show you what I sent:


I used the glass bead texture through a stencil (I only bought it in January so it is still very new to me.) then added colour over the top with inks and acrylics. Having found out Jackie loved horses I just had to add a horse and the quote seemed to represent the theme well. 

Jackie sent me:


The coloured background has been done with ecoline liquid water colours which I have been pondering about buying. Looking at this I might well do, they are lovely and vivid. The figures are done in gold leaf which I have never used myself so that might be something to look into as well! 

I have signed up for this months swap which is to make a heart from recyled or reclaimed materials.

Bye for now x x 




Monday 15 February 2016

Finished piece

Hello All,

I have had a busy half term with the girls going here there and everywhere and so haven't had much time to be creative however I did manage to finish my latest canvas:


It is a very light pallet for me but I wanted to challenge myself in this way. I used pigment powders and mica shimmer powers to get the colour and glass bead texture gel on the circles to achieve the glistening effect. It feels quite spacey to me like a nebula or something. I loved playing with the different textures in this one.

I also did a quick 10 minute sketch this week, over an existing background as practice:


I have been doing so much abstract I felt I needed to do this quick sketch just to keep my hand in. It isn't perfect but not bad for 10 minutes :)

I have been commissioned for a set of three abstract canvasses so moving on to them now plus a commision for a journal. I also need to get a move on and arrange some workshops! Life seems quite hectic at the mo :Z

Bye for now x xx


Wednesday 10 February 2016

Detail of new piece

Hello All!

I was working on my new canvas last night and using mica powders and brusho pigment powders to add depth and colour (with added shimmer) I really like these at the moment. You only need a tiny amount to create some great effects and they can be used in many different ways. They have a transparency to them which is great for layering. You can add them to different mediums such as modelling paste, gells, pva or water to get different results.


The texture is a combination of modelling paste, paper towels and glass bead texture paste.

More to follow...

Bye for now x x x

Monday 8 February 2016

Finished piece and straight into a new one!

Hello All,

I finished my canvas! After much deliberation I decided to keep it abstract. I have decided I am obviously into an abstract phase. I am loving playing with colour and texture and seeing where it takes me and when browsing instagram/google etc. it is definitely abstract that has been inspiring me recently.

Here is the finished piece:


I have enjoyed getting my teeth into this one so much and was quite sad when I decided it was finished.... so I immediately started another!



I am really enjoying this one and especially like the glass bead texture gel I have added to the circles, which look fantastic with the light bouncing off them. Like a good book I can't wait to get back to it and see where it takes me next!

Bye for now! xx

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Abstract or not?

Hello All,

I have been working a bit more on my new canvas and have now reached that point. You know the one I mean ..... do I carry on or leave it be? do I keep it abstract or add an image? Since last time I have blended in the patterns with inks and you can't tell but it is really shimmery and totally yummy. It reminds me of a stained glass window in the rain.
But is it done? If I add more will I ruin it? Do I add an image or more patterns and texture?


Answers on a postcard please?!?

Bye for now! xxx


Monday 1 February 2016

New Canvas


Hello All!

This last week I started a new mixed media canvas. I have a pile of canvases in my cupboard that have been there ages, probably years and I thought it was about time I used them. 

I have used modelling paste, stencils, brusho pigment powders, acrylic, ink sprays, ink, gelatos and water colours ..... so far! Really enjoying the colours and textures in this one! The photos don't really show the shimmer that is in places.

I have reached a point now where I am unsure if I should add an image in or leave it abstract. At the moment I am leaning towards the latter as I love the colours and don't want to detract from that. I have it up in the kitchen, I look at it everytime I pass it, usually that helps me to decide. 




What is your vote, image or abstract?!?

Bye for now! xxx