NEW Projects: art journals, magnets & prints

normally i get out my paints. but this weekend i decided it's been too long since i've submitted work to somerset studio magazine. and i didn't want to just submit my paintings. i wanted to send a batch of lots of fun gifts and things.

so, i got out some art supplies that i'd been saving for a rainy day and started to create. and it really opened up a whole new door in my creative process. i hadn't even realized i'd been shutting out my love for sewing, pasting, embellishing, and glitter-ing!

working on these new projects gave me an entirely new perspective on play. and made me feel like a kid again!

MOUNTED PRINTS

i'd had these wood plaques that i often use for painting originals. but i used to use them to create mounted prints. you can find them at most craft stores. and the beveled edges really make the print stand out.

ART MAGNETS

i also had all of these little wooden alphabet magnets from the days when i'd stock my shop full of loads of handmade goods. i just don't have time to create these magnets all of the time anymore. but it is so much fun to create them when i really want to.

i found the alphabet magnets at michael's craft store and printed out a batch of mini archival prints. once they'd been cut to size, i adhered them with gel medium and added a bit of charcoal to make the characters pop.

they look completely adorable on the refrigerator.

EMBELLISHED ART JOURNALS

i found all of these paper mache journals i'd picked up at joanne fabrics ages ago and never had the chance to embellish. i adhered a few archival prints, and added paper embellishments to the covers.

then on the back, i applied vintage book pages and painted pages. then layered the papers with spray painted stencils...some of the fun we'll be having in HOW TO CREATE WHIMSICAL ANIMALS.

if you're looking to spark your creativity, i totally recommend playing with little projects like these. add a bit of glitter, some stitching and doodling...and have fun!

What Art Projects Have You Been Working On Lately?

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ps. i'll be adding the techniques i loved most from these little projects to lessons in my upcoming online course HOW TO CREATE WHIMSICAL ANIMALS.

if you're interested in painting animals together and playing with art supplies, find the details and register here.