A 4x4 view of the Ocean

I joined a extremely fun 4x4 blank canvas challenge/swap created by our hostess Kristy who even provided the canvas for us! It has been a long while since I participated in such a creative challenge.

As a group we selected the theme. But I must say for me the effects of British Petroleum's uncapped oil well continuing to cause major effects to our ocean's water made a major difference in my thoughts and feelings about this topic as time went on. I am glad I finished mine several weeks ago.

Below are the instruction we were given and a description of what I did for each section. Each canvas I created has it's own distinctive character. This one is for Renu who is the next player to complete the challenge.

Theme: The Ocean
First layer: COLOR
Squirt, smoosh, spritz – get that colour on however you like! Think only of the colour – no planning of future layers allowed at this point.
Each of your canvases may look different at this stage – that is fine.
If you want to add texture i.e. gesso, tissue, glue to the colour – add away!

• I first added gesso to the canvas stamped into the goo to achieve some texture. Here you can see some stamp circles in the sand on ocean's bottom. I have some new acrylic paints that I wanted to mix into additional colors. If you look at the water you notice green, reds and other mixes...at the time I thought I would make a tradition collage.

Second layer: PATTERN
Stamped, printed, found: still not thinking too much about the outcome. Just follow your instincts!

• While I had already covered this step by stamping in the gesso I also stamp the base seaweed and starfish.
  

Third layer: STAMPED IMAGES
These can be digital or rubber. Colour them and collage them on.

• I prepare the fish to be a focal image by stamp on paper and coloring.

Fourth layer: TEXT – pop some in there somewhere.

• I tried handwriting on the canvas but that was not easy so I resorted to typed text letters.
  
  

Fourth layer: DOODLING
pens, markers, Paint markers – any media that makes doodling on your work possible.

• I wanted more depth and feeling of movement to achieve a sense of water so I doodled away not really knowing how to create the look I wanted. Finally, I simply went for playing and giggling until the canvas was filled. I glued on the fish, stamped air bubbles and added glossy accents to them and finally glued on the title.

TAA DAA: You have created a MASTERPIECE! (5 actually!)

• Many thanks to Kristy for guiding us with a winning recipe!!!

More challenge fun

Stampendous continues their weekly fun challenges!

Stop by their blog to see upcoming new techniques. The excitement includes the major UK publication, Simply Cards & Papercraft which just published an article about Fran’s Painting with Powder Technique!! Step-by-step, it teaches you how to become an impressionist painter by using embossing powder. Card and gift samples are included.

Fly Me to the Stars!

When I thought of using this special paper which shows stamped images as a holograph I felt the Stampendous Hot Rocketz set was perfect. I guess after watching the northern lights for years I think of traveling in outer space with the movement of wonderful colors of light. Don't you love it when you like the combination of stamps and paper?

The special paper for this card has a black coating over top of holograph paper. The holograph shines through mostly in silver and gold colors unfortunately althought that is what I saw in the camera the photo came out with green images...oh well perhaps you will get to try it yourself and see the sparkle. The process is simple. Stamp with Encore metallic ink, heatset, then rubbed off the black coating and ink allowing the stamped images to shine through. This is a fun different effect. Another sparkling card is a good thing in my mind!

I hope you leave me comment if you know the name of this paper...thanks! I'm off to post this link for another Stampendous Challenge.