My first post for 13@rts

Hello dear readers!

I'm so glad to be sharing with you my first DT project for 13@rts! This new DT spot means a lot to me as I count myself very honored and lucky to be amongst some of the most talented mixed media artists, and to kick start a wonderful journey of discovery, I made my first art journal cover.

I got a watercolour paper pad from the local art store and ripped off the cover as it was too thin for my liking. I proceeded to work those lovely mediums that Aida sent me in my DT pack. I then went on to cover the page with some 13@rts gesso. And I can say I LOVE it! The gesso is different from the regular one I used, with a thicker consistency but smooth to the touch when dry. My usual gesso has a flaky feel to it when it's dry and less creamy.

After the gesso dried, I used some 13@rts modelling paste over a Tim Holtz stencil. The modelling paste is simply amazing - a creamy and smooth texture like whipped cream and it glides beautifully over the stencil. Quite different also from the regular one I used, which is thicker and a little more difficult to spread. For the next layer, I went on to splash some 13@rts mists over my page. I used the Pastel mists in Caramel, Salmon and Yellow.

Some close-ups:

Random stamping with an IndigoBlu stamp, followed by splashes of Burnt Sienna Chalk Mist and Pink Pearl Mist. I took the Ornament mat chipboard (large) in my DT pack and covered it with Burgundy Pearl Mist, Yellow and Salmon Pastel Mists. Lots of layering with papers from both the "Timeless" and "All is Love" collections. As you all may know, I have a soft spot for mini roses and these ombre and white ones are just perfect for me.

A cut-out from "All is Love" and an organza flower - my exact sentiments.

I hope you like my very first art journal project, and I'm looking forward to a year of art and discovery through it. Thanks for dropping by!

love,

An Education Video for Blue Fern Studios

Hello lovely readers!

So excited to be back in today to share a video I created for Blue Fern Studios. Do you know that BFS has a dedicated YouTube channel, packed full of inspiration and clever ways to use your chipboards and papers?

I made a hanging for my front door for this video. We used to have a welcome wreath but that one didn't last. Sifting through my Blue Fern stash, I was thinking just how perfect the Circle Flourish would be as a wreath, or on a round canvas and that was how this was born.

some close-ups:

Love the floral design on the flourish.

I've had the Grande Garden Gate for awhile but couldn't seem to find a use for it on layouts. But for this hanging, it's the perfect addition.

And every house must have a window (at least in mine, many big windows!). This is a piece from the petite window set.

Here's the video on how I put together this canvas, and the various ways I altered the chipboard. Have fun watching, and remember to subscribe to the Blue Fern Studios channel to get first-hand update on more inspirational tutorials from the DT!

love,

BFS July Sketch Challenge

Hello friends!

We are officially in the second half of 2014! And what an exciting half a year it has been.
Anyway, I'm glad to be back on the first day of July to share my take on another gorgeous sketch by Michelle Singh for Blue Fern Studios. Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

I flipped the sketch horizontally as you can see, and used lots of Gelatos for my background. 

Some close-ups:

The mixed chains chipboard, together with a transparent title from Heidi Swapp.

The Checker Bits chipboard which I used for layering my photo.

Some Prima floral goodies from the Flying Unicorn April KOM.

And as I promised the last time, I have a tutorial on how to use Faber Castell gelatos to create your background. If you've been stashing them somewhere wondering how you can play with them, then I hope you find the video useful. Sit back and enjoy the show!

Don't forget, the sketch challenge runs till the end of July. All you need to do is use any Blue Fern products (chipboard or paper) and link up your project here on our blog. A random winner will be picked to win an awesome pack of BFS goodies. 

I will be back tomorrow to share another wonderful project. Meanwhile, happy creating!

love,