Mixed-Media Canvas

You have probably seen,

as I have, that lately there is a a trend in mixed-media using a lot of metals, flowers, gesso and sprays originating with the work of Finnabair (Anna Dabrowska). I first became aware of Anna's unique style last year at Creative Jump Start Summit 2012, and have been keeping an eye on her growth in the scrapbooking/mixed-media industry ever since. 

When my daughter

asked me if I would do a canvas for my granddaughter's room, I thought this would be the perfect time to try out this technique.

I first began with

a 12x12 canvas, and quickly realized I was being a bit too ambitious. I ended up with an 8x8, and thankfully they were on sale at 40% off at Michaels.

I put down bits of

torn dress pattern, patterned paper, lace from Hobby Lobby, and a torn paper doily using Mod Podge to adhere, covering the sides as well.

I then did a layer

of molding paste with a Crafters Workshop Confetti stencil.

I printed Katie's picture

(same one I did in b/w for my Christmas mini album yesterday) in a larger size, adhered it to some thin chipboard and fussy cut it. For stability, I made some "pop dots" from medium weight chipboard (two pieces glued together) to attach the photo to the canvas. I chose out some of the embellishments I thought I would use and gave them a coat of gesso. Now I started gluing them all down... lots of layering. After I got things pretty much like I wanted them, I went over everything again with another coat of gesso.

The wood bird and

cage came from Michaels, the flowers are Prima and I Am Roses, the gems are Prima Say It In Crystals, the metal pieces are Momenta and some from my stash.

I covered the Photo 

with a piece of bubble wrap and started spraying... first with Cotton Candy Pink Starburst, then Tattered Rose Glimmer Mist and finally Patina GM. Heat setting between colors. The shimmer on here is amazing.

Here you can see

some of the texture from the doily, pattern and molding paste.

I'm not sure I'll

attempt this again, but you never know. In the end, it all just takes practice.

Have a wonderful day, friends.

I'm linking up at:

 Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Thanks for Stopping by!

Linda