Maura's Musings

Thursday, October 18

Creating Your Life Story

I found a bit of time to play in my "studio" today and decided to try out my new texture fade plate Tim Holtz/Sizzix). Love how the gears interconnect in the design and chose to go for a darker, steampunk/industrial vibe.

I started with a layer of Burnt Umber, then spritzed it with water, laid the paper towel on top and lifted some of the paint.

Same method with Transparent Yellow Ochre...

then my fave, Quinacridone Gold, which I wiped back with a baby wipe.

Repeat with Payne's Grey...

then Green Gold, another fave.

Can you see all the layers that are built up here?

I wanted to make the spokes stand out more, so rubbed on some black shimmer.

A bit of splattering with Carbon Black...

then the details with the metal band, twine, and paper doll group (Tim Holtz) that I colorized with a couple of distress crayons.

Supplies used

Your greatest creation is always going to be your life story

Here we are, living life with it's joys, sorrows and imperfections as the cogs and gears of our daily life keep turning.

Thanks for stopping by!

Maura

Wednesday, October 17

Simon Says Stamp October Card Kit

I have to say, I LOVE this month's card kit!! I had such fun making these cards using the materials in the kit plus black ink. Thank you Simon!

alcohol ink background and lift ink

alcohol ink background, lift ink, and painting with alcohol ink

alcohol inks

painting with alcohol inks

Monday, October 15

Starry Night

Hello Monday, my friends! Once again, we have a new challenge for you at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - STARRY NIGHT. I was inspired by all the beautiful stars that are visible in the clear night sky, as well as Vincent Van Gogh.

I headed to my art journal and added greens for my forested area...

Then I used the abstract triangle stencil to create tree like shapes.

Blues for the night sky...

and this beautiful swirly stencil which reminds me of Van Gogh's night sky.

Earth and sky...

I embossed the mini stars, added silver highlights, and hand lettered the words.

In the forest, I stamped the trees, then added detail with watercolor, and added the dancing ballerina and words. Wouldn't you like to dance in the treetops?

Starry, starry night...

Come join us for our Starry Night challenge! I'm looking forward to your creation, and remember, one lucky participant will be randomly drawn to win a $50 voucher from our generous friends at Simon Says Stamp!