Misting Over Gesso and Flexible Modeling Paste

Yesterday, I played around with applying gesso and flexible modeling paste to paper using a template to control where the paste appeared. After the gesso and flexible modeling paste dried (this step took several hours), I sprayed both with mists. I tried 3 brands; Heidi Swapp Color Shine, Tattered Angels and Smooch. All worked well. Below is a photo of the results. 

The paper on the left has gesso. The paper on the right has flexible modeling paste. I placed the template over the dried medium and sprayed a variety of mists. You need to use care as you spray. The mists tends to pool, so a light application is preferable. I used blues and greens with a little bit of gold on the left hand paper. On the paper with the flexible modeling paste, I used gold Heidi Swapp Color Shine. 

The photo above is a detail of the gesso'd paper. I really like that the colors appear more vibrant on the gesso.

Use care when removing the template. Try not to move the paper until it has dried. 

Gesso vs Flexible Modeling Paste

I tried both gesso and flexible modeling paste with the same template. When they were wet, they looked similar. Once they dried, the effects were quite different. Below is a photo of the two side by side.

The gesso is on the left hand side and the flexible modeling paste on the right. As you can see the gesso dried more opaque and brighter. The flexible modeling paste has more variation in opacity. I think I prefer the latter.

Playing with Templates and Mists

Mists are a great way to add a little sparkle and color to a page. When combined with a template, you can create some really interesting backgrounds. My mist of choice is Heidi Swapps Color Mist. I have used other brands, but find that Heidi's mists don't clog like some of the others. They also have a bit of sparkle in them, so they at a bit of fun to many projects. I have used them on canvas, paper, chipboard, along with a few other projects, and always been happy with the results.

To get started using mists with templates you will need to following supplies...

• A template (either one you have made from cardstock or a purchased template.
• Mists. It is fun to try a few different colors on a page, so the more the merrier!
• A spray box. To contain the mess. There is no way around this one. Mists are messy. 
• Paper towels and/or baby wipes are super helpful too ... because as I said, mists can be messy!
• Canned air to clean out clogged misters. Make sure you do this outside!

The template that I chose to use is a positive shape (in this case several trees). This means that the mist with go in the negative space. When using mists, you should first test the mist to make sure it is working properly. Adhere the template to your cardstock. I attached mine with a few pieces of washi tape at the bottom of each tree trunk.

I chose to use two colors of mist to create a background that looks somewhat like grass and sky; Heidi Swapp's Teal and Chartreuse Color Shine. The template is made by Crafter's Workshop. Place the cardstock and template in your spray box. When spraying mist, hold the mist about 10 inches from the paper and sweep your hand from right to left (or left to right if, you prefer) as you spray. This will give a more even result.

The mist will bead up on the template, but will soak into the cardstock. When you are done spraying, carefully remove the template. Wipe the template down with a paper towel or a baby wipe to remove the mist from the template. The result will be a beautiful background ready to be made into a layout!

Like gesso and flexible model paste, mists tend to warp paper. There are several solutions for this problem. You can set an iron to a low setting, place an ironing cloth over the paper then press the paper. BE VERY CAREFUL THOUGH, you do not want to set anything on fire. A safer solution is to attach the paper to another sheet of cardstock to add stability and help to straighten it out!

Using Gesso and Modeling Paste with Templates

Gesso and Modeling Paste are two artist's mediums that can be used with templates to add dimension to scrapbook pages. To get started you will need a template, the medium of your choice (I tried both gesso and flexible modeling paste), a palette knife, some removable tape (washi tape works great for this purpose) and a piece of cardstock.

Below are the mediums that I used...

Attach the template to the cardstock with a few pieces of washi tape. This step is important since you don't want the template to shift as you are applying the medium.

Apply the medium to the paper using a palette knife. I tried both gesso and flexible modeling paste. While the end result is very similar, I felt that I had more control with the modeling paste. It is a little easier to spread since it is a bit thicker. Both contain a fair amount of water though, so they will cause the paper to warp somewhat as you are working.

Templates give you lots of flexibility. You can apply the medium to all or part of the template. In the photo above I chose to just add medium to the lower left corner.

Once you are done applying the medium, carefully remove the tape off and lift the template up to leave you with a crisp image.

I decided to add more medium to the opposite corner using the same template.

At this point you will need to be patient. It takes a few hours for the medium to dry completely. You should wash the template immediately after using it. Keeping your template clean will ensure that you continue to get crisp results! Templates can be cleaned with warm, soapy water or with baby wipes. Both methods work well. Just make sure you clean them before the medium begins to dry!

The end result is some lovely texture added to the cardstock.

Getting Started Using Templates in Scrapbooking

A fun addition to your scrapbooking tools are templates. Templates can be used to add texture, pattern and color to your pages. There are a number of manufacturers of templates. A few that come to mind are Crafter's Workshop, Heidi Swapp and Martha Stewart. An alternative to purchasing a template is to make one from a piece of cardstock. You can make a template using a electronic die cutting machine or you can go old school and hand cut your template. There are tons of options!

Here are some supplies to get you started. Starting at the top of the photo and working clockwise:

• A spray box is a must when using mists, It will help contain the overspray! I made mine from a few old boxes. A large packing box makes a great spray box.
• Gesso or Flexible Modeling paste are two examples of mediums that can be used to add dimension to pages when used with templates. 
• Palette knives to spread the 
• Paper towels and baby wipes ... because mists and mediums are messy!
• Painters tape or washi tape to hold the template in place.
• Templates! Commercial templates are generally made of a durable, flexible plastic. 
• A Teflon mat (for easy cleanup).
• Mists - Smooch, Heidi Swapp and Tattered Angels are all good options.
• Canned air to clear clogged mists.

In addition to the items pictured, you can use paints, chalks, crayons, colored pencils, inks, etc. to apply color with a template. 

The Elf on the Shelf - Round Two

Well a few weeks have passed and our little elf Holly has been super busy around our house.  Day 10 dawned with her fishing on my husband's bureau.

There were candy wrappers everywhere on Day 11 as she munched away on chocolate from inside my daughter's stocking.

A bit of acrobatics and some shiny lights were what we woke up to on Day 12.

Yum, my daughter really enjoyed the s'more that Holly left for her on Day 13.  I am sure that her teacher really appreciated the resulting early morning sugar rush.

The powder room looked very festive on Day 14.  There were holiday wishes all over the mirror.

All the excitement of the previous days left Holly worn out on Day 15.  She spent the day snuggled up with a teddy bear in a doll bed.

A day of rest, meant more antics on Day 16.  Snow angels on the kitchen counter!

Holly spent Day 17 climbing a Lego rock wall.

Day 18 started with Holly resting comfortably among the Christmas trees.

A rousing game of Guess Who? with one of my daughter's stuffed animals was the highlight of Day 19.

Holly is not afraid of heights, because Day 20 found that she had replaced the angel on the top of the children's tree.

A failed attempt to parachute tandem left Holly hanging from the curtain rod on Day 21.

Day 22 was full of craftiness.  Holly stamped a Christmas greeting to my daughter.

After untangling herself from craft supplies, Holly was ready for a little exercise.  Day 23 was spent in a snowball battle with one of the local snowmen.

Which brings us to this morning. Holly is apparently a little bit unclear on exactly how Twitter works.  Ok, so maybe she isn't the only one!  Today we found her in a bird cage tweeting to our family.

I hope that you and are family are having a wonderful holiday season, full of lots of fun family adventures.  Thanks for stopping by and visiting our house today!

The Elf on the Shelf

For years, the Elf on the Shelf has stayed clear of our house.  On the day after Thanksgiving, we were so excited to find her sitting on the living room bookshelf.  Each morning my youngest daughter wakes up extra early to search for Holly the Elf.  So far she has been getting into mischief all over the house.

Day 2 ... We found her enjoying a bubble bath in the powder room.

Day 3 ... The day of relaxation must have really tuckered Holly out, because she spent the day sleeping in the family room.  She did manage to open the set of playing cards that my daughter handcrafted for her from duct tape prior to hitting the sack though! 

Day 4 ... After a bit of searching we found her enjoying some juice in the kitty print chair.  My daughter was a little surprised to find Holly in her favorite chair!

Day 5 ... I guess she was missing the cold of the North Pole because she put on a pair of ear muffs and scarf and spent the day hanging out in the refrigerator enjoying chocolate syrup.  We were pretty happy that she chose the syrup over the wine.  That could have been ugly!

Day 6 ... Was spent reading a good book.  Ironically, the book was titled Holly and Hal Moose.  I guess she thought it was about her.

Day 7 ... Holly got tricky.  It took us a while to find her hiding among the poinsettias.

Day 8 ... What better way for an elf to spend a day than enjoying a spot of tea!

Day 9 ... Turns out Holly made a visit to Barbie World in our basement and found herself a cool ride.  She is a bit of a daredevil!

More to come!  I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season!  And thanks for stopping in the Green House on the Hill.

Winner of Better Digital Photos

The winner of the Creating Keepsakes special issue Better Digital Photos is ...

skeeterorSeptember 4, 2012 6:00 PM

This looks like a great issue! Would love to win it! Thanks to you and CK for giving us this opportunity! ~Bev~

Please email me at patty (dot) cieri (at) gmail (dot) com with your name and mailing address by Friday, 9/14/12, so I can get the issue in the mail to you!  Thank you to all who left me comments!  And thank you to Creating Keepsakes for allowing me to give away this great issue.

Giveaway - Better Digital Photos!

Today I am taking part in a blog hop in honor of the new publication from Creating Keepsakes, Better Digital Photos. I just received my copy the other day and am so excited to give the techniques a try.

Each of the blogs along the hop will be giving a copy of this special issue away, so please make sure you visit them all. If you don't want to wait, you can purchase a paper copy here. Or a digital copy here!  Creating Keepsakes has a sneak peek available too.

Joey Manwarren	http://everydayimagination.blogspot.com/
Laina Lamb	http://www.lifeonthelamb.blogspot.com/
Adele Beck	http://dleebug.wordpress.com/
Erika Hayes	http://www.thinkingthroughdesign.typepad.com
Jana Morton	http://janamorton.blogspot.com/
Mou Saha	http://collagecollagecollage.blogspot.com/
Gretchen McElveen	http://www.gretchenmac.blogspot.com
Iris Uy	http://www.irisbabaouy.typepad.com/
Ashley Harris (The Scrap Review)	http://www.thescrapreview.com
Lain Ehmann	http://www.layoutaday.com
Susan Mintmire	http://www.designteamcalls.com
Ashley Horton	http://ashleyspaperdoll.blogspot.com/
Stacy Cohen	http://stacycohen.blogspot.com/
Autumn Baldwin	http://itsalwaysautumn.com

To enter to win a copy, please leave a comment on this post.  I will randomly select a winner on Monday, September 10th. Thanks for visiting!

Upcoming Class at Club CK

For those of you who are fans of the super talented Kim Watson, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 11th at 1pm EDT (11am MDT, 12 noon CDT). Kim is offering another FREE class at Club CK.  You can find the details here. If you aren't a member of Club CK, it is easy and free to join, just click here to get started. 

And the Winner of Mixed Media Scrapbooking is....

The winner is ...

charli  who posted on July 17, 2012 at 8:46 PM

 

Please email me at patty (dot) cieri (at) gmail (dot) com with your name and mailing address by Friday, 7/27/12, so I can get the issue in the mail to you!  Thank you to all who left me comments!  I truly appreciated each and every one of them!

Creating Keepsakes Blog Hop, A Giveaway and A New Layout

Creating Keepsakes is releasing a new special issue, Mixed Media Scrapbooking and we are celebrating with a blog hop.  Each of the stops along the way will give you a chance to win a copy of this issue.  Click here for a sneak peek inside the issue.  I have had the honor of an advanced copy which I have been pouring over for the past few weeks.  I love to try new techniques, so the subject of this issue is right up my alley.  It inspired me to finally break open the jar of Liquitex Flexible Modeling Paste that I bought a few months ago with the intention of making something.

I started with a 12x12 sheet of heavy cardstock.  Using removable tape, I taped the 12x12 Harlequin stencil from Crafters Warehouse to the cardstock.  Then I used a palette knife, to spread the paste over the template onto the cardstock.  I let the cardstock dry overnight.  Since the paste dries white, I decided to add a bit of color with water soluble crayons (mine were made by Caran D'Ache).  I crayoned color onto each diamond.  Then I used a damp paintbrush to blend the crayon, giving it the look of watercolor.  The final product became the base for this layout.

Here is a close of the background paper that I created using the paste.

  
And now for a little fun!  The good folks at Creating Keepsakes are allowing me to give away a copy of this issue.  If you love playing with new techniques or are just looking for some fun ways to spice up your pages, you will love this issue. 

For a chance to win a copy of Mixed Media Scrapbooking, leave a comment on this post.  I will randomly select a winner on Friday evening, July 20th, and announce the winner in a new blog post.  The winner will have 1 week to claim the issue.  If you can't wait, you can buy a copy here.

Now, please visit the other talented scrappers on our blog hop for inspiration and more chances to win a copy of Mixed Media Scrapbooking. 

Erika Hayes

Summer Fullerton 

Stacy Cohen

Mou Saha

Laina Lamb

Joey Manwarren

Ashley Horton

Iris Uy

Paper Crafters Corner

Maggie Holmes 

The Scrap Review 

Piradee Talvanna

Adele Beck 

Kim Watson

Kim Jackson 

 

Thanks for stopping by the Green House on the Hill and enjoy the blog hop!

And the Winner is....

Sorry for the delay in picking a winner.  My Friday didn't work out as planned! 

So without further adieu, the winner is

     Patricia  June 15, 2012 11:45 AM

     Great invitation! Thanks for the chance!

Please email me at patty (dot) cieri (at) gmail (dot) com with your name and mailing address by Wednesday, 6/20/12, so I can get the issue in the mail to you!  Thank you to all who left me comments!

Sweet Sixteen Party Invitation and a Blog Hop/Giveaway

I have probably said this before, but I love coming up with fun party decorations.  I love it more than the party itself.  For me, it all starts with the invitation.  The invitation sets the color scheme and the theme of the party.  Then I like to carry it forward with tablescapes, banners and pretty much anything else that I can come up with.

My oldest daughter recently turned 16, of course we had to celebrate!  Isabella loves the color purple so we started with a very pretty paper line by K&Company, Botanicals.  Since it was a Sweet Sixteen party, we went with a candy theme.  Here is our version of a lollypop invitation.

On the back of the invitation, we included the itinerary for the party.

 

And now for a giveaway.  The folks at Creating Keepsakes Magazine are allowing me to give away a copy of their latest issue.  

If you would like to win a copy, please leave me a comment on this post.  On Friday evening (June 15th), I will randomly select a winner from the comments.  For additional chances to win a copy of the magazine and to get more inspiration, please visit the other ladies on the blog hop.

Laina Lamb

Susan Mintmire (Paper Crafters Corner)

Kim Watson 

If you don't want to wait, you can buy a copy of the issues here.  You can get a sneak peek inside of the issue here.

Homemade Washi Tape

Welcome into the Green House on the Hill.  Tonight I decided to play around with homemade Washi tape.  I have seen a few tutorials, but I wanted to try it for myself.  I read somewhere that you can use Scor tape to make Washi tape.  I couldn't find it locally.  Instead I found "this to that" made by American Crafts at my local AC Moore store.  The tutorials I have seen used plain white tissue paper.  I didn't have any of this handy either, but I did have an old sewing pattern.  The basic supplies are shown below.

Basic supplies:

• This to That tape by American Crafts
• An Ink Pad (I used my favorite ... VersaFine Onyx Black by Tsukineko)
• A Stamp (a background stamp or border stamp works well ... the stamp I used came from Glitz Design's "laced with grace" set of clear stamps)
• Tissue Paper (I used sewing pattern tissue from an old pattern)

I found a section of the sewing pattern that was blank. If you are familiar with sewing patterns, there are generally large areas that don't have print on them. I put a piece of scrap paper under the tissue, because I found that the ink bleeds through the tissue. I stamped my image on the tissue and allowed the ink to dry.

Then I carefully placed a length of the tape on the back side of the stamped image.  The tape I used had a paper backing on one side which I left in place. (I think it would be pretty much impossible to use if you didn't!)

The final step was to carefully cut the tissue paper around the tape, leaving a strip of homemade washi tape. 

After it is cut out the tape looks like this...

Of course I had to use the tape, so I made a quick card.  The tape is layered behind the bird!

I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Green House on the Hill.  Stop back soon!