Al Fresco ....

I can't quite remember when my love affair of PaperArtsy goodies started it seems that long ago. What I do remember is being amazed by the style and quirkyness of the stamps initially. Then over the years watching in awe at the amazing projects Leandra and  Lin would produce whether it was here on blogger or at shows/ArtsyCrafts events. Then came Fresco Acrylic Paints .... I was hooked immediately. The colour choices along with their quirky names were a must ... the paints are a perfect base to stamp on and easy to apply to any surface. Snowflake/Nougat are also ideal to use as a primer. The paints have different qualities: Semi Opaques, Opaques or Translucent .... to understand this more Leandra has done some great YouTube videos on the PaperArtsy channel.

The inspiring thing for me about the colour palette within the Fresco paint range is that it entices me to come out of my comfort zone. I normally stick to Blues/Browns but not any longer lol oh no!
I've discovered Autumn Fire, Smoked Paprika  and the best of all Zesty Zinggggg!!

For this project I started by giving my 6x4 chunky canvas a base coat of Nougat. I opted for Nougat instead of Snowflake as it has a warmer depth to it. I then began adding layers of Butternut, drying in between layers to ensure colours don't muddy together. I then added some more Nougat to knock back the colour. 

At this point I then began to add some stamped layers using Archival Ink (sepia) and MN44. These mini script stamps are perfect for adding layers to your projects.

Then the fun part began - I added a layer of Zesty Zing , this colour is truly amazing (I'm converted).

Continuing to build up the layers at this point I stamped MN22 with Mermaid then MN74 with Archival Ink (Black).

MN22

MN74

Crackly Tissue Paper is the perfect surface for adding an image to your canvas. With detailed stamps such as the Lynne Perrella collection I use Versafine Ink (Onyx Black) which gives you a real crisp image.

LPC008

To colour the image I started on the reverse using Autumn Fire, Mermaid, for the face I mixed up some Nougat, Vintage Lace and a small spot of Rose to highlight the cheek area. BTW don't panic at this stage as it doesn't look great.

However when you turn it over, Hey Presto you have a beautifully coloured image.

To add this to your canvas apply Satin Glaze over the back of the image, place on canvas then apply another thin layer over the top to seal. Satin Glaze is useful for so many things you should see how it works on Crunchy Wax Kraft Paper with Liquid Leaf and Fresco Paint

Satin Glaze dries clear, the sheen from this image was just after I applied to the tissue paper.

These wooden chipboard shapes from Artemio again are the perfect embellishment to any project and yet another surface Fresco Paints love to "stick" to! I covered the heart base with Autumn Fire then stamped with Zesty Zing.

On the above leaf I used Mermaid, stamped Script mini from above then smooshed some Zesty Zing on as a contrast.

This one has Mermaid Butternut and Zesty Zing.

I hope you have enjoyed this project .... I will be back later tonight with some more news about our first Guest Designer and another piece of news. Stay tuned! Hope to see you then.