2019 #19 Cute Critters: Quirky Christmas Decorations with Squiggly Ink {by Keren Baker}

2019 Topic 19: Cute Critters

Keren's enjoyed this so much she has even christened her critters; Roger and Pamela! Her marker colouring-in is vibrant and dimensional, but it's also those little finishing touches, like using a ball-tool to add shape, that really brings everything to life so beautifully! ~ Leandra

Hi everyone, it's Keren Baker with you today, and I'd like to share with you a couple of Christmas ornaments that would be a fun addition to your Christmas decorating. I did have a good rummage around in the Squiggly Ink section of the PaperArtsy store. It's not a category I would automatically run to, but there are some really lovely images. These cute characters might be too cute for you (or even for me), but I adore the extra images I used as foils for them and really loved adding some shape and dimension to otherwise flat images

I'm not sure these guys would co-habit usually, but they did seem perfectly at home together. I first had to pick my images.

Nut & Meg 1 (SINM1)

Ding & Dong Plate 5 (SIDD5)

Egg & Nog 2 (SIEN2)

Egg & Nog 7 (SIEN7)

I wanted something bright and bold so went for some alcohol marker coloured images stamped onto PaperArtsy Smoothy Regular cardstock (of course!)

I'd picked out exactly which images I wanted and made them all fit as I don't like to waste decent cardstock! The markers blend really well on this cardstock- so if you're looking for a new type of cardstock, I really recommend this.

Next up, I wanted to add some detail. My gel pens and markers are never far away so they added a little interest and helped make the images less flat. Now I wanted to really make really dimensional. 

The unusual looking surface is, in fact a felt pressing mat which I used to get great crisp seams when I'm ironing my sewing projects. Being a lazy so and so, I'd left it out and thought I'd try shaping on it too, as the felt has a good 'give' to the surface. Surprisingly it's a fab surface to create shape using a ball tool, so I set about shaping rather a lot of poinsettia petals!!

The sets are so good together. The two different sets with the poinsettia (or it could be any flower or leaves too) work perfectly as small and larger leaves. You can see how I added Roger the reindeer plus the Christmas lights to build up the layers.

I tried (& failed) to capture how dimensional the tree decoration looks, but I've added some of the layers with foam pads too.

Pamela was treated the same way. She was a little leggy, so I trimmed her down to perch well on the Christmas tree. the baubles from the other set seem perfectly at home on the tree too!

So an easy project with lots of therapeutic colouring in. Perfect for relieving pre-Christmas rush stress! Do check out the Squiggly Ink category to discover some real hidden gems! 

See you again soon 

Keren x

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2019 #19 Cute Critters: Snow Critter Shaker Cards with JoFY {by Autumn Clark }

2019 Topic 19: Cute Critters

These snazzy Christmas Cards with their shaking sparkles are fantastic! I urge you to read through the details of this post as Autumn shows how taking these to the next level is achieved by adding elements inside and on the acetate layer. Gorgeous! ~ Leandra

Hi everyone, it's Autumn Clark of SewPaperPaint with you today, and I'd like to share a collection of whimsical snowy shaker cards inspired by a simple, but beautiful palette of PaperArtsy Fresco Chalk Acrylic Paints (Taro Milk Tea), (Blue Oyster), (Aquamarine), (Smurf), (Guacamole) and (Jade).  

For our Cute Critters Topic, I wanted to pair my newfound love for coloring, inspired by Kathy of The Daily Marker, with my passion for painted backgrounds.  I think the result is quite fun and hope you'll grab a cuppa and scroll through for the details...

I started by making a set of printed Smoothy Card with which to work.  I used a brayer and gelli plate, then added some stenciling with PaperArtsy Stencil by Kay Carley (PS070) in Fresco Chalk Acrylic (Chalk).  

I used Distress Oxide pads in Tumbled Glass, Picket Fence and Spun Sugar to do some additional stamping with Eclectica³ Mini 48 by Seth Apter (EM48) and  ...

 ...Eclectica³ Tracy Scott Set 25 (ETS25) onto my papers.  

 
Now, I used a lot of stamps for these cards, but you could certainly pare down.  I sat in my studio for hours just having fun playing with colors and patterns, while listening to music...

Next I pulled together my cast of characters using PaperArtsy {JOFY} Collection Set 01 (JOFY01) ...

...and JoFY Mini 20 (JM20) 

 JoFy Mini 30 (JM30)

With Zinski Art Collection Set 35 (ZA35) ...

...and PaperArtsy Ink & the Dog Collection Noel Set 4 (N4).  

I arranged my beautiful bundle of red rubber onto my painted panels.  I die cut the centers of my panels with a large square die and switched the center pieces around until I was pleased with the contrast and placement.

With my leftover papers I did some layered stamping.  I used my Stamp Platform to stamp the star border in Ranger's Watering Can, then painted over the images with gesso.   Keeping the stamp and paper aligned, I stamped again on top of the dried paint.  

This allowed me to go in and color the images with a blank slate, so to speak.

I have very few Distress Markers, but this palette worked beautifully with my Fresco Chalk Acrylics: Cracked Pistachio, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers, Picked Raspberry, Ripe Persimmon and Stormy Sky.  I colored one side of my images, then pulled the color through with a water brush.  

Many of my images had details that would be lost when they were fussy cut, so I carefully arranged my panels together on my Stamp Platform and stamped the images so that the details would show through when I layered the fussy cut imagery.  

For shaker cards you always need to pour your shaker filling onto your background panel then carefully adhere your frame.  I used Stampendous Shaved Ice & a sequin mix here.  I secured my inner square to the background panel first, making sure that it was centered with the frame before applying a double layer of foam tape to the frame and attaching.  A good tip is to use an anti-static bag over your acetate before adhering so that your shaker material doesn't stick.  I always save packaging from die cuts to use for my acetate windows.  

Adding stamping inside and out of the windows gives these cards a sense of depth, though they are only 1/2" thick and could easily be mailed.  

I added some doodling around the frames to match Jo's designs.  I used a good wet glue on the acetate to line up the images with the initial stamping, so they could be wiggled into just the right place.   

I plan on attaching these cards to gift packages with a clear envelope and some string this Christmas.  

I truly hope you've been inspired by these cards today!  I hope you will make an attempt at creating your own version of a snow critter shaker and share with us on social media.  You could skip a few steps by using patterned paper or choosing one design and stamping it in multiples with your Stamp Platform.  Either way, I know the result will leave you smiling.  :)

Thank you so much and merry Christmas!  Love, Autumn

Blog: SewPaperPaint.blogspot.com
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2019 #19 Topic Introduction: Cute Critters

 2019 Topic 19: Cute Critters

Well hello everyone, Keren here with a new topic involving critters and CUTE! Yes, you read that right...we haven't taken leave of our senses, this is 'cute', the PaperArtsy way! Think quirky, funny with a whole dash of cuteness thrown in. Cute and artsy can coexist in the same universe! Strictly speaking, I might just be stretching the definition of cute as far is as humanly possible! So here's the intro post to get you inspired with the possibilities of 'cute critters' and Chris Dark is kicking us off with a gorgeously detailed mini work of art making a Zini just shine! Love his expression!

PaperArtsy Blog - Chris Dark

Edging towards the kooky side of cute is this gorgeous pair of textile twins. The patches and different sized stitching give character and life and I think they're really mesmerising.

Karna Karna Designs

The next artist adds the cute-factor with pretty eyes and elongated bodies. The subtle palette adds to the dreamy effect.

Willowing Arts

This lovely fluffy sheep is a beautiful watercolour piece and is wonderful mix of artistic and sweet.

Source

Cute doesn't need to be pink and pretty, this duo look like they've been carved! The swirling sinewy lines give softness and appeal.

Justin Hilgrove

Cuteness is obviously in the eye of the beholder, and I do adore this 'A Deer Couple' created from polymer and acrylic paint. There is something so soulful and loving in their expressions; quite magnificent considering they're just models.

Tanya Marriott

The next example is really a stretch for this category- but the twinkle in her eye really grabbed me. She has an elegant cuteness...or am I going too far?! I love the combination of a classic painting, human body and animal head. Perhaps you might try your own Frankenstein-esque combos!

Aimee Marie

This next example is simply for inspiration. It's critters, not so much cute ones, but universally adored even so. Love the patterning and if anyone's got the time to stamp me a pair of cute critter tights, I'd be very grateful ;-)

Modcloth

This next piece of inspiration had me wondering whether it was little humans dressed as critters or critters with humanoid features? Either way they're pretty stinking cute!

Ceramic Snippets

Our next artist is well known to us at PaperArtsy as she's been on the blog. I chose this image because I loved the sentiment and also because it has the cute factor but without the sickly bit!

Corrie Herriman

This artist is on my radar for originality. Her quirky is strong and her critters are certainly original. The link goes to a video where she shows how she puts them together.

Crafty Hodges

I wanted to add in an example of some PaperArtsy characters that I found scampering around the internet. Elena's Christmas characters look perfectly at home upon a giant bauble!.

Emma Trenouth

This arresting piece is some wonderful assemblage in someone's home. Apart from the imagery, I love the rhino who seems almost soft and cuddly against the hard images and the black and white lobster.

eBay

Simple is often best, and this CAS piece features one of Lin Brown's cute images. 

Craft E Place

Onto something a little more artsy; this fun critter has so many layers and terrific details. I love the startled expression.

Lost Coast Post

If there's a cute specimen hanging around, Lauren Hatwell won't be far behind! This is just one of her examples with more Zinski loveliness.

PaperArtsy Blog - Lauren Hatwell

Sweet creatures and babies are the perfect combo. This lovely print would be perfect in any nursery. The wide-eyed rabbit is really rather enchanting.

Harriet Bee

Chameleons have enduring cuteness-power (think Disney's Tangled) but this stripey one has rather gorgeous patterning and even the spikes seem adorable.

Anya Stasenko & Slava Leontiev

Most things look cute in a spotted party hat, and this duck is no exception!

Lidiya Marinchuk

Felting can produce amazing detail. This fox rather took my breath away!

Jo Gardiner Art

Heading backwards to quirky cute, those birds never fail to make you smile!

SSS

This horse ( or is it a donkey) is resplendent with his knobbly knees and cute stripes. Love the black and white stripes and watercolour background.

Deb Weiers Art

Last, but by no means least is this wacky wonder sporting the best tie! Lots of colour and keeping the cute factor high.

Jess Quinn

I hope this has inspired to try cute, or at least quirky artsy cute! 
You're going to love the projects we have coming up for this topic. We are not doing the linked challenge  for 2019, so if you want to create along with us and this topic, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to.  

The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook. Make sure you tag us in your contributions, we love to see what you get up to in your creative world!