Hi everyone! Peley Renata here, back after a very long break from painting, drawing, blogging or, sadly, doing anything crafty. Life has a funny way of taking us in unexpected directions, and sometimes the things we love get neglected. I guess that’s exactly what happened to me over the past six months. So, creating this project was a challenge in its own way, especially since I hadn’t touched a paintbrush in far too long. But one thing that made it all a bit easier? The always cute and inspiring JoFY designs and the gorgeous PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic colors. So, instead of rehashing what’s been keeping me busy these past few months—let’s get crafty!
As you can see, the good weather here in Hungary has inspired me to use bright, happy colors and incorporate some lovely floral designs into my project. And since I never do anything the easy way, I decided that after my break, a more layered project was needed to refresh my crafty memory. But let’s start from the beginning!
If you're somewhat familiar with my work, you already know that I struggle with preparing supplies for a project as I never have a complete image of where it’s going to take me. But the stamp sets were an easy choice this time. PaperArtsy JoFY100 is a rather old stamp set, but it’s always been one of my favorites from Jo Firth-Young. I knew right away that the lovely little girl would be the center of attention in my project. And since I wanted to ground her in a flower bouquet, JoFY134 felt like the perfect fit.
As for the colors, I decided to layer them in a fun way—but you’ll see what I mean very soon! I also gathered a few other supplies: some mixed media paper in white, black cardstock, a white candle, PaperArtsy tissue paper, and colored pencils.
When creating layers for my project, the first step was to adhere the PaperArtsy tissue paper. This time, I chose the one designed by Alison Bomber as she has some really lovely floral prints with script. I tore off a couple of sections and adhered them to my paper using matte medium, covering almost the entire surface.
The next step was adding a layer of paint. The first two colors I chose were PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics in Chocolate Pudding and Sugar Plum shades. I dipped my paintbrush in a bit of water before applying the paint to dilute it, as I wanted the tissue paper design to remain visible in certain areas. I also used a baby wipe to blend the colors better and make them even more transparent.
Okay, obviously, this was the ugly stage of my project, but now the fun begins! After drying my first layer of paint, I grabbed a candle and started rubbing it over random areas where I wanted the next layer of paint to be rubbed off later. I chose a candle because I figured most of you probably have one or two lying around the house. But if you want an even easier option, a wax paste or Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Glaze would work even better.
After applying my wax, I moved on to the next layer of acrylics—this time choosing Aquamarine and Khaki shades.
When the second layer of paint was dry, I started rubbing it off using a wet tissue. Here’s a little tip—try to be a bit more patient and gentle than I was, as I ended up rubbing off a few spots a bit too much! If you used a candle, it can help to use a heat gun to slightly melt the wax, making it easier to remove the paint. And I’ll say it again—be gentle as there is really no need for much pressure!
But anyway, overall, I was happy with the results. It left quite the fun texture in a few spots.
With that, my background could be considered done, but I still wanted to add a few details and, of course, prepare my focal images.
As you can see, I just couldn’t resist doing some stamping on my background—I mean, those letter designs are just gorgeous! For the stamping, I used Ranger Archival Ink in Potting Soil shade, and while the ink pad was in my hand, I also used it to distress the edges of my paper. Oh, and I almost forgot my signature move—adding some splatters! I used Sugar Plum again, since it matched the first layer of color. And let’s be real, pink is the color of spring! :)
Now, I wanted to prepare my images. I stamped them on off-white paper, and for coloring, I used Caran D'Ache Luminance colored pencils and this part of the project took the most time. But of course, there are faster options like alcohol markers, acrylic markers, or even watercolors—whatever you guys prefer! Personally, I’ve always enjoyed coloring with colored pencils, as I find it almost meditative.
Well, playing with these layers was quite the adventure, especially since I feel almost like a beginner after my way-too-long break. But anyway... now, it was time to put it all together!
The layout wasn’t complicated—I just decided to tuck my girl in among the flowers and add a fun zen quote, because, let’s be honest, this girl looks a bit wise, don’t you think? :) The last step was to adhere my project to the black cardstock, as I feel it gives the whole piece a nice frame. And that’s about it!
Well, guys, thanks for sharing this adventure with me. Honestly, it wasn’t easy to begin, but starting something is never easy, but it’s mostly worth it... especially when we’re talking about being crafty! :)
And of course, I hope you had fun, got inspired, and that next time it won’t take as long to share another project with you.
Renata 💜
