Today's project is another ATC (Artist Trading Card) and, as with most things I make, it has a garden theme. My life revolves around the great outdoors, flowers, foliage, nature and if I'm not outside immersed in them, then I'm inside nurturing my 'little' (Cough!) houseplant collection or creating something crafty along that theme (in between washing, ironing, dusting...UGH!)
I started with a Strathmore Illustration Board ATC for my base. These are sturdy little cards, perfect for taking a lot of mixed media liquids, water and weight.
Then it was a case of playing with different textures and mediums. So I started by spreading Liquitex Super Heavy Gloss Gel through a honeycomb stencil. You can use any gel medium, matt or gloss, it doesn't matter which brand and there are loads of them to choose from. Once dry (a few hours later) I drizzled a selection of yellow, orange & brown sprays and paints (if you're interested...Prima Colorbloom 'Spring Dandelion' & 'Pot Marigold' sprays, Distress 'Vintage Photo' spray and Finnabair's Dark Chocolate Impasto paint).
I then stamped, coloured with Promarkers and fussy cut the flower and bee from a stamp set by Hobby Art called 'Bee Friendly'. I also painted Glossy Accents on the bee's wings.
Once stuck onto my card I added some glass stones and gold Micro beads and then drizzled on more spray liquid where I felt it was needed.
The sentiment is from the same stamp set.
Honestly...just play with what you have. Faff, like I do (lol) until you're happy with your project. Step back (or away) if it's not quite going to plan and then return to it another day. I do this all the time...I have a vision in my head of how I want something to look and then more often than not it doesn't work out that way. Just play and have fun!
Now...go out and help those bees!
