behind The ART


sketching on a 12x36 canvas



first touches of paint


mod podge begins with scrapbook pages cut in strips
which then led to using tissue paper and burlap!
I love a mix, I love texture...
I am starting to find my true touch....
I started these guys over a year ago
and finished them in Aug/Sept 2011.
I am ready to set them FREE!
ONE of the hardest things for me is
turning loose of my stuff, but I know these will
make someones room complete, in the
kitchen, dinning room, hallway, pantry, keeping room, wet bar etc.

I was totally inspired

by these guys on the left!
I purchased them at Ross dress for less
a few Springs ago.

OUTLIVE


I know I am outliving my life by sharing my story,

Dirty Santa gift Creation


background
map, yardstick, music sheet etc.
with touches of smeared espresso brown paint


applying circles with bubble wrap and pistachio green paint


cutting a Santa hat of burlap
inspired by this Santa who's been on my tree for a few years
I purchased him at a local garden shop


finished product
I wrapped him for a Dirty Santa Party
this past Christmas
He was a big hit

Cupcake on a Canvas Creation


This cupcake was inspired by
the Apprentice Magazine
and
Create with Me Magazine




For my daughters 8th birthday this past fall,
we wanted to do something different,
something we had not done before.
In the Create with Me magazine, there was
a girl about the same age, maybe even a year older,
 who did a cat mask theme birthday party.
The kids made cat face mask, it was cute!
In the Apprentice magazine was the cupcake,
so combining the two ideas we came up with
the theme of her party, a cupcake paint party. 
Cute stuff, right!?!?


Mod Podge
"Crystal" Craft Twinkles-glitter
Titanium White
Cherry Red
Bubblegum Pink
Walnut distress stain(the girls didn't use)
Pillow batting-top of cupcake
Cut out template with book pages shredded
and glued(Mod Podge)-the base of cupcake
Black permanent marker-to write their name
on the back of the canvas, which was the first thing we did.
Make up sponges for applying the glitter
Small Styrofoam ball painted red-cherry
Waxed black thread-cherry stem
One foam paint brush for applying pink paint
to actually canvas

The Apprentice magazine's cupcake was
titled  "oh happy days" by Bethany Kartchnerused.
 
Bethany used several different materials,
like the cupcake top was clay, the base
was clay covered in book pages,
the cherry was clay rolled into
a ball painted red. And the background over
the Bubblegum pink was distressed
a lot along with the titled
"oh happy days". I am thinking
she used a few brush strokes
of yellow also.

before

after

I made the above cupcake canvas
prior to the party, so I could get my timing down.
That way the party would flow smooth
and it did. Applying the book
pages to the base to the most time and overall
I believe it ended up being about a 45 minute to an hour FAST
project. We had to allow drying time, having two
tables allowed us to jump from step to step.
Thanks to my 15 year old daughter
who helped push things along.
That way we still had plenty of time
for ice cream and cupcakes,
playing in the cupcake cafe, 
opening gifts
and even alittle basketball!

One thing the girls did different on
theirs was added the glitter over the
top of the pink background(this is where
the walnut distress stain should have
been used and the glitter was for
the top of cupcake)
One started it and it
looked great so they all did it.
It turned out perfect for them,
I even use that little trick on a lot
 of my stuff now!








The cupcake cafe area was a true back up plan. 
A few years prior we did a cowgirl theme party(it rained) 
and had cardboard box "jail" and "hotel"
(my saving grace because it was in out of the rain).

(jail & hotel)

She requested something similar to go along with
this paint party.
Any older and I couldn't have pulled this off,
but they had fun!
She doesn't even play with the kitchen set
anymore, but I don't want to turn loose of it. 
The table has been her art
table in my studio for a few years now.

I had so much fun working
with the girls. It was so funny
to listen to the different things
they talked about!
One was even worried
enough girls didn't show up. It was
perfect for me, I promise. The intent
was to have a small intimate girls
party!

Those who know my daughter well,
know she usually runs with the "boys"
just like her momma. A lot of my best friends
growing up were boys. And it
caused lots of conflict with me and my
girl friends and boyfriends, once I
started the old dating thing!
The girls couldn't understand that
I wanted to play football and the boys
couldn't understand that
I talked to other boys
if they were the
center of my life!!! ha :)

Anyways, the party was
a TRUE success!
The cupcake club house is up for sale
any takers, best offer! Oh, I better
make sure she is ready to turn loose.



Dream dream BIG



















A little sketching, pastel pencils, paint, ink stamp
all inspired by 
Kelly Rae Roberts book
Taking Flight!

Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts


In Taking Flight, you'll find overflowing inspiration–complete with a kindred spirit in author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Join her on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community.
Along the way you'll be inspired by:
  • Step-by-step techniques–learn the most-loved mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists, and combine them in fresh and unexpected ways.
  • Thought-provoking prompts and quotes–along with encouraging stories, insights and gentle guidance for finding your bliss, whatever your art or craft.
  • Plenty of eye-candy–pages and pages of the author's endearing artwork, along with the varied works of the contributors.
Of course, learning to fly isn't entirely a step-by-step process–sooner or later, you just need to take a deep breath and spread your wings. With Taking Flight as your guide, there's no doubt that when you do, your creativity will soar.
Kelly Rae Roberts is a mixed-media artist who neglected her creative dreams until she was 30 years old. Once she began to listen and nurture her creative voice, her life exploded with a joy she hadn't known before. She's had several articles published in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and has been featured in various mixed-media books by her peers. Her paintings are collected worldwide and she is consistently accepted to show at juried art festivals around the country. Recently, she signed on with Brush Dance Publishing and DEMDACO for long-term licensing agreements that will showcase her work on cards, journals, magnets, calendars and wall art reproductions in stores nationwide. Learn more about her at www.kellyraeroberts.com.