Altered Book Cover

More swapping fun with Your Paper Pantry - I love this altered book cover idea.  Originally, I was going to go super crazy and make a mixed media collage.  But as I started with it, I just LOVED the way the pretty blue of the book was showing through the Gesso.  On the spine I added a brad from Tim Holtz called Ring Fastener; this makes hanging a charm ... charming!  Lots of metal from Butterbee Scraps - the corners and two pieces under that AMAZING flower that came to me in a fabric flower swap.  On the bottom is a bit of antique lace topped of with ribbon from Love Bug Creations

 Here is an up close of that flower - isn't it beautiful!!  As much as I hated to part with it, it was a little easier knowing my swap partner would appreciate it.  Head to YouTube to check out the video

Open for Business

I live in an AMAZING city... and super fortunate to live across the street from a great little BYOB place that I have loved since they day they opened their doors.  They had this sad little hand written "OPEN" sign and I told them... I am going to have to fix that...  Well, I finally did.
I watched hours and hours of mixed media canvas tutorials on YouTube - especially those from Arlene who is Butterfly Kisses on YouTube.
I have never done something so unsctructured but I LOVED using all these great little finds from my stash.  Here is the finished piece and some detail shots below.  It won't be possible for me to call out every detail... just keep looking - like an I Spy game :)
I finished it off with watered down Gesso and a variety of ink sprays to highlight different aspects of the canvas.

 Here is a bit of a crown, some filigree and a huge paper flower.

 A wooden dress form, a collage of paper flowers and metal pieces.  As I got close to finished, I realized I needed some parts undiluted with the Gesso - so this blue bling added a great sparkle

 

 Here is a collection of paper flowers and metal pieces and a large 'chunk' of ribbon trim.  Honestly, that is the one thing I won't do again.  It didn't adhere as well as smaller pieces, though the effect of the Gesso in the roses is kind of coo.

When I got it all done the OPEN part faded a way.  So I went over the chip board letters with a versa mark pen and very delicately added perfect pearls to give a pop

Chalk board paint prizes!!

I LOVE chalkboard paint right now! I altered these simple frames and covered them with it. Added a pretty pink ribbon...for obvious reasons, and a vintage button. Five of these super cute treats are in the raffle bin...got your ticket? Made a donation?? Let me know!