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This article was written by Kim Kelley

In this age of technology we have sites, blogs, tweets and Pinterest making all sorts of suggestions to use their brand of paste or gel; even sites on how to make your own paste. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming. 

In this project I decided to use 3 name brand products; Wood Icing by Stencil Girl, Stucco Patch (from local hardware store), and Gloss Gel by Golden. The Wood Icing cost me $12.99 but had $12.00 shipping, whereas the Stucco Patch cost $5.99 and we were going to the store anyway! The Gloss Gel I purchased a few months back at Michael’s and used a coupon, so it probably cost me just under $5.00 but it is about half the size of the Wood Icing and ¼ the size of the stucco.

I am going to make a layout that can be used as a scrapbook page, framed art, or just wall decor. This is a kit that I purchased from Scrapbook Diaries consisting of papers, frames, flowers, sprays and even micro beads.  This is the first creation I actually made on paper, rather than canvas or wood.  So we will all be surprised at the result. 

 After getting my papers layered and glued where I want them, it is time for texture. I decided to use my “circles” stencil and started with the stucco. First thing I noticed was the texture! No pun intended. It is rougher, having almost a concrete feel. I used it in both top corners of my project.

The lower two corners I used the Wood Icing. My only problem with this is it has a brown tint to it. The way to get past the color issue is to add gesso over it before adding any paint, spray or color technique. The feel and thickness you achieve is perfect, so for me it is worth it to use.

Next I added the regular gloss gel, really just dabbing it anywhere on the page with my palette knife. Then added micro beads to give it some texture, since it dries clear and the beads are clear it really shines. You can buy the medium with the beads already mixed in, but you are stuck with the color and consistency. If you add your own beads you can change the color of them and add as many as you want. You can even change the size of the beads that way.

Now for some color. The kit comes with Amber and Dark Brown Chalk spray. The colors are very pretty but I really wanted and added pop…so I used some sprays from Lindy’s Stamp Gang. These gave it the sparkle and shine that was needed.

Once I was happy with the colors, I started on some embellishments I wanted to add. I colored a chipboard frame with sprays, paints and crackle gel. I attached this to a piece of paper that was also colored the same…this way someone can slip a picture right behind the frame. I had to add some flowers, chain, stickers and some chipboard. Then I used a few Tim Holtz stamps to add not only color but some dimension.

Now for the fun part and something I had never tried before…glue gun goop…yes that is a technical term! (ok- ok one I made up but still technical) For this you take your glue gun and make swirls, circles, loop de loops; whatever you want to create and let it dry right on your project. You can paint or spray over it for added color or leave it clear and shiny. I did both.

The final step is putting it all together. Whatever you feel looks right, is right. That is the best part about Mixed Media Art, there is no wrong or right way to end a project. Here is the end result.

I did add some gloss Mod Podge over the top; it seals it as well as gives it that glorious shine!

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Kim Kelley is borderline obsessive about her crafting and her art. She loves mixed media art because you are free to go beyond your comfort zone, using your imagination and exploring an anything goes mind set. Kim loves to learn and explore new techniques and hopes that any art she creates leads someone to find their inner creative artist!

Sites: itsallaboutcrafting.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/kimscraftyconcepts

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