It’s Wednesday and time for our newest MidWeek Muse video where I’m off on a brand new adventure, creating like a crazy person because I’m so enamored with this new “thing”.
The thing is a project I call Art Cards. And boy-o-boy, have they become my new obsession. I created them with the mindset to indulge in the things that I enjoy the most. In my world:
Art Cards = Big FUN
Not only are they a joy to create, they also are wonderful to have around to admire once finished. Give them away, trade with your art friends, or use them in a larger project. Art Cards are incredibly versatile!
Sized at 4″ x 4″ Art Cards can be… anything you wish. Smaller than most journal pages and larger than an ATC, I find that size perfect to create on, with just enough space to allow my muse to play, but not so large that finishing one takes very long.
What can you use to embellish your art cards?
Anything at all. In the video you’ll see me create backgrounds two ways; with Dina Wakley’s Gesso and Heavy Body Acrylic paints or by washing Twinkling H2Os on the surface.
From there it’s adding designs with Maya Gold paint to begin the process of adding the design elements to the Art Cards. Once those bits are finished, it’s time to add marks using Sharpie water based paint pens, PITT Pens, and Dina’s favorite Fude Ball pens. Those marks enhance and add to the design elements, with layers of visual interest being built.
With that step completed, it’s on to my ultimate indulgence – Stickles!
Used a lot, or perhaps in moderation (perish the through!), Stickles are the icing on my Art Cards, adding glimmer and sparkle. They’re the final, but most important step when I create an Art Card.
In the video you’ll see me demo everything I’ve mentioned here, but since Art Cards can be anything, I’m convinced that you all will take my suggestions and run with them… creating your own new obsession.
Supplies For This Video:
Strathmore Artist Tiles: 4″ x 4″ Bristol Vellum or 4″ x 4″ Watercolor
Dina Wakley’s White Gesso & Heavy Body Acrylic Paint
Sharpie Water Based Paint Markers
7 Comments
Barb, I wanted to thank you so much for all of your videos. Your passion for what you are creating, and your sense of humour are infectious. You are so well spoken and explain everything so thoroughly, I can usually “get it” and understand the point you are portraying the first time around, even though I am very new to the “art world,” and 57 years old (gasp! How the heck did that happen?) I am housebound due to medical problems, and have had the time to watch a LOT of your videos, and have subscribed. your videos are a wonderful diversion! I know this is one of your older projects, but I just figured out that there was a direct link to your blog in the video description. I have been frustrated that I couldn’t leave you a comment on YouTube, but am glad that I finally figured this out. Again, thank you for your time and effort put into sharing your art, as well as the excellent video productions. You are a natural at teaching, and I am looking forward to watching more of your videos and reading your blog. I live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, and am having a lot of trouble getting some (actually a lot) of the materials I want here, and the exchange rate on our dollar is horrific right now, or there would be a huge order coming to you right now (last time I checked, $1.00 US cost us $1.42, and then there is duty and taxes due on import as well. Ouch!) I managed to get some art supplies before this happened, but thanks to your demonstrations, I now want some Stickles and Twinkling H2O’s to play with! I didn’t think I was a “glitter type of girl,” but I will admit the Twinkling H2O’s and Stickles are calling my name, as how you have presented them appeals to me a lot, colourful without being too bold. They are absolutely gorgeous in your hands! Hopefully our exchange rate and import costs will improve soon. (It doesn’t appear they are going to, but hey, a girl can hope, right?) Thank you again for your wonderful videos, and I am so glad to have found your blog now, too.
Fondly, Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks very much! I’m so glad to know the videos offer you a fun diversion. I’m lucky enough to work at something I love and filming the videos, while often time consuming, are another chance to play.
I’m sure the conversion rate will improve in your direction one of these days. Nothing stays the same, that’s for sure.
Used in moderation, for those who may be glitter adverse, Stickles and Twinks can provide a little sparkle. Or you can go for the glitter gusto and use more. That’s the good thing – it’s all customizable, depending on the project or how glittery you feel on a given day. :+)
Barb
Hi Laura,
I read your post to Barb with a note of recognition. I too have been sidelined due to illness and wrote a letter to her much like yours. Her videos have been a life line of sorts, I have learned so much from her and hope to learn a lot more.
When I decided to join the AJA I knew I didn’t have some of the things that others had. I have to switch products and hope for the best.
I am on disability so I have some money I can use to buy different products. I feel badly that you can’t buy things you want due to exchange rates. I too hope the rate gets better.
Thanks for the note, Ginny. We are so fortunate to have Barb as a teacher, she is just wonderful! I’m sorry you are “sidelined” as well (I love how you phrased that!) The good part is we have more time for art when we feel up to it, and Barb has provided lots to read, watch and learn here when we’re not. It was my lucky day, indeed, when I stumbled across one of her videos on YouTube! Best wishes, Laura
Ginnie,
Oops, sorry about spelling your name wrong in my first note to you. Darned auto-correct, and I didn’t catch it right away. Sorry about that!
Awesome! Thanks forthe wonderfil tutorial!
Barb..I finally found out how to ‘pause’ a video. It helps to see your finished results..my memory isn’t what it used to be at 87. I see your articulate videos and have learned how to use products. You are a born teacher…thank goodness.