Sally Lynn MacDonald

Palettini. Mixed-Media Art. A Colorful Life.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Online Classes
    • My Account
    • My Online Workshops
    • Technique Hump
      • Free Video Tutorials
  • Events
    • In-Person Teaching Events
      • Project Workshops by Sally Lynn MacDonald
    • Stamp and Scrapbook Convention
  • Printables
  • Organization
  • Shop
    • Palettini Artwork Gallery
You are here: Home / Creativity / Layout: SnowMEN and a background attack

Layout: SnowMEN and a background attack

November 12, 2008 by admin 8 Comments

I think I can count on one hand the number of layouts I’ve redone.  But when something is in front of your face every day and it doesn't make your heart sing … it's time for a revamp.

Extreme Makeover

I have had this layout hanging on my wall unit ever since I made it, because I love the picture so much.  But as years have gone by, I continued to realize how much I disliked the original layout.  It was all pastel and not the least bit masculine.  It was one of those premade layout kits and it didn't feel one bit like my style or suitable to the picture.  So yes, I redid it.  Here goes!

Winterlevel1a 
before, ugh!

I wanted the more masculine colors first.  I chose the Aurora line from Prima to accomplish this.  The mix of browns, blues and greens is seasonless, but just right for a snowy day picture as well.

For the base of the page, I used Aurora 'Majestic Garden'.  I like the subtle pattern over the color infused background.  It is the kind of background I would make myself.  We'll touch on that later…  I'm not one to waste anything, so I cut a large circle out of the back of this piece of paper before putting anything on it.  I don't always do this.  But this paper is so pretty – I had plans for it.  LOL!

IMG_5997web 
Cut it out! You thought I was kidding?

Then I cut the harlequin patterned paper, following the pattern around the edges.  The cut edges I inked with Colobox Chalk Ink in Chestnut Roan (dark brown).  Adhere this to the base, in the center of the page.

I cut a 14" length of striped ribbon and adhered it to the right side and around tucked the ends around the back of the layout.

Use the Aurora alphabet epoxy stickers to spell 'SNOWMEN' vertically along the cut edge of the paper.

Cut a piece of 1 1/2" x 7" striped paper from the Aurora 'Earthen Lights' pattern.  Ink cut edges.  Place against right edge, and just above the peaks of the harlequin cutouts, so they show underneath.

Mount 5×7 picture to 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" piece of Aurora 'Heavenly' on the more solid/ grunge patterned side.  Ink edges with softer Dark Grey chalk ink color and adhere to layout.  I placed this vertically centered against the SNOWMEN lettering, which leaves a larger border at the top.

Now, back to that reserved big scrap from the layout base.  I wanted to put a large heart on this layout without it being all 'girly', so I chose to play on the snowy scene by combining the dotted pattern (snow falling) with the Say It In Crystals swirls (ice).  I stamped two of the large swirls from Prima's Build-a-Swirl stamp set in Dark Grey Chalk Ink, facing each other like a heart.  I trimmed around this loosely to resemble a heart.  I adhered it to the layout, just above the striped title space, and slightly overlapping the picture.  Finally I layered the coordinating clear cyrstal swirls on top.

I stamped the words from the Build-a-Swirl stamp set (yep, there are words too!) and trimmed each close and inked the edges to make, 'take my hand and roam with me'.  These I put against the left side of the page.

The name/date piece and words 'love doesn't melt' are printed in the Adler font on vellum and torn around the edges.  No ink on these, I like the snowy white of torn vellum.

Finally, a few epoxy sticker shapes to echo the harlequins and patterns along the bottom, leading to the title and a ribbon tab at the top name/date piece.

Background Attack

Ok, back to that glorious background paper from Prima.  It is the kind of paper that makes you want to create.  Very inspiring to me!  So here goes my attempt at creating a custom coordinating paper.

Here is our inspiration:

Majesticgarden

It reminded me of a technique called wax paper resist, but call me crazy because I had absolutely no desire to pull out the iron and the ironing board.  So I found a short cut: white cardstock with an orange peel texture.  This I began to distress with Ranger's Distress Inks by Tim Holtz(tm).

Let's start this background attack.  White cardstock is the starting point.  Pull out the following inkpads or similar colors:

  • Weathered Wood
  • Shabby Shutters
  • Broken China
  • Walnut Stain

IMG_5998web

The first three inks are applied individually, first via DTP (direct to paper) with the inkpad brushed directly over the surface to grab that texture, and then using a foam applicator from the craft sheet to spread it around and create soft floating colors.  The first picture shows Weathered Wood:

IMG_6012web

Now Shabby Shutters (green):

IMG_6014web

Now Broken China, more aggressively getting it into the valleys of the orange peel texture to eliminate some of the remaining white.

IMG_6015web 

Cool, the random inking is done.  Now let's break out the stamps!  I used a single symetrical corner flourish from Prima's Build A Swirl stamp set with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  Start in a corner.

IMG_6016web 

I made each corner flourish into a square - but no rulers allowed at this point.  A bit of randomness never hurt anybody.

IMG_6020web 

And btw, that is a purple stamping pad that I purchased from Inque Boutique.  Hopefully the product will be available under the new ownership.  If not, a nice cushy mousepad will do, albeit not as big as this puppy.  Continue stamping and making patterns…

IMG_6021web 

That's so pretty!  Here is a closeup.  But we're not done yet.  Add some Distress Ink with Walut Stain and blending foam around the edges.

IMG_6023web 

And then, I apologize, but it's time to get out the ruler.  Measure around the edges of the paper and put a pen mark (I used a dark brown, which believe me, you cannot see later!) at EVERY THREE INCHES.  Just around the edge.

I placed a craft sheet diagonally across the paper, from corner to corner and placed some ink from Walnut Stain directly onto the craft sheet.  Pull the ink from the craft sheet onto your paper.  Less is more.  Keep the craft sheet in place firmly so you will keep the design in line.  Do this for both sets of diagonal corners.

IMG_6029web 

IMG_6030web 

Now do the same thing with the adjoining 3" marks to make parallel lines in both directions. 

Note: You will like the results more if you pull the ink first from one side of the line, finishing it off, and then turn your paper around and pull from the other side too.  That way the blurring comes from both sides.  Clear as mud?

IMG_6033web 

Glorious, but not done yet.  Now get out the Glimmer Mist (I used Honey Dew Mist) and spritz it lightly all over, using a quick wrist twisting action as you spray so that you get even coverage.  Use your heat tool to speed up drying time.  It isn't necessary for the Glimmer Mist, but Distress Inks are reactive with water, and I want them to blur only slightly and in random places.  Other areas will keep their crispness this way.  Remember, it's always about depth and dimension with ink.

IMG_6037web 

And VOILA!  Isn't it amazing what a little ink and technique can do to white cardstock?

IMG_6042web 

Of course now I'm going to be up all night figuring out what to make with this beauty.  Oh wait – I already have an idea…

But it's going to have to wait because I'm supposed to 'judge' the Tinkertoy sculptures currently occupying the family room. 🙂

P.S. I am going to be jumping in on the video bandwagon soon.  I think it will be a much easier way to show these technique posts.  Bear with me.  Two more birthday parties to go, and I have a couple of cakes that will be occupying my time over the next day or so.  But I'll share those too.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
«
»

Filed Under: Creativity, Glimmer Mist, Prima, Ranger, Tattered Angels

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

About Sally Lynn MacDonald

Sally Lynn is an Anarchivist® that often mixes her love of creating and teaching art with her high-tech side – blending a love of handmade art with hybrid-digital media in what she playfully calls her ‘studio lab’. Every now and then her large-format printer is subjected to printing on a surface that definitely is not listed in the owners’ manual.

She is a maven for studio organization, using her abilities to use spreadsheets and databases to bring order from chaos. “It’s marvelous when the right and left brain actually work together in the studio!” Read More…

What is Anarchivist® – Tech for Artists!

Support me by shopping my favorites on my Amazon Storefront!









I am a Certified GOLDEN Artist Educator!

I am your Art Supply Authority!

Where I Shop for Mixed-Media Art Supplies!

I am a Silver Brush Educator™!

Palettini Stamps – Designed Exclusively for Technique Junkies

Palettini Artwork Gallery
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube

Log In

Login With Google

Cart

Products

  • enQoRe by Mail Workshop and Kit $ 35.00
  • enQoRe Watercolor Mixology I Online Workshop $ 30.00

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Shop from my Amazon Lists Here – Resources

palettini.sallylynnmacdonald

Chief Anarchivist® at Palettini™
@goldenpaints Artist Educator
Art Supplies Sherpa for @sketchbookskool

I've decided that my bar skills are the next #pand I've decided that my bar skills are the next #pandemiclife goal, because GD I want to freaking entertain people again someday! Starting with basic tools and a simple lime #muddled #cosmopolitan from the #fancyaf #cocktails book by @ariana252525 , @tomsandoval1 and @dannypellegrino
Iced Chai and a watercolor water cup. This is why Iced Chai and a watercolor water cup. This is why I needed a @paintpuck 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#artistproblems
#dontdrinkthewatercolor
#artstudiolife
Worked on Queen Charlotte sketch during my lunch b Worked on Queen Charlotte sketch during my lunch break. I'll have to build up some courage to paint this one tonight. I could do several studies just on that marvelous hairpiece. I love @stabilo point 88 fineliners for this stage. No. 88/89 has an almost Quin / Nickel Azo Gold to it when you watercolor, as the line is water soluble. I use the others for placement of fine detail, close to the final hue of the watercolor paint I will use. Ages ago I used water soluble graphite, but it makes things quite muddy, especially when working with such contrasts. The actor, @goldarosheuvel, has such a wry set of her lips and a look of discernment. I feel like the Queen is already judging me.. I hope I can capture it in this study.
.
.
.
#netflix
#shondaland 
#bridgerton 
#womenofbridgerton
#fineartist
#palettini
#ilovecolor
#colorcrushcreative
#arttechniques
#passioncolorjoy
#artsupplies
#creativehabit
#watercolours
#watercolorartist
#sketchbookdrawing
#aquarelle
#bridgertons 
#juliaquinn 
#bridgertonsonnetflix 
#thebridgertons 
#bhfyp
#queencharlotte 
#stabilopoint88
Lady Danbury from a small watercolor sketch in my Lady Danbury from a small watercolor sketch in my 4x6 sketchbook. I'm working on a Women of Bridgerton series. @adjoa.andoh is so much more beautiful than I was able to portray tonight. I loved her strong, independent and fiercely loyal portrayal of Lady Danbury. A few more studies to get under the belt before I move on to the larger piece.
.
.
.
#netflix
#shondaland 
#bridgerton 
#womenofbridgerton
#watercolorartist 
#gaep
#qorwatercolors
#angoragouache
#royaltalensathome 
#silverbrushlimited 
#ladydanbury 
#watercolorportraits 
#bridgertons 
#juliaquinn 
#bridgertonsonnetflix
#thebridgertons 
#bhfyp 
#fineartist
#palettini
#ilovecolor
#colorcrushcreative
#arttechniques
#passioncolorjoy
#artsupplies
#creativehabit
#watercolours
#aquarelle
The contents of my mailbox feels like a hug. Yay f The contents of my mailbox feels like a hug. Yay for dreaming of art materials as a replacement for this year's CreativeWorld trade show. With all the cr@p going on, this was good timing.
.
.
.
#artsupplies
#lookatalltheprettycolors 
#fullsetsyndrome
New Year. New Goals. In just the last month I have New Year. New Goals. In just the last month I have had many things come through and others disappointingly fall flat. But in the end pitching my ideas it is like cooking: I may do every step just right and know exactly how to do it; and still the dough doesn't rise, or the whipped cream doesn't reach its peak. Does that mean I stop trying altogether?
.
TBH, when you put your heart into something and it doesn't work out - it's ok to pout, get mad, even have a little stress down. But better things are always on the horizon. I recently wrote a proposal that went nowhere. But meanwhile I proposed something else that took off in ways I could only dream of.
.
I just want to encourage you to keep on swinging for the bleachers.  Your unique gifts have you on somebody's short list and you won't even know until you try, again. And again. A phone call. A text. A Zoom meeting. An email.
.
I believe in you, dreamer.

#makermonday 
#Anarchivist
#weallgrow
#smallbusinessonline 
#raisethevibetribe
#creativehabit
#palettini
#quotesandsayings
#quotedaily
#quotestagram 
#paintingstudio
#studiolife
#studiolifestyle
#arteducator
#artistsofinstagram
#artlovers
#artmatters
#creativehabit
#fineartist
#palettini
#colorcrushcreative
#arttechniques
#passioncolorjoy
Chocolate Mousse is sometimes the best answer I ca Chocolate Mousse is sometimes the best answer I can give as comfort to my family.. What a week!

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/chocolate-mousse-recipe0-1955790
16 years ago @goldenpaints told us that #Quinacrid 16 years ago @goldenpaints told us that #QuinacridoneGold was discontinued because the pigment was simply no longer to be found. And here we are with this lovely favorite, #quinacridonenickelazogold (shown in OPEN); and I laugh to think that I love it even more than the original!! What about you? It's a silly thing - but it just reminds me that things can turn out fine even when they seem less so at the time. <3

From Just Paint newsletter, December, 2004.
"First the bad news: We have been forced to discontinue our most venerable color, a color we introduced to the marketplace, and one that soon became our signature color – Quinacridone Gold. The pigment manufacturer will no longer support the required pigment, and despite an exhaustive search, there is simply no other source to be found. 
.
Now the good news: Through a vigilant effort, the GOLDEN Lab, led by fearless director Jim Hayes, has created a well-matched solution to the original Quinacridone Gold. By blending a Quinacridone Gold Red Shade with Nickel Azo, the new blend called Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold achieves the wonderful characteristics of the original Quinacridone Gold, including a warm yellow-gold quality in the undertone as well as a tight tint. Golden Artist Colors, Inc. is excited about the new formula and we hope you too will delight in its rich qualities."
Her name is Tiffany Tripod and she is not amused. Her name is Tiffany Tripod and she is not amused. My latest studio addition from #planesofthehead
.
.
.
#artatelier
#artstudios
#artstudiospace
#artstudioathome
#fineartists
#fineartistsofinstagram
#ontheeasel
#onmyeasel
#paintingstudio
#studiolife
#studiolifestyle
#letsfaceit
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Follow Inside Artist's Studios on Pinterest.

Copyright © 2021 · Palettini LLC · Service · Shipping and Returns · Privacy · FTC Disclosure