Dream Bigger Mixed-Media Canvas

Dream Bigger Mixed-Media Canvas by Iris Rodriguez

Hello Makers!

Need positive affirmation in your life? Make it happen with some art. Not only do you get custom make your phrase, but you can hang it on your wall as a reminder. This canvas was made using Makin's Clay® and the Makin’s® Alphabet Clay Cutters, canvas, paper and paint. Check it out.

Materials:

Makin's Clay® – Black
Makin's Professional® Cutting Mat
Makin's®– Alphabet Cutters
Imagine-Staz-On-Spiced Chai
Rubber Stamps
Acrylic Paint-Sepia or Raw Umber
Gesso
Scrapbooking Paper (letters, stamps theme)
Gel Medium
8 x 10 inches canvas

Instructions:

Using the Makin's Professional® Ultimate Clay Machine®, roll out a sheet of Black Makin’s Clay® to the third thickest setting (start on #1, then #2, then end on #3).

Dip or brush the cutters with corn starch, ensuring to get inside the cutters. This will keep the cutters from sticking to the clay.

Fold the sheet of clay in half, then cut the letters out with cutters. Wipe of cornstarch with a soft brush. After cutting out all desired letters for the sentiment, let the letters dry for 24 hours.

While the letters cure, work on the canvas or substrate and embellishments. Use an envelope you already have or custom make one. Use a template from the internet or draw out you own. In my case I chose to make my own because I wanted a specific size. Trace the pattern unto cardstock paper and cut it out. Glue the flaps.

Collage or paint the canvas. I used a stamps and letters themed scrapbooking paper. Using the Gel Medium collage the paper onto the canvas. Brush on a layer of Gel Medium on top of the collaged paper; this seals the paper. Sealing the paper keeps it from getting stained or getting completely covered by the paint. 

Brush watered down gesso, do not cover completely. Let the paper dry. 

Brush on a second layer of watered down Sepia or Raw Umber. When painting the envelope, wipe the paint from raised areas leaving some in the crevices. This gives dimension. Add additional embellishments with rubber stamped images, stencils, stickers, resin or metal embellishments, additional collage paper. 

Glue the letters and you are done. No you have a positive affirmation art piece.