I have mentioned on this blog that I am a member of the ATCdivas group, and we have an themed exchange once a month. When I make ATCs for them, they need to be as alike as possible, and I usually create 6 or 7 depending on who's playing that month. Sometimes it's difficult for me to do this because I tend to put a lot of time into an ATC and I don't always have the time to do 7 in a row, or the energy, but I don't want to sacrifice quality. So this month for the theme of flowers, I came up with a different plan to try and I think it worked pretty well. I first made a collage background on a sheet of 12 x 16 canvas paper by gluing several torn papers, pages, scraps of music and even an old French paper bond from the 1800's.
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As you can see, it has a nice mixture of dark and light. After it had dried, I began altering the whole background with gesso, thinned acrylic paint, rub ons, rubber stamps, walnet ink and more, with this result:
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There is some slight glare from the camera, but you get the idea. Then I cut 7 pieces the size of an ATC (2.5" x 3.5") and starting adding prima flowers altered with ditress ink, number stickers, additional detail, and here is the final result:
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I really am pleased with the way they turned and the fact that the texture and depth of the background really is part of the overall pieces. It's a lot better, I think, than using a picture of a collage where the texture is flat. And I even have a big chunk left over to use with other projects!
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Maybe for the next tag I design for the challenge I host, I will use some more of this. It is really easy to do and I think I will be doing more of it in the future!
UPDATE on the bird's nests - the Bluebirds are sitting on 5 lovely eggs and the Carolina Wren on 4. The Goldfinches can drain a full thistle feeder in less than 2 days and I am having to really stay on top of all of the feeders, because of the large crowds of birds. One time I counted 8-9 cardinals out there at once! The territorial calls are going strong, especially the Tufted Titmouse. Sometimes I want to call out to it "OK! OK! We get it- it's your territory, please calm down!!" But I am so happy to hear them and to have my windows open!
Hope you have a blessed day!
Rebecca
Wow! Beautiful and it does not look easy at all! I adore the way it all turned out, gorgeous! Yay for all the birds you get to feed and watch. It's a fascinating past time. I love you!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful and a terrific idea as well.
ReplyDeleteOur Robins are back here in northen Mi.I even have a window cracked open today.
Yippie ! Amy
I really like how they all look so similar, yet each have their own distinct attributes. :) Like a set of septuplets!
ReplyDeleteI recently tried making 10 ATC's all the same and there was no way I could do it. With the technique you have shown I think it could be fun. Thank you. I Love your bird stories. We have lots at our back deck and they are so much fun.
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring! I love the way you put this art piece together! I could make some tags,and atc's from it! Wonderful Idea! I've never seen anything like it any where else! I think you've started something new and unique here!
ReplyDeleteAnd your ATC's turned out beautifully! You got me anxious to give it a go! Hugs Tee