6 Inch Mixed Media Canvases

I want to start entering my work in challenges and so here is my entry for the Simon Says Stamp and Show Layers Challenge.  The challenge was to use layers, any kind of layers.  Here I have layered papers and colors to create the background for this mixed media collage. Then I added layers of stamps for added interest.

There are lots of nice projects featured on the Simon Says blog,

so head on over and check them out! They are even offering prizes

for the challenge winners.  Yay!

I used several different papers to layer all over the front and sides of the canvas, including part of the phone book, old dictionary pages and printed scrapbook papers. I applied watercolor washes over the papers in a sort of rainbow scheme.  I used Workable Fixative to seal the watercolor layer so it would not run when I added the bird cutout.  The stencil designs are from the Mixed Media stamp set by Tim Holtz.  I used some of my markers to add shadows and outlining around the bird.

Here is a detail shot of the chicken wire stamp by Tim Holtz. 

I used Staz-On black ink.

I covered this canvas with 7 Gypsies Conservatory paper which I then added color to with Distress and Pitt Markers.  The goldfinch cut out is Mod Podged on top and I added more color and outlines with markers.

I covered the front and sides of the canvas with four patterns of scrapbook paper. The flower petals are hand cut from dictionary paper and yellow scrapbook paper.  The center design was a detail on the sheet of scrapbook paper that I used for the petals. I colored over the dictionary pages using watercolor paint.  I added definition to the petals by tracing with black markers.

I finished up this flower canvas by stamping with a circle stamp around the flower and on the sides using Staz-On ink. I added color to the circles using Distress and American Craft markers.  I love the way the circles contrast with the geometric designs of the background papers. 

Using the 6x6 inch canvas is an interesting challenge. You do not have as much space to fill with design, but you are also limited by the size of the elements you want to add. I bought 8 of these at Walmart, so look for more to come.

Gale C. Lewis