THE ALTERED FLEA: wall canvas

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Handmade Mother's Day Project

With everyone's busy lives, I'm glad the calendar tells us to take one day to celebrate Mom. However, my Mom says "everyday is Mother's Day," and I tend to agree with her. Hopefully, your kids tell you how much they love you more than just one day a year!

However, next Sunday, go ahead and lavish your Mother with more than a hug and kiss--give her several! And if you still feel like you want to give her a gift, make a handmade one that she will treasure always.

Here is an art canvas I made for my Mom several years ago. It's still one of my most favorite projects ever. Even though I've posted this before, I'd like to share it again in case you missed it the first time.

8" x 8" and 8" x 4" canvasses tied together with ribbon;

each canvas painted and then decoupaged with designer papers;

Photos added.

Yes, that's really me, just minutes after I was born.

Note the year: 1956

(Ohhhhh! Am I THAT old?)

Scrabble tiles spell out "DAUGHTERS"

Chipboard used to spell "LOVE"

Additional embellishments: chipboard scroll, button and

silver heart charm tied to "E"

Then added ribbon, brads and flower

Finally, current year of bottom photo: 2010

I had so much fun creating this wall hanging canvas for my Mom. It still hangs in her kitchen so she sees ii everyday.

Every few years, I update the bottom photo of my daughters and me and change the date. So this year, when my daughters are home, we'll snap a few new photos, and decoupage it to the canvas when we visit my Mom.

Sharing at these parties. and

Moonlight & Mason Jars

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Gothic Art, Momma Style

Gothic art, a Medieval art movement that developed in France out of Romanesque art in the mid-12th century, has taken on a revival of sorts, especially in clothing and accessories. Sometimes misunderstood, goth is usually considered counterculture.

Well, this is as counterculture as I get -- my version of Gothic artwork, Momma style!

Using a new Gothic-style paper collection, I chose paper with a black background and bright pink and lime green chandeliers. Although I wanted to go with lime green accents, I started this project while on vacation with a very limited art supply. [Boogie board trumps craft boxes.] So I used what I had, and I chose pink, which at least matched the paper.

This canvas measures 10" wide x 8" tall. I painted the edges pink, and when dry, decoupaged the paper to the canvas, leaving 1/8" border along the sides. Once this dried, I used very little paint and light brush strokes to make the paper look "edgy." I tried my best to paint outside of the lines, literally and figuratively.

I then cut coordinating card stock measuring 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" and 4" x 6" and decoupaged it to the canvas at an angle. The photo frame will be placed on top of this.

Once home [the vacation flew by way too quickly], I gathered together a variety of coordinating embellishments, and chose those that would enhance the project.

I love ribbon!

Using strong double-sided adhesive, I adhered a 4" x 6" acrylic frame in place.

The I added one of my favorite vacation photos. The great thing about using an acrylic frame is that you can change the photo whenever you want! I stapled black & white ribbon to the side of the photo frame, a trio of flowers to the top left corner of the frame, and a single flower at the opposite end. I used buttons and large brads for the flower centers.

I then added a mini frame, an acrylic key and lock, and two pink photo turns, framing "best buds" which was printed on a transparency. [Hint: When using transparency, print on rough side of paper so the ink does not smear.]

See the "edgy" pink & black-dotted bead trim? I adhered it to the back bottom of the frame. I love how it dangles from the canvas. I also love the fact that I finally used this trim as I have had it in my stash for over ten years!