Vintage Style Mixed Media Tags by Toni

Hi everyone... it's messy time with our mixed media products today and I have a couple vintage inspired tags to share with you. I used my Art Anthology paints, sprays & texture paste to achieve this look.

I used T!m Holtz's #8 Manila Tag and collaged some old pattern paper to the background. Then custom colored my Mud Texture Paste for some texture. Once dried, I did some gessoing, stamping, sewing and added some lace trim. Mixed media is a wonderful way to apply layers of textures on your piece. 

The image I used in the frame is from Oxford Impressions stamp set "The Dressmaker". The wood pieces (dressform & frame) were simply aged with archival ink and Art Anthology paints. 

Here's wishing you a wonderfully creative day and hope this has inspired you get some tags out and create some mini masterpieces... For your pleasure I have created a step x step Snapguide tutorial below and please visit Art Anthology's blog for a complete list of products used and link up to our store. Creatively yours, Toni xoxo

Check out How to Give a Vintage Look Using Mixed Media Products by Toni Burks-Grijalva on Snapguide.

Creating "Hippie Chic" with Art Anthology

Hi friends...it's my turn today to inspire you with a fun "hippie chic" piece created using Art Anthology paints... I just love the vibrant colors and free spirited feel about bohemian decor.  Even though the "boho" look is warm earthy colors as well as metallics, such as browns, terra cotta, gold etc, jewel tones are very popular like purples, oranges, electric blue & magentas are very popular in decor and accesories, and that is the road I decided to take today.

 

I started off with this ceramic elephant that I found in a thrift store for only $1.00 and I knew immediately he was going to be adorned in bright pretty colors. 

Art Anthology has an array of gorgeous colors and textures of the paints allow you to get some amazing results. 

I decided to create my own collage papers by painting tissue paper and then applying it using Mod Podge to my to pot... 

The flowers were also handmade and sprayed with gorgeous jewel tone colors to accents my piece. And to finish off, I added assorted sequins and pom pom trim . Fun project to create, and I got some messy time with my paints which is always rewarding. 

 For a full product list, please visit my post on Art Anthology blog and for a step x step tutorial sit back, grab yourself some chai tea and enjoy my Snapguide tutorial below...

Check out How to Alter Container With Hippie Chic Vibe by Toni Burks-Grijalva on Snapguide.

Mini Arts For Special Friends

Hi everyone, hope you are enjoying your weekend and that you can possibly get some time to be creative today. My next project for Art Anthology are some note cards I created. I will be making some spa baskets for some girl friends and wanted to attach a sweet little note to each friend, so this is what I came up with.

I started on plain white cardstock and I ran it through a texture fade and then started applying my gorgeous Art Anthology paints. One by one, each color created a wonderful backdrop for my cards. 

Making these little cards for friends and family are a fun way to share a very personal part of yourself as well because they are like little pieces of art. 

 For added texture I used cheesecloth and fishnet a very inexpensive way to get a very impressive look.

 Seed beads and sea shells of course to bring the whole seaside feel to these cards and my starfish (above) was enhanced by adding AA Mud Texture Paste and then sprayed with assorted colors of AA's Coloration Sprays (see tutorial below for material list).

 I love the fact that each card can look so totally different but is evident that it is from the same collection.

To finish off each card I used different color cardstock for the matting and now they are ready to sign seal and deliver. I hope this has intrigued you to create some mini masterpieces. I know these will add that finishing touch to my spa baskets for my special friends. Happy creating and for your pleasure I have included a Snapguide tutorial for your viewing below. Please don't forget to stop by Art Anthology's blog for so much more wonderful inspiration from all the other talented designers... Peace 

Check out How to Create Mixed Media Note Cards by Toni by Art Anthology on Snapguide.

Making your Textures Pop With Art Anthology Paints

Hi to all my artsy friends... It's my turn on Art Anthology's blog today to hopefully inspire you to create something with beautiful texture. I love using textures in all my projects... layouts, mixed media, art journaling and altered projects. 

Today I altered a pair of wooden scissors that I have had for a long time. Purchased them at Hobby Lobby, they cost next to nothing... 

I wanted to decorate some wall space in my to craft area of my home and thought this would work perfectly. Using my Art Anthology products was so easy to achieve this look. The Mud Texture Paste with a little bit of craft sand added in and used with my AA stencils is great !!!

The Sorbets and Velvets with the addition of some mica powders provided that beautiful color on my flowers and chipboard pieces. 

I also added some crackle varnish on top of my Coloration Sprays for that "aged to perfection" look. 

I hope you have enjoyed these photos and that you will grab something that you have been hoarding and give it some alterations... Have a spectacular day !!! Don't forget to stop by Art Anthology's blog for beautiful inspiration from all the designers Here and follow us on Facebook and  Pinterest

Check out How to Make Your Textures Pop With Art Anthology by Toni by Art Anthology on Snapguide.

It's A Perfect Moment

Happy Easter everyone... it's time for a new layout I created for Art Anthology. Not too long ago I was at the beach and was able to capture these photos and thought they would make a fun layout. My background was inspired by the colors in the pictures. 

Utilizing AA sorbets and velvet paints allowed me to achieve an organic natural look .  I used Mud texture paste through a stencil for added texture. 

My chipboard pieces were painted with the velvets and also copper Metal Effects for that rusty look. Using the Mudd I also added sea shells on top to bring the entire layout together. 

I hope this has inspired you get out some fun photos and create a beautiful layout. For more inspiration please visit Art Anthology's blog and to view my step x step process enjoy my Snapguide tutorial below. 

Check out How to Use Art Anthology Paints on Your Layout by Art Anthology on Snapguide.

Fresh Start Mixed Media Canvas for Art Anthology

Happy Springtime everyone... I love this time of year, it's a fresh start to the new year... I excited to share my first design team project for Art Anthology. I used a burlap canvas and weathered it down with beautiful AA paints. 

For some added texture, I added some grass wire that I purchased at the craft store in the Easter section  and then topped the canvas with paper flowers that were transformed using the wonderful Sorbet & Velvet paints from AA. These products are so versatile and apply to so many different surfaces. 

Viewed here is my Melissa Frances Applique which is metal and the paints gave it that really pretty aged look. I hope you drop by the blog and view much more gorgeous inspiration from the other design team members, and for a complete list and link to the products I used go HERE. 

 If you would like to check out my step x step process here is my Snapguide tutorial on this project. Wishing you a glorious day and "Happy Springtime" ! xoxo Toni 

Check out How to Create Spring Canvas Using Art Anthology Paints by Art Anthology on Snapguide.

Journal Time

Happy March everyone... it's time for a new project with Rhedds Creative Spirit... Today I've got an art journal page that I created utilizing several different art mediums and collage technique.

Using an old coloring book that I've had laying around forever I cut out the birds and applied them to my pages. Then ripping tissue paper randomly I then adhered them to my pages for added texture. The title letters "Thank You" were are just cut out of cardstock and put aside and colored using gelatos. I then took out my Distressed Ink pads and using several of the cool colors, swiped them over the top of the pages and then spritzed with water to allow for blending. The birds were colored with charcoal and gelatos. The title was then applied to the page and I finished it off with highlights of Inka Gold. I hope you enjoyed and give art journaling a try. There is no right or wrong, it's a perfect way to try out some of your products. Stop by Rhedds Creative Spirit and  link your mixed media or altered art project to our blog. Have a wonderfully creative day !!!

Doing The Happy Dance !

Hi everyone...It's exciting news time... I have been chosen for Art Anthology Design Team. I have been a follower of them for quite some time now and as most of my mixed media friends know how much I love to get messy. 

Art Anthology has such a large array of gorgeous products, from inks, to shimmers, to some amazing paints and dimensional mediums, as well as stencils and tools. Gee I'm feeling like a mad scientist and can't wait to get started. Be sure to drop over to the blog for some beautiful inspiration HERE and

then go by and grab yourself some goodies at the store HERE ... In the meantime my creative wheels are turning on what to create for my first project which will be in March, so stay tuned 

Big Hugs till we meet again, Toni

It's That Time Again

Sorry to all my crafty friends... I've been out of the loop lately as it's that time again. Time to move !

I hate moving and it seems like I just moved to my little place yesterday but I'm on to bigger and better things in my life. 

But unfortunately my craft room has been one big ugly mess, unorganized, boxes everywhere, trying to go through items to purge and that has seemed impossible. I'm not sure why it's so hard to throw away those stickers that I've had for 15 years and haven't used...well if your a crafter than you know what I'm talking about. 

And then to find that perfect place to move that has the perfect room for all my art supplies.... who cares what size the bedroom is, let's make sure my studio is the right size for all my craft tables and art goodies. hahaha ..... y'all know what I mean. 

Just wanted to drop you a little note to let you know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth and starting in March you will once again see me in full messy mode with my paints and inks, with postings of my design team projects which I send many thanks to the teams for allowing a little time off to get organized in my new home.

 Until then, Big smiles and many hugs, Toni

Happy 2016 !!!

Hi everyone... can't believe it's already a new year... a new beginning... new journeys... new lessons. It's an exciting time ! So let's start it off with a new project for Rhedds Creative Spirit, which as always is altered art or mixed media project. My design team project was Christmas gift giving in these inexpensive jars I purchased at Hobby Lobby. I believe they were $4.29 with 40 % coupon, the price is just right because I needed to make several for my neighbors.

It started like this... 

I simply added some burlap around the jar and used my glue gun to adhere, then added assorted Christmas florals, which I added SnowTex to the branches and while still wet sprinkled Diamond Dust glitter. The fruit was layered with silver glitter and bells and cranberries were attached. 

I usually make my tags but couldnt resist these tags I saw at Michaels Craft Store. Regular price is $1.50 but 75% off... hey can't pass up a deal. I just added some SnowTex and Diamond Dust to the tag and attached with jute around the jar. 

It's so much fun to take something and put your own spin on it, makes it just that more personal. The jars were then filled with my homemade white chocolate popcorn. Recipe below. 

One large pot of popped corn placed in large bowl.

One 12 oz bag of white chocolate chips melted 

Add your white chocolate to the popcorn and mix well. 

Spoon mixture on wax paper and allow to set up. This only takes a few minutes. 

Once the mixture has set, breakup into pieces and ready to eat. YUMMMMM

I hope you enjoyed this easy tutorial, wishing you blessings for a New Year and be sure to create and link up with us at Rhedds Creative Spirit. 

That's A Wrap for Creative Embellishments

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and that they had a spectacular Christmas. Today I want to share some gift tags that I created using my Creative Embellishment chippies. 

First up the tags were just plain manila #8 tags that I tea stained... view my Snapguide tutorial HERE. Once dry I applied embossing glue and powders to the tags. 

After the embossing powder is added

Next up I used the "Showered With Love Border" chippie and embossed it with Lindy's Desert Moon Turquoise and gold embossing powder. The graphics I copied from the internet and distressed the edges with Vintage Photo DI.  

The seam binding was colored with Lindys Magica Micas in Shabby Turbine Teal and Time Travel Teal. 

For my next tag I used "Snowflake Frame" and I used white glitter embossing powder on this and adorned it with gems that were custom colored using alcohol inks. I hope you enjoyed and were inspired. This has been a wonderful year of creativity and I'm looking forward to see what 2016 brings... But as far as my projects for this year, well "That's A Wrap" ... xoxo

Twas The Nite Before Christmas

Merry Christmas crafty peeps... it's my turn on Unruly Paper Arts blog today to share my design team project with you inspired by our theme this month "Santa  Is Coming, anything Christmas featuring Santa.

This started off being a Halloween candle holder that was black. I picked it up on the clearance shelf for next to nothing. Painted it white and then I had this little glass house that I also painted white and embellished it with yummy glass & tinsel glitters. 

Added some Buffalo snow for the base and then bleached out my little bottle brush trees and also added some more glitters. 

For the finishing touches I added ribbon, pinecones, bells, and leaves all sprinkled with Rock Candy Glitter & gold. I hope you were inspired to get busy with your Christmas decorations. For photos of my step x step process jump over to Unruly's blog. xoxo Toni

This project is being entered into the following challenges: 

Try It On Tuesday - Snowflakes or Winter Whites

Altered Eclectics - Altered Art or Mixed Media

Artistic Inspirations - Challenge 146 - With A Twist of Christmas 

Peace On Earth ... for Creative Embellishments

Hi everyone, I'm here to share a December Project using the beautiful chipboard pieces from Creative Embellishments. It is with a heavy heart that I am dedicating this layout to the victims and families of the San Bernardino shootings. My prayers go out to you all.

The photograph was taken at San Clemente beach one morning when I decided to get up early and experience the morning sunrise...what a treat.  

I added Art Extravagance Texture Paste White Sand to the background and while still wet I added sea shells, fishnet, starfish and German glass glitter. 

I traced the top of the wings with hot glue for texture and allowed to dry then brushed with white gesso and added bronze patina embossing to the tops. The globe was also embossed with assorted Lindys powders. 

My title was embossed with black embossing powder, then the entire layout was splashed with black India Ink for interest. I hope you were inspired. Please drop by our blog  HERE for some beautiful inspiration. 

Wishing you peace in your life and a joyous Christmas season. Please enjoy the Harlem Boys Choir with this beautiful rendition of "Let There Be Piece On Earth"

The following Creative Embellishments were used in this project: 

DISTRESSED WORD STAMP

WINGS

GLOBE

LOVE PEACE JOY WORD SET

I am entering this piece in the following chalenges:

Love to Create - Anything Goes Mixed Media

Mixed Media Monthly - Silver & Gold