This is for Anna's fun mixed media challenge "The Colour Red". I couldn't resist the opportunity to make a red, red, red ball gown. You are probably wondering why she is also modelling a blue gown.
Here is Australia, a common nickname for a red-headed man is Bluey and very often this is shortened to just "Blue". As further evidence as to how weird we are, the Virgin Blue airline name was a result of an open competition; it was a play on the predominantly red livery and the Australian slang tradition of calling a red-headed male Blue or Bluey.
That concludes today's history lesson (and my excuse for breaking out some blue).
It has been 2 weeks since I have used this beautiful image by Gabrielle Pollacco, I call her Grace (the stamp not the designer), I digress. I started by using MISTI and a piece of cardstock approx 6"x 8". It is a good idea to leave the stamp in the MISTI so you can go back at the end and touch up (or darken) the image after you have finished colouring.
Both gowns are coloured with Gelato's and just a few streaks of Distress Crayons. I did long swishes with both products and blend in a downward direction with my finger (dry) then ever so gently use a baby wipe following the exact direction of the crayon swishes. This gives a lovely feathered effect near the bottom of her skirt.
The green gown I did a couple of weeks ago looked exactly the same at the bottom, unfortunately that got cut off in order to make it a 5"x 7" card. These were always intended for my art journal, so I knew I wouldn't loose the bottom.
Regardless of what a certain gentleman tells us, Gelato's will not keep sliding off your card and Copics / Spectrum Noir markers are terrific to swish over the top of crayons, they react very differently over the waxy and oily surface.
In the spirit of mixed media, I used a dry brush and white Dylusions paint to add some extra streaks and I also went crazy with a bunch of glitter, gel and enamel pens. I finished the gown by adding little dabs of silver stickles.
To give a few pages of my journal a feeling of consistency I have used the same Katzlekraft background stamp and added a hint of colour with the baby wipes I had used on her dress. I have a stamped and fussy cut acetate template of Grace, so I just lay that over the top of my finished work before doing the background.
I sponged some walnut satin around the edges and a doodled a border with a fine micron pen
Some of the cardstock edges are cut with a blade, some are hand torn and some are torn using a metal ruler. This is done on purpose as a reminder to me of different finishes.
I'm not sure if you are still with me, sorry this is a bit long winded. Stay safe everyone.
EDIT: I am sitting here trying to think what's missing - I just realised that I added the stickles after I took the photo last night. Sorry about that chief.
Date: Friday, October 7, 2016 GMT Views: 1200
Favorited:13
Registered: December 4, 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 16610
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 5:09 PM
Susie, Susie, Susie, where do I begin to say how much I love what you have done here. I am the Art Deco Diva you know so these images are making my heart go pitter patter - a lot! I have always loved red, but this gorgeous "Cinderella Blue" is just as spectacular and holds its own beautifully with the red (your history lesson was very interesting too). I love how you create the dresses, how you color the delicate flowers in her hair, and how you make your wonderful backgrounds too. Me oh my, these are just fantastic Susie. Into my favs this goes! ~Karen.
Registered: June 3, 2004 Location: Stampin' Heaven Posts: 17769
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 5:17 PM
Beautiful! You really know how to create fine works of art! I love how you colored both gowns! The highlights are just perfect. Are you sure you don't want to rip them out of your journal and frame these? Can't decide which color I like best!
------------------------------ Create a wonderful day!
Registered: August 15, 2007 Location: Twin Cities MN Posts: 50645
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 5:24 PM
I LOVE your lady in red and her friend....thanks for the lesson into Aussie culture....The Bluey thing doesn't make sense to me but I appreciate your effort in schooling your SCS friends. I know we have words that confuse you... What amazing dresses on those ladies...I love all the mediums you used to create these...sounds like fun. Love that Katzelkraft bg stamp....so cool! Your creations are the best Miss Susie! :p
Registered: March 31, 2008 Location: Eastlake, OH Posts: 22598
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 5:40 PM
Besides being in awe of your incredible talent using this image and the vibrant colors, I'm constantly intrigued by your out of the box techniques! How we would LOVE a video of you doing this! Grace is spectacular and so is that background, complete with Katzelkraft stamp! I must have missed that one on my last shopping spree! Susie, these are gorgeous! And yippee, a notification!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46804
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 6:48 PM
Gorgeous Grace Susie! Your Graces are always magical!! I wish I had an image like this to experiment with those crayons or Gelatos. I got some of those crayons a few weeks ago but have yet to use them!
You have done an amazing job on these girls Susie!!! Beautiful and beautiful bgs too!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, ECraftDesigns DT, Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT, DRS DT
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46804
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 6:51 PM
Oh, BTW, my grandson is a beautiful redhead...I'll have t start calling him Blue! See what he says about that! In the US they have begun to call each other (the redheads) Gingers. It has become a very popular term.
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, ECraftDesigns DT, Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT, DRS DT
Registered: October 19, 2007 Location: Packer Country, WI Posts: 72070
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 7:31 PM
You can do this beautiful image in any color you want....they are all striking. I'm with, Nancy would love to watch you make this creation. It really reminds me of an oil painting....the depth you achieve with the different mediums is amazing. Thanks for sharing your talents.
Registered: December 15, 2011 Location: Abilene TX Posts: 11275
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 8:23 PM
I'm awestruck by the absolutely gorgeous dresses as well as the fantastic backgrounds. These are FABULOUS!!
------------------------------ JodyLynn - "Love me - love my cats!" DTGD12, DTGD14, HYCCT12, HYCCT13, HYCCT14, HYCCT15, Love Fest 2013, Love Fest 2014 CAS and CC guest designer QFTD 258
Registered: August 10, 2006 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 25290
Fri, Oct 07, 2016 @ 9:16 PM
Oh, there she is again!!! Grace is so gorgeous in the red and blue gowns! This stamp is remarkable, and I hope to see more of Grace in many other colors!! You are so creative to be able to use the same stamp over and over but have such different and outstanding results!! Love, love, love the images, my special friend!