Putting into Practice

Since returning from the retreat I have not really had a chance to put anything I learnt into practice. One of the things in my ife that I am grateful for is that I am involved in an Artist Book Round Robin with a group of fabulous and talented women. Most of the art I have done in the past year has been in these treasured books (which is one reason not much art has appeared on this blog!). The theme of the book that I currently have is 'Faces'. So I thought that now was a good opportunity to have a play and try out what I learnt in Misty's class.

Of course, it is so much easier in class with a tutor on hand! Remembering how things were done didn't come easy, if at all, and the notes I took didn't always make sense but I decided to muddle on... I thought that it would certainly be more 'my style'  that way.

I wasn't going to post this piece but one of the reasons I started a blog was to keep a record of how my skills and art progress. So keeping true to that here is what I did.

This is far from perfect. I could do a long list of all the things I see that are wrong need improving. Instead, I choose to be pleased that I have taken my first steps and that I finished the piece. I will definately keep at this as there is a long way I need to go. As for the book, I will definately stick with my original ideas that I have already started!
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Just thought I'd share a little tip/trick.
This is great if you like to press textured paper into paint. Provo Craft make Cuttlebug embossing folders. Of course they have a machine you could buy to use these in but they work fine in a Sizzix machine with the converter in place. I actually read on another blog (sorry I can't remember who's but it was on a GPP Crusaders) that they use these just fine with a rolling pin! Anyway, they have some great designs.

I used the Textile design on the piece above.

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Here is a close up, you can make out the texture in the paint (it is not the darker stamping).

Comments

[misty]

i still see much in my own work that needs improving...that's what makes it exciting, if there wasn't anything to work on i think it would get pretty boring... this piece you have painted has so much to be proud of, you are doing great and i cannot wait to see more! of course if you need me to come there and guide you.... you know how much i would love that. ;-) xo

[Julie H]

Oh Ursula I wish I could do this! beautiful.

[robruhn]

This is great Ursula, I think you're progressing along very nicely. Look forward to seeing your pages in 'Faces' when it arrives.
Ro
xo

[Gillian]

Thanks - I love to find new ways to add textures as well as save money! Your examples look fab. x

[Jan Adams]

I'm missing the ABRR while it's my turn to 'sit it out' so I'm peering into your blogs to get a much needed fix and I'm loving catching up with you all in this way instead. Gee, wish I'd been at the Retreat again this year, sigh.... All the things you learnt, just like we did last year - it's almost a HAVE TO event! I love the way you jump in and have a go Ursula, and am always impressed with the results (and inspired by them - the embossing sheets are now at the top of my shopping list). And now you have the fabulous 'Faces' to inspire you in yet another endeavour and that's just ONE of the wonderful spin-offs from your/our little journey in the world of art. Thank goodness for your vision (and perspiration!).
Jan xo