Tag Archives: tutorial

Seascape mixed media tutorial

March 28, 2020 Maria G

Seascape mixed media art is on my table today. It includes so many things, the beautiful sea itself, shells, fish, mermaids, starfish, glitter, all-natural things that cheer my heart.

To give you some inspiration I’ve made a picture tutorial on how to choose the embellishments and finally put it on a canvas.

In my previous post, I gave you a tutorial on how to make a polymer clay seascape and glue it to a canvas. This one is a bit more basic. You may wonder what to do if you don’t have the ingredients. You can substitute pictures for shells and sea life, make cut-outs from blue paper and make a collage. I don’t expect you to have seascape shapes on hand, but if you do, have at it! 🙂 You can find some shells and glass pebbles at the dollar store.

Some background: I began a canvas using Liquitex modeling paste, and then spread various paints over it. I loved the texture that came of that:

I didn’t like the colors so I altered them to more blue and green, but let me first show you what a new canvas with applied modeling paste looks like:

It’s hard to see white on white, but there are some waves. I have a stack of stencils with shapes that fit the sea, so I added a few. You don’t need to add too much. You might need a flat surface to add your ephemera.

Seascape mixed media steps

Once you have a canvas with dry paste (it doesn’t take long,) you can add all kinds of color with baby wipes, or a brush, and blend.

The old canvas that I altered to be more sea-like.

I had a stack of chipboard sea shapes that were ready for a coat of paint, but first, which ones do I use? The canvas measured 8×10″, which was pretty large compared to the shapes. The mermaids were small in comparison, but I wanted to use one as a focal point.

The pink items are polymer clay shapes I made from molds and some charms I had lying around. I knew the mermaid shape would not be enough of a focal point, but I moved along.

I tried many ways to make the mermaid stand out more, ending up with half a cupcake doily that I painted pearl with added glitter. As you can see, I painted some of the shells and starfish using metallic Inklingz paint. If you have any gold or silver paint in a tube, you can spread some on your finger and wipe over the items to get the shine.

The seascape didn’t work

I tried so many different configurations but knew the canvas too large. You can only add so many do-dads before it becomes too busy.

I decided to transfer some of the items to a smaller canvas, a 6×6″ size that I had. I first painted some green and blue paint to cover the old painting. Then I laid out the shapes and found a lot more harmony in this configuration. The mermaid is still kind of subtle, but the pearl doily draws you in.

The starfish are as large or larger than the mermaid, but who knows, maybe there are giant starfish in the sea…

Here’s another sea-related item I made.

The mermaid is created from polymer clay and baked. I glued the form to the canvas and added the do-dads. Lots of fun!

The other day I went through some online art classes I’ve bought when they were on sale, one of them, Bird peeps by Lisa Renner. That was a fabulous class! It’s polymer clay with a face mold.

I spent a lot of time in my studio this month. What else am I going to do while in quarantine? Arting is not a hardship! 😀 Here is a collage of other things I made:

Most of the items are available in my etsy shop, Earth and Faery. Due to the coronavirus sales have slowed down considerably, but that’s to be expected.

I hope you got some inspiration to try some art. YouTube is full of tutorials if you don’t want to try a seascape. Creativity makes you stay sane in these crazy times…

Lots of love, and stay safe!

Maria

art, crafts, creativity, inspiration, Maria Greene, mixed media, papers and ephemera, spirit box, treasure, tutorial

Spirit box tutorial

December 4, 2018 Maria G

Spirit box tutorial with pictures is here! If you have followed my blog or posts on Facebook, you know that I don’t like to stay with one art medium for long. I guess I’m half a crafts’ person / art journaler, and half painter.

Mood decides which side wins any given day.

Inspired by mixed media artist Lyn Belisle, I made these Spirit boxes. She wrote a how-to article in Cloth, Paper, Scissors a few years back and I saved said article to experiment with later. Here are my experiments. I made two boxes.

You might have seen my angel shrines described in some earlier posts. I had a couple of left over molded faces from that project and decided to use them for the Spirit box dolls.

First I cut out two pieces of heavy cardboard, 4×3.5″ and glued them together like a “cross.” I covered them with scrap-book paper.

The face is really too small for this. I should have used a smaller cardboard base. But, I decided I would make it look narrower with some vertical stripes. I didn’t get a picture of that exact process, but you can see the result in the finished picture.

I like to use twigs as a natural element to add dimension. I have some very tough branches in my backyard, and I don’t know the name of the tree, but you need to find tough dry twigs to use or they might break. I suppose you could use green twigs, but I haven’t tried that.

Hook and Eye, but only the eye…

I used a random metal eye to wrap with copper around the twig. I added a bead for some sparkle on the main focus point.

I made a cardboard halo and painted it gold. The second halo is a scrap-book cut-out of a clock face.

I chose random scrap-book papers and wrapping paper. I used hand-dyed strips of fabric and hemp string to make the parts dangling off the metal eye.

Hair and head are attached here with a large glob of glue. I used eyelash yarn in two colors, green and purple.

Where is the box part?

I gessoed an empty Altoids(tm) tin and inserted a metal wire, using an awl to punch two holes on the bottom end of the tin. See picture. The doll will be glued to the lid for unhindered access to the box.

You can glue a piece of paper to the bottom of the tin (that will face the wall when hanging.) Optional.

spirit box

I added more dangly stuff to the metal eye, buttons on hemp string in two colors, a prayer box charm.

Everything is glued on securely. I believe in heavy application of glue… 🙂 Speaking of glue, below is a picture of the attached tin to the back of the doll. As you can see, the lid is glued to the back. I added scrap-book paper to cover up any paper gaps on the back of the doll itself.

Doll number two.

I used various papers and strips I cut to fashion the “clothing” for this doll.

All my materials covered every inch of my work table.

Now make your own. It’s easier than you think. Use whatever materials you have on hand. You could use a thrift store doll face. Great gift idea, and you can put some special treasure in the box for the recipient to find.

I have some doll faces (more elaborate than these) for sale in my etsy shop. They are meant to be used in doll assembly, but would work as talismans or ornaments too. Check them out in my etsy shop EARTH AND FAERY.

Free shipping, yay!

You can find Lyn Belisle’s website HERE. She has so much inspiration to share! I love her spirit dolls.

You can also join my NEW Facebook group for more sharing: HeART Inspiration.

Christmas, craft, creativity, gift, handmade, tutorial

Handmade gifts are awesome

August 15, 2017 Maria G

Handmade gifts are awesome because they contain a bit of YOU. It could be as simple as a batch of cookies, or as complicated as a large bronze statue (though I don’t see anyone giving me a metal statue for my birthday…)

Gifts can be a quagmire though. Take the example of cookies: there are vegan cookies, sugar-free cookies, and cookies the person is allergic to, and regular sugar-laden cookies.

So, the safe thing is to make something pretty. I love hand-knitted and hand-painted things, like boxes and usable items like cardholders and coin purses.

The sky is the limit! Since my etsy shop is called Earth and Faery I like to make things that are magical but also down to earth.

Since school just started here, I thought of a gift a child might like and came up with a pencil box that I painted and embellished.

This is the end result, a mystical night view with a fairy and a dragonfly.

I bought a box of raw wood, which I sanded within an inch of its life. Then I painted some primer, using craft paints. The last layers of paint are done with artist acrylics for better results. Pictures are in the sequence of production.

In the above picture I used three shades of purple to get the night sky, using artist acrylics.

There you can see the details of the lid embellishment. Simple but fun and I think some child would treasure it, don’t you? As a child I would have been enchanted to receive this gift.

We don’t receive enough homemade gifts in my opinion. All the cold store-bought things just inspire you to buy more (in search of that thing that gives a sense of satisfaction within.)

I prefer to give gifts people can use, like candles, edibles, boxes for keepsakes, knitted wash cloths or hot pads, a painting (IF the person professed a liking prior (unless they were lying…)) That’s their problem then. 🙂

Etsy is full of cool handmade gifts. Maybe this Christmas is a good time for a shift in gift giving, what do you think?

If you liked this simple tutorial on how to paint a wooden box, you can check out this blog post about making a handmade art journal. GREAT gift!!

Crafty girl’s guide to art journal making.

An art journal for an artsy friend is surely the best gift.

I also have a short e-course on how to make a polymer clay mosaic embellished box. Check it out.

Polymer Clay Mosaic Box from start to finish.

I know we’re a long way from Christmas still, but now is the time to look into making handmade gifts. What calls to you? Yarn? Check out some local sales. It’s a good start.

Have a creative week, lovelies!

Maria

P.S. I have lots of goodies in my etsy shop right now just in case people don’t want to make their own…Earth and Faery.

art, craft, creativity, mixed media, mosaic, polymer clay mosaic

Painting polymer clay mosaic tiles.

June 21, 2016 Maria G 4 Comments

I made a YouTube video today on how to paint polymer clay mosaic tiles. A few days ago I posted a picture tutorial on how to put the tiles onto a frame so that is another post you can check out for more information on the polymer clay mosaics.

DSCN2161 — polymer clay mosaic tiles on a wood frame.

They are a lot of fun to make and they look rich and colorful with three layers of paint. The last layer is embossing powder.

Where there are gaps between tiles I use seed beads or black polymer clay “rods” covered with gold leaf as fillers. That makes the art work extra shiny and rich. You can’t add too much bling to this type of art work.

You can use any color combination, but I’m partial to blues, teals, purple, and reds. As you experiment you’ll come up with your favorites.

Here is the video.

art journaling, creativity, mixed media, tutorial

Art journal made from a manila folder.

June 20, 2016 Maria G

I have a fun tutorial to share today on how to make an art journal with a manila folder cover.

The pictures are not the greatest, but I had only artificial light when I took them. I wanted to show the step by step process.

Now for the tutorial…

I started with a used manila folder and blacked out the text on the tab. I used a liberal amount of Mod-Podge to glue the folder together, being careful that the edges stuck well. I still ended up with some air bubbles once it dried. Grrr.

I used a strip of washi tape over the uneven edges and glued down some white cardboard to reinforce the tab. I made sure to lay down a strip of glue to hold down the washi tape forever, lol.

I folded the manila folder in half, using a bone folder to really press down the crease hard once the Mod-Podge had dried. This was before the washi tape obviously…

I cut the white cardboard to the shape of the tab and now had a very sturdy tab.

I now laid the folder flat on my table and spread out a layer of paint…

I spread some paint on the back of the folder. I like the shabby uneven look.

I used several layers of paint, mostly spread with an old gift card. Both sides are similar, just a slight difference in the colors.

I painted the tab purple and wrote the words “Good Dreams” on it. I stamped the front cover with the word Imagine, and there is plenty of space for embellishment. The back cover has only paint on it, so there is plenty of room for creativity.

I cut out some paper stars to cover the air bubbles on the inside cover and stamped some inspirational words.

I used card stock paper for the signature. There are 24 empty pages to embellish when all is said and done. They are a bit narrow, but that’s the shape of the folder. Card stock is not as durable as watercolor paper, but you can certainly use wet medium and paints on it. I used card stock in various colors.

I tried to get a picture of the various papers, but it didn’t turn out great. There are two sheets of green, two yellow, and two manila colored. I thought it was fun to add varied colors.

The inside front cover adjoins a green paper…

And another close up of the back inside cover. The picture is pinkish, and I blame my camera for that.

What do you think? I really enjoyed the project and I can’t wait to embellish the pages. It’s a good size for traveling too.

What are you working on now?

Maria

P.S. I have some journals for sale in my etsy shop. CLICK HERE.

art, creativity, ecourse, intuitive, process, tutorial

Art As Oracle

January 5, 2016 Maria G

Happy New Year, busy bees!

I have been busy too this last week with creating Art As Oracle. I had a great inspiration for an e-course that combines art and intuition, a very basic and fun course. You can read all about it below:

Hello lovelies,

I started the new year with a bang! I’m excited about this new e-course I created that combines art and intuition. You can read all about it below:

If you have trouble letting go of limitations; if you doubt your ability to make art and have a connection with your inner self, this e-course is for you. UNLEASH YOUR ART AND INTUITION NOW using simple techniques.

To me, art is the perfect medium to explore your intuition, though there are many methods. For myself I use a blend of art and writing, but I have discovered that the simpler the method, the better. I guarantee you that ANYONE can learn to get accurate psychic information for themselves, and I would love to get you started! You don’t have to be an artist to take this e-course!

Example of an intuitive art expression. (Everyone’s art will be different.) The main message I got was “it’s safe to fly even in stormy weather.”

What you will gain:

New ways of making art.
You will learn how to let go and trust the information coming through the art.
You will have several ways to access your intuition, something you can use all the time.
Deepening your intuition will help you make better choices in your everyday life.
The guidance will make you feel more sure of your inner abilities.
Get back to the very basics and find that things don’t have to be complicated in life.
Get fast and easy answers and solutions to problems.
Let loose your art muse!

Why take this course?

This course is for you if:

You wish to explore a childlike way of creating without pressure to perform.
You long to learn a new way to get to know your inner self.
Make some art to open up your creative flow.
Use simple techniques to access your latent intuition.

Other benefits:

Unleash your creativity.
Challenge inner blocks and move past them.
Kick fear to the curb.
You will have support as you open up your intuitive sense.
You will open up the door to future art expression if you wish to continue.

Pretty much all of my life I have loved making art. I have tried every style imaginable, and I’m always amazed at what comes out of my explorations. I also spent years as a fiction writer, and in the last 20 years I’ve been doing clairvoyant readings for the public. I’m at a point where I’d rather help people develop their own intuition since we all have it! Think of a muscle that has been sitting unused. When you start exercising it, things happen and new experiences come forth, enriching your life in untold ways.

Another EXAMPLE of intuitive art. The main message here was to break the boundaries and allow what makes me happy to burst through.

This is a four week e-course and a bonus week with a guided meditation.
Over the course of four weeks you will learn four different ways to access your intuition via art.

Week 1: We will play with paints on paper and interpret the forms that come through.

Week 2: We will use a doodle technique.

Week 3: We will work with random words and colors.

Week 4: We will explore using written text and art.

Week 5: BONUS! An audio meditation that will inspire a finished art piece that you can use as guidance and inspiration in 2016. It deals with how to transcend an internal block using meditation and magazine images, plus paints.

You will learn to interpret the messages in the art (with my help if needed.)

You will receive four art videos with voice instruction, available on Mondays, starting on JANUARY 25, 2016.

I will also supply an intro video where I explain about intuition and how to read the messages, plus HOW to ask efficient questions to your inner self.

To explore your art results and learn how to read them, there is a dedicated Facebook group where I will personally help you interpret the art and give you other tips on accessing your intuition.

This course is great for beginners and art veterans alike.

It is a $75 value and a bargain at $33 until January 11, and then it will go up to $75.

About me:

I’m a long-time mixed-media artist and writer, and I have combined my knowledge into various e-courses and YouTube how-to videos. I’m excited to share this e-course with you, and my hope it that it will inspire you to explore your creativity. The adventure does not end as you finish your course, but is the beginning to a new life of exploring creativity and your inner sixth sense.

Reading Testimonials from satisfied customers:

“The spiritual guidance and expertise I’ve received from Maria for the past 15 years has successfully shaped my career and personal life. Her accuracy is undeniable.”
Cheryl, Professional Feng Shui Practitioner.
“I’ve always been a believer in psychic abilities therefore on referrals I saw Maria Greene. I went in with an open mind and hoped for answers regarding my past, present and future. What amazed me Maria did not want any information other than the questions I wanted clarity on. I was blown away how accurate, kind and honest she was…. She didn’t say what she didn’t see. She is very intuitive and a caring reader!! I will definitely go back and recommend her to others.”
Shannon, Canada
“I have been getting readings from Maria for a number of years. She has helped me explore my deepest self, past lives, guides and inner longings as well as helped me when my path has not been clear. She is one of the most gifted readers I have ever encountered.”
Sharon, Florida
“Maria created a safe space for me to explore further with her after her initial reading and provided some amazingly accurate insights into what’s been going on for me. She brought so much truth to the surface, it brought tears to my eyes. If you’re at a cross roads or having trouble focusing or making big decisions, Maria will bring clarity and focus back to your life so you can move forward with certainty”.
Natalie, England

Do you want to be part of learning something new this year? Don’t delay and miss this opportunity! Click here to go to the sign up page!

Please join me for some fun!

Maria

Maria Greene @ Greeneearth

Tag Archives: tutorial

Seascape mixed media tutorial

Seascape mixed media steps

The seascape didn’t work

Spirit box tutorial

Hook and Eye, but only the eye…

Where is the box part?

Doll number two.

Handmade gifts are awesome

Painting polymer clay mosaic tiles.

Art journal made from a manila folder.

Art As Oracle

Artist and writer