Tam and TCW go together

 Hi lovelies!

Tam back to share another creation in celebration of TCW month!!

I thought I'd share one of the gorgeous Art Journal pages that I've been creating, playing with an image by the amazing Michelle Grant.

I'm still learning to create faces, and am really not confident with them, and I find capturing emotions and expressions so difficult, and sometimes I get bogged down in that part of the creating and my play time kinda loses it's shine.

So.... using these images frees me up to really focus on the freedom of creating.

It means I get to have fun with the background, focusing on TCW stencils!

Let's dive straight in and see how this came together.

Begin by adding a layer of gesso to your page.

Then cut out the image you wish to use.

I used one from the 'Silent' Pack.

Adhere with TCW Gel Medium, adding a layer to the top of the image too. 

This protects the paper when adding paints etc.

I tend to place the face on one side of the background, giving more space to play.

Now it's time to add some colour.

I grabbed a few PaperArtsy Paints that appealed to me.

I went with:

Cherry Red

Peach Nectar

Slimed

Twilight

Cerulean 

Jade

I began with the darker colour, Twilight.

I added that around the image, and a touch on the right hand side to balance the page.

I then placed down NEW stencil TCW Floral Spectacle in 12x12 size and working quickly while still wet, I removed some of the paint with a wet baby wipe.

I then added a touch of 'Jade' and repeated the above step.

I then added some of the 'Slimed' over the space inbetween the two colours.

This time I used TCW Deco Leaves Stencil in 12x12.

Once the background is done, I began to focus on the image.

Firstly I added some flowers using TCW Floral Spectacle in 6x6.

This time I used a sponge and paint through the stencil.

I used 'Cherry Red' and 'Peach Nectar'

It's important to have some variegation with this part for it to be more natural.

I also added some to the right hand edge, again some lighter, and some deeper in colour.

I then added some vine work using TCW Jungle Vines Stencil 6x6.

I used a variety of paint colours for this part,mainly in blues, greens and white.

Now I needed to ensure the image looked part of the page, and not just plonked on top.

I added shadows and depth around some of the edges and then added colour to her face and hair.

I find this step really important.

I actually enjoy it, as it's the moment the magic happens...

her face comes forward and it all ties together.

I also grabbed the Tracy Scott stamp ETS43- and stamped a few feathers onto PaperArtsy Smooth Cardstock using black archival ink.

I then added colour and cut them out.

I adhered these with TCW Gel Medium to look like they were hanging down from the flowers in her hair.

I also chose this Paper Artsy Stamp EEG23 to add the title and a quote.

Add a few scribbles and flicks of paint.....

That's it from me today....

I love seeing what you're creating with your TCW goodies.

Don't forget when sharing them on Instagram, add the hashtag #tcwstencillove and then TCW can see them too.

Much love and creative play...

Tam

xx

More Arabian Nights with Tam!

 Hi all!

Tam back to share another 'Artsy Arabia' page.

All these gorgeous colourful pages make me think of the musical 'Aladdin' that I've been lucky enough to see twice!!

I have the playlist on whilst typing this....and yep I'm breaking into song every now and then.

Yep as you can see I was inspired by the glorious colours!!!

I was also inspired by the gorgeous art by Ady Almanza!

I began by grabbing out what I thought I'd use...

absolutely adore this 'Artsy Arabia' range by Marlene.

I started with a page in my Art Journal that I had already added some magazine script to the background.

I added a page from the Art by Marlene Collage book #7 using TCW Gel Medium.

I then added lots of paint and TCW black gesso and TCW white gesso using a spatula. 

No brush or blending allowed!!!

I used Dina Wakley paint in Bubblegum and Turquoise, and tried to be as messy as possible...

I then added some Dina Wakley Lemon and Ruby paint to the sky (sorry forgot to take a photo!)

I think I was just enjoying the messiness way too much and got lost in the process. 

Whoops!

I swiped some paint through TCW Stencil 'Fantangle' both in the sky and the ground section.

I then repeated this using TCW Stencil 'Botancial Dream'.

I came back in with more Lemon paint and then used this part to stamp some of the gorgeous little buildings in the Art by Marlene Stamp Set #58.

I love how fine these are and they stamp just beautifully.

I added a hint of colour to them...

I then added a few flicks of TCW Black Gesso to the sky area, and a quote from the Art by Marlene sticker pack #3.

For the final step I swiped TCW Black gesso through TCW Stencil 'Sketch Grid'.

Love how this added to the grunginess.

I also created another page.....

but had enjoyed a glass of two of champagne, so didn't even think to photograph the steps!

Those buildings have been created using the lanterns from the Art by Marlene Die Cut Book #2

(of course I had to have a go at turning something into something else!)

Those gorgeous little camels and that sun came from the Art by Marlene Die Cut #1.

I used the TCW Stencil 'Shaped Landscape' in the mountains and TCW Stencil 'ScreenView' in the sky.

This was a lot of fun to create (and had nothing to do with the champagne!)

I'm loving seeing your entries into this month's challenge.

Keep them coming.

Just use some products from Scrap Matrix to create something that fits this theme.

Once done head to our Facebook Shares Page and upload your entry into the 'Arabian Nights' folder.

Luv Tam

xx

Arabian Nights....watercolour background with Tam

 Good morning creative souls.

Tam here today to share my first creation for our 'Arabian Nights' Challenge.

Yep the NEW Art by Marlene 'Artsy Arabia' is just perfect for this one....

I began with a piece of Art by Marlene Watercolour Paper.

 I LOVE this paper - it takes whatever I throw at it!

It's available in pads or if you purchase any of Art by Marlene's albums they are in there too.

I'd also just ordered the NEW Art by Marlene Watercolours 'Brighter than Bright' - they are neon! 

The colours are so very neony and they are a semi-moist so the texture is just gorgeous.

I began by creating a night sky feel all over the paper, using a combo of 'Dancing Queen' (purple) and 'Cancel Tonight' (blue).

I used them individually and also mixed them together to create a deep midnight blue.

I then popped out a whole heap of diecuts from the 'Artsy Arabia Pack 1'  and  'Artsy Arabia Pack 2'.

They really do all the hard work for you and you get SO many in each booklet. 

A great buy.

They are only $15 each and have over 250 diecuts in each!

Next I used the TCW stencil 'Circle Jumble' and sponged Dylusions 'White Linen' paint through it onto the background to add to the night sky feel.

Time to stick them all down with TCW Matte Gel Medium.

If you haven't tried this one it's awesome.

I use a spreader to apply it to the back and the front of each piece, but I often go in with my finger if I have missed a little area - the best part about this stuff is it doesn't get messy on your finger.

Amazing!

I then used some paint pens to add some details and also added some shadows around the edges of my pieces to create depth.

I used watered down Dylusions 'Black Marble' paint for this.

Finally I added some flicks of Dylusions 'White Linen' paint as stars, and added some little stars with a white paint pen.

That's it.

An Arabian Night Sky....

What are you going to create for our Challenge?

Just be inspired by this....

and use some products from Scrap Matrix on your creation.

Then head on over to our Facebook Group and upload your photo into the 'Arabian Nights' folder.

Super easy!

You could earn a shopping voucher from Scrap Matrix!

See you again soon

Tam

xx

November Reveal......so much gorgeousness!!

 What an awesome reveal we have for you this month!!

Are you ready?

It's an explosion of colour.......

We bring you...

'Arabian Nights' (and days)

So much fun!!

Vicki has the 'Art by Marlene' Artsy Arabia range in store which is perfect for this challenge.

So why not give it a go?

Just create something inspired by the above piccy and upload it to our Scrap Matrix Shares page.

Let us know what Scrap Matrix products can be found on the creation and you will go in the running to win a shopping voucher from Scrap Matrix.

Just in time for Christmas!

Let's take a look at what the Design Team have come up with

PLUS we have a special GUEST DESIGNER.....

you are gonna want to see this!!

Nope not Jen, she's a regular!

LOOOKKKK!!!

SURPRISE!

Aren't they all gorgeous!!

And check out that Guest Designer!

Recently Vicki had a little break and headed to the Clare Valley to stay with Tammy.

They had a lovely time. Lots of giggles, champagne, musicals and creativity!

There's quite a bit more to come so watch this space and keep checking in on the Shares page as each designer will share these projects and others.

You are gonna need to see the rest of Jen's album.

It's absolutely amazing!

Plus Vicki has a lot more pages to share

as does the rest of the DT.

It's gonna be a great month!