I recently joined Jodi Ohl’s Abstract Interactive online course to further my knowledge of art. Painting abstracts takes me out of my comfort zone but Jodi is an excellent instructor and artist which makes it easier. This is a 10 week course with lots to learn so I’ll be posting a more paintings from the class.
I have to say I’ve been having a lot of fun playing with colors and learning to paint abstract art. The funny thing with abstract art is that everyone sees something completely different. These are my first three paintings I did on paper. What do you see?
With the loss of my little Cocoa this past summer and being stuck in bed this entire holiday season, my thoughts were on her a lot. She was quite a character and loved to rip our presents open. You can see her ears flying madly as she shredded the paper on this gift. This was serious business for Cocoa, she made us all laugh 😂
So to keep a reminder of Cocoa at Christmas, I made this ornament. It’s a beautiful way to remember those we’ve lost whether our furry kids or family and friends. It’s also a great way to create a custom keepsake for special moments. This started as a simple paper mache circle ornament, but wood would work just as well.
Paper Mache Ornament
Supplies
3.75″ Paper Mache Circle Ornament or Wood Ornament
Gesso
Acrylic paint in coordinating color to match photos
3.5″ circle photograph of your loved one
3.25″ x 2.5″ rectangular/freeform photograph of your love one
Golden Matte Medium
Posca Paint Marker .7mm
Sakura Pen .005 or other Waterproof Fine Tip Marker
14″ Trim of your choice
Stickles – Star Dust
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Instructions
Paint your paper mache ornament with gesso and let dry.
Paint your entire ornament, including the edges with the acrylic paint using a 3/4″ flat brush. Let dry. Give it a second coat if needed.
Print and cut your photographs to fit the ornament. The approximate sizes are listed above.
Using the matte medium, adhere your photograph to one side of the ornament. Apply a coat of matte medium over your photograph to seal and protect it. Let dry. {Note: depending on the ink you use to print your photo, you may want to test the matte medium on a sample photo to make sure the ink doesn’t bleed.}
Follow step 4 with the 2nd photo on the other side. Let dry.
Add any names, dates or sentiments with your Sakura pen.
Using the your Posca pen, add little stars and doodles. Let dry.
Accent one side of your ornament with Stickles and let dry. Then repeat on the other side if desired. Let dry.
Last, using Aleene’s Tacky Glue, adhere your trim to the edge of the ornament and cut off any excess. Now you have a beautiful keepsake of your loved one or that special moment.
I hope you enjoy creating your custom keepsake. Keep in mind, these would also make great gifts too 😊
I’m having a lot of fun creating these smaller canvases for Valentine’s Day. There are a lot of layers and work that goes into each one. They’re literally labors of love and I accent each one with glitter for a little bit of Cupid’s magic. Each painting is sealed and protected with a matte finish and comes ready to hang and are available in my Etsy Shop.
I had to try and paint an angel ornament but wasn’t sure I could pull it off because this is the smallest one I’ve ever painted. Both of these ornaments are painted on 3×5 inch canvas panels with acrylic paint and accented with glitter for a little holiday magic. They’re ready to hang on your tree with 2 eyelets and ribbon and are available in my Etsy Shop.
What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts.
My latest canvas, Joy to the World Christmas Wreath. It’s painted on a 5×5 inch square canvas with acrylic paint and is accented with red glitter. It’s sealed with a matte finish and comes ready to hang.
Most of you may recognize this little guy from my journal. He looks like he’s not quite ready for the holidays, sounds like me this year, lol.
I brought him to life on a 6×6 inch square canvas. He’s painted with acrylic paints and sealed with a matte finish. I added a little glitter for that Christmas magic and is is available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.
What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I really love painting these canvases. This is a fun and whimsical pink Christmas tree painted in acrylics. I added glitter for a little Christmas magic. This is a 4 inch square canvas that’s 3/4″ inches thick and is available in my Etsy Shop.
What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I was finally able to finish my whimsical mini Christmas ornament painting. It’s a 5 inch square canvas that’s 3/4″ inches thick and painted with acrylic paints.
I’m having fun creating these cute mini paintings. This is a whimsical snowman painted with acrylic paints on a 4 x 6 inch panel. I added 2 eyelets in the top corners to hang with ribbon. He would look nice on a tree or just hung on a wall as holiday decoration.
This is a new mini whimsical painting I made for Christimas. It’s a 5 inch square canvas that’s 3/4″ inches thick and it’s painted with acrylic paints. It’s a little big to be an ornament but is great for some holiday cheer.
Flowing Waters Art 