CRUSADE No. 36 ~ Braving the Elements

 

Welcome back!  Happy 2010!  The new crusade is inspired by the cold weather, and all the snow we've had recently.  I realize there are creatives out there in the southern hemisphere who are experiencing summer, but allow me this....I am using snowflakes for the examples - you are welcome to use any image.

Sometimes I think it is just plain easier to practice a technique if you have an assignment.  Take the Thinking out of it and get to the Doing.  So let's play with some snowflakes, and revisit several painting techniques we worked on last year.

I call this crusade Braving the Elements because what I want you to do is make some tools - cut paper snowflakes - and use them to create textures, then actually apply the tool to your page.  You will be making your own collage elements!

   

Often we spend time making fancy stencils or masks that can be used and re-used, or we spend some time carving stamps, or waste time hunting down the perfect *something* to go on a page when all we really need is within reach, and can be created at no cost.  For instance, using copy paper, or any scraps you have nearby, cut a paper snowflake.  You remember how to do it don't you?  Fold the paper in half, press the crease, fold again, crease, and start cutting.  But before you do that, get your stuff out.

 

Hopefully you have these things right on your work table.  Gesso, acrylic paint, brushes, scissors, scrap papers, sprayer, towels, and adhesive.  To make the most efficient use of your time coat the pages with gesso first.  While they are drying you can start cutting some snowflakes.  Four to six different ones is enough.

Make sure that gesso layer is super dry before you start the next step.  If you only have a few minutes to work today then set your pages aside until later in the week.  (I always leave my studio at night with a gessoed spread of pages drying so they are ready for me in the morning.)  Remember when we first worked with gesso?  If not, see Crusade No. 25.  Swipe a light layer of acrylic color over the gesso and spray with water while it's still wet.  Wipe with paper towel or scraper for a cool speckled effect.

If your page is still damp, swing it in the air for a few seconds.  Next, start adding some brushy textures....to review, see Crusade No. 29.

Start laying down your snowflakes and brush over them.  They do not have to be perfect.  In fact, they are more interesting when you only see part of them.  You can choose to only cover part of the image, or it may occur serendipitously depending on what color is on your brush and what is on the surface.  We determined that we like portion vs. whole....see Crusade No.  28.

Keep going....be light handed with the paint.  Dry brush on the color.  Less is better, you can always add more.  Too much paint gets everything too damp and leads to other problems.

Now you can apply those wonderfully messy snowflakes for a really swell two page journal spread, where you were practicing loads of painting techniques AND Making It Your Own using Cheap Tricks! (Crusade No. 31 & Crusade No. 8)  HCIT?

 

Some optional steps - use masks with gesso over the gesso base.  White on white to get a raised shape that looks cool after applying color.  WAIT until all the gesso is DRY. 

 

For best results of snowflakes that keep you guessing whether they are coming or going don't be afraid of contrast - and use that to inform what color to use over the mask.  See below.

Another sample set of pages....making and using my own elements. 

Add some journaling between layers of texture....

So that's it!  Pick a shape....why not use snowflakes?  Use your hand-cut elements to create backgrounds then apply to pages.  Brave the Elements!  A snowflake is unique and beautiful and short lived...so too will be your tools as you use them then incorporate directly into your work.  The purpose of this crusade is to get you realize all the skills you already have, and that you have all the materials you need within reach to make cool pages.

 

To join us in the crusade just interpret the challenge in your journal.  Photograph or scan your work...blog about it or upload to a photohosting site then come back here and leave a comment with a link to your post.  I will put all the links into the sidebar under Crusade No. 36, newest will be at the top.  Please come back often to click on the links and leave your valuable words of encouragement for those who go out on a limb to share.  We all learn from one another when we try similar things during the month and it so much fun to see all the work, especially if we have tried it ourselves. 

 

ARCHIVED LINKS HAVE BEEN MOVED FROM THE SIDEBAR TO HERE.  Some links may no longer be active.

Aimeslee
Amy
Becci Renfro
Belinda
Carolanne
Cath Sheard
Chris Miser
Christy
Darlene
Dawn
Debra McWilliam
Gail
Hanna Andersson
Helen
Imelda
Inge Bekaert
Jackie Wood & Liz Ness
Jan
Jane Royal
Janet Briggs
JeriAnn
Julie Prichard
Kate Robertson
Kim Hutchinson
Kim Mailhot
Kim Tedrow
Kimberly
Lay Hoon
Lisa R
Lorraine
Maria
Marilyn
Mary Kozak
Michelle Brown
Mona
Nancy Lefko
Regina Rooks
Regina Rooks (more)
Rosemary Griffin
Sarah Anderson
Sheila
Shonna Bucaroff
Steph Block
Sue Roddis
Susan Sager Brown
Teri
Viki Banaszak

Comments

[Jane]

What a great title: Braving the Elements: Even in the deep south - we have a 'deep freeze' today's high- 31˚. Can't wait to get started. . . . cheers to all.

[Julie]

Dig the new heart on your crusade banner...

Count me in..I'll be back this month.
xo

[JeriAnn]

Remarkably, I did this back in 2008: http://commutersjournal.blogspot.com/2008/08/cutting-edge.html

This is a first -- finishing a Crusade two years before it starts. How cool is that?

Happy New Year, Michelle!

[Chris]

How stunning is this post. Lots posted here for inspiration.
You've incorporated some of the most rewarding of the crusades, and the ones I've learned most from. I'm looking forward to braving this.
'text'ure. HA! love it. is the GPP Street Team watermark new? even if it isn't it's groovy. it really caught my eye this time.

[Regina]

Love this challenge. I need more practice with these techniques. Your pages are beautiful.

[Helen]

This is quite a tutorial! Very inviting to join in. I am going to start today.

[Kim Mailhot]

Playing with snowflakes may just help me get over my dislike of Winter...maybe !
Looking forward to it though - fun stuff to bring so many elements from past crusades all together again !
Happy New Year Michelle !

[Lorraine]

what great pages to do today as it is snowing very heavily in Liverpool now here are my pages..great challenge
http://loveofcollage.blogspot.com/2010/01/braving-elements-green-pepper-press.html

[Imelda]

Hello Michelle,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62792412@N00/.
My first entry for the crusade(I was more of a lurker).
I hope the link to my flickr account works this is all mnew to me.
Happy New Year,

[Viki Banaszak]

Love it! I have so many ideas! I will realy try to do this one, honest.

[Christy]

Thank you Michelle. Not only did you inspired me, but you gave me a reason to play with art instead of taking it so seriously. I do admit to getting a little bit off track from the layered background bit... but that is what happens when we are inspired and playing no?! http://www.gulfsprite.com/2010/01/drawing-5-gpp36/

[Jennifer White]

I'm really in this time...I'll be back to post a link once I get a picture taken... Wednesday I'm diving in to this once and for all.

[Viki Banaszak]

I decided to jump in and do it whyle it was fresh in my mind. If I wait I won't get it done. Here is my link: http://www.angelfire.co,/ks/BurningRubber/blog

[Michelle Brown]

Another brilliant crusade! And lots of fun!

While you are braving the cold, I'm braving the heat with my Tomato Jungle
http://aztecmichelle.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/gpp-crusade-no-36-braving-the-elements/

[Kimberly]

Glad to still be on vaca with time to participate.

http://pumpkindelight.blogspot.com/2010/01/is-winter-over-already.html

[dawn]

Ahh, just what I needed!!! Thanks for starting this up again, Michelle!

http://catharticcreativity.blogspot.com/2010/01/brave-elements.html

[K Hutchinson]

What a fun time! Thanks Michelle!

http://runningonink.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/braving-the-elements-no-36/

[Jane]

Hi Michelle,
My first attempt is posted. I hate to admit: I had to google "paper snowflakes". It's been a while since I did that as a kid LOL! So much fun!
http://paintedheartstudio.blogspot.com/

-Jane

[Regina]

Due to snowy weather, I didn't have to go to the office this afternoon and I got to play with the crusade. You can see my results here.
http://rgrdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/gpp-crusade-36-braving-elements.html

[Chris]

Hi Michelle. Mine's up.

[Shonna Bucaroff]

This is my very first Art Journal and so I decided to join the GPP Street Team. I just posted mine for this month. I had a great time with this journal page. The only problem was it is in my book upsidedown...I guess that is what happens when you are an Art Journal virgin...
Shonna

[BoldAmy]

I'm a long time lurker, thanks for letting me join in the fun. My post is here: http://doboldthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/gpp-street-team-crusade-no-36-braving.html

[inge]

Hello Michelle,

we are braving the elements here right now in Belgium : it's very very cold and we are not so used to these temperatures... The weatherwoman said it's going to snow and there will be a very cold wind, so we better stay inside... perfect time to play !

Hey : these are my colors ! LOL...
I love the pages you made : snowflakes are really, really nice, but I'm stunned about the tree and the deerpage. You didn't cut out the tree ?!? The brown is perfect with the blue too.

I get my stuff out today and give this crusade a try !

greetings
Inge

PS : I love your new photoshopcreations ! I'm still wondering how you all create them and use them in different colors ( is it a brush?)
The design with the lady on the previous post here is also very nice.
I really like your style :)
You are a real "designer" !

[Helen]

Here is my challenge, had some trouble with your banner, I don't know what I did wrong, but anyway it is published now. Love to see what everybody else is doing.

[inge]

Hello Michelle,

My blogpost is up !

You can find my contribution here :
http://web.me.com/pinkepinke/pinkepinke/Blog/Artikelen/2010/1/10_crusade_n°_36braving_the_elements.html

greetings from belgium
Inge

[JanJ]

Thanks to K for posting on her challenge on her blog! I love messy and had to give this a try. And oh I had tons of fun. Michelle your tutorial information is fabulous and such wonderful tips too! Many thanks!
http://farnorthdesigns.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html#8986313127503136697

[Kim Mailhot]

Hey Michelle and Fellow Crusaders !

I had fun spending a cozy Sunday in the studio, braving the elements behind closed doors and windows, in a lovely sunbeam.
It was good to play with the colors and textures of the season, though winter will always be a little hard for me.
The silvery shimmer and icy blues are beautiful none the less.
Thanks for the inspiration, Michelle !
http://queen-of-arts.blogspot.com/2010/01/gpp-street-team-crusade-36-braving.html

[Mona]

Hi
This is my first challenge. Cutting the snowf;akes turned out to be more of a challenge than I thought :). Thanks for theprompt, Michelle!

[Mona]

hmmm ... looks like I forgot to paste the link! http://alcorart.blogspot.com/2010/01/braving-elements.html. Mona

[Kate Robertson]

My post is up http://thequeenofcreativity.blogspot.com/2010/01/crusade-no-36-braving-elements.html Thanks for all the fun.

[Maria]

finally got to play!
http://mariasangel.blogspot.com/2010/01/houses.html

[Janet]

I'm participating for the first time! Here are my journal pages:
http://jkbees.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-snowingin-my-art-journal.html

[Lay Hoon]

This challenge is funtastic ! Thank you.

http://mescrap.blogspot.com/2010/01/braving-elements-gpp-no-36.html

[Cath]

Well, it turns out I am snowflake-challenged! Hard to believe, but there you go. I had fun though and it was good to be reminded to past technqiues. And great to be into the Crusades for a new year; thanks so much Michelle. http://cathsheard.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/crusades-braving-the-elements/

[Susan Sager Brown]

ohhhh I'm playin. Can't wait to see everyone's work! Great techniques as always, Michelle. Thanks for the inspiration!!
xoSusan

http://broknheartart.blogspot.com/2010/01/braving-elements-michelle-wards-crusade.html

[carolanne]

Michelle,
I have admired your art for a while. I am finally brave enough to play! Thanks:-)

[teri]

This was so much fun! The snowflake background was perfect for copying a poem I've treasured since my teenage years. Really loved this. xo-teri

www.quinceberry.blogspot.com

[Kim Tedrow]

Hey Michelle! It's been a while, so I'm sticking my head out of the snow-cave and playing this month.

http://kimtedrow.blogspot.com/2010/01/gpp-street-team-crusade-36.html

It's a great way to decompress after some serious work - thank you!

[Julie]

Happy January Crusaders....sick and on the couch today..perfect day for me to catch up on all the links! See you soon.

xo

http://www.julieprichard.com/lostluggage/2010/1/23/gpp-street-team-crusade-36-art-journal-exercise.html

[Steph Block]

Found you via - Julie's Blog - love your challenges have done #36 and #35

http://steph-nerdbird.blogspot.com/2010/01/art-journalling.html

[Sarah Anderson]

Thanks for this challenge Michelle. I've often looked but never played before but seeing Julie's heartflakes sent me over to check out the challenge. I will be back again I'm sure :)
http://sarahanderson1.blogspot.com/2010/01/gpp-street-team-crusade-no-36-braving.html

[Sue Roddis]

Interesting challenge! Found it via Sarahs blog (previous message) and had great fun not doing what I was meant to today!

http://sroddis.blogspot.com/2010/01/oh-no-not-more-snow.html

[Marilyn]

Thanks, Michelle for giving me some great inspiration. I could spend all day on this blog alone. I finally did the challenge and now I'm going to go visit everyone else' blogs to see what they did.
Mine is here http://hrt2hrt4mike.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-decided.html.

[Marilyn]

Sorry, I guess that link doesn't work. Just go to my blog at http://hrt2hrt4mike.blogspot.com

[Gail]

This is my first crusade...thanks for the fun!
http://allmimsey.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/three-muses-an…eam-crusade-39/

[Lisa R]

Well I guess I've lurked around here long enough. I finally jumped in and did one of your challenges and I am loving it. I love the theme, the colors oh just everything about it. I thank you for presenting this. Sometimes you forget just how simple a background can be.

http://journalmw.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-cool-is-that.html

Check it out....hope you all like it!

[Jackie Wood]

This was great fun, thanks so much for all the laughter and joy that it brought to the studio!

http://www.illustratingstories.com/home/2010/01/studio-time-with-crusade-36.html

[Darlene]

Loved this challenge. (Sorry I missed December and January, I was working in the outside world.) Thank you for the inspiration!!!

http://cinnamonpink.typepad.com/cinnamon_pink/2010/01/braving-the-elements-crusade-no-36.html

[iHanna]

Two days left of January, and my post and pages are finished! Yay!

Braving the elements:
http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/?p=1045

Today I'm going to brave the elements and go outside even though it's lots of snow and SO cold today. Brrr...

[Nancy Lefko]

So glad I made it under the wire! I was planning to play and just needed to find the time. Thanks for the great tutorial. And Braving the Elements was a great topic for today, as it hovers near 14 degrees....

Here are my journal pages:

http://nancylefko.blogspot.com/2010/01/gpp-street-team-crusade-36.html