Masterpieces are what happen while we are making other plans...

Technically that is not how the quote really reads. It goes like this: 

 "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." -John Lennon

Not only is this a brilliant quote for life, but also for artwork. As artists, we have all had that moment where we start a project with great plans in our little creative brains on how it is going to turn out... and sometimes those plans, when executed, for whatever reason, are a complete bust! ...and that is exactly how this layout started... 

Using one of my favorite Prima stencils and Finnabair Art Basics Modeling Paste, I created the base of my layout. I love the texture and couldn't wait to see the color accent the texture. I have been watching lots and lots of mixed media videos over the past couple of weeks while being laid up sick and also teaching myself about the Gelli Press. One mixed media video I watched was using Faber Castell Gelatos and a dripping technique. THIS was the technique I wanted to use on this layout. 

Gelato Tip: Cover your surface with gesso. This will give you a nice base for the the Gelatos to blend. 

So, out came Finnabair Art Basics Clear Gesso and I did a light coat over my paper. 

The technique I wanted to try was using the Gelatos at the top and then misting them to let the colors run down... it did not go as planned. I then tried to use different colors of Gelatos to fill in all the white that was left... even worse results! 

I hated it! Not at all what I had imaged in my head. There were a few sections I liked, but overall... it was a dud! 

So in comes the Gelli Plate to save the day! I used Dina Wakely Heavy Body Acrylic Paint in: Lapis, Lime, and Turquoise. I just rolled the paint out out on to the the Gelli Press and then pressed my paper into it. I used the 9x12 Gelli Press. ...and I LOVE how it turned out! 

Using Distress Oxide Ink in Squeezed Lemonade, I inked up the edges. I used Distress Ink in Picket Fence to go over the raised areas from the the stenciling and modeling paste, but wasn't wild about it, so I then grabbed Hickory Smoke and went over it again. 

Next I wanted to add some circles. So, I designed a circle template on my Silhouette Cameo 3 and cut it out... side note: I bought a new laptop early this year. I finally used the bluetooth feature on my Silhouette. FREAKING AWESOME! ...one less chord on my desk. 

I drew the circles on the layout with my General's Sketch & Wash pencil. Then used a water pen to trace the circles. 

Once dried, I filled them in with a Gelato in Coconut. 

Once that layer dried, I added highlights with Gelato in Lunar. 

Then, once dried, I traced the circles with my black Zig Pen. This is where I am at now: 

I have really enjoyed watching this layout bloom into something that I love. ...because, I really thought it was a goner at the beginning. Today I am going to pick out my photo for it and finish putting it together. Stay tuned! 

Supplies I have used so far... 

Until next time... Happy Creating!