Last Saturday at my monthly art group meeting, Linda led is in creating a Finnabair style canvas. I was inspired by
THIS YouTube video to use a black background.
At the class I was only able to get my items glued down and painted with black gesso. Yesterday I finally had a chance to finish the project. I wanted to use my mom's stash of Radiant Pearls for the highlights. To make them show up on the black, you must first brush white gesso to create highlights. Then when you apply the Radiant Pearls they really pop!
I have never attempted such a piece because, quite frankly, it tears my nerves up to put so many embellishments on one project. I guess that comes from my frugal nature, but Finnabair herself always says she doesn't like to limit herself with embellishments. I gathered many practically free items for this first test run. Some clearance flowers, wooden tokens, buttons, bottle caps and some filigree flowers I found 3/$1 at Tuesday Morning.
The inspiration video sparked the idea of using die cuts. Can you believe these butterflies are Stampin' Up! dies?! The Tim Holtz Ornate Frame was the perfect backdrop for them. I cut two of each from thin chipboard and glued them together for stability.
One of the prettiest elements in my opinion was the addition of this awesome shaker substance by Suze Weinberg that I found in my mom's stash. She had four bottles full, never opened. I attached them with Mod Podge. They are like tiny sequins, but a little thicker. The color was perfect.
tunning piece, the colours just seem to glow from the inside out!
ReplyDeletereally beautiful work Autumn - I love the blues - so very pretty - thanks for joining us at countryview challenges too! Hugs rachel x
ReplyDeleteWow, Autumn, this is absolutely stunning!! I am in awe!! The colors are amazing!! I love the details you added!! You've captured Finnabair's style perfectly!! I love, love this!! Have a great evening!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
I love your beautiful Finnabair inspired canvas Autumn. You have created a fabulous example of the embellished style with a great composition and elements that just pop off the substrate. Thanks for linking to Country View Crafts xxx
ReplyDeleteAutumn this is a stunner - I am not a great fan of Finnabair, but your interpretation is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Stunning canvas Autumn, lovely rich colours and lots of lovely textures.
ReplyDeleteB x
A fabulous piece Autumn, gorgeous glowing highlights and the butterfly die cut looks stunning.
ReplyDeleteAvril x
Absolutely gorgeous. Love the highlights and the black background. I was lucky enough to have a class with Finnabair a few years back and she really helped me to let go of my frugal nature with products. Still love her style.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Autumn! I think you've got it going on with layering on the embellishments and highlighting them in the Finnabair style! Great finds to put on there, too! Love those little shaker bits! I love this canvas! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh, Autumn, you have really captured the Finnabair's style in creating this stunning canvas! I love the highlights and those shaker bits are awesome! Dreamy colors and a beautiful design! Love it! Big hugs to you! Branka xx
ReplyDeleteAutumn, this is amazing and so beautiful! The colors are gorgeous, and I can hardly believe some of the dies are SU! I'm so glad you show a lot of close-up photos, because I'm so delighted to see all the details! What a gorgeous piece of art, and you continue to delight me with your work! Beautifully done, precious friend! Big hugs! xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou really have done Finnabair proud with this fantastic creation Autumn. I had to smile at your 'frugal' comment, when I did a Finn class a couple of years ago she came round and emptied all my little bags of goodies and said 'now I want to see all of them on your project' - I must have looked horrified because she said 'don't worry, I will give you some more to take home' and I still have them in a little bag to this day - lol! I really love how you have used so many embellishments and the colours are just gorgeous! Hugs, Anne xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! Autumn and if you hadn't have said I would never have known this was your first attempt at Finnabair style creating! You're a natural and you have created a real beauty . Lush!
ReplyDeleteHugs x
Would have loved to have seen it before you put the gesso on. It's lovely xx
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of attending a Finnabair class a couple of years ago, and she is a brilliant teacher. She would love this Autumn. I too, find it hard to use so many elements and have, in the past, substituted pot pourri pieces which are much thriftier. It is a beautiful composition and well photographed too. Thankyou for joining us at Country View Crafts. X
ReplyDeleteA fabulous canvas Autumn, I love the colours too!
ReplyDeleteI love Finnabairs canvases and lay-outs and think you did a great job here, this is a work of beauty!! Love the design and the colours you chose, with the pop of turquoise!
ReplyDeleteI understand the way you feel about the many embellishments you need, but often there are so many things in our household we can use.
A stunning piece Autumn! I love the colours and all the texture you have created. Thank you for joining us at Altered Eclectics this month, Jane (DT) :) X
ReplyDeleteFabulous job fabricating these die cuts! Your cannot tell that they are not metal! I love doing this on my projects, too. Mostly because I am on a tight budget. Great creativity and beautifully conceived and executed project. Thanks for sharing with us at Altered Eclectics!
ReplyDeleteHugz,
Chana, DT
Super cool! So love the rusty blue and the canvas texture! The die-cuts make great dimensionals in addition to the other items!
ReplyDeleteDeeeeeeevine! The end result takes my breath away. I've wanted to try a technique like this for forever, but I've never given it a go. Your piece is truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWow this is stunning. I love the beautiful glints and highlights on the black - it really is gorgeous. I love the embellishments too - you've got the perfect balance.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous is this Autumn.....simply fantastic. Love your design and colours.
ReplyDeleteJulie x
Holy smokes, this is GORGEOUS! I LOVE the beautiful colors and fabulous embellishments! Wow, the butterflies are gorgeous, so surprised when you said they are SU dies! AMAZING job on this!!
ReplyDeleteSherrie K
You go girl! This is totally awesome sauce! I even like it in just the black and white! Hehe! Fantabulously gorgeous design with the stenciled background then you go and add all of these wonderful em bellies (yes, TM is my go to store as well when trying to find inexpensive embellish)! Brilliant and stunning creation! Give your mum props from me for such interesting items from her stash! Hugz to you muffin! ~Niki
ReplyDeleteThe finish on your beautiful composition adds so much more interest to your project. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is simply stunning! I love the colors and arrangement of embellishments used for this. Thanks for sharing with us at Rhedd's Creative Spirit!
ReplyDeleteHi, Autumn! Thanks for the link to the inspirational video, and for your tips about where to discover free or inexpensive embellishments for a project like this! I'd enjoy playing with a grouping of natural representations and man made objects, and then fantasize it with incredible colors and textures. Your project is SO lovely with the earthy jewel tones and finishes. Thanks for your inspiration (and encouragement to try something outside my little box)! Hugs, de
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know there was black gesso! So many great products and ideas on this, Autumn. I wish I was part of your art group. I am also so happy that you get to share your love of art with your Mom. Wonderful project and wonderful post! TFS. Hugz
ReplyDeleteIt is simply stunning Autumn! When I make piece like this I used all the ugliest findings around my house, nothing fancy, and with gesso and mica become always wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI thought I'd have a scroll to see what I've been missing and got stopped almost immediately by this gorgeous canvas! Love the shimmering colours against the black and great composition. Thanks for your lovely comments on my Calico post. I hope it won't come to giving up altogether, but there will be a few more sabbaticals before the end of the year!
ReplyDeleteAlison x
Breathtaking!!!!
ReplyDeleteWishes
Lynne
Stunning !Thanks for joining us at Scrapy Land Challenges blog and good luck !
ReplyDeleteMaryvonne DT Member
this is absolutely beautiful
ReplyDeletethanks for joining us at Mixed Media Mojo
Barb Housner (DT)
I can see the Finnabair influence on this canvas... Not easy to actually make and this is from someone who tried! Beautiful result Autumn.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your canvas is gorgeous! I love the black under all those beautiful colors Radiant Pearls! Thanks for playing along with us at Scrapy Land Challenges!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous canvas Autumn, thank you for joining us at Mixed Media Mojo! Deb xo
ReplyDeleteIt is a WOWSER AUtumn! Love the Finnabair style! Thanks for sharing it with us at Mixed Media Mojo. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is wonderful, thank you for sharing it with us at Mixed Media Mojo.
ReplyDeletexxx Hazel.
Absolutely gorgeous! Love the colours, and the design is fabulous. It looks like you've made it out of denim! Love it. Thank you for entering your project at Rhedd’s Creative Spirit. Sammy-x
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning! Love it! Thanks so much for playing along with Mixed Media Mojo!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! LOVE how this one appears to be shining in the moonlight, and your angled design is flawless!
ReplyDeleteWow! I loved it when I saw you doing it on our 2nd Saturday meeting but the changes you made on it really made it special. It is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWow, the black background working swimmingly, what an amazing Finnabair inspired project! hugs :)
ReplyDeleteHi Autumn! Back to say congratulations on your win at Mixed Media Mojo! I'm so happy you were properly recognized for your awesome canvas! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Finnabair-esque canvas Autumn! I have been wanting to try and create one for so long - but also have trouble putting so much 'stuff' on one creation! I must give it a go - as yours is just beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteYou are really creative and did it wonderfully! I am planning a party at one of local event venues Chicago and was looking for some good decoration ideas. Really want to host an amazing and awesome party which everyone will remember for a long time.
ReplyDeletei am not sure how I got here but am so glad I did!! this is beautiful!
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