Something New

I love Donna Downey and her art. But who doesn't? Right? I've never met her but I can just tell she's the kind of person who gives freely of her knowledge. Her passion and enthusiasm for art are so contagious. When watching her videos, she makes you feel like you too could pick up a brush and create something wonderful.

Recently, I discovered that she offers a monthly online canvas class and decided to sign up. While waiting for some supplies to arrive, I practiced what I learned from the class video on these tiny 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" canvases.

I started by covering the canvases with a base coat of acrylic paint. It was then time to add texture. Donna recommended using very common scrapbooking supplies but when I grabbed mine, I discovered they were so old they couldn't be used. Nope, I'm not going to tell you the supply. Spend the $25. You'll be so glad you did. Sitting on my workspace was a bunch of Stampendous Essentials (Color Fragments, Mica and Crushed Glass Glitter). Essentials add delicious texture to projects and are available in a wide range of amazing colors. For this project, the color wasn't important as I just wanted the texture so I grabbed what was sitting there and embedded them into the paint. It was simple. I just brushed on Gel Matte Medium where I wanted the texture and while wet, sprinkled on the Essentials. It's important to let this dry completely. I then added more paint, covering the embedded fragments and glitter. Next, I grabbed a Martha Stewart Home Decor stencil (you can find these at Michaels but any stencil will do) and my Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens. I used the white Pitt Pen to get the basic design onto each canvas and added color after the white had dried.


Here are some closeups of the texture created by the Stampendous Essentials. I love the look and texture so much, I am going to give it a try on something bigger. Donna Downey has her own line of stencils. I'm thinking creating something with her Hollyhocks stencil would make me very happy so stay tuned.


I can't get over how creating these three little canvases made me feel. I encourage you to visit Donna's Blog and try an online class or two. The joy you feel is cleansing. Now onto the real class assignment.

Thanks for visiting. I am so thankful for your comments.