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Hopeful Courage

Hi friends!  I'm kicking off this month's Diva Dare today over on the Verve Blog.  If you want my usual play by play, head on over to the Verve Blog There's a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Verve for playing along in our Fanspiration Diva Dare this month, so be sure to check it out!

So today's project is one dear to my heart.  As many of you know, one of my recent passions is mixed media art.  I don't get the time to do it very often, but when I do it is such a rewarding process for me.  I think it's so cathartic to just get my emotions out within the layers of paint and paper and inks.  My heart definitely went into this project.  Laurie's daughter, Ali, who is receiving these mini canvases (hopefully today) is facing another round of brain surgery and I can't even imagine what emotions are swirling through her head and heart right now.



I chose aquas and greens because they seem like such light and happy colors... like new beginnings.  The stamped sentiments are from the Borderline stamp set and I most importantly wanted to convey a sense of peace and hopefulness through these canvases.  For the first canvas, I created a little angel from two pieces of glittered chipboard, to represent the prayers I'm praying for angels to watch over her.  I chose the sentiment dare to dream and added some stickers to create the phrase she has great courage. Because she most definitely does have great courage and is such an inspiration to others.



For the second canvas, I wanted a starry, cloudy look, which I created with stencils and Glass Bead Gel.  Stars are one of my favorite things - they shine no matter what, and that's what I think of when I think of Ali.  A shining star.  I paired the never give up sentiment with stickers to form the phrase she is hopeful, which is what I hope for her.  That she continues to shine through the darkness and can find the silver lining on the other side of the clouds.  I finished with a little bling to give that feeling of movement and rising up.

I hope these canvases brighten up her room and give her something positive to dwell on in the coming weeks.

Enabler's List
Stamps: Borderline (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Book paper, vintage dress pattern
Ink: Archival Black, acrylic paints, Glass Bead Gel, Gesso, ModPodge, Shine Mister Huey's spray (Sudio Calico)
Accessories: Mini Vintage Oval Die Set, Flourished Trim Die (A Cut Above by VERVE), 3 x 3" mini canvases, Zva Creative rhinestones, Glitter, Glassy Glaze, glittered chipboard, prima flower, star cluster, Chitchat Stickers (Tim Holtz)

8 comments

Marisa said...

She'll treasure these, Julee! Love the aqua and the she has great courage sentiment is perfect for her! Your comment about the stars is a great one too. Lovely work and glad you were able to dabble in the mix media - can feel your joy when you work on these from here :) Have a great weekend.

Wanda Cullen said...

My jaw is on the floor, Julee!! These two canvas creations are just so gorgeous and full of special meaning...what a special gift to Ali! You really rock the mixed media technique!

Riet said...

So beautiful Julee.

Hugs Riet.xx

Basement Stamper said...

You canvases are gorgeous and I think Laurie's daughter will love them and hope they brighten her up.

Ravengirl said...

These are beautiful! I'm sure they will inspire Ali as she inspires others!!

Crestajune said...

These are both beautiful and inspirational. Thank you for sharing with us today.

I love your mixed media pieces, they always inspire me to want to try my hand at this art form, but so far I haven't. =) Someday. Hope you have a wonderful day, Julee!

Mary-Anne V said...

What a sweet gift for Laurie's daughter.I am sure these beauties will brighten her day. Love the choice of colours and sentiments.

Karen Day said...

I can always count on some awesome inspiration when I visit your blog! These are just amazing :o)