I know I left you hanging yesterday, like a leaf on a tree… LOL! So here it is – the moment you have been waiting for – a before and after photo of my watercolor leaves! 😉
I finished them with gesso and added some “leaf” notes for my hubby and myself with pencil. I thought these little reminders would be great to put on the fridge or left in unexpected places. We all like to feel loved and appreciated! 🙂
The other images are gift tags I’m making for another project. I painted these on both sides with watercolor and the gesso – here is an example of one I made for myself:
I added a little glitter to these tags too. Other ideas are tucking them into a card for a friend, give as a bookmarker or use as a place setting at a special dinner, like Easter. They are fun to write a message of inspiration on one side and a person’s name on the other side but you could do whatever you want.
Speaking of shapes, here are my leftover stencils:
One of the nice things about gesso is that it works as a glue so was able to complete their shapes by gluing there openings closed. I could then use the negative and positive shapes on my gelli-printing plate!
The above is an example of using my positive and negative shapes with layers of Golden Fluid Acrylic paints. Aren’t they just AWESOME?!
I will show you more of my gelli prints tomorrow – oh, the colors!!! :-)))
Happy Creating!
P.S. If you were to leave a “leaf” note for yourself or someone, what would it say?! I’d love to hear from you!
So sweet, Jill! 🌳
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Thanks Catherine! 💖💕
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These are lovely Jill, I really like the idea of making something like this to give to friends, I imagine your friends would feel very lucky indeed to receive on of these.
If I were to leave a note it would have to say “This life is yours to create!” 🙂
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I’m glad you like them, Tori! 😄 I like your message! ❤️😍👍
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So many options! I like that you go down many paths with your ideas. I would say: “pay attention”. (K)
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Yes, I have many ideas and many messes around the house! Lol! I have currently taken over the kitchen with my Gelli-printing. Luckily, I have a hubby who doesn’t mind! 😜 I like your message, Kerfe. ❤️
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So much fun. My note might say : I be”leaf” in you! 😜❤️
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Excellent message, Jodi! ❤️ I think we could all use that one. 🌿👍🎨😍
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So many wonderful ideas! I would say: one day at a time.
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A very good reminder, Sharon! ❤️
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what sweet love notes for hubby – your leaves remind me of my painted rose petals, and you know i just love using gesso. lovely leaves, jill!!
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Hi Cynthia! Happy you like my leaves! 😄 Gesso is fun! I tinted some of my gesso with yellow paint. I hadn’t done that before, have you tried that? 🎨🌿😍
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I must try it! : )
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I think you would really like it! 😍
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Those really *are* awesome! What terrific ways to use a stencil method I had never thought of before! So very creative and interesting!
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Thanks Teresa! ❤️ Have you tried Gelli printing? It is so fun to play with color! 😄🎨👍
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I’ve never tried that! Hubby says I’m not allowed to be swayed by you, however lovely you are, to buy this until I’ve used Neocolors and my other supplies first. LOL!
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Oh, that is funny! Thanks for the laugh! 😄
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So many cute images here, Jill! Probably “Have faith” or “Pray” would be mine. I like your “Leaf it to God” as well. Great reminders when we’re tempted to worry. I love that you’re having fun with your Gelli printing! 💜
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I like your reminders too, Laura. Another one I just thought of for me, Let go and Let God. I think I need this reminder daily. 💕😊 And yes, I have taken over the kitchen with my Gelli printing. Lol! 😜 Luckily, my hubby understands my need to play! 🎨🖌💜 Have you tried making prints yet?
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Not yet…..did play with some acrylic paint last night though. Progress. Feels like a whole new world, even though it is also water-soluble, like watercolor. I think I’m trying to make acrylic paint be more like watercolor. We’ll see how that goes. I’m glad your husband embraces your artiness lol. Art is the great escape!
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I don’t know if you know about a glazing medium that you can add to your acrylic paints that waters them down and extends the drying time. This can be very helpful when Gelli printing and your paints last longer too.
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Thanks, always appreciate the tips, Jill. I got some acrylic retarder from Blick way back when I got that Liquitex soft body starter set, but I’ve not tried it. So far, I haven’t had the need to. I haven’t spent much time on acrylic projects, just quick ones. And last night I put the paint direct into just a little water from the start as I was trying to get a background down. That seemed to do the trick. I was happy with that background but it seems like when I don’t water acrylic paint down, it doesn’t look real pleasing to me. It’s not a medium I’ve ever really been drawn to, but I think the wide range of colors and the immediacy of it is what’s drawing me now. And the fact that it’s easy, I don’t have to drag a palette out, works fine when I don’t have much time to spend.
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You can add water to acrylic paints but the paint experts kind of frown on adding too much. Google it and I’m sure you will find a ton of conflicting info about it. Lol! 😜
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Thanks Jill. I was trying to make a translucent wash. Seemed to work ok. I definitely don’t enjoy acrylics the way I enjoy the neos. Lol.
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Very creative. Love seeing your Gelli printing!
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Thanks Carmel! I can’t wait to make more prints today! YAY! 🎨👍😃
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Yay! These turned out great! Love the little notes on them. They make them extra wonderful. 💕😃🎨
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Thanks Charlie! I’m having fun playing with my Gelli plate. Love the layers of color! 🎨🌟🌈😍 Enjoy your Saturday!
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OK you’re forgiven. These were worth the wait. Lol 😀😀😀. Let’s see, mine would say, Don’t panic and It’s worth it. Hehe. Great leaves, Jill!
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Lol! 😜 Glad you like them, Cubbyholes! ❤️ Good reminders too! Have you tried Gelli printing? It is soooo fun! 😄🎨👍
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What a gorgeous creative series. I really enjoyed the unique treatment if each piece👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
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Thank you Laurel! ❤️ I had FUN! 🎨👍🌈
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Those came out so cute, and you’ve thought of so many lovely things to do with them too!
What would mine say? I love you, smile, TRY!, Don’t give up! You’re AWESOME! Corny stuff mostly. 🙂
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