Book of Life

Spring is getting closer and since it's too early for spring flowers I thought I would create my own by making this mixed media wall hanging using my Creative Paperclay. The first thing I did was cover a small canvas with the Paperclay and once it was dried I painted the background and book edges with some ColourArte Primary Element Arte Pigments that were mixed with a gel medium.

I love that I learn so many things when I am creating with my Creative Paperclay, like patience and what I might be able to use as a tool. Trying to duplicate the paper edges of a book perplexed me at first. Finally, after letting the clay harden for about 2 hours I came back and scraped the surface with an old tootbrush and it worked like a charm!

The flowers were all made from molds and once they dried I layered on some ColourArte Twinkling H20's and then glued a bead into the center of each flower. I love how the look so glossy, almost like clay that had been dried in a kiln!

I also experimented with Paverpol in bronze to make the bookmark. I admit I was intimidated with this product but I was amazed at not only how easy it was to use but how well it worked! Although the ribbon hanging from the bottom didn't have to have an application of it, the top part did or the ribbon would flop over onto the front of the book when it was hanging on the wall. So I made a slice into the side of the book where I wanted it to go...then painted on the Paverpol and laid the ribbon ends into the slot and let it dry. Oh my word, again I admit I was doubtful it was going to be stuck into that small slot, but YES, it is! lol

Another texturizing tool is your handy dandy kitchen plastic wrap, perfect for adding a leather like surface to the spine of the book. It's easier to do this by rolling your clay onto a sheet of plastic wrap which will automatically wrinkle and place those onto your clay. OK, so I admit I discovered this by accident, but hey, it worked out beautifully!

I just love my little book I created by covering a canvas, you can lay it on a surface or display it but hanging it on a wall. It's full of texture and color and just makes me smile.

"Despite the forecast, live like it's spring"

Lily Pulitzer