Did you know I was one of the artists who contributed work in Colleen Schaan's book Cards To Canvas?   Well it's true and I'm still pinching myself! 

Cards To Canvas: Mixed Media Techniques for Papercrafts, is a book designed for crafters who want to LEARN some stamping and cardmaking techniques, DABBLE in some mixed media fun, and then APPLY those techniques and mediums to canvas wall art (or desk art)!  Crafters can delve into the world of mixed-media art using traditional papercraft techniques partnered with interesting products with the help of this book.

It features 26 new and unique projects that use 23 different techniques demonstrated with an easy-to-follow photo tutorial, and the designs utilize easy-to-purchase products from a variety of manufacturers. Incorporating general paper-craft and mixed-media tools, readers will learn mark making, collage, embossing, and how to add color, faux finishes, and backgrounds, then apply them to captivating projects.

The whole book is aimed at card makers who would like to take their skills and use them in new ways (not necessarily new never-seen-before techniques) but using the ideas and products that they may be familiar with in new ways and on new projects.  

It's a great way to dip your toe into mixed media and canvas art!

Now I have to admit to being pretty chuffed when I was asked to submit work for consideration to be published, as Colleen is one of my FAVOURITE Copic artists, not to mention an all-round beautiful person.  I was even more excited to actually have one of my projects picked to be included for publication in the book - you'll find me on pages 44-47.   For my project, I combined a few of my favourite things: doodling, Copics, mixed media - plus a tiny bit of sparkle!  Don't worry I included templates for both the girls face and the doodled card, which you can find in the book, so if you aren't confident in your drawing or doodling skills you can still have a play along with me. 

The 80-page book includes a wide range of product information, step-by-step illustrated instructions for each technique, and 26 beautiful full-color projects that showcase a wide variety of ideas.  Some of the topics include:

• mark-making,
• stamping and doodling,
• collage,
• embossing and adding texture,
• adding color,
• faux finishes, and
• creating backgrounds.  

The project style depends on the contributing artist and ranges from whimsical to artsy to vintage, with something for all skill levels.  The team of talented contributing artists includes Elizabeth Allan, Mindy Baxter, Karen Crossen, Jill Foster, Michelle Houghton, Vivian Keh, Kate Palmer (me - yes still pinching myself!), Sharon Parcel, and Rhea Weigand.

The book is available in either print or digital format and can be purchased from Amazon as well as many of your favorite online crafting and bookstores. 

and I just had to include this close-up so you can see the amazing sparkle in her eyes... 

If you'd like to learn a bit more about each of the designers, you can check out their blogs:  

• Elizabeth Allan - http://www.studiosessionsart.blogspot.com/
• Mindy Baxter - http://www.mycreativescoop.com/
• Karen Crossen - http://ijustneedmoreglue.blogspot.com/
• Jill Foster - http://www.studiosessionsart.blogspot.com/
• Michelle Houghton - http://www.scrapweaver.com/
• Vivian Keh - https://contadinak.wordpress.com/
• Kate Palmer - You are HERE!
• Sharon Parcel -  http://www.campgramma.blogspot.com/  
• Rhea Weigand - http://passionatepapercreations.blogspot.com/