I'm back with another Mixed Media project for Lulu Art!  Today we are going to create a mixed media card from vintage papers, scraps and the fabulous pastes and paints from Prima and Finnabair!

There are a few steps involved in creating this card - but each step is so simple you will easily be able to follow along and create your own version, plus it helps that there is a start to finish video at the bottom of each section.   Why so many steps, because each element helps build texture and layers of colour that you could just not achieve any other way (believe me I've tried!)!

Basic Process

Glue vintage papers onto a piece of thick base card using Matte Gel and allow to dry.

Scribble Neocolor II in Gold and Ochre over the paper, spritz with water and spread with a paintbrush - this will add a more vintage look to the papers and give a consistent colour.

Add layers of paper, ephemera and material using Matt Gel and then add even more texture using stencils and Light Molding Paste.  Once this base layer is dry add Liquitex ink in Transparent Raw Umber to darken the background and collaged elements, spritz with water to vary the strength of the color.  I left it dark on the material and lighter on the background.

Using the dry brush technique, add a light layer of gesso over the background– you could stop right here it’s so pretty!.

Add some stamping and stenciled images for a little variation on the background, using Distress Oxide and Archival ink pads.

You can see exactly how the textured mixed media background was created in this process video.

Now for the 3D Collaged Layer and the Rust Effects.....

The create the embellishment collage, add a layer of 3D elements (make sure these are chunky, eg: flowers, buttons, leaves, papers, vintage or ornate metal embellishments).  You can purchase pre-made embellishments or create your own, I’ve used a combination of purchased and hand-made elements.  Arrange in a pleasing layout and then glue onto your background.

Carefully cover all of the embellishments in Rust Paste - Dark Brown, make sure to coat the top and bottom of flower petals, also brush a little of the paint over the background.  The Brown Rust Paste has the coarsest particles in the mixture - so it goes on chunky and helps to create the base texture.

Then using a fine brush or sponge (or both) add the yellow and orange Rust Paste and Light Patina and Turquoise Metallique Art Alchemy paints.

To finish the card panel add Light Patina and Turquoise Metallique paints to the background and spritz with water to make the colours run.  This visually separates the background and the embellishment layers, plus it looks soooooo pretty!!!

Add some mini beads and text embellishments, mount the panel onto neutral coloured cardstock to finish, then sit back and admire the pretty colors – and they really are VERY pretty colours!

You can see exactly how each layer and colour was added to create the Rust Effects on the embellishments in this video.

and here are a couple of close-ups so you can see how absolutely yummy this looks.

SUPPLIES

• Finnabair Rust Paste Set 
• Art Alchemy Acrylic Paint (Metallique): Gold Rush, Light Patina and Rich Turquoise
• Prima - Finnabair Mica Flakes, assorted flowers
• Art Effects: Micro Beads - Black
• Tim Holtz Mica Spray - Tarnished Brass, Eclectic Elements Fabric Pack, Thrift Shop - Ephemera, Metal Ornate Plates and Distress Oxide - Walnut Stain, Distress Stickles - Antique Linen, Light Bulbs
• Dylusions Old School Alpha Stencil
• Vintage Book Paper Sheets (for background and leaves)
• Archival Ink Pad - Jet Black 
• Punchinella
• Neocolor II - Gold and Ochre
• White Gesso
• Liquitex Matte Gel
• Liquitex Ink - Transparent Raw Umber and Carbon Black
• Light Molding Paste
• Found items - buttons and wire