Making Framed Gifts fromGelli prints

According to Michelle G. Brown, being able to learn a few basic techniques in the world of mixed media art should be accessible to everyone. Besides creating, Karate training and being on Facebook, Michelle is passionate about mixed media art and enjoys sharing her knowledge and techniques with anyone to allow them express their own creativity. She understands too well that many of us have an inner need to create.

One of her favorite mixed media art techniques for creating backgrounds is Mono-printing with GelliArts Gelli Plates. The following are some of the materials she uses:

· glue; PVA or Gel Medium

· Photo frame; here I used a 5” x 7” frame

· Black Marker

· Background papers or Gelli prints

· Piece of cardboard to fit frame.

· Washi tape

Steps to follow

· First have your materials together with a few pieces of background paper in colors.

· Take the back off your photo frame and use it to cut a piece of cardboard to size so it will fit into the frame.

· Use the cardboard to cut a piece of background paper to size.

· A piece of scotch brite or sandpaper should be able t to rough up the cereal box cardboard. Stick the background paper to the cardboard then flatten out any wrinkles.

· Cut two contrasting background papers into strips and thin triangles. Stick these to the background piece and leave to dry then trim the ends to size.

· Add a strip of Washi tape and write in your inspiring quote with the black marker. Seal with Gel medium or varnish. Leave to dry.



Creating gives a lot of satisfaction. Enjoy.

Are you a last minute gift giver person?

Let’s be honest that sometimes we rush to buy gifts the last moment however simple they could be including a gift card which is apparently the simplest. According to Katja Blum, a gift card is fun and says “I think you deserve a treat, please pick exactly what would make you smile right now”.

If you are looking out for presentation of ideas for holiday gift cards here are some ideas that you can borrow and achieve your goal:

· In the event you only have a day to give the gift, how about making a collage or mixed media painting and using the envelope as part of the background?Alternatively, you can also make your own simple card pocket by gluing a piece of paper, card or fabric to the piece on three sides, leaving the top open.

· If you only have hours, felt ornaments are easy to make and can be decorated with anything.

· If you are really pressed for time with only an hour or less, a simple origami envelope can be folded in minutes. Almost any kind of rectangular paper works for the envelope.

Katja will create something from anything and from ugly or broken things around the house, she will find creative solutions. She advises that you need not to use chunks of money to buy gifts whereas you can make them from the comfort of your home.

Chipboard Confetti from UmWow

Anjuli Johnson began her Mixed Media career as a scrapbooker and over time she has constantly pushed her fears through so as to discover and develop her talents. While different stores sell different art supplies, she has to keep browsing and searching for the same so as to be safe with her bank account. However, sometimes it’s not just easy to resist new things that come along. This is with the discovery of the laser cut chipboard from umWow Studios which she says will work perfectly well with her multiple projects which include Christmas cards, alteration of small wooden boxes, and of course her mixed media canvases and scrapbook layouts. Besides, the UmWow’s chipboard embellishments are perfect for any and all of these projects.

She is excited that she stumbled on umWow Studios and the fact that she is able to get all shapes and sizes of their confetti which was her first order. In addition, they can cut so neatly and still have extremely tiny pieces. All of the edges are finished and it’s rare to find any rough paper on the edge from an unfinished cut.

Art as a career for Anjuli has been an evolutionary process and she is already brainstorming more ways I can use all my new chipboard.She loves all things mixed media- paper, paint, pens, wire, gears, clay and anything else that she can lay her hands on.