My Butterfly (Mi Mariposa) Mask

I finished another Day of the Dead mask yesterday!  I was inspired by the Mariposa Skeletons so I gave this one a butterfly mask.

I drew the butterfly freehand and then painted it in with Golden Fluid Acrylics.

I layered my colors until I was happy with all of the shading and highlights then added all of the white dots.  I think they're what really bring the butterfly to life.

Originally I thought that I was going to use magenta as my accent color but then I changed my mind.  So that's why there is a single magenta flourish.   The rose I used is by Stampendous.

I added my signature flourishes all around.  I felt like I hadn't flourished in a while, lol.

I punch holes on the sides then install a grommet to add the satin ribbon for hanging.

And there you have it, Mi Marisposa (My Butterfly)!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a FABULOUS holiday weekend!!!

Skeleton Mariposa (Butterfly)

I'm so glad you guys liked my Dia De Los Muertos mask!!  I'm getting reading for the fall/Halloween/Day of the Dead season so I'll be sharing lots more.  I'm also joining the SoFlo Market again so I have lots of creating to do.  My first show will be on Sept. 14th so if you're in the area, you should totally come out!  There are many talent artist, yummy food trucks, a farmer's market and live music for your enjoyment.

Today I have some very cool flying skeletons to share.  Aren't these guys great?!  I'm adding them to my Etsy shop today so keep an eye out for them.  If you're local, I've already added some to my shop over in Homestead Handcrafts on Blanco Rd.

These little guys are meant to be hung.  I've added some sheer ribbon to make hanging a little easier.

Here is a look at the back side.  Their wing span is 6 1/2" and they are 8 1/2" from head to toe.

The arms and legs can be (carefully) adjusted.

This little guy is a musician ;D  I wish I could take credit for these cuties but I cannot.  These are authentic Mexican pieces made in Mexico.  I am however working on more skull masks, calaveras and treat boxes that I hope to share very soon.

Thanks for stopping by my little piece of blogland!  Have a wonderful day!!

First Dia De Los Muertos skull of the season!!

Hi everyone!!  I just finished my very first skull of the season and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.   So I'm very excited to share it with and see what you think:

This is a paper mache mask that measures 8 x 5 1/2".  

I started out with this retired Paper Wings Productions heart stamp then added the beautiful wings.  The wings have been in my stash for a very long time so I don't remember who they're from, sorry.  The winged heart set the tone for the rest of the skull and my color choices.

I added the flowers around the eyes, the nose and mouth freehand.  All of the paints I used are Liquitex soft body acrylics.

The rest of the flowers are from Paper Wings Productions' Flower Power stamp set.  As I mentioned the other day, this stamp set has quickly become one of my favorites.

I used distress markers for shading and a Uniball Signo pen to outline the images.  I also added Stickles to the wings for a little sparkle.

One down, a gazillion to go, lol!  Let me know what you think!!  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL INSPIRED DAY!!!

Picture Perfect Layout

Hello, hello!  Today is a HUGE day in our household because our youngest starts middle school.  Wow, I just can't get over how fast time flies.  I hope he has a great day and a wonderful middle school experience.

I also have a Bella update!  Our sweet four legged baby came home yesterday!!!!!  She is still on loads on medications and needs to go back for a follow up in two week but I'm just soooo happy to have her home.  She's definitely not a 100% but she's alive and she's here so that's good enough for me.



Thanks again for all of your well wishes and prayers :D

With so much going on this summer, I really didn't make it into the studio to create too often but I did make this layout last weekend.  I used the beautiful vintage themed Paper Wings Productions Nesting Components kit along with PWP leaf stamps, K&Company stickers and flowers from my stash.

Did you know that PWP has a huge assortment of Fall and holiday themed stamps?!  Well they do!!  I used their Leaf Cling Stamp set on this layout.  Do you see the big cream colored flower?  That was a weekend flea market find :D

With the Aug PWP Nesting Components kit, you get to choose between the circles and damask background stamps.  So I used the circles stamp with some copper embossing powder on this layout.

This is me and my sweet little grand baby last fall.  Well friends, thanks so much for stopping by today and be sure to stop by the PWP blog for more Aug Nesting Components kit inspiration!!

Have a Beautiful Day!!!

My Polka Dotted Bliss: Saturday Spaces Feature

Happy Saturday everyone!  I'm excited to have my creative space featured on My Polka Dotted Bliss, Saturday Spaces today.  I'd love for you stop by and see my space!  Here is just one of the pics that I share on Kimberly's blog:

To take the complete tour click HERE!

Now for an update on my sweet Bella.  I'm extremely happy to report that she has made a HUGE turn around in the last couple of days and should be coming home very soon.  She didn't need surgery after all.  The MRI revealed that she is suffering from meningitis.   She is being treated and we are waiting to see if she is going to pull through without further treatment.  She may end up needing medications for an extended period of time or indefinitely.  I'm just happy to see her walking again because I really thought we were going to loose her.  Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers!  I believe they made a difference :D

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Molding Paste Debossing Technique

Thank you all for the loving support and well wishes for my sweet Bella.  She was admitted into the pet hospital yesterday.  The medications that the vet she saw last week were doing more harm than good.  Her stomach and bladder are being cleared and that part of her should recover.  However, we still don't know what is causing her back pain.  She is scheduled for an MRI and possibly back surgery depending on the MRI results.  Please keep her prayers for successful treatment and a speedy recovery.

On a brighter note, I'm sharing a new video tutorial on how to deboss with molding paste to create a beautiful textured effect.  Here is a sneak peek at the finished project:

Here is the link to see my post and tutorial on the Paper Wings Productions blog:  CLICK HERE.  I hope you stop by and take a look.

Thank you for stopping by & have a beautiful day!

Frida - Art Journal

Hello creative peeps!!  I hope you all are having a wonderful summer and enjoying these last few days before school starts.  Things have been buzzing around here just not in my studio.  No, I've been out enjoying my family and friends but this weekend I wasn't able to join my guys on a beach adventure.  I had to stay back and care for my sweet Bella.  She is having major health issues right now.  So if you don't mind adding my four legged baby to your prayers, it would be greatly appreciated.  Since I was home alone, I had the chance to get creative.  

Whenever I go through a dry creative spell, I like getting back into the swing of things by playing in my art journal.  So that is exactly what I did.  This page already had a few base colors on it for me to work with and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to use some of my new stamps.

The virgin and heart stamps are retired Paper Wings stamps from when Carrie owned Stamp Antonio.  She usually pulls them out for shows but if you'd like one, you could try emailing her.

I picked up this beautiful Frida stamp at the Heirloom Productions Rubber Stamps and Paper Arts Grapevine show.  It's made by Lost Coast Designs and has a quote on it but I decided not to use it.  I colored her in with Prismacolor pencils.  The wings, feather crown and bird are all rubons from my stash.  My sentiment is from the new Paper Wings Productions Brave Girls stamp set and can also be purchased in the smaller With Wings stamp set.  I really love all of the sentiments on the Brave Girls stamp, you should check it out!

I also used the Paper Wings Productions Flower Power set, this one is one of my new favorites.  I've been using it a lot :D  I added the stars with a Heidi Swapp stencil, Dylusions and white gel pen.

I thought it would be fun to give Frida a new pair of legs so I found these in a magazine.  I think she looks pretty cool in her Converse, don't you?!  The roses behind her head are from a magazine too.  I hope you like my modern twist on Frida!!  

Thanks so much for stopping by & Have a Beautiful Day!!

Creative Playtime!

Happy Hump Day Creative Peeps!!  Today I'm sharing this sweet art journal page over on the PWP Blog:

 

 

I hope you'll stop by and check it out!  Have a Wonderful Day!!!

 

Aug PWP DT Blog Hop

WELCOME to the “Vintage” Paper Wing Production's Design Team Blog Hop & Giveaway!  If you've arrived here from Irit's Blog, then you're in the right place.  If you’re just stopping by for a visit, please CLICK HERE to start from the beginning.

This month we’re sharing beautiful vintage themed projects and some of our new designers are making their PWP debut.  So get comfortable and prepare to be inspired!!  This month’s main prize is a gift certificate to the New Paper Wings Production’s online store.  

For a chance to win all you need to do is:

• be a follower of the Paper Wings Productions blog
• visit each of the participating designer's blogs and leave a comment
• come back and leave us a comment telling us you completed the hop.

To increase your chances of winning: like our Facebook page and/or invite your friends to the hop.  Be sure to leave a separate comment for each of your additional entries. 

.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Aug 6^th, 2013 on the Paper Wings Productions blog.

This month I decided to alter a composition notebook and instead of telling you how I made it, I'm gonna show you.  Watch the video to watch me work and to take a closer look at this altered journal, both inside and out!  

Here's a complete list of the supplies I used.  Feel free to email me with any questions at artist.normagomez@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook.

Supplies
PWP August Nesting Components kit
PWP Stamps Sets: Backgrounds, Sparkle, Indian Paintbrush & Writing Backgrounds
Composition Notebook
Xyron
Faber - Castell Gesso & Gelatos
Golden Molding Paste & Gel Matte Medium
Stazon
Modge Podge
Distress Ink
Colorbox Ink

I hope you enjoyed my project and the video!!  Make sure to head on over to Shay's Blog next!!

***Here is the complete line up just in case you get lost along the way***

Carrie Avery - www.carrieavery.com

Cathi O’Neill - www.celticknotted.blogspot.com

Dana Tatar - http://www.datatar.blogspot.com

Irit Shalom - http://iritshalom.blogspot.com

Norma Gomez - http://lilhoneybeestudios.blogspot.com

Shay - www.verdigrishall.blogspot.com

  

Paper Wings Productions Blog,The Aviary­ - http://paper-wings-productions.blogspot.com/

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY!

&

Let Your Creativity Take Flight!

Blog Candy Winner - Zeus and Zoe Bloom Blog Hop!!

Happy Friday,  thanks so much for joining us in the Zeus and Zoe Bloom Hop!  So without further ado, the winner of this blog candy is:

Violent Kitty

Please email me at: artist.normagomez@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook to claim you prize.

Don't forget, each one of the participating designers were giving away prizes.  If you didn't win here, you might still be a winner, check out the Zeus and Zoe Blog for the full list of winners!

Berry71Bleu August Challenge - Get Creative With Textiles!!

Hello Everyone, I'm very excited to be hosting my very first Berry71Bleu Challenge!  So let's get this party started:  Welcome to the August Challenge!! 

This month's challenge is all about TEXTILES.  I absolutely love adding texture to all my projects and using fabrics is one of the easiest ways to do it.   I frequently mix remnants of fabric in between layers of paper, paints and inks because they instantly add depth to any project.  **So I want to challenge you to get creative with your projects by adding textiles.  You can use any kind of fabric, twine, lace or ribbons.**  Think about using a piece of a favorite blanket or a piece of clothing that has seen better days but you just haven't been able to part with or dig into your fabric/twine/ribbon stash.  You could make flowers, a fabric album or mini book, layer it into a layout, card or make a tag.  Just grab some TEXTILES, set your creativity free, create something that makes you happy, then come back and share it with us!!  Make sure you link up by the end of the month for your chance to win prizes from this month's generous sponsors.

For my project, I mixed in strips of canvas, lace, cheese cloth and several other fabric remnants.  So for this layout, I started out with Inkido's Green Memories paper from their Beautiful Memories collection.   

To add a personal touch to the paper, I used Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos, gesso and the Mix & Match Gelatos Tool Set.   I created a creamy paint to stencil with by mixing the Gelatos with gesso using the palette knife included in the kit.  Stenciling the color was very easy to do with the stipple brush included in the Mix & Match Gelatos tool set.  Then for a touch of whimsy, I simply doodled around the flowers with a white and black gel pen. 

To create the backdrop for this photo of my beautiful daughter in law, I created a patchwork effect by adhering strips of canvas to a sheet of cardstock mixed with pieces of Inkido's 6x6 Spring Time No. 1 paper.  Then I layered in cheese cloth and several remnants of fabric from my stash.

 

To accent, I added beautiful Scrapiniec Die-cut chipboard pieces.  I colored the Retro Rectangle Frame with the Banana Gelato, stamped it with a script stamp and then embossed the frame with clear embossing powder.  I also used the Primavera stem and Primavera Elephant Ears chipboard pieces.  To color them in, I used a combination of the new Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Paper Crafter Crayons and Gelatos and then sealed them with clear embossing powder.

I finished out my layout by adding a mixture of beautiful flowers.

I hope I've inspired to create with us this month!!  Here's a look at the wonderful prizes from this month's main sponsor Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft!

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft

Blog:  http://designmemorycraft.typepad.com/design-memory-craft/

Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft is a leading manufacturer specializing in high quality art supplies including pens, color pencils and watercolor pencils for art, crafts, scrapbooking and papercrafting.

Working with the MIX & MATCH products from Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft makes designing with COLOR simple. Simply choose a color set that inspires you, choose a medium and Mix & Match as you create. The color coordinated palettes give you the freedom to design your project knowing the colors will work beautifully together. Perfect for all your design, memory and craft projects!

Sign up for the Faber-Castell Newsletter to be the first to know about new products, giveaways and events!

Main Prize!!

Random Prize!!

A special thanks to Scrapiniec Die-Cut Chipboard for sponsoring the Berry71Bleu Design Team, who will be sharing projects with their chipboard for the next several months.

Scrapiniec Die-Cut Chipboard

Blog: http://scrapiniec-inspiracje.blogspot.com/

Scrapiniec is the first Polish manufacturer of laser die-cut chipboard products for use in scrapbooking. They satisfy even the most unusual individual orders and are characterized by reliability, high quality and friendly customer service.

Papercraft Scandinavia is a manufacturer that design and make unique material for scrapbooking, cardmaking and other craftings.

We design stamps, patterned paper, lace, flowers and much more in romantic vintage style. Our products are of high standard, inspiring and amazing to create with. 

Welcome to us!

http://www.papercraftscandinavia.com/

http://www.inkido.blogspot.com/

Our design team members each received Inkido's collection Beautiful Memories to design with.

Please read the Challenge Rules before linking up your project as they have recently changed!

Thanks for joining me today, I look forward to seeing all of your AMAZING creations!!

LINK UP HERE!!!