Friday, August 10, 2012

An ABC Primer Project & Free Paper Pad from Graphic 45

I bought this wooden wall hanging a few months back at one of my favorite stomping grounds. It just had the small hooks at the top, so I added the hanger section.

The hanger is something I've hoarded for years....and today it was there when I needed just a "little bit more" for the top.

The papers have been sitting here for quite some time as well, they are in my favorite color combination....Red, Black, and Tan.

So here's a bit of a step-out to get you inspired....no stamps...no pen dots...just paper, glue, markers, paint, and some Distress Inks.


The papers are from the 8x8 paper pad An ABC Primer from Graphic 45.



I wanted the background to look like a chalk board..so 2 colors of paint were used and a bit of Golden Acrylic Glaze to thin them down.

Then the edges were sanded to distress.

Just the beginning of layers and layers of papers and inks.


This is the top piece with the rings taken out.

Choose your papers, cut, and lay them out. I chose to use 3 different papers here with the rulers and alphabets to frame 2 sides.



I used 6 Mini Canvases from Blick's as the center's bases.

The fact that they're raised doesn't show much in the rest of the pictures.

A glaze of Titan Buff and Burnt Umber toned down the stark white to make them more vintage looking.



Tea Dye Distress Ink always makes the colors richer....in my humble opinion.

These are the backs of the 3 hanging elements.



This boy is my favorite...his coloring is wonderful.


Three fussy-cut pieces layered onto the canvas.

I add shadows and touches of color here and there with markers.




The stack of books needed more height for the boy blowing bubbles...luckily I found another smaller stack in the the papers to add to the top.

Other elements are raised with chipboard.

Love the rulers contrasting with the red plaid paper.



This is one naughty little girl...the one spanking the other one!!!

The Alphabet is cut and trimmed to form a frame just the right size for the mini canvas.




When using canvases you must remember..they are NOT perfectly square! So just LIVE with it.

More CB to add height and another alphabet to make a frame.

I  needed another element and could not resist the blue butterfly from the Bird Song Collection.


2 more elements...raised with CB for dimension.



This sassy little gal is too cute.

Yeah, those are my initials....I am an Aries. They apparently like to sign stuff...I'm told...



And this shows you the metal hanger with the G45 Metal Tag covered with paper and the Nursery Rhymes sign glued onto it.

I needed a "more red" paper for the sign, and just added 2 colors of Distress Ink to make it what I wanted. That's the beauty of DI...you can make paper any color you want!



This shows a different angle of the dimension on the piece.


The rings were initially silver. I used Alcohol Ink Pitch Black and Metallic Mixative Silver to make it look similar to the hanger.

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think....I'll be adding a few more G45 projects in the next few weeks....stop back.

Now, I've got a duplicate of.... "A Ladies' Diary" 8x8 paper pad.


Leave me a comment, we'll draw and you can have this great set of papers.

If you have trouble leaving a comment...as I've heard people are...just click on email link and leave me a comment there to qualify.  Sorry for the trouble.

hummmmmmm...so many papers....so little time!

Linda

34 comments:

Gio said...

Your piece is gorgeous, a feast for eyes!

And I need that paperpad!! Need need need :-)

Belinda Basson said...

Funny how you say you had that hanger for years...well I have a wooden set just like this one that I have hoarded for years too...and just recently acquired some mini canvases as well...thanks for the inspiration. You know what I am off to do now, don't you?

anna christensen crafts said...

This is just gorgeous, a delightful feast for the eyes and I love your colour scheme so much. I am an Aries too, just did my first canvas for a challenge and blogged I was so happy with it that I signed it! So your comment about Aries rang very true with me. I would really love a chance to win your pad! xx

Nathalie Noreau said...

i love this project! seeing yours inpires me to start making my own. Thank you for sharing this beautiful creation with us, and for the opportunity to win your paper pad :)

sue said...

Linda I work in a elementary school, my office is decorated in the Graphic 45 Primer. This wall hanging would look great on my wall. You have out done yourself.

Margie Higuchi said...

Hi, Linda! Just had to pop in to see this wonderful project close up! LOL!! Thank you for sharing this with us = LOVE!! Have a great weekend <3

Nancy said...

Oh, Linda ... this is outstandingly wonderful!!! This is my all-time fav G45 paper pad - hmm, I actually have an unfinished project with it - yikes! (lol)

SusanK said...

I think you had way too much fun creating this primer piece! Just gorgeous...can I come play in your room with you????

Gloria said...

I have been a follower for quite a while now, and I am continually amazed with your ability to think up and create such glorious art! Thank you for sharing and inspiring all of us. And thanks, also for the chance to win a Ladies Diary paper pad. That is my favorite Graphic 45 line. :)

Lori said...

Wonderful project Linda! Love the hanging...Looks like a wonderful paper pad!

Anonymous said...

Hi
Adore what you created. This would look so special in a nursery or even a study. I like the use of the wire hanging.
Thank you for the opportunity to win the paper pad, that is so generous of you.
Wishes
Lynne

2amscrapper said...

This is my kind of project. I love G-45 papers and don't think they need a lot to show them off --just the loving attention to detail and layering techniques that you do brilliantly. Fabulous project. I like what u did with the hanger. A gal can never have too much G-45 so please include me in the drawing.

Karenliz Henderson said...

What a beautiful piece! I love G5's papers. Isn't it amazing when we go through our hoards and find the perfect piece we need for a project!

Cathy Osborne said...

Oh my your work is so inspiring. Primer is one of my most favorite themes. I made a mini-album for my niece who is a first year teacher. Now I want to make a wall hanging too. I am in awe of your creativity! Thanks for sharing.

Konnie with a K said...

So creative! Graphic 45 has awesome paper lines. This is one of my favorites because I remember my childhood books had the same kids in them. Am I telling my age! Thanks for sharing.

Jen Crossley said...

Sensational Linda you have really out done yourself girl.Im in love with this piece of art you have created.

Art By Wanda said...

Wonderful project, Linda!!! You are so good at layering papers, etc!!! Excellante!!!!

MaRyKaY said...

too stinking cute indeed. what a perfect time of year for a piece of art like this. what a wonderful art wall hanging. great layers and beautiful papers.
I just love that hanger you used

Tracey-B said...

What a fantastic project! Brilliant piece of wall art, you always inspire.

krcmasterpiece said...

Love what you did with this! I love altering things. G45 is perfect to use. Adding the canvas is genius!
I agree-a little distress ink never hurts anything! LOL

snazzyoriginal said...

Love, love, love this! Great idea with the book ring links, great colours too xx

Michael said...

That is a perfect project for this time of the year! I bet any teacher would give you an "A+" for this beautiful work of art! Thanks for the chance to win the paper pad!

KarenMC said...

Hi Linda. I just recently found your blog and really like your work. Also recently discovered Graphic 45 papers and stamps. I love the children on these papers. It reminds me of story books when I was a kid a hundred years ago.

Marijane said...

What a darling wall hanging and you took it "over-the-top" with your use of Graphics 45 papers! As a past elementary teacher, the ABC Primer is one of my favorites. I've used it in several projects and have hoarded quite a bit in case it's discontinued. It lends itself perfectly to small books and projects, as you've so creatively shown!

Lynn Stevens said...

What you do with paper and some wood is Amazing!!! Fabulous project Linda. That hanger is just the perfect finishing touch!
hugs Lynn

Debby said...

This is pretty amazing! Just wish I had more creative time!!

Chris said...

Amazing project with my favorite paper line. I love All things Graphic 45 and what you do with them is outstanding. Thanks for the chance to win

marci said...

Thank you for sharing the project today - I love it! Your ideas are so inspiring - I really enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for the giveaway!

shari said...

What a great project, I love the hanger idea. This line of G45 paper reminds me so much of my childhood, love it! Shari (cricutrookie)
cricutrookie at aol dot com

angelic said...

I love the hanger project and your art work. Thanks for the giveaway.

Neet said...

Love those papers you have used and what a terrific way to display them. A real work of art anyone would be proud to Thanks for sharing - and the tute.
Hugs, Neet x

Kelly Booth said...

Such a Creative Project Linda...Love this so Much!! xo

Julie S said...

I came over to peek at your Let's Go Fly a Kite entry, but stopped dead in my cyber tracks when I saw this. It's amazing! Nicely done.

krcmasterpiece said...

I would love to win this gorgeous paper! Your hanging is fabulous!