Many of the mixed media projects I have created so far have used black gesso and rich colors, however this time, I wanted to create something pastel colored with white gesso.

However, I realized I had run out of white gesso quite some time ago and just kept forgetting to buy new, so the morning I planned to start this project, I ran all the way up to the other side of town to my local scrapbooking and stamping supply store, Simple Pleasures. (If I haven't stressed it before, shopping at your local scrapbook store is so important! Don't get me wrong, I love the ease of shopping online, but supporting your local store gives back to your community.)

After obtaining my white gesso (and a few other items--I couldn't help myself!), I headed home to get started on my mixed media canvas project.

I added layers and layers of art mediums and elements. I even used a few of the new items that I just purchased besides the white gesso, including melange and crackle paint. I started by adding texture to my canvas with a stencil and modeling paste, added color with impasto paints and then added more texture by layering on crackle texture.

After that, I began layering on my decorative elements after giving them a coat or two of white gesso. Then I began adding more color with impasto paints and then a little sparkle with some wax and bling.

Watch my tutorial process video below to see all my steps, including using my fingers to apply the impasto paint. Can I just say how satisfying it is to finger paint? It made me feel like a kid again!

Products Used
Prima: Art Basics - modeling paste, heavy body gel, soft gloss gel; Art Ingredients - slang, art stones; Art Alchemy Impasto - mint, lavender; Art Alchemy Opal Magic Wax - turquoise satin; Art Alchemy Opal Magic Acrylic - violet gold; Peonies & Poppies - 6x6 turkish grunge stencil; Mechanicals - grungy butterflies tin hearts; Vintage Trinkets - silver mix 1; Isabella - nicia, rosalia | Tim Holtz: Idea-ology - quote tokens | Ranger: Texture Paste - opaque crackle | Dina Wakley: Media - white gesso | KaiserCraft: Decorative Die - circle mesh | Bazzill: Cardstock - turquoise mist | Renea Bouquets: Butterflies - precious moments glitter glass butterflies | Recollections: Mixed Media - chipboard frames, butterflies | The Paper Studio: Gemstones - silver AB round | Other: 12x12 canvas, meal filigree elements


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! I just love how this mixed media canvas turned out. The pastel colors, paper flowers and pretty butterflies make for a dreamy combination.

Happy Crafting!
Adrienne