First Mixed Media Project: Thank You Gift Tag

Mixed Media is something new that I discovered among papercrafters. It is a new technique that I would like to explore and learn.

According to Wikipedia, Mixed Media is a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. In other word, mixed media is an art work that made by more than one medium.

But Mixed Media Artwork is not the same with Multimedia Art. For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a “mixed media art, but not multimedia art.

I watched some tutorials on YouTube and I think it is something that I will enjoy creating. In those videos, I found out two of the main supplies are Gesso and Modeling Paste. Honestly, I still do not know yet the different betweet them since I have not yet seen them or used them in any of my projects in the past. Next time I make a trip to a craft store, I will get them just  to make sure I know the different 🙂

But for a start, I found couple tutorial how to make homemade Gesso and Modeling Paste.

My first mixed media project: Thank You Gift Tag. More about it on my blog: http://helengullett.com/?p=7939 | #mixedmedia #stamplorations #artplorations #fabercastell #gelatos #ctmh #cansonwatercolorpaper #watercoloring #stamping #coloring #gifttag #thankyoutag #thanksgiving #handmadE #diy #coffeelovingpapercrafters #coffeelovingcardmakers #homemadegesso #homemademodelingpaste

I tried this tutorial to make the homemade modeling/texture paste that using baby powder and here’s the recipe:

  • 1 1/2 cup Baby powder (it makes the paste smells so good!)
  • 1/2 cup of White acrylic paint / white acrylic gesso (you can also use black or color gesso/paint)
  • 1/4 cup of Mod Podge (matte)

I used baby powder from Target brand and I ended up adding a little bit more acrylic paint to make it softer to mix. It was a bit hard to mix. She suggested to start with the liquid first, then the powder to avoid lump. And store the paste in air-tight container.

And I also followed this tutorial and recipe that using baking soda for my first homemade gesso:

 

  • 1/2 cup of Baking Soda
  • 3 tablespoon White Glue (I used Mod Podge)
  • 2 tablespoon White Paint

I ended up to add a little bit more paint to make more consistency like on the video. I think what make the difference is that the brand of supplies we use. So if you wanna try this, I would suggest to start with the recipe and see if you like the result, if not then you can add more of the ingredient to make it better consistent to meet your need.

My oldest daughter was at home for Thanksgiving break and she helped me with mixing them. We had fun doing it together and messy for sure 😀

The best way to store the oaste is in an air-tight container and according to them, one batch can last for 6-10 months.

My first mixed media project: Thank You Gift Tag. More about it on my blog: http://helengullett.com/?p=7939 | #mixedmedia #stamplorations #artplorations #fabercastell #gelatos #ctmh #cansonwatercolorpaper #watercoloring #stamping #coloring #gifttag #thankyoutag #thanksgiving #handmadE #diy #coffeelovingpapercrafters #coffeelovingcardmakers #homemadegesso #homemademodelingpaste

I did a test right away. So, I cut a tag out of Canson watercolor paper (140 lbs). To create the background, I added some Gelatos on it and blended them with my finger and then using baby wipe I blended them more to give the watercoloring look. I speeded the drying with Craft Heater.

When the background tag dry completely, I added the modeling paste on it using a palete knife over Retro Circles – ARTplorations Stencil. It took a while to dry.

My first mixed media project: Thank You Gift Tag. More about it on my blog: http://helengullett.com/?p=7939 | #mixedmedia #stamplorations #artplorations #fabercastell #gelatos #ctmh #cansonwatercolorpaper #watercoloring #stamping #coloring #gifttag #thankyoutag #thanksgiving #handmadE #diy #coffeelovingpapercrafters #coffeelovingcardmakers #homemadegesso #homemademodelingpaste

I stamped the stacking cups (Sketchy Coffee Cups – STAMPlorations) and sentiment (Literary Caffeine-anations – Big Grind by Becca Cruger, STAMPlorations) when the background completly dry.

My first mixed media project: Thank You Gift Tag. More about it on my blog: http://helengullett.com/?p=7939 | #mixedmedia #stamplorations #artplorations #fabercastell #gelatos #ctmh #cansonwatercolorpaper #watercoloring #stamping #coloring #gifttag #thankyoutag #thanksgiving #handmadE #diy #coffeelovingpapercrafters #coffeelovingcardmakers #homemadegesso #homemademodelingpaste

I colored and added some shadow to the cups using the Mix & Match Stamper’s Big Brushes. I love the finished tag and really enjoy the process of making it.

I still have a lot to learn but this is a fun technique, making pretty mess for sure.

This tag I link up at:

Thank You for visiting and have a FABULOUS THANKSGIVING EVE!

Your comment made my day! Thank you so much for your kindness. Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

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23 thoughts on “First Mixed Media Project: Thank You Gift Tag

  1. Ooooo! I really like the idea of making homemade texture paste. It seems like it turned out really well! And congratulations on your very first mixed media project!! I can promise you that it’s so addicting!! As for the gesso vs texture paste, I have a tutorial on my blog about the difference between the two, if you’d like me to send you a link, let me know!

  2. Oh, Helen, this is beautiful, and what a clever way to make your own modeling paste. That’s wonderful that it should last that long if sealed probably! What a beautiful tag with the colors, and I really love the theme with “my cup runneth over” and the teacups. I think your first try is amazing! And I look forward to seeing more! Hugs, sweet friend, and I hope you have a lovely weekend!

  3. Sweet Thanksgiving Tag! Lovely mixed media circles and colors! Thanks for playing along with us in the “Thanks” Challenge at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!

  4. A fabulous first attempt at mixed media Helen…love your tag. Thanks for sharing with us at STAMPlorations Mixed Media challenge this month, hope we see you again soon. Carol DT x

  5. Cute tag with great texture! Can’t believe it’s your first mixed media project. Please note we ask that you add our challenge graphic to your blog post when linking up to our challenge. Thanks for joining us at The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge.