Ronda Palazzari Designs

Distress Inks Tutorial + Captured Layout

I absolutely adore this photo i snapped at my neice's wedding.  It's of my sister Sandra and sweet nephew Jacob.  Taking in the deep south, hence the spanish moss on all the oaks.  I love all the love this photo captures.  I knew i had to document this special moment. On this photo i used my "This Life" photo overlays that you can purchase in my downloadable shop. 

The background of the layout uses lots of distress inks.  I love the colors against this photo.  it warms up the photo.  I used lots of Tim Hotlz Ideaology on the layout, layering the pieces together.  The metal pieces on the side are made with a texture trade from Tim Holtz/Sizzix on metal tape.  I also used a die cut to make the patterned paper tag.  I stamped the words alongside the patterned paper next to the photo along with the numbers at the bottom.  The key is a vintage find that i just love.  Below is a video detailing how i created the background.

InLinkz.com

Create Daily: Complementary Colors

Out of all the design elements, color seems to be one that people tend to struggle with when creating.  A while ago i suggested to go monochromatic.  it can produce some amazing results.  Today i am challenging you to go Complementary.  Complementary colors are ones that sit directly across from each other on the color wheel, like the ones above.  They create dynamic pieces when the warm & cool colors are paired together.

This piece places Red & Green together for a piece that pops.  The yellow-green on the background creates a dramatic back drop for the red flowers.  The green stems just add to the piece.  I used acrylics to create this small art.

I know i cannot resist pears.  love how this delectable yellow pear is contrasted against the violets.  This art piece uses two complementary pairs.  I mixed in some stamps & splatters among the neocolorii crayons and acrylic paints. 

I really like how this piece came together.  I was going to do blue background, orange birdie but decided to flip it.  i am so very happy i did.  This little cutie is a watercolor creation along with a waterproof pen.  He makes me so happy.  I definitely dig the contrast. 

So which complementary color combo are you going to try today?

Have you created something this week?  Anything goes...doodle, scrapbook page, art journal, card...just something creative.  Share a link at the bottom of this post with the inLinkz button.  Just leave a link to a specific blog post or image on flickr, rather than a general url. This way we can see your stellar creation.

 

 

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Be Still or Take Flight

A while ago i started working on this small art piece (6" x 6").  It all begin with an idea of limiting myself to small art pieces trying to complete one a week.  Well that didn't turn out as i hadn't touched this piece for about a month.  With online classes, in person lessons, assignments, CHA stuff, i kind of threw my personal art out the window (figuratively).  I am grateful for all the work, please don't get me wrong, but I have felt off.  I knew what it was.  i needed to just sit down and take time for me.  It's a lesson i am forever learning.  i finally sat down and picked up the bird and my paintbrushes.  it felt good to close everything else out and just breathe again. 

i worked on completing his final layers since he was mostly complete.  i had a blue solid-ish background on there but decided he needed a little warmth.  i really like how the yellow looks surrounding him.  the bits of paper come from an old street map book.  i need to find another one of those since i have burned through the pages already.  little and bigger splatters here and there with some drips of white. I titled this piece "Be Still."

But he kept speaking to me so i decided to add in some words, my words.  as he sat on the branch looking out i could feel his thoughts. i used my waterproof pen to write out those thoughts feeling "Take Flight" was complete.  and i'm breathing again.  i also decided to block time on my schedule just for me.  it's the only way i will take time for me is to pencil pen me in. 

So which one speaks to you, "Be Still" or "Take Flight?"

Art Journaling Basics Class

Art Journal Basics. Scrap2it. May 11th at 10am. 

Have you ever wanted to try Art Journaling but you've been afraid to take that first step?  Let me help you leap into this fun mixed media journey that expresses your emotions through art & words.  Come join my in-person class at Scrap2it in Ft. Collins on May 11th at 10 am.  We will work until 1 pm and take a short lunch break (on your own).  We will dive right back into binding it all together, creating your own unique art journal.  Once it's bound we will start adding to the pages and talk about how to add layers, journal, and carving out time to nurture your journal. 

Students should bring:

• Brayer
• Bone Folder (or strong scoring tool)
• Paper Piercer
• Paint Brushes (i recommend at least 1 small round, 1 medium round, 1 large flat)
• Adhesives (regular & strong fast drying liquid)
• Matte Medium (in gel or fluid)
• Gesso
• Acrylic paints in your favorite colors
• Some of your Favorite Stamps
• Waterproof Black ink Pad (I highly recommend Archival ink by Ranger)
• Waterproof Black Pen (or Markers)
• Any other mediums you want to use
• Scissors
• Apron (Optional)
• Craft Mat (Optional)

I hope you'll join me for Art Journaling Basics.  Here's a video look at what we will be doing in class:

Seating is limited so make sure you reserve your spot today by calling Ranea & Scrap 2 It at 970.797.2174

 

 

Fabric Tape Cabbage Rose Video

Have you tried to make cabbage roses yet?  I love making them with fabric scraps and dabs of glue.  I was playing around with the Maya Road Fabric Tape and thought, hmmm i bet i could make some out of this gorgeous tape.  Why yes, yes i can!  I am addicted to them because they are so simple and easy to make.  In fact, i made a video for Maya Road showing you just how simple.  Check it out here:

and here is a look at some of the other colors of Fabric tape done up as cabbage roses. 

Thank you to all who entered the Art of Layers giveaway.  I was especially touched by those who already had a copy but were just being thoughtful enough to leave a note saying how much you love it or how you want one for your friend.  That brought tears of happiness to my eyes.  I used a random generator to pick a number because i would give all of you ones if i could so i let the machine decide. 

and the winner is #42

Cindy said...

Hello Ronda,
I absolutely love the typecase display (my favorite piece is the plate with the "Dare to be remarkable" quote! Plus Umbrella Man (love him).
To answer your question, I am addicted to stencils at the moment. They're just so versitle - LOVE THEM!!
Congratulations on the book, it's awesome and I'd love to have an autographed copy.

Cindy can you please email me your address to: [email protected] and i will send out your autograph copy of Art of Layers.