Ronda Palazzari Designs

Abstract Leaves, Dots & Dashes, and Well Rounded

I had a blast at CHA debuting all my stencils at the Crafter's Workshop booth.  I will continue to share my summer stencil release here on the blog so you can see all 19 in detail.  They are hitting the stores soon and i know BLUEMOON scrapbooking has them in NOW.  Scott, the owner, ships really quickly and calls you when your order is ready.  How's that for incredible customer care?  They do have most of my previously released stencils in stock.  i have been working hard to bring you creative inspiration.  So far you have seen:

• Fancy Feathers & Giraffe Print
• Climbing Vine & Moroccan Tiles
• Mix Tape, And So On, & Squiggles
• Sweet Home, Raindrops, and Switchback

Today i am sharing Abstract Leaves (TCW 395), Dots & Dashes (TCW 397), and Well Rounded (TCW 384) but you can see all my new stencil releases at The Crafter's Workshop, from And So On to Mix Tape. 

Abstract leaves are fun patterns in various shapes & sizes found all in one stencil.  The leaves average 3" to 3.5" inches tall on the 12x12 stencil and 1.25" - 1.75" tall on the 6x6 stencil.  Use them all or repeat one shape for a fun pattern. 

Here are both sizes on tags using black paint over a Ranger colorwash background. 

This layout (literally ;), uses both the 12x12 stencil and 6x6 stencil.  I colored the background using watercolors and then layered the larger leaves using white paint the smaller leaves using black paint. 

Dots & Dashes is one of those fun background patterns that can be used on almost any project.  Cover the whole creations or use it in bits and pieces, either way this is one of these stencils that you will find yourself pulling out over and over again. 

I completely adore both sizes of this patterned.  On the left is paint & modeling paste over a distress paint background.  On the right is Wendy Vecchi's clear embossing paste (Oh my goodness, it is AWESOME) with some distress stains.

My Travel Buddy Layout uses both sizes.  The big blue piece off to the left is a gelatin print using my Gelli Arts printing plate. I love the monochromatic print.  the smaller tags were made with distress inks.  I then layered my previous stencils (Subway & Urban Landscape) over the top. 

Well Rounded, oh how i love you.  This stencil is similar to Confetti because it allows you control over those inky splats, rings, and cool grungy shapes.  You get to decided where they land on your projects.  This stencil looks great with all kinds of mediums too!

Both sizes are so much fun!  On these tags i used acrylic paint and modeling paste to create layers of texture using one stencil. 

Even though these images have a grungy feel, it looks great on softer projects too like this "Virtual" layout using a soft palette.  I adore the way it adds those cool touches to my layouts. 

create daily: UNFINISHED

Just because you create daily or even semi-weekly, doesn't mean you have to complete the entire project.  i think sometimes we consume ourselves with being finished that we don't enjoy the process.  i am of the belief that we should lose ourselves completely in the journey.  i am not saying we shouldn't be proud of the end project.  Of course we should derive some satisfaction from a job well done.  But the focus on finishing shouldn't consume us so that we don't find utter happiness in each step. 

So here i am today telling you it's totally okay to have some unfinished projects that you will complete...someday.  i have lots of art journal pages and other pieces in progress.  i do come back to them from time to time, helping them evolve here and there.

The above page started off with excess strips of book pages and gesso.  i left it for a while and then came back to it when i had little bits of fabric leftover and some tissue paper.  Days later i carved a new stamp and tried it out on this page.  You can see it's a slow progression.  i am not sure if it is done or not but i am loving the journey. 

Most of my art journal pages don't start from beginning to end in one setting.  It's that slow build and i will flip to pages in my book to see which one is calling for completion that day.  This page is a result of leftover paint that i just cannot waste.  who knows when i will complete it or what direction it will go.  it makes me excited to just look at it. 

i tend to gesso up pages when i have my jar open, so as i am working on other projects i will lay open my journal and add gesso in random swipes across the page.  the blue on this page is over spray from the right page.  it totally works for me.  i am not sure where the pinky/purple color comes from.  The image was created by cleaning off my stencil by smooshing it onto the page. 

this page is one of those ones that started off with a stencil & gesso.  Then i layered on some paint and totally did not like the direction it was heading.  here are some thoughts that rattled around my head while creating.

"whoa color overload"

"insert white paint.  phew, that looks better."

"maybe a pop of color, red is always good."

"whooaaaa, too much red.  this page just needs to sit"

"hey i like these painty circles on this tissue paper, maybe it will tone down the red."

One day i will finish this piece or maybe i will look at it and feel like it's done.  Right now it's in the unfinished category. You get the idea.  Projects don't have be finished all in one setting.  I think too much pressure kills creativity.  The idea of "just get it done" diminishes the idea of "i love to create." 

Have you created something this week?  Anything goes...an art journal page, doodle, scrapbook page, 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.

Collective 5: Summer Trends

i'm still working on my blog updating the graphics, categories, and content.  i really love the direction it is heading, reflecting really who i am.  Back in 2010 i ran a feature called 5 favs that i adored.  i sprinkled it through my blog & posts over the years but wanted to make it into something a little more.  I finally honed into this revamped blog feature called Collective 5.  This random blog feature will be still be sprinkled here & there and will range in a wide variety of topics.  I want to kick of this revamp with a few "CHA" Collective 5 posts this week. Today's topic is TRENDS at the Create-n-Connect CHA summer trade show. 

Cassette tapes are an emerging trend.  i predict we are going to see more and more of these show up in all kinds of designs. 

TCW - Ronda Palazzari Design Mix Tape Stencils

Webster's Pages/Allison Kreft - Recorded

Maya Road - Mix Tape Stamps

Simple Stories - SNAP Him

Navy seems to be appearing in lots of lines this show.  i like how it's balanced with other colors from olives, oranges, and yellows. 

Fancy Pants Designs - Collecting Moments

Glitz Designs - Wild & Free

Glitz Design - Dapper Dan

Basic Grey - Persimmons

Crate Paper/Maggie Holmes - Flea Market

Cameras & Frames have been hot for a while but it's a trend i don't see going away.  They are showing up in everything from patterned papers to various embellishments. 

Maya Road - Metal Cameras, Metal Paper Clip Cameras, Wood Cameras, Transparent Cameras, & Kraft Cameras

October Afternoon - Snapshots

Pink Paislee - Color Wash Frames

Bella Blvd - Snapshots

Elle's Studio - Penelope

Feathers are abundant this summer tradeshow.  They appeared in the winter tradeshow and have multiplied since then.  i personally am loving the feather trend.

The Crafter's Workshop/Ronda Palazzari Designs - Fancy Feathers

Maya Road - Metal Feathers

October Afternoon - Girl Talk

Basic Grey - Persimmons

Glitz Designs Wild & Free

Glitz Designs - Finnley Roller Stamp

Chalkboards are showing up everywhere.  It's definitely a design trend that has flowed into the summer trade show. 

My Mind's Eye Rhonna Farrer - Chalk Studio

Teresa Collins - Memorable

Simple Stories - Snap Everyday

Simple Stories - December Documented

My Mind's Eye - Cut & Paste

More thoughts on Create-n-Connect CHA summer trade show coming up.  Are there any trends you're noticing?

Sweet Home, Raindrops, and Switchback

I am at CHA debuting all my stencils along with having fun doing make & takes at the Crafter's Workshop booth.  I will continue to share my summer stencil release here on the blog so you can see all 19 in detail.  i have been working hard to bring you creative inspiration.  So far you have seen:

• Fancy Feathers & Giraffe Print
• Climbing Vine & Moroccan Tiles
• Mix Tape, And So On, & Squiggles

Today i am sharing three more with you, Sweet Home (TCW #386), Raindrops (TCW #400), and Switchback (TCW #399). 

Sweet Home is reminescent of Urban Landscape but pays homage to our dwellings, for home is where love dwells.  You can use the shadow or line drawing by themselves or combine them for a stellar look.

These samples of the 12x12 and 6x6 sizes are courtesy of Alexi who wanted to play around with my new stencils.  She broke them in before i could even get to them using them in her art journal. 

Can i tell you how much i enjoyed making this layout?  I love those bright cheerful houses all stacked up to tell the story of how my home is with Andrew, wherever he may be. 

Raindrops has a variety of sizes scattered across the page giving a great random feel.  I love all the sizes, both fat, skinny, and small.  The 12x12 looks great combined with 6x6 size.

Alexi did these samples as well playing around with colorful backgrounds and raindrops.  I like seeing her style emerge with my stencils.

On this layout, i first embossed the raindrops using clear UTEE and then painted the layout using spray inks and watercolors.  I love the way the drops pop up against the color. 

Switchback is a great background stencil that reminds me of our mountain roads in Colorado.  I love the way this background can be broken down in columns, rows, and squares. 

I really love this background stamp.  Alexi had fun with these two using spray inks on the 12x12 and distress inks on the 6x6 stencil. 

I used the 12x12 with distress inks on white cardstock.  Then i cut them into strips and stacked them on top of each other create an awesome backdrop to my photo.  The strip behind the title and at the top is the same technique with the 6x6 stencil on a manilla tag.  I will be doing this again!

The stencils are debuting at the show today but i thought you might like a sneak of upcoming stencils & samples.  You can see all my stencils on the Crafter's Worksop site, And So On #383 to Mix Tape #401.  I have been a very busy girl completing 19 layouts for The Crafter's Workshop booth.  Stay tuned these will all appear here on the blog!

Create Daily: Layers

It's no secret i am a technique tart, collecting new techniques as much as i collect art supplies.  One of my favorite things to do with techniques is to layer them together to create a beautiful piece.  No matter what your art is, it's a great way to take well known techniques and combine them in a way that makes them unique to you.  I often dissect my art for you here so you can see all the layers. 

Hidden Thoughts is a journal page abundant in layers. i still love all the leftover layers found on this page.

Always tag is another great example of multiple layers.  You can find more about the techniques & layers here. 

Find sits opposite of the Hidden Thoughts page.  it was actually created first and lead into the design of Hidden Thoughts.  You can see more about Find here.

Graeter's Treat is a walk-through layout where i show you exactly how i created this layout from 2011. 

I have a book that takes you through many techniques and layers titled Art of Layers.  In the book i made sure to point out how the techniques can be layered with others creating depth in your pieces. 

Have you created something this week?  Anything goes...an art journal page, doodle, scrapbook page, 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.

 

 

July Stencil Round Up

i have been revealing all my new stencils but i still love seeing these stencils released in winter 2013 in your hands. i love seeing all the different types of projects & uses of something i design.  it's so surreal and makes me completely giddy.  i am always happy when someone shares with me their designs.  Feel free to tag me on twitter, instagram, or facebook, or add it to the Ronda Palazzari Designs Flickr group.  here are a few of the latest i spotted, pulled from flicker, scrapbook.com, and/or twitter.  Thank you for sharing with me!

Danielle de Konink - Little Charmer

I spotted Danielle's layout on the Ronda Palazzari Designs Flickr group.  I love how she used the pie chart to anchor her photo.  The popped up pieces really add that finishing touch to this fun layout.

Cheiron Brandon - Fly

Cheiron had already captured my heart with her cards.  I love this mixed media piece i found in the flickr group too.  Can you see the 12x12 kaleidoscope in the background texture?  I love how stencils can create such rich texture.  Beautiful.

Jenni Calma - Grace & Seek Layouts

I spotted Jenni's layout when i was bouncing around the blogsphere.  I love how she used the confetti stencil in two very different ways.  On the top layout it becomes dimensional with modeling paste in a beautiful aqua color.  I love how she changed the directions of the hearts & splatter, even making one of them dimensional with stitches. 

Hillary - The Cookie Countess

Martha Richardson shared with me Hillary's awesome cookies.  On the middle cookie you can see my Quatrefoil stencil.  She has A-MAZ-ING cookie designs so make sure you check out her website.  She also created a step-by-step post over at Sugarbelle, detailing how she made these & other cookies. 

Sara Case Strickland - Colorful Life

i completely adore the way Sara used the 6x6 confetti stencil on this layout.  I love how she used the silver/purple modeling paste over the colorful dots in the background.  Just delightful!

Martha Richardson - Soar

Martha has created this lovely piece using my quatrefoil stencil.  I know it's one of her favorite designs.  She has a great step by step over at the Frog Dog Studio blog detailing how she created this fabulous piece. 

Cathie Reed - Finding Freedom

I spotted Cathie's layout over in the flickr group.  I love the way she combined my Kaleidoscope stencil with Julie's Blazonry stencil for a layered look.  On the bottom layout she used the confetti stencil with lots of doodles that i just adore. 

Feel free to grab the above badge and show me how you want to be stenciled in with my designs.  And since i spotted one on Jenni's blog, I'm going to mail her a new 6x6 stencil!

Mix Tape, And So On, & Squiggles

 

It's finally time to start debuting my summer stencil release from The Crafter's Workshop. Over the next couple weeks i will be sharing with you my new designs every Wednesday here on the blog!  There are 19 in total this release which means i will have lots of creations to inspire you.  The past two weeks i shared Fancy Feathers & Giraffe Print and Climbing Vine & Moroccan Tiles.   Today i am sharing three new stencils with you, Mix Tape, And So On, and Squiggles.

Mix Tape is a throw back to my 80s high school days.  Big Hair, Leg Warmers, Stirrup Pants, and Mix Tapes.  i loved all the different styles & colors of those tapes so i included them in my collection here. 

 

Like all my stencils, it comes in 12x12 and 6x6 sizes.  There are so many different ways to use these hand drawn images. 

i completely adore the way they look all colored in.  For a rocking good time, i first used a waterproof marker to stencil the mix tapes onto a sheet of watercolor paper.  i played around coloring them in with a wide variety of colors not sure how i wanted to use it. 

i picked a few tapes out to use on my layout to use on my layout.  i love the way they layered together and decided to use just solid colored tapes.  Since i wanted to tapes to stand out i kept the layout fairly simple. 

i loved the look of these tapes so much i used one on a card.  These would make great party invitations (modern or retro)!  Also great for Birthday wishes, Valentine’s Day, and so on!

Who doesn’t love bold graphic statments?  i confess i have a love of symbols, especially ampersands.  The Pie Chart comes from my previous stencil and I just wanted open spaces for versatility.  The “at” symbol is a constant image in our cyber space world.  There is just something so happy about it.

These fill a 6×6″ space on the the 12×12″ stencil give you a nice large option.  On the 6×6″ stencil they measure a little under 3″.

For this layout i used light modeling paste & black acrylic paint through the 12×12″ stencil to create that large ampersand.  i then cut it out and placed it next to my photo.  Using the 6×6″ stencil & watercolors, i painted the pie charts all around the page.  i popped up some of the pie pieces in various colors.

i used the other ampersand on this Mixed Media clipboard using the 6x”6″ stencil.  i love the way it sits in the background but still creates an impact with this piece.

Squiggles is one of those fun background stencils you’ll find yourself using over & over again.  i love the thick mountains and valleys that can be reimagined in so many ways.

Again like all Crafter’s Workshop Stencils they come in both 12×12″ and 6×6″ sizes.

i broke out my gelli art's printing plate for this layout.  i did some images & reverse images on deli paper using the 12×12″ size.  You should see the stack of colors I now have in my hands!  i picked a few to layer on this layout and i totally love how it turned out.

i used the 6×6″ size on this card with some distress inks.  i had a small strip of the yellow deli paper print and thought it balanced the card.  i added the small ampersand from And So On onto the thanks card and finished it with some twine.

On this Fiercely loving art journal page, i used more of the deli paper gelli prints.  This time i cut the squiggles print out in the shape of a heart.  Did you notice the Moroccan Stencil spray painted on the background or the yellow squiggles placed around the page?  i had another small ampersand left over and thought it would finish the page nicely.

Are you heading to Create-n-Connect next week?  I will be there at the Crafter’s Workshop Booth (# 608) creating make & takes with you at the following times:

Stop by the booth & have some fun with me!

Create Daily: Experiment

Sometimes you have to play around & experiment to grow.  Experimenting can lead to some cool new techniques.  They can also utterly fail but no matter what you learn in the process.  Sometimes it's more about the journey (the process) than the actual end piece.  It can really stimulate your creativity.  This step by step is from the archives and comes from me experimenting with UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) and paint to create a really cool texture. 

You can try this technique with heavy gel medium, heavy gesso, or glue stick.  Grab some leftover letters (foam, Chipboard, etc) and a craft stick or palette knife.  You can try this out on an ATC size or add it to one of your mixed media pieces. 

To start, smear heavy gel medium  or heavy gesso over the card.  If you are using a gluestick, scrap it off using a craft stick and smear it on the card. 

You can cover the whole card or just part of the card.  Either way looks cool.  Try one letter, multiple letters, or shapes. 

Paint the card with some acrylic paint.  You want to have good coverage with the paint but you can also remove some of it from the letters with a paper towel. I used a couple different colors on this card.

While the paint is still wet, shake UTEE over the wet card.  Heat set the card and watched the magic happen. 

The paint & the clear embossing powder bubble into this cool cool texture.  It is so awesome.

Have you created something this week?  Anything goes...an art journal page, doodle, scrapbook page, 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.

 

 

Word Up #73: Fierce

It's OLW time again.  Rev has some Fierce words for you.  It's an unusual word but that's what i love about One Little Word.  it causes me to reflect upon the word and see it's meaning in my life.  Often it causes me to peel back the layers and see what lies beneath the surface.  I admit i went really deep this time.  While i am not ready to share the story just yet, it did feel good to get it down on paper to begin to work through it.  

This page started off with some layers of Liquitex spray paint.  Totally in love with that product.  i headed outside with my journal and an assortment of colors and stencils including my Moroccan Tiles stencil.  i love Denver, the low humidity meant my page was dry in minutes.  i added some layers of gesso & white paint over the spray paint. 

i have been playing around with my gelli arts printing plate and some deli paper.  On these particular pieces, i was working with one or two layers of acrylic paint.  i cut a couple of them up and added them to the journal page including the blue/green heart. 

I journaled some deep thoughts in my pushed handwritng and then added in some doodles.  i also stamped some images around the page to finish it off. 

A big Thank You for all those who submitted to the OLW DT call.  We are sorting through the entries and will keep you informed in the next few weeks.

Climbing Vine & Moroccan Tiles

It's finally time to start debuting my summer stencil release from The Crafter's Workshop. Over the next couple months i will be sharing with you my new designs every Wednesday here on the blog!  There are 19 in total this release which means i will have lots of creations to inspire you.  Last week i shared Fancy Feathers & Giraffe Print with you.  Today is Climbing Vine (TCW 391) & Moroccan Tiles (TCW 385). 

I love a gentle stroll in the garden, especially when you see vines growing up the trellis or along the sides of old cottages.  There is something so magical about these special places.  A quiet forititude.  My Climbing Vine stencil is reminiscent of those beautiful green spaces, bringing a bit of magic to your creations.

Like all my stencils, it comes in 6x6 and 12x12 sizes. 

The stencil is a mask where you color the space around the vines but it can also be stamped using spray inks (or other wet mediums) to create a beautiful look. 

On the left is the stamped stencil design and on the right is the stencil image with spray inks. 

On my "Sunshine" layout i started with black cardstock then added layers of gesso and distress paints.  Don't those colors just pop with the black vine?  I am going to have to order some more distress paints!

You had a peek at this art journal page early this year but now it's time to reveal the whole page.  I used gelatos for that pop of color and then a light layer of gesso over the mask.  Once the vine had subtle coverage, I outlined it using a stabilo marking pencil to make them pop a bit more.

On this tag, i first colored the background with Maya Road Mists.  Next i layered more colors over the mask creating a stellar back drop for this tag.

This stencil is called Moroccan Tiles.  It was inspired by my travels in the Middle East.  There are so many wonderful designs that tend to show up in buildings and in tiles.  I am fascinated by the repeating patterns.  I’ve included 9 “tiles” on this stencil that make for beautiful backgrounds.

It looks great in both the 12×12 and 6×6 sizes.  The petite patterns are so darn cute. 

The larger tiles on the 12×12 can be used as is or you can repeat the patterns for a cool new look.  On each of these tags, i repeated the 9 tiles showing you their versatility. 

Just like all the stencils, you can use them as is or "stamp" with them to create a whole new look using the reverse image. 

On this layout I used the same technique as last week using light modeling paste, a transparency, and three “tiles” from the Moroccan Tiles stencil.  I love the tone on tone looks that is reflective of the area.  It’s a nice subtle design for this layout.

But don’t be fooled, because this Moroccan Tiles stencil also knows how to shine!  This 6×6 card was created using distress inks in a variety of colors. I repeated the same colors on a second sheet and randomly popped up some of the elements.

Stay tuned as I will be sharing my new stencils here each Wednesday.  Are you ready to see them all?  Grab the above badge and show me how you want to be stenciled in.