Ronda Palazzari Designs

Collective 5: Art Life Lately

i love my artsy life. i love seeing beauty in every thing and finding inspiration everywhere. i love that art fills my every day and every evening. Here's a look at some of the artsy things that are filling up my life right at this moment. 

 

These two magazines are so very inspiring and every time i start reading them i really want to create. Oh my gosh Uppercase this time is so beautiful. i love black and white  and it is filled to the brim with stunning designs. Flow has stunning graphics but the stories, oh the stories are so inspiring. They free up my mind and make it go places i didn't know it could go. Plus it always has extra little items like colorful tags that put a smile on my face. 

If you haven't noticed, i am really into my gelli arts printing plate lately. it's a little slice of gelatinous heaven that begs me for paint and pattern. The above little sneak is part of a collage i have been working on lately. i had fun tearing, ripping, and cutting the prints into pieces and layering them together with more paint.  

Cocoa Daisy kits are little brown boxes filled with color and inspiration. They bring a smile to my face...literally. i am especially in love with this "Blue Ridge" October kit. Although i will probably say the same thing when November's "Weathervane" arrives on my doorstep.  

i cannot believe i let Julie suck me into Project Life. Confession: i totally love it and find it addicting. Confession: i still overthink it a bit. However i do find those little pockets of madness and life inspiring. They are forcing me to create in whole new ways, an unexpected journey i just love. 

The not so inspiring but wants to be studio. It is in desparate need of tidying deep cleaning. i started on it a couple weekends ago but the task is daunting. i know in my mind it's because i want to purge, organize, and clean at the same time. i really should stick to one task and not let it overwhelmed me. i called in for back up; Alexi will be joining me this weekend to whip this room into shape. And if anyone knows how to crack the whip, it's her. Hmmm i wonder where she gets it from?

Art Life Lately also includes RPD Design Team applications. i am awed and so very giddy at the number of incredible submissions i have received. Today's the last day i am taking applications. For more details, see this post.  

 

 

 

 

Halloween Tags

Hi there! It's Ronda here today to share with you three boo-tiful halloween tags. I love this time of year and especially love creating tags for this season. Tags are a great little project to get your creative juices flowing. I like to hang them up together as decoration and then use them either on my layouts or all together in a mini album.  

On the Little Monsters tag I painted the background purple. I like using pops of color with the typical orange & blacks. Purple is definitely one of my favorites to pair with those colors. Once my background was dried, I layered the frightful words paper on top, ripping the bottom edge to expose the purple. I added some burnt orange paint to the paper and then began layering my elements.

Those witch legs are so stinking cute paired with the banner! I wanted to bring some of the black color to the top so I added the little monsters banner along with the 31 pennant and two chipboard bats. The pumpkin brad looks great as the final pop of color.  

On this 31 tag I also started with a pop of color, a dark turquoise. I mixed the turquoise with a little bit of white paint to break up the dark color. I grabbed my 6x6 paper pad and picked out this frightful piece of patterened paper to layer on top. The white against the turquoise really stands out.   

I didn't think this tag needed much more so i just layered a few pieces here and there. The sticker arrow to the top is paired with the fun spider. Did you notice there are three around the page? Three is always a good number in designs. I adore the giant sparkling 31 chipboard frame so I made it my focal point of this tag. I love that it echoes the design of the patterned paper. I finished the tag with the chipboard "October 31," adding that touch of white to the bottom.  

The Boo Crew tag is all about pairing patterned paper. Again I went to my 6x6 patterned paper pad and pulled out a few sheets. I wanted an orange base and a pattern that wasn't too busy, so this orange chevron was perfect. Next I layered the same pattterned paper in three different strips across the top of the tag. By using the front & the back of the paper plus adding some purple paint, I really changed up the look and stretched my paper.  

i created a rosette "flower" out of patterned paper in a simple white & black design. i added the brad circle on top changing out the small brad for a larger one. Don't be afraid to change up these fabulous brads to suit your design esthetics. i added another brad element and a sticker circle design to the background before adding my rosette piece on top. The enamel dots around the page add that perfect pop of color and reinforce my circle elements around the page.  

Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

Create Daily: The Paint Brush - Hairs & Bristles

On last week's creative daily blog post, i went over the basics of paint brushes. This week i wanted to discuss the types of hairs out there and their uses. Often they are classified into natural, bristle, and synthetic. Each type has different properties and the prices vary from inexpensive to very expensive. The type of medium you are using determines the type of hair you should use

Natural

Natural hairs are from animals. The prices on these brushes is determined by the "grade" of the animal with Kolinsky Sable being one of the most expensive but considered one of the best. 

• sable - oil, watercolor
• squirrel - watercolor, lettering
• badger - oil
• camel (not actually from camels but usually a blend of other animal hairs) - watercolor, tempura, lettering
• sabeline - watercolor, lettering
• ox - watercolor, lettering
• mongoose - acrylic, oil
• Kolinsky Sable - oil, watercolor

Most of these types of hairs are good for oils & watercolors but not great for acrylics. 

Bristles

Hog Bristles are often called China bristles as they come from china. These bristles are stiff and stronger than the soft hairs. They can be bleached or unbleached. They are good for oils and acrylics and are less expensive to the soft hairs. i have a ton of these types of brushes and find they are great for washes and glazes. i find them at the home improvement stores for really cheap.

Synthetic

Synthetics are man-made, usually either from nylon or polyester. Often they are dyed and baked to make them more absorbent and softer. You will often hear the name "Taklon" associated with synthetic brushes. Synthetic brushes are less prone to damage from paints or solvents. They are easier to keep clean. They can better withstand the caustic nature of acrylic paints so are a good choice for this medium.   

 

 

 

Art Journal Lately: Fearless

i really do want to be fearless. i want to live life with reckless abandoment and full of passion. i want to take chances even if i am afraid. i want to be genuine, caring, grateful, and love with my heart wide open. These are things poured into my journals and written on my heart. 

A couple months ago i created a big stash of Gelli Print papers. i love using them in my art journal and that "heartstrings" print was begging to be used on this page. i love using things that really enforce my story. 

i almost always start my pages with gesso and this page is no exception. i grabbed my bag of leftover goodies. 

• deli gelli prints
• punched leftovers
• music paper leftovers
• map pages
• black & white photos
• painted line leftovers

i collaged some of the pieces around the page using gel medium. i painted some around the page and added more collage layers.  i love this slow build up of layers and really enjoy the process. Paint. Collage Layers. Paint. Collage Layers.  And finally, titles, journaling, and doodles.  There is something magical about it coming all together. 

What's your favorite part of art journaling?

 

 

 

Art Journal Lately: So Thankful

Life has been crazy around here. i have been seeking balance and blessedly finding it lately. What really helps me clear my mind and focus my energy is working in my art journal. i have also been taking the things Michael has taught me in our sessions and applying them in my art journal.

I was originally practicing brush strokes in my art journal. i have pages filled with them. i decided to play around with it, adding color and layers. Hansa yellow covered the plain black lines and then gesso on top. Color always moves me.  

Remember all these Gelli Prints from this post? My art journals are just one reason i love having these prints ready to go. i keep a file folder full of these prints ready to go for any art.

Like this page. i added layers of deli gelli prints - say that three times fast ;) - on top of the gesso and markings. i tore the prints into pieces and layered them over each one. i then added layers of paint and stenciled designs on top using my Positive stencil and Geometric Art Layers.

i also used a previously created tag using the Rose Window. i end up with lots of these tags so i love using them in different ways like on this page. i attached it with acrylic medium and then layered a transfer over the top.

 

To finish the page i added my painted title using my own special blend of india ink. i journaled all around in it and added some final thoughts near the tag. Love how this page turned out using this month's OLW word up. 

 

  

  

Life Fragments: Harvest & Blessings

Autumn time is here and it's one of my favorite time of year. Hot apple cider, pumpkin spiced lattes, crisp mornings, leaves changing into spectacular autumn colors, thankful for family & friends.

Harvest & Blessings Life Fragments reflects the beauty of this season and are the perfect addition to your creative endeavors from scrapbooking (digital, hybrid, and traditional), to art journals, greeting cards, mini albums, and so much more! In this set you’ll receive 6 journaling cards, 6 faux “flair,” 6 flags, 2 pennants, 2 labels, and 3 fancy leaves in fun designs and trendy autumn colors delivered as a two-page printable .pdf and 25 individual .png files. All for just $3.99!

Jessi Lute - The View

On Jessi's layout she splits the today i am grateful journaling card to underneath the photo and on the right side of the page. i love how she uses the life documented faux flair underneath her blue tag for that perfect pop of contrasting colors. Layered on the right journaling card is the "thankful" faux flair and two flags bring the blue color around the page. 

Jessi Lute - Thanks card

i completely adore this card from Jessi. It is simply spectacular. She used the Thanks journal card layered on a book page. i love the pops of gold all around this card. It is absolutely stunning!

Jessi Lute - Magic Lives

Remember this layout from earlier this week?  Jessi used the fall leaves embellishments accrossed the page.  The Give Thanks pennant looks great tucked under the title. i love that little pop of yellow color found in the documented flag.  

So what's your favorite piece from this Harvest & Blessing Life Fragments collection pack?

 

 

 

Create Daily: The Paint Brush

One of my favorite tools in my studio is the paint brush. i have mason jars and repurposed tubs full of brushes. Long & Short handles. Synthetic & Natural Bristles/Hairs. Filbert, Rounds, Flats, Brights. The arts and crafts market is flooded with various brushes for every type of project. Today i want to cover just some of the basics of brushes. 

 

• bristles/hairs: these vary greatly depending on the type of art. They can be natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. The hairs can be broken down further into the toe (end of the bristles), belly (the fattest part of the brush), and the heel (the part that is attached to the ferrule). i have brushes with both natural hairs & synthetic hairs.
• ferrule: ("small bracelet") is the cap, usually metal, that strengthens the handle and holds the hairs in place. A good ferrule shouldn't rust or come loose.  
• handle: it's frequently made of wood, sometimes coated wood, but can come in bamboo or plastic/acrylic. Short handles are generally used for detail work while long handles are used for canvases. Either way, you want to find one that feels comfortable in your hand. 
• crimp: the part of the ferrule that secures it to the handle along with the glue
• size: not every manufacturer puts the size on the brush but i really like it when they do. Another thing to note is that these sizes aren't necessarily the same from manufacturer to manufacturer. They can vary. 
• company name &/or designer series: you may see just the company name, the designer series, or both. For example i have some brushes that read "Catalyst by Princeton." This lets me know the specific line with a company that has many different lines. 
• shape/style: again not every manufacturer puts this on the handle. You can usually tell the style of the brush by looking at the hairs. We will get more into the shapes/styles of the brush on another post. 

 We will take a deeper looking into paint brushes in upcoming blog posts!  

 

 

Harvest & Blessings, Ceiling Tile, & Homemade Gesso: Jessi

Oh My!

Hello! I am so stoked to be here offering up this week's design post! Today I am going to share with you something that came on the heels of need creating necessity. It has been so long since i have played in the mixed media side of things that when I went to add some texture to my page, my Gesso had dried up :( It's not super convenient for me to run into town, to an art supply store, and grab a jar...and let me be honest, I am not super patient. Especially when it comes to my creative endeavors. Enter google, determination and the sense that I hate being stymied...when I am unable to buy something, I should be able to make it...right? Right! Usually this theory works and I am happy to report that homemade gesso is a possibility! Need creates necessity and necessity is the mother of invention. So let's get to it!

There are advantages and disadvantages to this, as there is with everything in life...but in a pinch or being new to mixed media or you just don't want to buy commercial gesso, this stuff works really well!

You will need:

• 1 part white glue
• 3 parts water
• 6 parts cornstarch (baby powder works as well)
• white paint (1-2 TBSP)

- mix everything together in a jar and voila! The ability to create some texture on your projects. Something to note: this stuff takes a bit longer to dry then commercial gesso. It also has a different texture and consistency.

But just so you can see how it looks when used...here is a project I created using an RPD stencil and the Harvest & Blessings Life Fragments.

First, I laid Ronda's Ceiling Tile stencil (6" x 6") on my background paper and using a palette knife I smeared the homemade gesso over portions of the stencil. Because the consistency of the homemade gesso is a bit different, I let the stencil sit for a few minutes before pulling it off.

Then I applied some more homemade gesso with my palette knife before laying the stencil back down and applying more homemade gesso.

Then it's a waiting game! Once the textured background had dried, I started layering on my photo, embellsihments, and journaling. 

Ronda's Harvest & Blessing Life Fragments were perfect embellishments to add to this page to help create whimsy and magic!