New inspiration, new techniques and new mixed media canvases

I find that there are times when artistic ideas and creative inspiration is dry. The next idea for the next product is just not there. Often it is combined with busyness in life and frustration with the inability to sit down, relax and let the creative juices flow.

At this point in time, I am feeling quite the opposite ... not that life is not busy (helping to run a household with a husband, a dog and two bouncy boys produces a busy, more like hectic pace of life!), rather, I am enjoying the artistic processes of the items that I am currently making and am relishing seeing them arrive at completion.

Paper mache has become a love of mine. Yes, it is messy and gooey and takes a long time to complete, due to the time taken to dry each layer, however, I am enjoying getting my hands sticky and am inspired at what can be created using this medium. I just need to remember that this art does take time and if I want to produce items, I have to add layers daily to keep the process going.

I have also enjoyed taking time to research artistic techniques and have enjoyed viewing fellow artists' work, in discovering how they create their art works. I have enjoyed reading a book, that I borrowed from our public library titled 'Wabi-Sabi Art Workshop' (by Serena Barton), that explores a range of mixed media techniques. I have then enjoyed trying out some of these techniques in new designs, to see if they work for me or in adapting them to suit my artistic style.

Included in this, is my latest range of tiny canvases. I have created a few sets of these daisy flowered works, however, with this current set, I wanted to try out a looser daisy drawing style and I wanted to add words to describe daisies around the centre of the flower. I also developed a heart design, with similar, loosely drawn hearts with words to do with love and friendship around the main heart. What do you think of these additions?

These canvases are currently available in store. To view them and other products, please click here.

Thank you for joining me. I hope that you are currently feeling creative and inspired in whatever you are doing.

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Paper mache hot air balloon

Are you the type of person that loves to scale heights? I'm not and I think that I am fearing heights more and more as I am getting older.

 I am the person that is clinging to the handrail of a lookout that incorporates beautiful views of a scenic place, not daring to look at the view, let alone look down. Contrast this dilemma to my two fun loving boys, that will scale any tree or gladly look over any handrail, so much so, that often they need to be encouraged not to climb up so high.

Which got me thinking about the hot air balloon that I have been working on. Would I ever ride in a hot air balloon? Hmm ... as the balloon gently soars higher in the air and the items below shrink smaller and smaller, I can see myself flattening myself on the floor of the basket underneath the balloon. Hence the answer would be a resounding 'no'.

Luckily for me, this balloon is only small scale. This little beauty is made out of paper mache and painted up in a similar style to the backgrounds of my canvases. I made up matching flags to circle the balloon and a hessian basket underneath. This balloon still needs a few adjustments, but essentially it is finished.

I am very happy with the results, although I did accidentally knock it as it was drying and I realise that this mishap has caused a slight split down the bottom of the balloon. It is only my prototype, so I will fix it up and send it on a trial run as I want to be completely happy with the design. I would love to hear your feedback - is this something that you would use/purchase? Would you like to see more the same size in a variety of colours or smaller? Do you like the general look - what do you like the most or least? I would love to hear from you as I can change some of these features before making a new batch.

Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy whatever you are doing - particularly if you are scaling new heights. As for me, my feet are firmly planted on the ground!

~ Jen.

P.S - If you have enjoyed reading about the story behind Tupsy Turvy Designs' products, why not become a 'Golden Ticket Member'? It is FREE and membership entitles you to regular updates, exclusive sales, discounts and opportunities. Simply click here and enter your email address. Easy! I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon ...

Home, sweet home! New home canvas designs

Some days are busy ... I have decided to go back to my day job two days a week since both of my boys are at school this year. Due to my organisational side, I have timetabled my time, so that I can fit in my crafty work, housework and any preparation needed for my day job during the week. Needless to say, I am working very hard with the time that I have on the days that the boys are at school. On my working days, I have to be very organised so that dinner can be on the table, homework done and the house clean with the very little time that I have when I come home. However, I am enjoying it! I am loving the big blocks of time that I have to get work completed. I am also enjoying the couple of days allocated to me with my day job - keeping my skills in touch.

Home is a place where I work. Home is a place that I organise and clean. Home is a sanctuary from stresses and worries. Home is a place where I nurture my family. Home is a place where I can relax and enjoy my own activities. Depending on our circumstances and focus, home may look very different, but there may be aspects that are very similar.

I have added to the 'home' canvas design by creating two different looking ones, both sparked by a custom order...

I wanted to create another 'traditional' looking house - one with straight sides and triangular roof, however, this one has one central chimney, rounded door and one rectangular window (complete with lacy curtain).

The second one is a little more modern in design, with rounded roof and small circular windows (with little lacy curtains).

Both have been created to add a little decorative, homely warmth to a house and a reminder that we are blessed to have a home to raise our families, to play in and to relax in.

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time ...

~ Jen.

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