Guest Artist Tutorial :: Jody, Smilin' Moon.

ello!  I'm Jody...I live in Iowa with my husband, four kids & two golden retreivers.

   
I create mixed media, folk art-inspired paintings, and often incorporate vintage pieces or elements into my art.  I especially love to create pieces that inspire and uplift...and that connect soulfully with others.  You can find me at my blog, smilin' moon!  You can also find my art in my smilin' moon etsy shop.  I recently had my blog re-designed.  It was a big decision and I did a lot of searching to find someone who's style really spoke to me, and who had great communication skills.  I am thrilled that I found Cheryl Manz-Ametewee!  I absolutely love what she's done, and although it still needs tweaked a bit, it's almost there.  Please stop by and admire Cheryl's magic!

Since I like to re-use and recycle in my art (and when creating with my children), I've chosen a little holiday decoration project that will help your home sparkle by starting simply with cardboard, cardstock or thicker-weighted paper left over from craft packaging.  If you have little ones (and don't mind a little glitter and chaos flying about!), this is a fun craft to let your kids help with.

1.  Find recylcled cardstock, cardboard, etc.  and cover it in a layer of white gesso.  Or, skip this step if you have white cardstock or cardboard.

2.  Find a simple star template online or use a star cookie cutter to trace lots of little stars on the dried cardstock.

3.  Cut out the stars and spray with glue adhesive or cover with matte gel medium.

4.  Immediately cover with glass giltter and shake around to cover entire star.

5.  When dry, repeat glue and glitter on other side of stars.

6.  Punch little hole in each star and attach clear string through hole.

7.  Hange from ceiling, or where ever you like!  I used glue dots to hang mine, but there are many creative ways to hang these stars.

Now, about the glass glitter...I wasn't familiar with it until last year when I found some at a local vintage shop.  I stocked up on this German glass glitter and have found that a little goes a long way.  It becomes more beautiful over time and takes on almost an aged, patina look.  I found this adorable esty shop that sells German glass glitter in many colors...These stars would be fantastic in festive colors as well! 

  

 

 

Last step:  Admire your work.  Dim the lights.  Bring the kids in to take in the sparkly, holiday magic you've created.  Save your stars!  They'll be good to go next year as well!  Happy holidays from me and mine!  Thank you, Cartwheels! 

xxoo

jody

 

Comments

[cheryl]

love this, jody!
thanks for sharing your art. :)

[e mudge]

i love all things that sparkle! :)