When I think of whimsical characters, I think of owls. I love how owls can be made from simple shapes, created with fun patterns and just seem to bring a smile to my face every time I look at one!
The inspiration for this project came from being at the Michaels Craft Tour event in St. Louis. I had the privilege of meeting and working with so many people, many of whom were occasional or non-crafters but wanted to learn.
They shared that they loved mixed media but were scared to try it. So, in this project, I really take something simple – and familiar like a circle and show how to alter it into a fun and whimsical owl. These fun ATC (Artist Trading Cards) are easy to make and fun to share! Want to see my favorite mixed media supplies? Click Here
Have fun gathering a group of girlfriends together and creating and trading.
For my mixed media video playlist – click here
Please feel free to share the video and google+
Project Dimensions: Varies
Spellbinders Supplies:
MD1-012 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Circles Three die
MD1-001 Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Ovals One Die
Patterned paper
Orange foam (small piece)
Chipboard Artist Trading Cards (ATC) 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 wide
Stamp pad in color of choice
Acrylic paint – off white or color of choice
Fine tip permanent marker
Printed phrase from printer
Scissors
Glue
To make the stamp:
S5-143 Spellbinders® Jewel Flowers and Flourishes Die (optional)
Craft foam
Plastic acetate / Quilting stencil material
A variety of foam stamps can be made with Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ . Try mixing and matching shapes and designs to come up with your own unique stamps.
Cut one circle from patterned paper using the #3 (with #1 being the smallest) and two circles from white cardstock using the #1 Circles Three die template set.
Cut two ovals from coordinating paper using the #2 die in the Ovals One die template set.
To create a little divot for the top of the owls head, place the #2 die from the Ovals Three die template set approximately 1/4” down from the top of the largest circle and cut. The finished shape will look like a circle with a bite taken out of it.
Place both ovals back sides together onto the cutting plate. Place the #2 Circles One die approximately 1/4” to 3/8” on the side. This will refine the wing shape.
Glue wings to body and adjust.
Glue white dots onto front for face.
Draw two black dots with permanent marker for pupils.
Outline eyes, body and wing shapes with marker and draw in scallops for feathers.
Paint the ATC with base color of choice (mine is a light creamy yellow) and let dry.
Apply ink to foam stamp and stamp design multiple times onto the ATC to create background.
Glue Owl to front and draw in legs.
Glue on words and outline with marker.
Hint: scan each individual element to create digital versions. Mix and match your digital elements and resize to create even more works of art quickly and easily.