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Thursday

10 mixed media canvas ideas



My walls can attest to how many mixed media canvases I've created in the last 2 years. *winks* I love that some bloggy pals are working their way to creating a mixed media canvas wall gallery too. :) Here are 10 mixed media canvases to help you get started....

Live-mixed-media-canvas
Clustering all my fave things on a canvas
1.  Use one big embellishment as your focal point.

I wanted to use this big pink bloom as the focal point so I clustered smaller dimensional objects around it. The elements add texture and interest but do not detract from the focal point because thy are much smaller in scale.


Mixed-media-canvas-by-Yvonne-Yam-for-The-Crafter's-Workshop
The almost ruined mixed media canvas

2. Play with paints and mediums for a whimsical scene.

It's hard to paint a realistic tree but a whimsical one is much easier. I used pearlescent paint for my leaves and added gold mica flakes for a shimmering tree. And if you read my original post, you would know that my niece's photo was used to cover up a major boo-boo. *winks*

Mixed-media-canvas-with-old-computer-parts
Mixed media canvas with old computer parts

3. Use found objects for your "scene".

I really wanted to incorporate my old computer parts as well as the test-tube so I made a "shelf" for all my found elements to sit on. The computer wires became my "vines".

Adventure-mixed-media-canvas
A lazy person's mixed media canvas

4. Keep it simple.

I love the design on the patterned paper but the colours were too muted for me. So I intensified the the colours with colorants, added more stamping to mimic what was already on the paper, and finished with sparkle and some dimensional elements.
A-dream-is-a-wish-your-heart-makes-canvas
My latest love

5. Use a quote or sentiment.

I love this chipboard sentiment so I made that my focal point and just added blooms and vines to accentuate it.

Hot-air-balloon-mixed-media-canvas
Happy birthday to me
6. Make it fun and unexpected.

You know me...I love an eclectic mix of things. The things don't really go together but that makes it fun and unexpected.


Inspire-mixed-media-canvas1
My obsession with Art Anthology paints
7. Give an unusual colour combo a go.

Unusual colour combos can produce interesting results. Black, silver and gray with pops of colour in the smaller blooms and leaves

Create-mixed-media-canvas
Vintage lace over a mixed media background
8. Go over the top with the layering.

What do you do if you want to use wrapping tissue and a piece of leftover vintage lace? Well, you use them both! I adhered my scrunched up wrapping tissue to my canvas base, added colorants then added my vintage lace as an overlay before embellishing on top of it. I LOVE the peek-a-boo effect of the lace. [Hmmmm...I should so do this again.]

Zeus-and-Zoe-mixed-media-canvas
Mixed media canvas with vintage tag

9. Cheat with a ready-made tag.

I love this vintage embellished tag so I created a textured background and then extended the elements from the tag to the rest of the canvas.

Room-scene-mixed-media-canvas
My dark side on canvas
10. Play with frames.

I really wanted to use the frames I had so I created a textured background to serve as "wallpaper" for my whimsical room. I had a little "accident" with nephew #2's frame so he became the scale marker for my room.

There you have it. 10 mixed media canvas ideas. Which is your fave?


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19 comments:

  1. Thanks for tips Yvonne! Each canvas is awesome!

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  2. They are all fabulous! I love that you share your ideas like this... My fave is the mid-match balloon birthday one. It is SOOO clever !!!!

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  3. These are all so cleverly creative, each one looks great.. but if I have to choose one.... love the quote one.. I do love quotes too..

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  4. Great tips Yvonne !!I love the whimsical tree and the computer parts shelf !!

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  5. YOU ROCK the canvasses!!! I still think that last one is my fave!!! I have an idea for one stuck in my head right now to put in the newly remodeled family room ... now I just have to find time to execute it!! LOL!!

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  6. There is no way I could pick a fav - they are all amazing!! Gorgeous canvases, awesome tip ideas!! Love them all!! Have a great day :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  7. Ahhhh a walk down memory lane! You should be sooooooooooooo proud of all your creations - they are WONDERFUL. My fav is the third one. It has orange - always my color and it has vintage-mixed media content!! BUT... it was super fun to see them all and each one is unique and creative in it's own way. Thanks bunches for sharing Yvonne. j.

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  8. A Beautiful post Yvonne !! Its like walking through a gallery with amazing art pieces !

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  9. It would be impossible to choose Yvonne!
    You are so talented!

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  10. WOW each one so perfect!! Love them all Yvonne...you are so inspiring
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia
    Cards Crafts Kids Projects

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  11. These are amazing! This is something I really must have a go at some time soon! On top of all the other things I want to do too :-) Have a great rest of the week.

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  12. You my friend, are the queen of canvases! :) LOOOVE all of these! Beautiful and amazing!

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  13. Wow...each n every canvas is a master piece...so beautiful n nothing common ...love your amazing sense of creating canvas with so ease :)
    And yes... a wall like yours is also in my wish list from the day one I hd seen yours...;) but for that I think I need lots n lots of practice on MM projects ;)
    TFS the tips n inspiring me again !!

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  14. This post has been great as i'm always looking for ideas, I just don't know where to start!!

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  15. SO hard to pick a favorite, my friend, cause they are all fabulous! You seriously come up with the most creative ideas. I think my "favorite" thing is how you put together such an eclectic combo of found things to create your adorable scenes!

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  16. I think I like the top two canvases best, but if pressed to choose...I pick the one with your niece as she is so super cute!

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  17. WOW! these are so gorgeous! but my fave is number 3!

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Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it. Have an awesome day!:)

Cheers, Yvonne.