Saturday, November 14, 2015

Completed mixed media book cover


For Day 15 of Art Every Day Month or AEDM, I finally completed a mixed media book cover.  It actually took four days to complete, because I had to allow the paint time to dry each day.

This is one of the backs I created for Day 12 of AEDM.

I created a transfer of an oriental lady, then added a used postage stamp honoring Chinese New Year.

To complete the oriental inspired art, I used 24 gauge gold wire

to which I added several oriental coins.

The beads I chose most closely matched the buttercream colored paint.

One final embellishment and bead were added to the other side for balance.

Here's a final look at the completed assembly, although the colors are more true in the first photo.

Lesson learned: I couldn't understand why the paint looked like it buckled (see the top middle), even though I don't use a heat gun on painted surfaces.  Then I realized, the buckling MUST have occurred when I gessoed and painted the PAPER covered cardboard.  I'll definitely need to either be more careful next time, or try to remove that slick paper coating before I directly paint anything else onto these book covers.  The moisture from the paint and gesso must have caused the buckling.

For Day 15 I finished a mixed media book cover.  Thanks to all who have visited and those who have generously left comments.  They are truly appreciated.

Please don't forget to keep the people of Paris in your thoughts and prayers.  It's never too late to show your support.

16 thoughtful remarks:

By Neymes said...

Endereço por email ok? O meu é (neymes@terra.com.br) Beijo.

Jennifer McLean said...

Ahh, don't you hate learning lessons?? I love the coins and stamps you added, I just love those pieces, they really add to the piece. I actually have on my list to do SOMETHING with stamps. I love them, they can really add to any piece. Talk to you later, it's bedtime.

Valerie-Jael said...

Love how you have made the book cover, and the beautiful colours. The oriental image and coins give it a fantastic touch.Do you put the covers under something heavy to flatten them out and stop buckling?
What happened in Paris is so awful.
Have a good day, hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

This is great - it looks like the asian beauty is on the sail of a yacht! All the embellishments fit so well - I am sorry that the paint buckled - take it as an extra texture and don't worry about it - and yes - as you told us: you have learned something from it.
Beautiful cover Elizabeth!
So sad about the Paris desaster - unbelievable ♥♥♥ my heart is with them.

oxo
Susi

Valerie-Jael said...

Thanks for your answer on my blog, Sweetie!

voodoo vixen said...

I have always sanded all the shine off book covers before using them - even as book covers! LOL I think this one has a lovely oriental feel to it with the wire and beads and coins and the extra texture is a feature!!
Such sadness for Paris, I was very concerned for my niece who lives and works in Paris and was glad when I got news that she and her Mum were home at the time and fine.

sheila 77 said...

Your book cover is tremendous, love the way you have made the two-half triangle with the transfer over the two colours, that is so effective.

Stacie said...

Very well done!

TammyV said...

Great post! hope this makes it through - google wouldn't let me post the last two times I tried.

Nigel said...

Nice!

The straight lines and block colour contrasts well with the image.

peggy gatto said...

I love the colors and embellishments!
Nicely done!

Meggymay said...

Love how you made this cover with all the wonderful colour paint, great additions with the oriental metal pieces.
Yvonne xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! I saw this on my phone on the way to church yesterday but then totally forgot to come back! This really is a striking piece of art - and an amazing transformation of a book cover! Chrisx

NatureFootstep said...

I love the overall design of this. You must have lots of small stuff at home to chose from. Love the coins. :)

Carol said...

Love how these turned out ♥ The buckling just adds more character to the piece. The back is amazing too. You do stay busy :)

Dreaming of Vintage said...

I think it looks great! I don't notice the buckling at all!