June 20, 2010

USArtQuest Blog Hop and Project

Welcome to the inaugural blog hop for the new USAQ Design Team!  We've been busy creating cool projects using the Draw and Gild kit.  In addition to hopping from one DT blog to the other to see the fabulous creations, you can enter to win one of the Draw and Gild kits so you can see for yourself what all the excitement is about.

There are some rules, of course, to be eligible to win.  You must stop by the blog of each DT member and enter a comment on each blog before 11:59 P.M. ET on June 27, 2010.

To make it even easier for you, I've listed all of the blogs below so you can simply click on the DT member's name and you'll be taken to her blog.  Oh, and one more thing, you need to hop in order starting with Sarah's blog!



Before you go, however, don't forget to check out the awesome frame I made for the hop.  Most of you know I'm a cardmaker at heart but this is a special event so it calls for a special project.

I did get a bit carried away working on this project and couldn't seem to restrict myself to just using the supplies in the kit.  The quality of the USAQ products is phenomenal!

With the exception of the frame, all supplies can be purchase at USAQ's online store.


Gildenglitz - gold
Fine Liner tool
Duo Glue
Paint brush
Perfect Pigments - titanium white, deep sky blue, cobalt turquoise hue, magenta, purple mist
Perfect Glaze - clear
Perfect Paper Adhesive Gloss
Crystal Effectz
Wood frame

Paint the frame with a base coat of white.  Mix glazing medium into the blue, turquoise and purple acrylics.  Using the little yellow sponges that come with the acrylic paint kits, layer the paints starting with the turquoise and adding highlights with the blue and purple.  Remember to let a little of the white base show through.

When the paint is dry, place a couple of drops of Duo Glue into the Fine Liner and let your imagination (and your hand) wander, creating swirls and squiggles all over the frame.  Remember, when the Duo Glue is clear, it is ready to adhere.  This is your sign to add the Gildenglitz, pressing the flakes gently into the glue.  Use the texture sponge to brush off the excess flakes, which can be used in the next step.  To add a little interest, I placed a drop of Duo Glue on my finger and created a few smudges here and there, adding more Gildenglitz to bring them to life.

For the finishing touch to my frame, I coated the frame with PPA gloss and lightly sprinkled a bit of Crystal Effectz.

I typed up one of my favorite prayers and inserted into the frame.  Not only am I reminded of the message, but seeing it in the beautiful frame puts a smile on my face. 

Now, get hopping and good luck on the drawing!

Connie

P.S.  If you don't win or just can't wait, you can always purchase your own kit!  You won't be disappointed.