Friday, July 26, 2013

Blog Hop with Crossed Rounds & Squares & a Giveaway!!

Hello and welcome to a fun tutorial on using layers of paints and primarily one stencil to create a rich looking, layered canvas!  In this lesson, I will be using Andrew Borloz Crossed Rounds & Squares Stencil L159 as my main stencil with different colors of paint to create a magical scene of wonder and whimsy. The process is a little long but worth it and if you don't have a ton of stencils at your disposal, this is a good method to learn to get your creative on!

(1) I took a 16x20 canvas and glued down handmade tissue paper I had previously created that was in my stash.  This part is just to give you some texture and interest in your background.


(2) I sketch out some ideas on my very teeny tiny sketch book.  I decide on a girl reaching up for the stars.


 (3) I add some creative paint swirls and strokes to the top of my canvas.  I am primarily working with warm colors to start.


(4) I spray and allow dripping and allow the warm colors to meet one another and make interesting marks of their own.


 (5) I pull out Andrew's stencil and still using my warm color palette, I randomly dab through different shapes all over the side of the canvas.




(6) After my warm colors have made their mark and are mostly dry, I start doing the same with a cool color palette of greens and blues.



This is what I have when I am done.  What do you think?  I am loving all the layers and just think, we have only used ONE stencil!


(7) I think hand cut out stars from scrap paper and sketch my "vision" on to the canvas with a Stabilo pencil. I play with the layout until I am pleased.


 (8) I then decide to create some "grass" for the girl and begin to blot out some of the busy background with paint.  I paint in my sketched out grass area and then lay the Rafters Stencil by Marth Beth Shaw over my paint, and rub off the paint in the stencil areas.  Some people call this reverse stenciling. It is a fun technique and gives you a different look.  Be sure to use a damp (not wet) towel or a baby wipe to rub off the paint.  You will need to work quickly for this step as acrylics dry fast.



See how you can see parts of the background peeking through but there is still a predominant green grass area?


(9) I trace my stars with the Stabilo pencil and then outline again with a white wash.  I mostly do this because I can "see" the scene better this way.




 (10) I then add in some teal and blue paints to "fill in" the sky.  I use the same reverse stenciling technique as in step 8 with Andrew's stencil again scraping paint off through the circles.



It is beginning to come together.


 (11) Now I start adding details and dimension with my Faber Castell pens.  I also go over the grass area again with Andrew's stencil only in a darker green.  I don't want my painting to look too flat. I want it to have some depth.




(12) I use Andrew's stencil to add some interest to my girl's dress.  I give her dress a checkered look with some blue paint through the squares.


(12) I add some more texture to the sky with a darker blue around the stars and through the small square part of Andrew's stencil.  I added some white in to the grass.



(13) I mix some Titanium white with teal and blend my sky, covering up some of my circles, leaving others more obvious.


(14) I then add details with my pen.



Don't you just love how the stars pop out of the sky with all that warm color and texture!?!









There you have a completed canvas ( I will be adding a quote to mine) using two stencils, but primarily one.  Have fun creating and check back with me ~ I'd love to see you stuff!

Before you go, leave a comment and sign up for my blog via email if you aren't already and you will be entered to win Mary Beth Shaw's book ~ Flavor for Mixed Media.  I will draw a winner July 30th ~ so make sure you enter before midnight July 29th.



Also be sure to check out other fun ways to use Andrew Borloz's stencil 
with the rest of the StencilGirl team!

Blog Hoppers



Kirsten Reed ...you are here now
Leslie Jenison....next stop

203 comments:

  1. Beautiful progress pictures! You certainly are--a girl reaching for the stars!!!!

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    1. Thank you Maria ~ I'd like to think of myself that way! :)

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  2. Your canvas turned out beautiful. Love it!

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    1. Thank you Donna ~ hope you'll keep checking back for new tutorials!

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  3. There´s so many layers in this canvas! Lovely work!

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  4. thank you for the chance to win the book and the stencil that's gr8. smilz.

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    1. It's a very versatile stencil ~ so many neat things to do with it!

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  5. Totally fab canvas and great tut!! I have the book already so no need to put me in to the give away for that...

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  6. wow!!!!! The end product is lovely! I liked also how you've showed the consecutive steps.

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  7. Thanks for sharing. Love what you've done with the stencils. Great ideas. Hopping along.
    Stay inspired!

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    1. It's fun to see all the different uses for this stencil ~ thanks for hopping along with us!

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  8. Really beautiful piece, so inspired....xox

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  9. I have been inspired not only by the final piece but also the detailed journey you shared to get there. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks Kate ~ makes me smile to think you've been inspired!

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  10. thank you for showing the process of creating this canvas!
    And your giveaway is very interesting!!!

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    1. You are welcome ~ thanks for following our blog hop!

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  11. Wow, what an interesting & creative way to use that crossed rounds stencil - love the way you created the patterns for the background & the dress! Thanks so much for showing how you use it!

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    1. Thank you Andrew ~ love the stencil you designed. So many versatile uses! Looking forward to meeting you in Stamford!

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  12. Great way of using this stencil!

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  13. I love your layers Kirsten. Great job using this stencil. I hope some day the design team gets to meet each other!

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  14. Your canvas is sparkling with joy! Thanks for the detailed tutorial! That's so inspiring!

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  15. I would have never guessed that the beginning project would end so differently. Loved seeing the metamorphosis. Signing up for your blog for sure! Awesome!

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    1. Yes, it definitely went through a change! Many of pieces do ~ but there is always a lovely treasure at the end of the hunt! :) Thank you for signing up!

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  16. Lovely, Kirsten!
    Great to see the step-by-step process of all the layering that creates the depth and richness in the painting! Love!

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  17. Great layering, beautiful finished piece.

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  18. Loved watching the progress of this! Ended up beautifully!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed it ~ thanks for hopping along with us today!

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  19. What a great piece of art! I love your step by step example!!

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    1. There were a lot of steps ~ glad you enjoyed it!

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  20. What a gorgeous piece of work. Great use of the stencil. You used a bunch of my favorite colors. Love the texture. You could have stopped at any point along the way and I still would have thought it was perfect.

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  21. WOW! Love the layering and colors...Anna H

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  22. Fabulous tut Kirsten. I love all the layering!

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  23. Awesome canvas. love all they layers, and texture you have

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  24. Fabulous use of layers and colours.

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    1. Thank you Annie ~ and thanks for checking out my blog!

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  25. I love this "HOP". you show such versatility using the stencil & then combing it with other stencils. I love your work.

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    1. So glad you joined us for the hop! Andrew's stencil is definitely versatile for lots of projects!

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  26. Love what you created using this stencil , thanks for showing your process.

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    1. I hope it was easy to understand ~ thanks for "hopping" by! :)

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  27. I love your canvas! Such a clever way to use the stencil with all your wonderful layers!!

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  28. i cannot believe what u did! absolutely wonderful! i think i am going to have to follow u and your blog, just in case i might pick up/learn some of your tricks/techniques! tx for sharing and inspiring, aloha, angi in hana

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    1. Thank you Angi ~ I hope you do sign up and follow along! I will be posting tutorials on a regular basis! Glad to have you along!

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  29. Great canvas. Thanks for the give aways

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  30. Love seeing your step-by-step and how it all came together! Your use of Andrew's stencil was great!

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  31. Thanks for the step-by-step tutorial. With each step I thought it was great and then you would do something amazing to it. I love all the detail work.

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  32. Beautiful canvas with lots of great layers and colors! Thanks for taking the time to post the steps. :) I've signed up for your emails so I can keep up with your fabulous work... glad I found you through StencilGirl. :)

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    1. Thank you Caroline ~ glad you "found" me and happy to have you along!

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  33. Thank you for the step-by-step -- she turned out beautifully!!

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  34. Wow, all the layers are amazing. TFS!

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    1. I do love some layering ~ thank you for hopping along with me today! :)

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  35. Wow thats a lot of steps to create a beautiful piece..

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    1. LOL! Yes, it is a lot of steps! Thanks for joining us today!

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  36. Wow - love the detailed description of your painting! Loving all those layers!
    Great use of the stencil as well! What a wonderful giveaway!

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  37. This is beautiful! Thanks for showing all the steps that lead to this cute girl in the stars! :) I love it! The reverse stencil ing sounds fun I'll have to try it out thanks again:)

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    1. I love reverse stenciling because I get to "save" some of the background I created! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial! :)

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  38. Outstanding canvas and great tutorial. This is so dreamy and fun. Love it.

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  39. You are a fantastic teacher! Your explanations and pictures of the process are wonderful. I will be going back to peruse your blog to see what other yummies you've created. TFS!!!

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    1. YAY! I will be posting tutorials regularly ~ tips and other fun artsy stuff! Thanks for the great compliment! :)

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  40. From start to finish you would never know how it started out. Loved seeing this canvas progress. Loved the end result.

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    1. Thank you ~ some times I don't even know how it will end up ~ glad you liked it! :)

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  41. Love this and I love seeing the process step by step. Thank you!
    Tanya
    phenis2031 at yahoo dot com

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  42. Wow! Your art process was amazing! Thanks so much for all the step out photos.
    stefrick@optonline.net

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  43. Lovely canvas project. Thanks for sharing your process!

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  44. Love your art work. The layers came together so blissfully.
    Lorilewis@hypersytes.com

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  45. Wow!!!! I think one thing I learned by looking at your tutorial, is that I quit too soon!!! After the first couple of photos I wasn't sure I was going to like the final result but I see how it all works together to make a stunning art piece! Gorgeous! I joined your blog through email and added you to my bloglovn account!

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    1. Thank you for hanging in with me until the end Angie and thanks for adding me to your bloglovn account! :)

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  46. Lots of steps! Thanks for showing them.

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    1. Hope it wasn't too overwhelming and you are able to see the process! Thanks for stopping by!

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  47. Wow, love, love, love all the layers in your completed canvas. Thanks for sharing your techniques with us and also for the chance to win a copy of Mary Beth's book. That is such a great giveaway opportunity. Can't wait to get into my studio and experiment! Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Would love to see what you create! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial! :)

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  48. I just love the contrast between the rich warm background that becomes the stars, and the cool sky and grass. What a wonderful canvas and truly great tutorial. I may have to postpone the rest of the hop and go get my paints out. So inspiring!

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    1. Thank you Kate ~ I do love how warm the stars turned out! :)

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  49. Wow! What a great process. Chaos redeemed.

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    1. Hahaha! Yes, it is chaos redeemed! Many of my pieces are ~ thanks for hopping by!

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  50. The way you built up the canvas was so interesting to watch. Thanks for sharing your steps. I will like your facebook account. Love your work.

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  51. Oh how stunning! I love your work! It is fabulous!!!!

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  52. Such a great process. I loved seeing how it all came together. Would like to try something similar myself.

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    1. Send me a picture if you do something! Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  53. Amazing canvas! Love seeing how you did all the layers. Would love to win the book or the stencil! Thanks for sharing.

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  54. All those wonderfully yummy layers give me goosebumps!! You've given us so many great ideas for layering using this stencil! Love!!

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    1. It really is a great stencil ~ I see many more projects in the future with it! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  55. Wow! I can't believe all the layers. Too cool!

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  56. What wonderful colors - I feel like that girl on your canvas. Wow! I need to take it all in!
    Sandy





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  57. This is amazing! I loved seeing your process and how you used the same stencil for so many layers of color. Fabulous.

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  58. This is fabulous - what a great stencil!

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    1. It is a great stencil ~ very versatile ~ a must have! :)

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  59. i freakin love your layers!!! and the multitude of ways to use the stencil you show!

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  60. Too fun to watch your process. It is always amazing to me how it starts out one way and ends up another. I signed up for your emails and hope to learn more! Thanks for sharing, and a chance to win the book or stencil. Amazing all the ways it can be used.
    Janelle R

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    1. Thank you Janelle! I hope to keep posting tutorials on fun stuff to create! :)

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  61. I loved your use of the stencils!

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  62. OMG!!! What a great piece!!! The step-by-step was amazing, Kirsten! Thank you so much.....
    Melissa
    aka vwgirl

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  63. Loved witnessing the creative process! Gorgeous result!

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  64. This blog hop was an excellent idea to get our stencil juices flowing!! Loved what you did with the stencils and your canvas was truly amazing. Seeing it cometo life really makes me want no need more stencils! Hugs, Sanna

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    1. Thanks so much ~ you should definitely get Andrew's stencil ~ very versatile! :)

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  65. Your canvas is absolutely wonderful. You have really inspired me with these step by step photos. I'm for sure signing up for your emails so I won't miss out on all your creations.

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  66. Wonderful use of the stencils.

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    1. Thank you ~ glad you hopped over to see my tutorial!

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  67. Love the versatility of this stencil...it's like a set of mix and match clothes!

    dottididit(at)gmail(dot)com

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  68. Wow love how it turned out with all that busy background and it peeking through to add interest! Thanks for sharing

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  69. absolutely love how it turned out-great job!!!!

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  70. What gorgeous layers .... love your work.

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  71. Great Blog, I will grab a cup of coffe and read your blog, you are an amazing artist, thanks for sharing
    great use of stencils.
    Angela Daly

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    1. Well thank you Angela ~ I hope you find other nuggets of goodness to enjoy! Stay tuned for more in the future! :)

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  72. Loved seeing all your steps in this piece! It gave me lots of ideas on what to do when I'm feeling stuck.

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    1. I am so glad it sparked your creativity! :)

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  73. hi kirsten, i had to come back again to your blog to go over your awesome artwork u did for the bloghop, i just love some of the techniques u used and will experiment with them myself. i did sign up to follow u thru email and just realized that gives me a chance to win a book from you, oh happy days! i will be seein' you around, aloha, angi in hana

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    1. Glad you came back again!! Keep checking back for more fun stuff in the future too! :)

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  74. Wow, what a beautiful page. Loved watching it come together. Great tutorial.

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  75. Love Love Love... did I say love!! Thoroughly enjoying seeing the process from a to z!! Thank you for sharing!

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  76. Wow…just wow!!! Your canvas is amazing. I love seeing how you layered all the diiferent elements to get your final piece. Very inspiring. :D

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  77. This is my first visit to your blog & I am thrilled I found it! Your work is SO inspiring :)

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    1. So glad to have you join us Christi and thank you!! :)

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  78. Also my first visit to your blog and I am definitely coming back, you work is fabulous.xxxx

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  79. How beautiful!! Thanks so much for the step by step!! You are inspiring!!

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  80. Thanks for those great images of the process you use. Great use of different mediums and the stencil.

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  81. Wow-Amazing all the layers you used and a fabulous finished page!

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  82. From beginning to end, an inspiring project. I was amazed at the final product and how all those layers worked! Gotta try this.

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  83. Just love this page and the stencil, can I say WOW!

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    1. I hear ya! The stencil rocks! Glad you enjoyed!

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  84. It was a lot of work.. but the results was well worth the effort!

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    1. Yes, it does take some time and patience, but it is fun to watch the canvas evolve. Glad you felt it was worth it!

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  85. Yes, how about a double Wow~~wow! You made me want to play, even in this warm, humid weather! Thank you!

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  86. I love your little girl reaching for the stars and loved seeing the process. Blog hopping is fun. I signed up to follow you by email. Thanks!

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  87. That little girl is also cute enough to be S.G. stencil, to go with Jessica Sporn's. You did a lovely job.

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    1. I would love for her to be a stencil! :) Thank you!

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  88. Thanks for such a thorough tutorial - love those stars! Wish they looked like that in my sky. :-) Please enter me in stencil giveaway, would love to try some of your techniques.

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    1. I am so glad you enjoyed it! Let me know if you try the techniques!

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  89. love to see how people are using stencils since I am new to this please enter me in the contest

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  90. Kirsten, I just so appreciate the step-by-step photos of your progress on the canvas. You have used Andrew's stencil so creatively throughout the process! Kudos to you both!

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  91. I loved seeing your process, and the finished painting is gorgeous!
    Thanks for a chance to win Mary Beth Shaw's book!

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  92. Wow! What a cool process - I can feel my head expanding... and what a beautiful result! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I am so glad you learned something fun and new! Thank you!

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  93. Thank you so much for demonstrating your process! This was so great to see all the layering that you did to get that great depth. Terri

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  94. What a fabulous tutorial and an absolutely gorgeous work of art- love it!
    I also love the completely different styles on the blog hop. So inspiring.

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    1. Found you from the blog hop, I love how you detailed out the steps, as a teacher I appreciate you attention to details!! Fabulous!

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    2. Glad you hopped along with us!

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  95. This lovely! Thanks for the tutorial! :D

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  96. wow, I am so amazed at how this painting turned out, so cool. and I really love the stars and the way you took paint away...very very nice.

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    1. Thank you Ruth ~ I am glad you enjoyed!

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    2. So glad you learned something ~ thank you!

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  97. Kristen, thanks for showing us your process - it was great!! Now I want to paint a girl reaching for the stars! Those stencils really add so much depth to the canvas. Thanks also for the chance to win the book!

    I'll be following you now!

    Carmen L

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    1. THank you Carmen ~ I am so glad you have become a follower! :)

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  98. I'm new to this blog stuff. this hop is showing me stuff i might not usually find. thanks

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  99. What a wonderful painting! Love the textures you achieved.

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  100. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing the step by step instructions for how you created that!

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  101. Oh, wow. I wasn't sure where you were going with this, but I LOVE the final product! Pinning this so I can try these techniques after the rest of the projects that are on my list! Fondly, Tami

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    1. I know it starts out kind of cray cray!! :) Glad you will be trying some new things!

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  102. Oh this is just so awesome. I love this. Thank you for all of the pictures and for sharing this.

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  103. OMG..Outstanding painting, i really like your excellent work.
    Scrapbooking Stores

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