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Struggling and Believing

There is something to learn in every piece I create- especially the ones I struggle with.  I debated posting this one but since I was on a deadline – I posted it, fear and all with that knot in my stomach.  When I went to sleep I was in full doubt mode.  Ever been there?  When I woke up I realized that I had created all the stress that interfered with this piece because of my expectations.  I didn’t let the art guide me.  My mind guided me and my mind is not where my creativity comes from.  Below is the post I wrote in the 11th hour…

It’s time for another friendly arting adventure with my good friend, Maria McGuire.  Be sure to stop on by her blog and see what she’s done for this challenge!   You can read all about the Artsy Fartsy Friendly Fun challenges here.

I was utterly and completely stuck for this  challenge.  No exaggeration!  This should have been an easy one for me- but it wasn’t.  My Gelli Plate, any Julie Balzer Stencil, and bling- that’s it.  That was the challenge Maria McGuire and I had planned.  Each time I went to the studio to work on it, I was distracted by other projects.   Before I knew it, it was evening and I had to get something together!

I have 6 other attempts scattered around the studio.  When I had completely given up and thrown in the towel then my muse decided to offer a spark.  I am sure she was having a tub of popcorn and watching the show of my meltdown…

 

 

Scraps of a paper I printed using the Gelli Plate.  I had die cut leaves for one of the other attempts.

 

 

 

 

 

I used those scraps to build a textured background.  The blue paint was still damp when I used the gel medium – I was on a deadline!

 

 

 

 

 

I added pink paint using one of Julie Balzer’s stencils.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stamping on that texture was going to be tough so I used Dina Wakley’s stamp on tissue paper.  I used gel medium to glue the tissue down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stamped the word and drew a black frame around it.  I chose “believe” because I had to believe it was going to be finished in time!

 

 

 

 

The bling came in the form of black glitter.  I used a fine line glue to trace over all the black.  If it had been a sunny day, you’d see the glitter glinting and shining.  Since it was night time as I finished this, not sparkle shows.  Moonlight just doesn’t have the same effect as sunshine on glitter…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that I have finished this I am off to see what Maria made, the inspiration at Creative Every Day and Inspire Me Monday!

{ 14 comments… add one }

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  • Corrine October 22, 2012, 7:29 am

    Great graphic and bold solution to your stuckness. Your cut up background works so well to set off the other elements. I can see the grittiness of the black line where the glitter is, looks textured even in evening light. Fab simple, stong solution to support your believe! xox

  • Mari Carmen October 22, 2012, 9:22 am

    Wow! What can I say? You, girls, are really amazing. I really love your work. You are great!

  • Cynthia October 22, 2012, 12:07 pm

    I love the transformation from the “before” to the “after”! The colors are gorgeous and I love the inspirational message!!!

  • Nancy at Ollie McKays Boutique Blog October 22, 2012, 12:17 pm

    Love this piece! And “Believe” is one of favorite things to say and part of my Mantra!! Happy Monday to you. . . . . . . and never stop Believing!!

  • Maria McGuire October 22, 2012, 12:53 pm

    You picked my favorite word 🙂 Yes, Carolyn you need to BELIEVE in yourself! I love that you cut apart your Gelli Print piece. I was stuck with telling myself that I had to use it whole for some reason. I think by stenciling over it you brought it all together for the background–the stamp and word are the perfect ending. I do BELIEVE that you stepped up to our challenge once again–love you!

  • Dani - ATA Girls October 22, 2012, 2:46 pm

    Beautiful – joining from Inspire Me Monday – http://allthoseartsygirls.blogspot.com/

  • Judy Shea October 22, 2012, 3:33 pm

    Are you kidding? I’ve had to kick myself in the butt (not very easy to get my let up there) to believe that my art will go somewhere I love and want it to go. This turned out to be layers and layers of just challenging LOVE!!! Bravo!

  • Claudette October 22, 2012, 3:46 pm

    This is fantastic! The background colors really do it for me! Don’t Stop Belieeeeevin’!

  • Lorinda @ Everyday Endeavours October 22, 2012, 4:40 pm

    Ah, yes. I’ve pulled many pieces together at the last minute to meet Challenge deadlines. The muse never seems too impressed when I do that, but eventually she pitches in and a piece is created. I’m so glad you persevered Carolyn, the piece you created is truly beautiful and the message couldn’t be more perfect. Wonderfully done! xx

  • Wanda Hentges October 22, 2012, 8:23 pm

    Pushing something doesn’t work well for me either. Your tag came together very well!!!!!!!!!!

  • Vicki October 23, 2012, 8:42 am

    I’m really loving this one, Carolyn. And it is nice of you to share the struggle and self doubt with us.

    xoxo

  • Marjie Kemper October 23, 2012, 2:52 pm

    I think it’s great… love the layers of paint and tissued-on DW gal… I know it stinks when you feel that way but you came through with flying colors. LOL on the muse sitting back with some popcorn watching your meltdown! Off to see Maria’s piece…

  • Rinda October 25, 2012, 1:43 am

    I love dina’s stamps and it looks great here.
    Rinda

  • Dawn Jones October 26, 2012, 10:37 am

    I truly love this!! And it helps me in ways I can not describe to know that an artist of your experience and talent have the moments of fear and doubt that I have. The lesson I have learned from this piece is that those fears and doubts are not going to go away…I need to believe also and learn to work through them. Thank you with all my heart!