When Kiala Givehand invited me to join her hop announcing the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck I was honored. This is such a fun and creative deck to play with and it even helped me get unstuck in a jiffy! I only had a few minutes to play and guess what – that is all I needed to get another layer or two on this canvas. It’s not finished yet but at long last it is moving forward! Thanks Kiala!
What is the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck?
It’s 52 inspirational guide cards designed to inspire
your mixed media and art journaling practice.
The cards feature a variety of directives to guide you through your art practice as you play, explore, discover, and create. There are many ways to use the deck.
- PLAY — deal yourself a few cards then let your muse take over!
- EXPLORE — shuffle the entire deck, then pull one card at a time and see what you’re inspired to create
- DISCOVER — keep the deck near your art table and pull a card as needed
- CREATE & COLLABORATE — create with a friend (or a group of friends). Round robin style journaling infused with a dash of serendipity. What could be more fun???
Want to win your own deck? All the giveaway details are that end of the post.
Onto the stuck part…I had this canvas that has been at this stage for about a year. Yes, a year. At first I liked it so much I couldn’t bring myself to trust any idea as good enough. Then I decided I didn’t like it but I couldn’t decide what to do to change it. So it sat. And sat until I used the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck. Check out the video to see how just a few cards could get my mojo back for this canvas!
You can watch Using the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck on a Canvas on YouTube here.
Want to win a deck? Leave me a comment on this post letting me know what is the hardest part about playing mixed media style for you. No hard parts? Tell me the best part then!
I’m picking one winner randomly from the comments on December 11th. But that is not all! Kiala has a ton of amazing prizes too! You can find all the prizes listed here. You can order the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck here. And there are lots of great artists to visit in the hop too!
THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! Congratulations to the winner chosen by random.org Kathy Gledsdale!
- Roben-Marie Smith — December 3rd
- Sarah Stevenson — December 4th
- Carolyn Dube — December 5th
- Mystele Kirkeeng — December 6th
- Stephanie Ackerman — December 7th
- Lorrie Jonas — December 8th
- Maria McGuire — December 9th
- Kiala Givehand–December 10th
Products used in this video: High flow paints, Damask Stencil from StencilGirl, StencilClub Stencil, Stampers Anonymous Stamps, and of course, the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck!
Hi Carolyn! Loved your video and the use of the cards to help you along. The canvas is looking pretty cool! I’m fairly new to art journaling, and I find it hard to know where to even begin. Most of my work has been done in workshops at a local store. Of course, they always have certain products that we’re learning about and playing with, so it’s easier for me that way. I get all excited and inspired to create more projects/pages at home, but then I get out my paint, ink or whatever I decide to start with, and then usually proceed to make some crappy looking messes. I guess I do have fun, but it would be nice to make something that looks decent once in awhile! Lol. I have a couple spreads that look pretty good that I did all on my own, but most of the time I’m just lost wondering what to do. Would love to win a deck of these cards to help get started and keep going! Thanks for the chance to win!
Becky
Becky, I so hear what you are saying! I have been art journaling for about a year now, and still have those days. I wish you could come over and play!
Becky and Kay I think most of us will tell you that you are not alone. When I transitioned from a traditional journal keeping style to mixed media journaling, it was difficult for me to figure out where to begin or where to go next once I got started. That’s one of the reasons I created the deck — to give us suggestions on where to go next or where to begin! Thanks for sharing your truth here!!!
the hardest part is thinking whatever I have planned will not be good enough, therefore I cannot justify the expense of the supplies I would be using. sigh.
My hardest part is knowing when to stop and/or knowing what to add to my art next, without messing it up. As I’ve heard from crafty instructors, you are gonna go through a lot of ugly before you get to the pretty/beautiful completed work.
Ha Ha Ha Heather — that is so true — we all have pages and canvases that we would probably call “ugly” and I like to think of them as works in progress just waiting for the next wave of inspired creative action. I believe going through the “ugly” is how we grow and develop our own style. So happy you shared this.
The hardest part is managing supplies I gather. I buy things at yard sales, thrift stores, and online. I inherit things from people who know I’m crafty. I get things out of recycle bins and free boxes. I amass a lot of things and don’t have all that much room. It’s tough and awesome at the same time…lol!
I love your canvas – it is so vibrant and colourful. A great tonic on a grey winter day!
The thing I usually find hardest is adding enough layers to a piece, particularly when I like what I have created up until that point!
I love love these colors!!! The hardest part for me is all the ideas floating around in my head and they all want to play and I don’t know which one to choose!!
The hardest part about creating mixed media art is — the endless variety of supplies that are always tempting me to buy them and use them.
The best part about creating mixed media art is– the endless variety of supplies that are always tempting me to buy them and use them!
Kitty!
LOL — I love this Kitty because you are SOOOO right. What a crazy plethora of stuff out there. I’m just starting to figure out what supplies I LOVE and which are just okay. This helps and makes it easier for me to weed through my stash when I want to create.
Oh Carolyn, I am loving how this is coming out. These cards really spark some ideas. Great colors, too. Zooooom.
Tte hardest part of mixed media is there is no hardest part. It is just plain fun. Would love to win a deck. It would bring another element to my arsenal.
Love this canvas. The hardest part is first figuring out the colors!! Once I get going…there is no stopping me!!
The hardest part is stopping myself from going shopping (either out in the world or online) and actually USING some of the materials! There’s such great stuff available out there! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a great prize!
At most it always seems to be hard for me to get started after I apply my background, these cards would be wonderful!!! Thank you again for sharing your inspiration!!!
is an amazing canvas!!!
the hardest part about playing mixed media is that pesky inner critic.
This deck would squelch him for sure!
So inspiring, Carolyn!
I think I need one of these decks! 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win.
Oh yes, Mary, you are so right! That pesky inner critic can be so annoying. Finding ways to quite it helps us bring some wonderful (and much needed) beauty into the world.
Love this video on so many levels. The fact that you (one of my gurus get stuck is comforting); the fact that you do not give up but keep trying even after putting it a way for a while is encouraging; and the fact that you use tools to prompt your muse is plain genius. I would love to win a deck. In this past year I have really grown in the way I approach art and the deck would be a really essential tool. Thanks so much for your generous sharing spirit.
Ditto, Glenda — isn’t it great to realize that even the teachers get stuck sometimes? It’s helpful to know that no matter what stage of art making you are in, there are times when we all feel a creative lull. We’re just a bunch of wonderful humans having a creative experience :-). I love that!!!
First, I LOVE what you create!! I think that hardest part for me is fear that I will mess up what I have created instead of just letting go and just enjoying the process of creating.
Wonderful canvas! I am fairly new to MM (this past year) and I often feel like I’m going to do something wrong and ruin it if I like where it is. The best art I’ve created is when I am just messing around and don’t care too much where it goes. Thanks for the chance to win!
So cool watching how those couple of cards got the creative juices flowing… thanks for sharing the hiccups and the fun.
I’m pretty new to visual media – so to me there’s no part of Mixed Media that isn’t a delight in exploration – even when things get stuck or go wrong, that’s just another lesson to file, and sometimes it leads to the best, most unexpected work. That’s why I can see this deck would be a really great tool to have, to stop that thing of trying to think and control, and just letting things happen.
Great inspiration, thank you.
Alison x
Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. I have an idea and I just think and think about it. I am Afraid to put paint down, afraid it won’t look like anything. Then I jump in , turn critical brain off and my heart starts to sing and a peace comes over me. Ahh creative relaxation
The hardest part for me is trying to decide what to do first, which is why these cards would be perfect … that part is decided for me! Love how they helped you move forward on your canvas.
I LOVE how you used used the deck to get “unstuck”!
I love your videos! You are so positive…even when you have to say something negative! I need to work on doing that myself!
When you first introduced the mixed media playing cards, I was doubtful they would be any help. But after seeing you use them, I want a deck now! There are many times I sit and sit trying to think on another technique to move on with my art journaling. The mixed media cards would put an idea into my head!
The worst part of mixed media is getting stuck…and yes, it can be for a very long time. But I love that mixed media is not perfect…because I am not perfect. I have even gotten my son to do mixed media art journaling along with me and he loves that there are no mistakes!
The hardest part about playing mixed media style is all of the options. So many types of supplies to use and techniques to try can be exciting but overwhelming!
I NEED these cards…thank you for the kick in the butt to get back in the studio 😉
My biggest challenge is knowing everything that’s available to use in my art. I am new to mixed media so I get very excited when I hear a new teqnique or way of using an item. This is why I check your blog all the time! Your the best 🙂 I love the idea of the inspirational deck. I have done an inspirational quote card deck swap before. I like how these are printed out. Thanks for sharing.
I love all of it!
for me the hardest is to stop or to just consider a piece finished… well need to get used to…
like the idea of the decks, would be quite useful, thanks for the chance to win.
You are always an inspiration. Thank you so much. I think the cards are a fantabulous idea. Thanks for sharing!!!
it looks like complete and total fun! plus it’s all carolyn with rainbow colors. 🙂
As usual I love yours ideas!
Since I primarily work with fabric but love mixed media the hardest part has been incorporating more mediums into and with my fabric pieces. I love trying though. Interesting idea with the deck. Thanks
This helps so much with what to do with all those cool gelli prints. Collage, reprint, color added with many types of pens, etc., or just pick a spot and frame it. Congratulations.
How to start. That is the hardest part lol.
The Inspirational Deck is genius! What a perfect way to jump into play…which is my #1 gremlin.!! My best friend in the world and I love mixed media and the Inspirational Deck is perfect to stuff her stocking with! 🙂 Crossing my fingers to have a set of my own! 🙂 Thanks Carolyn for a great video today!!
I love it. Very cheery, bright and inviting. Really love how it turned out. TFS
This deck is just what the doctor ordered for the creative doldrums!!! One of these decks needs to be on my craft table!
Hi Carolyn! Your canvas is awesome! The hardest part for me is the stopping! I tend to overdo it a lot, and sometimes the wrong color choices when there really is no subject matter, I do better when there is a collage involved with a person or image being focused on. You are always an inspiration!
I figured that if I just made slew of Gelli backgrounds, I’d be set and would never experience artist’s block. Wrong. I love the idea of the inspiration cards. They’re just the nudge I need to give myself permission to try something different. Great resource!
thanks so much for sharing your videos….they are so inspirational and so much fun!
the hardest part of doing mixed media is having enough room to work once I have gathered all the yummy art supplies. Loooooooove the “deck”….what a super fun idea! Kudos Kiala!
Yes, Linda! That is always a problem for me, too. I want to use ALL of my materials, or at least have them close-by. I don’t have many problems with the expense of materials. Mixed media supplies are everywhere. I’ve used magazine pictures, newspaper, tissue paper, paper towels, cord, string, embroidery floss, rubber pastry brushes, spatulas, forks, and so much more. The Dollar Store and my kitchen are two great sources for supplies.
I enjoy brainstorming, and may join my creative friends to imagine prompts for our own deck of cards. The two you shared are so simple. Why can’t I think of these things while I’m sitting with my materials?
Thanks, Carolyn for your generous sharing of techniques and classes. I’ll see you soon on YouTube!
Thanks Linda!!! I’m having a ton of fun watching others use the deck and seeing what amazing ideas people have for using it. I created it to share with the world and help other artists and I’m so honored that so many of you have already ordered, are thinking of ordering, or have plans to win a deck of your own. I love the community that is forming around the deck.
Why my dear Carolyn, you never stop amazing me with your fabulous creations or colorishious art! (I made that word up! heehee) What a fab piece that you created using Kiala’s deck- I love it! Thanks for sharing and for hopping along!!! huge hugs Jackie
I LOVE these cards! It’s easy for me to get stuck too! New to MM, I sometimes don’t know where to go next! This is a great idea! Side note I love your videos they are fun and easy to follow along;)
Always fun to visit your blog!
The hard part: Stopping! :oD
The best part? Starting and playing with all the STUFF!
Hugs
I’m a planner, so I think the hardest part for me is just letting go and giving up the nice and neat factor and having fun and making a mess!!
I love your colorful canvas today and would love to try creating ideas with the cards. The hardest part for me is knowing when to stop. If there is a blank space, it’s not there for long. I just keep going, and going and going……
The hardest part for me is getting started, then knowing when to stop adding layers. I hate covering up parts, but know better things can happen, if you don’t hold on to too much, especially in the first few layers.
I love how the deck got you moving on this particular piece! I’ve put the deck on my Christmas list. Being a budding artist…I think repeating this project but with people who are not or who don’t consider themselves artists would be fun. Maybe after I think out a few things over the next few days I’ll see about making that happen!
Hi,
The hardest part of developing a mixed-media canvas for me is after I have the really cool background then what? I need to have an end point in mind or a theme. I have lots of great backgrounds going no where maybe this deck of cards can help?
I love your painting and how the cards helped you with ideas! I can’t wait to see this painting when it’s finished.
Oh, how wonderful! How smart to use those cards! Sweet!
My challenge with mixed media is just the simple step of starting. I work on several pages started with ink sprays, stencils, paint, mark making and you get the idea. Then the whole idea of collage stops me dead in my paint stained fingers.
I think the hardest part is just figuring out what I want to do… Once I get started on a project, it usually takes off on it’s own but sometimes it’s so hard to actually begin. This deck sounds like a great tool!
Wow, great video., thanks!
The hard part is finding a hard part! For me, there is no hard part! It’s all fun, expressive and oh-so-creative! Art just soothes my soul. I love how the cards ignited your spark. Can’t wait to see the finish piece…
most marvelous color play as always, fun video….looks like a wonderful tool this little deck. xox
I always find your videos so helpful, especially when you have Ooops, as we all do, but you tell us how to get over them successfully rather than putting them in the bin. What a fabulous idea the cards are, I so often get stuck and don’t know how to carry on, it just needs a little something, but what! But the hardest part for me is getting the colours looking right together, when painting, mixed media or just making cards! Thank you for doing these videos, always so enjoyable, fun and informative ( and I love your accent) .
P.s Please can we see this piece when it is finished?
Absolutely I will share the finished one – Oops and all!
Several things to say about your video.
First off, I think your finger-painting in the beginning and the end were really clever and fun. I have not seen anyone do that to write out their information. I think using the deck to kickstart some ideas on that work in progress really helped you out. I like where you are going with the page. You made me laugh when you said about putting the recycled pages on there and then no they aren’t happening, then switched to circles and still not working for you. If I am reading correctly, the number stamps are from stampers anon. I will definitely be looking for some of those! Thanks for sharing your work. look forward to seeing more.
Another great video, Carolyn! Love your color palette on this…so far…for I know there is still much ahead. Your inspiration is motivating me today to get upstairs! Off I go!
Thanks so much foryour video and showing us, how you work. It’s awesome!
I am pretty new to mixed media and ften I don’t know, how to start and what to do next.The deck of cards could be very helpful for me.
I love creating backgrounds but then I get stuck…this deck would help me move forward with my mixed media art. Thanks!
The hardest part of mixed media is trusting my muse to lead me and not questioning whether it is right or wrong. Why can’t I just believe ,”it just is!!” Enjoyed your video.
Thanks.
I’m a beginner at mixed media and tend to use markers, ephemera, stencils, and spray inks. These cards would help me expand my choices
Long time Carolyn Dube fan and always enjoy your videos. I am enjoying this blog hop because it plainly shows how different artists use the same tools and the result is so varied. Very inspirational. Have ordered my cards and wait patiently for them to arrive.
You have such a free and easy flow to your art. I’m too stiff. I don’t like to cover backgrounds once I’ve finally made one. maybe these cards would help. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wow!!!!!! what a great idea. I am forever floundering about trying to get started. Love this idea……
The hardest part is getting started for me. I mean I don’t want to waste my “good” art supplies on junky ideas so then I never play with them. Just hoard.
What a fabulous idea! I would love to win one!
Carolyn, thank you for the amazing video using the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck™ — what an honor to have you play along. I’ve been a long time fan/follower and I just love watching you create — it’s ALWAYS inspiring.
Loved this video, Carolyn…those bright, cheery colors make me smile. 🙂 The hardest part about mixed media for me is making myself just sit down and get started! Once I make up my mind to work on something, the ideas start to flow…
I think the hardest part is knowing when it’s done, more so when I lean abstract.
The hardest part for me is to stop thinking and start doing. This little magic deck might really help.
Awesome canvas ! My biggest challenge is putting the first of anything to my art journal page. Once I have put one mark on it then I can happily continue creating. Getting started is not so easy. The card idea is so clever.
The hardest part for me is keeping the piece simple while using a variety of mediums.
Oh, how much I like that set of cards. What I think is difficult about mixed media is to add layers. I have followed a live workshop but still … going over something hurts. But when I see other artists do it, in the end the result is wonderfully layered. Magical.
I always love hearing you describe the process. The shuffling was fun, too! Loved this peek at your work today. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.
The hardest part? Fear of mistakes! Especially mucking up a piece with background layers that started out well but veered away from my intention.
I thought I already left a comment. Didn’t see one when I skimmed through, so I’ll drop my name in the hat here. 🙂
I already know my new year’s resolutions are going to include being more creative, being less afraid of trying something new, being more open — so the mixed media cards would be just what I need! I love your videos!
Love the canvas. The hardest part for me is when to stop. I look at the piece and think it needs something else. I usually take it in the wrong direction. I think the cards would make it easier at this stage to give me a direction since I am new at art journaling. I think my biggest problem is to overthink the piece and just STOP.
After reading through all the comments, I wasn’t sure I should leave one. 🙂 I will say I loved your canvas. Bright colors make me happy. But I have to say when you pulled out the deck of cards I thought no way could I do that. A little bit of type A works against my creative side. When you drew the card about recycle from your stash, I thought what would I use? I don’t think my stash is good enough… What if it doesn’t mesh? The stress it caused made me laugh at myself. I don’t need the deck of cards as much as I think I need therapy. Enjoy your videos. I am currently watching your gelli workshop. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love the idea of the inspiration deck. Thanks for the opportunity to win one.
I really like the concept of an inspirational deck. I have two hard areas. The first is the blank canvass– where to begin. The second area is the fear of overdoing I am beginning to get over this I keep reminding myself it is only paper and that every “artist” has his own style. I would love a IDeck. Thanks for the chance to win.
Creating backgrounds is great fun and comes fairly easy. The hardest part is decided where to go from there.
Awesome!
My biggest challenge. .. trying to decide what I want to create. I see so many fabulous pieces and get stuck in my head. Love the idea of these cards to get my mix moving!
The hardest part for me is worrying that I am going to screw up something I like by adding to it even when I know it needs more.
Sometimes just starting is the hardest part and other times it is knowing when enough is enough.
Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Life has its ways of getting the mojo level to E. Being preoccupied and worried can make your muse hide for cover, but these cards can force her to come out and play, despite what life is currently throwing at you !
the hardest part is thinking whatever I have planned will not be good enough, therefore I cannot justify the expense of the supplies I would be using. sigh.
The hardest part is covering something up!
Love it. Love watching your videos. Not only are they creative and fun but you are a hoot! Thanks for the inspiration.
The hardest part of mixed media for me is just doing it and not over thinking the process. Fear of imperfection and not being good enough with my art freezes me from starting.
These cards will come in so handy. I always start to doubt myself at some point and this will help me out so I can go forward….
I love these cards, what a good idea! Must order. They will help me out a lot.
Mixed media is so fun and freeing! The hardest thing is keeping the supplies out of the view of guests! (my craft space tends to look messy. Oh the joys of a small house) Love what you’ve done here and the deck looks like a great tool! 🙂
phenis2031 at yahoo dot com
The hardest part for me is to stop thinking about what it is “supposed” to look like. As soon as I do that, the process gets stalled, I start judging my work, and the art that is trying to get out is stuck. Love the concept of the deck!
The deck is a great idea. I’m loving your stencils. I will have to load up on some soon. Thanks for all the great classes and videos. Love everything you have to teach us.
wow… how fun was it to see your page progress!! It’s beautiful! The hardest part of playing with mixed media is choosing which of the fun and yummy supplies I have on hand. I do feel blessed that I have so many nice supplies, but it’s hard to choose which one on which day. LOL I think the deck of cards would help eliminate thinking about it too hard and would be a fun way to create when I don’t feel so inspired.
The inspiration deck is such a great idea. Often I am stuck and these cards would offer a fresh approach. WooHoo!!!!!
Wow! what an incredibly fun creative tool. Makes me want to invite some friends over for a poker night, lol! Would love to own one of these lovelies…
What a great idea! I definitely need something for those days when I’m stuck!
I always enjoy your videos Carolyn. One can always do with a prompt at some stage of a work and those cards certainly got you going again.
Great Idea!! Love your page.
I liked the use of the mixed media inspiration deck. I often “blank out” for ideas even when I had some ideas before I sat down. Amazing how some prompts can start the intuitive art process. I’ll be getting this deck for sure. Thank you for doing the video and for the other links.
Love the deck! And love how your piece became finished after all.
The hardest part is just getting started! I’ve been “collecting” stencils, sprays, and other supplies for quite awhile but clearing off a spot on my table from my card making to actually play with my mixed media goodies is overwhelming! I have “too many” (is that possible???) goodies to play with and that silly thing called a job interferes with my creative daylight hours!
The hardest part is starting with a blank page, but after I get through that, the hardest part is stopping!
whoa! THis was my first visit to your blog, to your videos and to your amazing color choices! THank you so much for the inspiration-I subscribed to your videos and can’t wait to share!
The hardest part is starting….from there it’s a breeze and FUN! textilerecycler@yahoo(dot)com
The hardest part is losing the muse and getting stuck on a project for a long time. Fortunately, it usually, eventually comes back. But I’m sure this deck would help with that.
I’d LOVE to win a copy of this deck! The hardest part for me is starting layering. It seems like such work and mess and it’s hard to pull out the gel medium and start with collaging paper down. It always feels like I don’t have the time to make the mess and then clean it all up. But when I do get started, it’s wonderful. Great work you do here, Carolyn. Thanks for all the videos.
Excellent idea! Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed with choices and do nothing. This seems like a great way to force myself into choices.
The hardest part for me is to get inspired for a background. I enjoyed the video very much and see how the deck of cards can get your mind into a creative mood.
Annie
Loved the video and how you used the deck. And I’m crazy about the numbers on the canvas and how you developed it as you went along.
Layering is the hardest part of mixed media for me. I never seem to layer enough… hope I’m not too late for the giveaway. I just found out about the blog hop.
I don’t see my comment I posted days ago. Good thing I checked. Loved the way you finished up your canvas and the colours are amazing. The MMID will help take the pressure off of me having to come up with what I think will work and just have fun in putting ideas together. Love your free creativity Carolyn. 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration! The hardest part for me as a new art journalist is do the ‘layers’ . I often create a page with only one or two layers, usually paint and a drawn face which I am trying to master. Being confident to cope with ‘oops’ is hard for me as I like it to be all neat and orderly – I definitely need to move out of my comfort zone and picking some cards from the deck would certainly challenge me and move me out of this comfort zone. The cards are a fantastic idea!
love seeing you create, you use such happy colors.
Hello. I have been playing paper for a long time. Mixed Media is still learning. I love using colors. Sometimes it’s hard to start – colors, patterns, theme. Sometimes it’s a tough end – still add a stamp, flower, ornament. But I like to learn and try new things. And always thank you for inspiration in the video, on the blog.