Since today is the first Monday of the month, that means it’s time for a blog hop with Designer Crafts Connection. And… I’m so excited to say that I’m now a part of that webring. Designer Crafts Connection is a group of professional designers and crafters from all sections of the industry that come together to support one another and share inspiration. 
These designers are all connected through a webring using this picture here above. You can find one of these somewhere in the sidebar of each designer’s website. You can see mine just to your right. You can click forward and backwards to find tons of inspiration any time of the month. I’m so honored to be a part of this.
Speaking of honor, I created the mixed media canvas you see above. This will help to decorate my home for the summer and maybe longer.
I played with a little metal. This was my first attempt at puffing and filling metal. Not perfect, but I learned a lot and I love the rustic feel it added to my project. After filling the back of the stars, I buffed the tops and edges. I even went back with a little custom mixed paint around the edges of the metal and along the sides of the canvas to help blend the edges.
I went through my paper stash and pulled out different reds and different ‘white’ toned papers. I even gave a white wash to many of my white-toned papers.
I cut the papers in 1.25” strips and then cut random rectangles. I used Helmar Decoupage and Craft Paste to adhere all the strips to my canvas. I even added red paint and ink to a batch to put down the red papers. I wanted the base to be red even under the papers. After all my stripes were added, I painted another layer of Helmar Decoupage and Craft Paste over the entire canvas of paper. I love that this dries quickly even in this Florida humidity.
So, I hope you’ll find some time this week to take a look at all of the designers who participate with the Designer Crafts Connection. You never know where you may find inspiration or what else you may find along the way. I hear there are some great prizes sometimes! You never know when a random one may be given.
Thank you for taking the time to visit me today.
Cheryl, this is awesome!! I love the different techniques that you used!!
GASP! In love with this!!!
Awesome project Cheryl!
This is wonderful! I really like how you mixed the two elements. This type of art is all new to me; I’m so enjoying this new discovery. Would love to see how you “puff” metal.
Thanks, Peggy. This was my first attempt at puffing metal, but I learned a whole lot while doing so and am confident I will be playing with more metal soon.
Great project! Love your blend of pattern and texture!
Thank you, Linday. I’ve been looking for an way to play with metal on a canvas and this worked for me. And gave me even more ideas.
Amazing project! Love the metal and how you used the patterned papers for the stripes
http://www.mel-designs.typepad.com
Thank you so much, Melony. Loved your projects too.
Cheryl, welcome to the hop!
Your project is awesome!
oh, I meant to ask, what is the finished size?
Thank you, Brenda. This canvas is a 16×20.
Absolutely love this – great combination of elements with gorgeous results!
Thank you, Cindi. And thank you so much for visiting my site.
Cheryl – your project is wonderful!!! Love the juxtaposition of metal with paper. All of the patterns really give this a shabby chic feel. PINNING!!!
Why thank you, Susan. Don’t you love Pinterest? I just get lost looking and don’t pin as much as I probably should…or shouldn’t.. ;-0
Very cool. Love how you adjusted the colors of the papers to work for you 😉
Thanks, Jackie. I wanted to use white papers, but not ALL white
This came out fantastic! Love the unique use of metal and all that patterned paper to make the stripes!
About your question on my blog. The stamp is the “Thinking About You Around the Clock” teacher’s kit by Hero Arts.
Thank you. I’ve been itching to put metal on a canvas and this worked well. Thanks for the answer. I loved that stamp on your card.