Wonder-FULL

Hello friends,

Happy to be sharing a colorful mixed-media wood panel made with the largest of the square Vignette Boxes. I had the idea to use the Mini Marquee letters over the colorful inked background with the words Full of Wonder. However, as I began placing the letters, a playful idea sparked. I decided to break the word "Wonderful" onto two lines and intentionally add an extra "L," creating "Wonder-FULL." It became a visual reminder to not just experience wonder, but to be truly FULL of it in our lives. I love how a small shift in perspective can add a new layer of meaning to a piece.

I started by painting the sides of the largest Square Vignette. I used Worn Lipstick, but the are many colors in the Distress Line that will work. Anyway, I painted two coats over the sides of the box and let it dry overnight. When I came back in the morning, I sanded it heavily with a sanding block to reveal some of the wood beneath the paint. You can add a layer of Collage Medium over the paint to give it a more polished look, but that is up to you.

I cut a 5 1/2 x 5 1/2" piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock to use for the top of the Vignette. 

Next, I sprayed three colors of Distress Spray Stain (Worn Lipstick, Mustard Seed and Peacock Feathers) on a Tonic Replacement Mat.

I lightly sprayed my Watercolor Cardstock with water, then began the process of dipping into the ink spray, tapping off and drying with a heat tool. Little by little the colors came together after repeating the process over and over until I was satsified.

Add a good amount of Collage Medium to the top of the Vignette Box (it takes a good amount to secure the heavy Watercolor Cardstock). 

Add the cardstock to the Vignette. If you have a small brayer or a bone folder, both can be used to help secure the cardstock.

Just a shot of the Vignette with the cardstock applied.

I cut up a sheet of Serendipity Collage Paper to add to the surface.  The colorful background makes it easy to hide the edges of the Collage Paper. If you need a refresher on using Collage Paper, here are the basic steps:

1. Use water brush or scissors to "cut out" the image you want.
2. Add Collage Medium to the surface where the image will go.
3. Lay the image into the Collage Medium and press into the glue.
4. Cover the image with Collage Medium.
5. Dip your fingertip into water, and lightly wipe over the surface before the glue dries. If you are working on a vintage piece, you can dip your fingertip into a ink/water mix.

I wanted to share this photo to show that the Collage Paper can be cut (I used a Water Brush to do that here) to suit your needs.  The small vine that has already been added is "as is". I cut the flower from another part of the image and added it to the panel where I wanted it.

I cut up vintage paper + Worn Wallpaper Scraps to create a pinwheel of sorts. I kept it very neutral so the colorful background would still be the star. Once I had it glued down, I added a layer of Collage Medium over the top. You need the slick surface it creates so you can add crayon after it is dry.

I used a Picket Fence Distress Crayon to highlight the pinwheel. I used it heavily so the crayon could build up around the pieces. 

I grabbed a circle die and a Stabilo pencil to create the circles around the pinwheel. I also used my Tonic clear ruler to create the lines. So easy to see exactly what you are doing.

Now use your fingertip to smudge random lines so it looks more organic. You don't need water, just touching a damp wet wipe will do.

NOTE: Once the lines were drawn, I sprayed the surface with a clear sealer. I wanted to seal the Pencil lines from the layers that will come next. 

Adding the Mini Marquee is easy. Just wipe some Collage Medium onto the back and press into place.

I still need to add the dash between the words. There is no dash in the package, so I just cut an L down to use as the dash.

You could leave well enough alone, or keep going (which is what I did). I added words from the Remnant Rub sheet (Tiny Text) to the pinwheel.

Next I added a few pieces of Cello Sticker Tape (because, why not?)

I decided to add a few paper dots to the mix. 

Once the dots were glued on and Collage Medium was added, I added more Picket Fence crayon just like I did over the pinwheel.

I also added crayon to the edges of the Mini Marquee.

I love this little panel. 

All the bright Distress Ink colors make for such a fun background. 

Now carry on,

paula