Thursday, March 31, 2016

How to Create a Unique Baby Layette

Need a unique gift for a new baby?  How about creating a one-of-a-kind layette or clothing line, that only one special newborn will have.




I'm on the Stencil Girl Talk blog today describing the steps I took to do just that, using DecoArts fabric paints, my newest stencils from Stencil Girl, cosmetic sponges and my gelli plate.  I hope you'll hop over to take a look!

I also filmed some of my process.  




Make sure to check back on my blog tomorrow, April 1, for a special announcement! 

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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Easy DIY Serving Plates with Stencils &Giveaway

 


There are tons of Pinterest Boards  devoted to decorating white porcelain plates with Sharpie markers.  I decided to get in on the action!

Here are the steps I took to decorate four small plates using my newest "Herbs" stencil from Stencil Girl.

I bought the 4 canapĂ© size plates on Amazon.  (You can probably find white porcelain plates at the Dollar store, but I like shopping from my studio!)

I washed the plates first, to make sure there was no residue.   After I figured out the placement of the herbs, I actually cut up my stencil (GASP!) to make it easier to lay the stencil motifs on the plates.  

I sketched in the motifs, using Sharpie Oil Paint markers.  It was good to have both the fine and extra fine tips depending on the size of the opening of the stencil.


Once I had them all drawn in, I baked them in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.  (you can find varying instructions on Pinterest.  Some say 150 degrees, others 450.  I went in the middle, which turned out to be fine.)  I've washed these with soap and water and a scrubby sponge - and they're holding up just fine.  (I haven't put them in the dishwasher.)


These are basically the same steps that Vanessa Spencer used to create these gorgeous plates using the Three Owls and a Branch stencil.  

The Herbs stencil is inspired by Scarborough Fair, one of my favorite songs.

  
So what do you think?  Are you inspired to create your own unique dishes?   
Click here to see demo posts of all my new stencil releases! 

Comment to win one of the "Herbs" stencils.  Next Tuesday, I'll go back and update this post with the winner, so remember to check back!   

And the winner is Amy! Congratulations!!

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:
Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

If you are entering a GIVEAWAY, please add your email address in the event I need to contact you.

To avoid SPAM, please write it like this: jessicasporndesigns (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank You!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

How Community Service Inspires Creativity



My family's work in Guatemala started out as service with From Houses to Homes, but it has become so much more.  Every time I go, I return rejuvenated and inspired to do more, be more, help more.   And I can't wait to go back.


What inspires me?  Foremost is the love of our adopted family - the joy of my godson - the hope of his parents and their beautiful dedication to giving him a better life.


Then there is the quiet dignity of people who live in extreme poverty, but who repeatedly teach me about gratitude, loyalty, and what really matters. 


There is the joy and beauty over small things, like receiving one simple gift for Christmas; 


the juxtaposition of ruin and rebuilding


the colors and vitality


the humor


the persistence of life, pushing through decay


hope and reward from dedication and perseverance;

smiles, laughter, and clarity about why I am on this planet.




Here's a quick video my family made after our second trip to Guatemala.  I hope it gives you a little jolt of the amazing inspiration I glean from each trip.



You can also watch "A Child Does Community Service in Guatemala" on YouTube here.


What makes you say - OK - I know why I'm here?

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:
Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

How to Create Your Own Coloring Pages with Stencils



Want to learn how to mix and match your stencils to create your own coloring pages?  Hope on over to the Stencil Girl Talk blog today where I'm demoing just that.  There's a video there too!



I hope to see you over at Stencil Girl Talk!

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:
Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

If you are entering a GIVEAWAY, please add your email address in the event I need to contact you.

To avoid SPAM, please write it like this: jessicasporndesigns (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank You!

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

How to Make Cards Using Stencils and Paint with Video and Giveaway




Here's another post with one of my new stencils from Stencil Girl Products! 

Today I'm excited to show you how I made some cards with my new "On the Farm" Stencil!  I designed this stencil to so that the elements could be mixed and matched.  I love moving the elements around to create cards.



I experimented with tracing some of the elements lightly onto watercolor paper, and then painting with acrylic inks (although watercolors would do fine too!).


I experimented with stenciling some of the imagery, and then doodling over with Posca markers and Gel pens.



As you can see, I moved the stencil around on my paper to get the arrangements I wanted.  Here's a video to show you the process:


You can also watch Making Cards with Stencils on YouTube.

Comment to win an "On the Farm" stencil.  On Tuesday, I'll go back and update this post with the winner, so remember to check back!    Also... I'm on the Stencil Girl Talk Blog tomorrow sharing a how to for creating your own coloring pages with stencils.  So make sure to check it out!

THE WINNER IS LINDA! CONGRATULATIONS.

If you haven't already - please connect with me here:
Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

If you are entering a GIVEAWAY, please add your email address in the event I need to contact you.

To avoid SPAM, please write it like this: jessicasporndesigns (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank You!