Relieving Stress by Creating ART

 Stress.....we all have it. Sometimes it's our job, or our kids, the weather, bills, our health...but at the end of the day, we ALL have stress.

How we deal with it is another thing. Lots of people use their creative abilities as a way through it all. Some play music, or draw, paint or decorate a space. Most of us just want to curl up in a ball and hide, or sleep, but working with what generally makes you happy is a much better solution. 

This project took a long time for me to finish. It started with an unfinished wooden box from Hobby Lobby and paper clay elements that I painted with black gesso.

I really loved how the clay dried with cracks and the texture of the pine box was slightly rough. It adds character and age to the unit.

I proceeded to add Opal Magics and Metallique Paints on the paper clay mould embellishments and the rest of the box.

This is a look at the first layer of paint. A dry-brush method is best on the black gesso when using these paints.

And then it sat there....for weeks, perhaps months. I knew it needed something, but I just didn't know what.  

There are lots and lots of layers and colors of paint here. Way too numerous to list. I'd be lying if I thought I could actually remember them anyway, but just know, the Opal Magics went on first so they really popped on the black gesso, and the brighter, more intense Metalliques were added last.

 A bit of German Dresden trim was lightly painted and used around the top. 

More layers of color were brushed on. It seemed like a never-ending battle to get the right colors to take the spotlight.

A few Mini Stars were thrown in to cover the ends of the Dresden on the front and back.

I added Magical Pond Sparks paint in the centers of the Lotus Flowers with 2 different sizes of Art Stones.

The Heart Key has oranges and reds, like the Lotus, in several layers of color and intensity.

It's all put together with 3D Matte Gel, Soft Gel and Heavy Body Gel.

I've been in the garden a lot since Springtime is here and Summer is fast approaching. You have to strike while the iron is hot to get those seeds planted and annuals in the ground. Now that that is done, I can spend more time in the Studio.

Today I'm also on the Finnabair blog with this Spotlight project and more insight into creating to relieve stress. So click on the link and check it out.

Hope you're inspired to create and share your inspirations and fears.

Your Friend in ART,

Linda