Day Dawns Beyond the Atlantic Sea- Jenn Pipe
I’m convinced that if there’s such a thing as a previous life, I was some sort of sea creature. As such, I am inextricably drawn to ALL of the ocean-themed craft blanks from sandraevertson.com! Every new release has me dreaming of projects to create and sends me running to my shopping cart!
When Sandra told me she was releasing these new Nodi Fragosus shells, I had a vision for an incredibly understated project where the texture and detailed beauty of the shells themselves could take center stage. I was envisioning something along the lines of a reverse canvas, vintage sea life idea. I knew I wanted the finishes to be simple, yet stunning; with the ultimate goal to replicate what a shell would look like in its natural habitat.
When searching for a bit of text to accompany the shells in their shadowbox-like environment, I came across a phrase that talked about “day dawning beyond the Atlantic Sea.” So perfect since we just moved to a home that overlooks the Atlantic and we have beautiful views of the sunrise! The phrase ultimately guided my vision…sweet serendipity!
How I Created the Canvas:
· I coated both sides of the canvas in two coats of black gesso
· Once that was dry, I adhered a piece of patterned paper to the background and used Sandra’s Dresden Daisy Chain Trim on the edges.
· I coated the shells with white gesso.
· I then grabbed a small Helios wood cut to represent the dawning of a new day and daybreak over the Atlantic. That was also coated in white gesso.
· Once the gesso was dry on the shells, I added layers of color, starting with a parchment colored base coat. I then layered golds, oranges, and browns (most with a hint of shimmer) to create these lifelike samples.
· I ended by adhering all of the resin and wood shapes to the canvas with a 3D gel medium.
· For a little bling, and to give some oceanic symbolism, I added a few blue gemstones to finish off the piece.
This was a pretty simple project that took me about 90 minutes from start to finish. I encourage you to get your hands on some of Sandra’s ocean-themed pieces and let your creativity run wild!
Be brave and creative in your life and your art,
Jenn Pipe
MUSE 2020 Design Team