Mixing It Up with Relics & Artifacts Ambassador Darlene Madden

I think the greatest gift my mother passed on to me was the ability to see potential, potential in the broken, battered, everyday items, as she always found a way to work her magic and make them beautiful. I remember as a young girl watching her take apart an upholstered sofa that definitely was worn, weary and weak in its current state.   When I asked her what she was doing, she told me that she was going to re-cover it with new beautiful fabric! I said, “Do you know how to do that?” She replied, “No, but I will figure it out as I go.”  Millions of staples and upholstery tacks later, she had pattern pieces to work with in order to guide her along on her “new and improved” journey.   I admired her “chase fear to the curb” kind of attitude in all that she did in her life.  I try to live that way everyday.

Speaking of everyday, I decided to do a special project for this blog.  Taking a few everyday items from my local dollar store I combined them with some spectacular pieces from the Relics & Artifacts collection, a self-imposed challenge of sorts.

Materials Needed:
Relics & Artifacts Coquille
Metal substrate
Acrylic paint
Trims
Filigree trims
Small glass vial
Map portion
Assorted mini beads and sea glass
Ribbon and wire to wrap handle on substrate
Adhesive
Stencil
Texture paste
glitter
Spray inks, blue, green.

Directions:

Apply brown acrylic paint to Coquille shells.  

Wipe off immediately with a soft cloth, leaving a nice aged patina to start creating with.

Using a blue acrylic paint, paint the metal substrate and let dry. Choose a watery looking stencil and use texture paste and spray inks to add some color on to the metal substrate.  Let dry.  

Add trim to the outside of the substrate for more texture and place shells and filigrees in place. Using a bit of white glue, add a touch of glitter on the waves for reflection and interest. 

Glue shells on with a strong adhesive and then embellish each one with treasures inside the shells.  Wrap rope handle with wire and ribbons and add a few beads to dangle at one ends of the handle.  

Let dry overnight and enjoy a watery feeling art piece made from simply Mixing It Up!!!!!

3 Stamps, 3 Ways with RELICS & ARTIFACTS Ambassador Darlene Madden

As an artist, when I come across a product that can be used more than one way, I get excited!  When these stamps were released, I waited (impatiently, I might add) to get my creative hands on them. They arrived in mailbox and the playing began.

In the first photos, I have shown the astral stamp used in an encaustic natural feeling piece.  I have recently discovered encaustic painting and I have to say that I am loving it, both the smell and the feel of the wax is pure delight.

Supplies:
Sandra Evertson FOUR PORTALS Art Stamps "Astral"
Relics & Artifacts "Rising Spirit I"
White tissue paper
Scrap of rustic wood
Encaustic wax with resin
Pressed flower petals
Leather cording

For the second mixed media application, I used the Alma stamp and a Mexican shadow box. I did reverse glass painting on the inside of the nicho and embellished with treasures on the outside.

Supplies:
Sandra Evertson FOUR PORTALS Art Stamps "Alma" (free gift with purchase of complete PORTALS set)
Relics & Artifacts Bohemian Jewels "Amethyst"
Shadow box or nicho
Acrylic paints
Gloss Mod Podge
Adhesive

For the third piece, a keepsake box, I used the Esoteric stamp with polymer clay. Polymer clay is always close by in my studio.  It's as versatile as all of the Relics & Artifacts products and they play well together!

Supplies:
Sandra Evertson FOUR PORTALS Art Stamps "Esoteric"
Black polymer clay
Lace
Acrylic paint
Rub n Buff
Cameo
Added jewelry odds and bobs

Writing this has me wondering, "Hmmmm.  What else can I use these stamps on?"  Gotta go!  I have an idea!

What Is Style? with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Darlene Madden

"Style.  What is your style?" This question has been on my mind lately as I listen to comments regarding my work. I hear adjectives like "pretty," "gorgeous," and "blingy".  And while those are all lovely to hear as feedback, I had the thought, "What else is there?"

I see myself as a creative person whose job it is to PLAY and mix it up a bit when I create. That is exactly what I have done on this latest triptych.  I played, pushed, pulled, and auditioned elements and pieces that I may have passed by on a less playful day.  As a mixed media artist, I am grateful to have a studio full of interesting treasures, as my treasure hunting goes a long time back.

My starting point were the three legs from Relics & Artifacts® and the wooden base that my husband built. From that point the piece began to evolve and tell the story. As far as style goes, yes, I may tend towards pretty and more feminine works for the majority of my pieces but I do not want to get too predictable.  So I say, "Keep them guessing!"

Materials List:
Relics & Artifacts® Milagros
Wooden base
Metal heat tape
embossing folder
up-cycled belt
Vintage playing card
rusty nails
screws
wood branches
steampunk gears
Barometer gauge
barn hinge
cabinet pull
polymer clay
staples
acrylic paints

Welcome to the RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador Team, Darlene Madden!

We are super stoked to have the ridiculously talented and multifaceted Darlene Madden joining our RELICS & ARTIFACTS® Ambassador team.  Her unique style and multidimensional approach to art shows in her creations and her cheeky, fun-loving personality is a perfect match!  Let's get to know the beautiful Darlene a bit more.

What fills your time when you are not creating?

When I am not creating, I am thinking about new creations!!! As a full time artist and instructor, I am always looking at the world through “potential eyes.” I love to find and use wonderful treasures and incorporate them in my art.  My philosophy is everyday can be an artistic experience and I strive to live this way.  Creating and gratitude are my mainstays. My husband Gord and I have 5 children and 7 grandchildren. All of these amazing individuals just enrich our everyday lives as we are lucky that they all live near us!

What are your favorite materials to use when you create?

My favorite materials in my toolbox are polymer clay, paint, vintage jewelry and found objects. It is very easy for me to grab these elements and make interesting connections because they all seem to easily relate to each other. 

Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?

I have no trouble finding inspiration.  I find it in nature, music, books.  

What is your signature style?

My signature style can best be described in one word:  TEXTURE. I am drawn to it like a bee to a flower and I just love using it in most of my work.

If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea or coffee?

If I could spend time with someone who I am totally intrigued by it would be Georgia OʼKeefe.  I hiked the area she lived in while in New Mexico and I loved it!  I totally respect her for finding her own creative voice and using it.

What is your favorite quote?

My favourite quote is, “We are mosaics... pieces of light, love , history, stars...glued together with magic and music and words.” --Anita Krishan

We are thrilled that Darlene will be joining us on our horizon broadening and comfort zone busting journey through creativity and cannot wait to see what magic she shares with us and all of you.  If you'd like to connect with Darlene, you can find her at Inspiro Mixed Media, on Facebook at Inspiro Mixed Media Works, on Instagram under @InspiroMixedMedia, or via email at Info@MyInspiro.com.