"The Words We Say..." (7 Dots Studio)

Good morning, my friends~! I'm so glad that it's Friday and the weekend is upon us! So much decorating to finish and baking to get done...I cannot wait :). I probably won't accomplish much scrappy-wise, but I did complete a project early this morning that I've been working on since yesterday that I'm very excited to share with you :).

There's this quote that I saw on Pinterest a while back that I just loved and saved it to my computer, hoping to find a way to display it in my home as a constant reminder. But as is what happens with much that I see and save to my computer...it was forgotten. Until yesterday morning, while cruising Pinterest once again, I came across the same quote. I was like "Okay! Let's get this one off the computer and onto the wall so you won't forget it again!" I knew I wanted to do a canvas (I'm on a bit of a canvas kick lately...which you will discover later this month, lol), but wasn't sure how I wanted to execute it. But then I saw a reminder on Facebook about the 7 Dots Studio "Flea Market" challenge to use Thread, Twine, or Wire on a project and I knew that was it!!

Here is what I ended up with...I've got a little tutorial for you too, if interested :).

"The Words We Say..."

This is an 11" x 14" canvas, which is the largest I've ever done. But it was so nice to have the "room" for this quote and it worked out perfectly! I've got lots of closeups for you too, but let me start with a little bit on how I went about putting this project together...

 Apply a thick coat of gesso all over the entire canvas. I used some strips of paper from the 7 Dots Studio "Domestic Goddess" collection, which I based the colors of my project on. I applied more gesso on top of these paper pieces as well.

 Add tissue paper, using the gesso as "glue", using your fingers to "adhere" it to the canvas. I then used a large foam stamp to create the faint Poppies on the right side of the canvas. Add some masking with modeling paste, throw on some seed beads in various colors, and randomly apply glossy accents throughout.

My original idea for this project did not include pictures, but I just couldn't help myself! If I want this piece to serve as a reminder to myself about what I say to my children, their beautiful faces should be right there along with it! So I used some twine, photos, and some tags (also from the "Domestic Goddess" collection) to command the left side of my canvas, where my embellishing would later come into play as well.

 Next, add your title/quote. THIS was a struggle for me! I've never been good at creating long titles, so this part took quite some time! But in the end, I'm pleased with how even it ended up being! I've used alpha stickers from the "Domestic Goddess" collection as well :).

Next, add your flowers and other details! This is always my most favorite part of any project that I do. I love to embellish. I used a variety of flowers, thread, beads, baubles, resin pieces, etc. But my favorites are these little wire hearts which I covered in gesso and then added a pile of beads, glitter, and glossy accents:

These were inspired in part by Encza's GORGEOUS tag, which  you can see in the challenge post. It's amazing, as are all of the projects!!

Here are a few (well, that's a lie- a LOT) more closeups for you...

Phew!! Are you still with me?? :) 

Thanks so much for taking a look and surviving my LENGTHY post. I hope you all have a GREAT weekend and are all surviving the holiday prep!

Take care :)~