Hi friends! Today is the start of the StencilGirl and Kiala Givehand Mixed Media Inspiration Deck: Empowerment Edition Blog Hop. The hop runs from January 10-12, 2018. That’s three days full of art inspiration!
I’m excited to share with you what I’ve created. When you reach the bottom of my post, remember to comment to enter the giveaway. Also, be sure to click on the rest of the StencilGirl team to hop on over to their blogs for even more wonderful inspiration! Hop along all three days and leave comments along the way, for multiple chances to enter the giveaway!
For this journal page I selected a three cards from the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck™ and a few of my fave StencilGirl stencils. I also decided to use watercolor as my primary medium, so I selected a few colors to use.
After priming my page with gesso, My first card from the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck™ directed me to use my non dominant hand, for me that ‘s my left, to scribble onto my page . I used a water soluble pencil.
My second card said to randomly add tissue paper or painted paper towel. I strayed a bit and decided to use underpaper because I love it so much.
Next, I laid down some color, using watercolors.
To help unify everything, I brushed on a bit of gesso.
My third card from the Mixed Media Inspiration Deck™ directed me to use a stencil. I chose the Uplifting Words Stencil. I sponged on random words using a light colored acrylic.
Going back to my first card, to direct me what to do next, I used my left hand to doodle on more color and add a few more scribbles.
I wanted to add a bit more texture to my page, so I used the Repetition Stencil and watercolor. For those of you who aren’t sure, yes you absolutely can use watercolor with your stencils! I would suggest, however, that you may want to use a drier brush. It will still yield a wonderfully imperfect pattern with some fun seepage, but it will still allow your pattern to be discernible.
Going back to my non dominant hand, I made some marks, using my brush and more watercolor.
Next, I stenciled on “Be Present” using the Uplifting Words Stencil and a dark blue acrylic.
I added a bit more contrast to my page using that same darker blue and the Union Small Stencil. I love this pattern!
To finish it off, just a few more doodles and marks, using my non dominant hand.
Thank you for following along while I enjoyed some time in the studio with StencilGirl and Kiala’s Mixed Media Inspiration Deck: Empowerment Edition.
GIVEAWAY
One lucky winner will receive both a $25 Gift Certificate to StencilGirl Products
AND a Mixed Media Inspiration Deck™ Empowerment Edition !
Visit these amazing artists’ blogs and comment for your chance to win!
The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to WIN!
(One comment per blog please.)
You have until Sunday, January 14th at 11:59PM Central Time to leave your comments.
Winner will be announced on
StencilGirl’s Facebook page on Monday, January 15th.
Then copy and paste the blog hop order with embedded permalinks for your day (and previous days if you are scheduled for Jan. 11 or 12) below and include it in your individual blog post:
Blog Hop Order
January 10
Mary Beth Shaw
Belen Sotelo – You are here
Julie b
January 9, 2018 at 9:50 pm (2 years ago)LOVE this! You make this so approachable that I want to run yo my art room and play (besides going shopping for those awesome stencils ha!) Thank you!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:16 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Debi Adams
January 9, 2018 at 10:47 pm (2 years ago)Ah Belen, amazing work as always! Love the colors in your project and your message…yes to this!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:16 pm (2 years ago)Thank you so much, Debi!
Connie Smith
January 10, 2018 at 5:57 am (2 years ago)Your color choices are beautiful!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:17 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
jean marmo
January 10, 2018 at 6:37 am (2 years ago)So many wonderful layers and I love the colors! Powerful words!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:17 pm (2 years ago)Thank you for hopping by!
Nancy Baumiller
January 10, 2018 at 7:27 am (2 years ago)Yummy! Lots of fun layers and beautiful colors!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:18 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Nancy
Patricia Lintner
January 10, 2018 at 7:41 am (2 years ago)Oh Belen I love your process and doing so with your non-dominant hand is a great way to “loosen” up. In fact, I am going to try that on a piece I am working on right now! Thank you!!!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:18 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Glenda Hoagland
January 10, 2018 at 7:53 am (2 years ago)Use of these cards encourages so many luscious layers. Great post.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:18 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
brenda beene shackleford
January 10, 2018 at 7:58 am (2 years ago)Thanks for sharing your process:)
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:19 pm (2 years ago)My pleasure, Brenda.
Tammy Wahl
January 10, 2018 at 8:30 am (2 years ago)It was so fun seeing what you were able to do without using your dominant hand. Also that you can use watercolors with our beautiful Stencil Girls stencils! Tammy
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:19 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Donnetta Arnold
January 10, 2018 at 10:32 am (2 years ago)Love this. You have given me the jump start I needed to get going again.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:20 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, Donnetta… happy stenciling!
Terry O'Neill
January 10, 2018 at 10:34 am (2 years ago)I love the color and flow in this piece! Also loved that you used your nondominate hand so much!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:20 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Terry!
Helen Markee
January 10, 2018 at 10:39 am (2 years ago)I loved the colors you used! Thanks
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:20 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Kristi
January 10, 2018 at 11:02 am (2 years ago)This is beautiful Belen! I loved seeing your process. ?
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:21 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, friend!
Sue Fontaine
January 10, 2018 at 11:08 am (2 years ago)OMG ? never even thought of using my watercolors with stencils. Sooo happy and inspired right now!! Beautiful, amazing page!! Thank you for the information on watercolor with stencils and the inspiration!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:21 pm (2 years ago)Yay, thank you Sue!
KatheD
January 10, 2018 at 11:35 am (2 years ago)this is a beautiful page, very inspiring – thanks for sharing your process!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:22 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, Kathe.
Gina
January 10, 2018 at 12:20 pm (2 years ago)I get so inspired when I see your delicious use of stencils and color. Oh how I love color and pattern! Thank you for this giveaway too! Someone will be so so lucky!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:22 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Gina!
Kathy
January 10, 2018 at 12:30 pm (2 years ago)Just love the way you put it all together!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:23 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Rachel Bell
January 10, 2018 at 12:34 pm (2 years ago)I’m drowning in the beauty of your watercolors!!! So luscious! ~Rachel Bell bellbrzs (at) cox (dot) net
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:23 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, Rachel.
Eva Gronroos
January 10, 2018 at 12:51 pm (2 years ago)Lovely spread and I really liked how you went back to the cards multiple times, giving it a sense of “exploring the prompt”!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:24 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Eva.
marian riley
January 10, 2018 at 12:57 pm (2 years ago)great use of left hand!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:24 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Marian. It was good to mix it up.
Carol Baxter
January 10, 2018 at 1:02 pm (2 years ago)You non-dominant hand creates lovely things!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:25 pm (2 years ago)Carol, you sweetheart you! Thank you
Kelly Warren
January 10, 2018 at 1:46 pm (2 years ago)Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your step out process. knwarren65 (at) yahoo (dotcom)
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:25 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Allison Revetta
January 10, 2018 at 3:13 pm (2 years ago)Nice! Loved the process
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:25 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Beverley
January 10, 2018 at 3:28 pm (2 years ago)That’s a great page, and I loved that you went back and forth between the prompts.
Bevtextart (at) btinternet (dot com)
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:25 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, Beverly!
Christina Steeves
January 10, 2018 at 3:49 pm (2 years ago)Love This! These decks are so much fun to work with! csinkmistress at gmail dot com
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:26 pm (2 years ago)They are! I had such fun with this deck!
Lori Schoen
January 10, 2018 at 4:54 pm (2 years ago)OOOH! What a yummy page. Love the cards! What a fun way to keep moving forward. Tank you!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:27 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Becky Swartzlander
January 10, 2018 at 5:01 pm (2 years ago)Oh I love the words you chose and the finished page is great! Becs
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:27 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Nancy Lefko
January 10, 2018 at 5:22 pm (2 years ago)Terrific page. Loved seeing your progression.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:27 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Nancy!
Kate's Scrap Yard
January 10, 2018 at 6:05 pm (2 years ago)This journal spread is so amazing! I love the colors. The deck of cards idea is so cool. Love how it makes you think out of the box.
Kate
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:28 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Laurie
January 10, 2018 at 7:37 pm (2 years ago)Love your colors and the way you used the cards over and over throughout the process. Your page looks great!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:28 pm (2 years ago)Thank you for hopping by!
Jill McDowell
January 10, 2018 at 8:12 pm (2 years ago)I really like your journal page. The background is fab!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:28 pm (2 years ago)Thanks so much, Jill!
Wendy W
January 10, 2018 at 9:09 pm (2 years ago)What a great page (as usual)! The pop of white is a wonderful finish!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:29 pm (2 years ago)Thank you. I’m a big fan of adding white in to help things pop.
Denise Spillane
January 10, 2018 at 9:15 pm (2 years ago)I love how you used the cards and stencils. Your page is great!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:30 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Denise!
Lisa
January 10, 2018 at 10:10 pm (2 years ago)I love your layout! I really like that you picked a few cards and then used them over in order to finish your layout. That was really cool. Love that you all used them in different ways.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:30 pm (2 years ago)Thank you! It was so fun seeing how everyone used the cards.
Janis Graham
January 10, 2018 at 10:53 pm (2 years ago)Love this – all the different media you used, all of the color, and that you weren’t intimidated by having to use your non-dominant hand! Janisgraham (at) yahoo (dot com).
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:30 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
joy meadows
January 11, 2018 at 7:56 am (2 years ago)You did such a wonderful job of using your non-dominate hand, Belen! I love everything about this spread. thanks for the inspiration.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:31 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, Joy!
Lorie
January 11, 2018 at 10:16 am (2 years ago)I love watching the evolution of the page with each new card. BRILLIANT! loriegarver at (gmail) (dot com)
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:31 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Andrea Harris
January 11, 2018 at 12:39 pm (2 years ago)Love how your project turned out. I think I need these cards!!!!!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:31 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Gayle B
January 11, 2018 at 1:03 pm (2 years ago)I love this spread, and all the different media used.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:32 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Jinx Engstrom
January 11, 2018 at 1:29 pm (2 years ago)Beautiful colors! You make it look so easy.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:32 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Patty Donahue
January 11, 2018 at 1:30 pm (2 years ago)Awesome. Great reminder to use lettering. I don’t do it as often as I should …
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:32 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Kathy Marie Gerber
January 11, 2018 at 4:45 pm (2 years ago)It is empowering and encouraging for me today and tomorrow. Thank-you
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:34 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Jill Holmes
January 11, 2018 at 6:10 pm (2 years ago)Love how you kept using the same cards and going “around and around” with them–and sharing your progress with us as you went. Very nice!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:34 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Susan Schultheis
January 11, 2018 at 6:25 pm (2 years ago)Looks like you had a lot of fun using the inspiration cards. I would ilke to try them myself.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:35 pm (2 years ago)I really did!
Michelle Logan
January 11, 2018 at 6:50 pm (2 years ago)Love your work and the cards are just such a cool idea! Thanks so much for sharing!?
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:35 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, Michelle!
Annette Reed
January 11, 2018 at 7:04 pm (2 years ago)Love this! Lots of colors and layers are fantastic and I love the doodling with your left hand. Great use of the cards! Thanks.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:36 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Annie
January 12, 2018 at 5:38 am (2 years ago)Beautiful colors!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:36 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Janelle Rourke
January 12, 2018 at 7:20 am (2 years ago)Love your page and the stencils you used. Fun things to do with the inspiration deck. Thanks for sharing. Janelle
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:36 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for hopping by!
Ginnie
January 12, 2018 at 8:46 am (2 years ago)So much fun-gotta have this deck!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:37 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Rita Montgomery
January 12, 2018 at 10:14 am (2 years ago)Your page is so cool and I like the card idea. I don’t do Facebook. Thanks.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:37 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for hopping by!
Wendy
January 12, 2018 at 1:59 pm (2 years ago)Going back and forth between the prompts really added interest and great layers. I like that some of the cards push you outside your comfort zone, e.g. using non dominant hand.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:38 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Jakki Garlans
January 12, 2018 at 6:57 pm (2 years ago)Sometimes I feel that decks such as this really don’t give very creative ideas. However, the cards I’ve seen in the hop so far are fascinating and give such great starting off points. I love the colours in your design. Wonderful inspiration. Thank you !
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:39 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Jakki. I had a lot of fun with these cards and definitely see myself using them again.
Jacklyn Young
January 12, 2018 at 7:26 pm (2 years ago)I LOVE how you blended colors and shapes!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:39 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Cathy Costelle
January 12, 2018 at 8:40 pm (2 years ago)Love this and what you accomplished with your non dominant hand. Also love all the layering.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:40 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Michele S
January 12, 2018 at 11:16 pm (2 years ago)thanks for the inspiration! you’ve made a beautiful and meaningful page! xo
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:41 pm (2 years ago)Thanks Michele!
Glenise Ward
January 13, 2018 at 2:39 am (2 years ago)What a beautiful page! I love the effect that using your non-dominant hand has on your artwork.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:41 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Sandy
January 13, 2018 at 11:28 am (2 years ago)Amazing! You’ve given me so many ideas to try! BTW, what is “under paper”?
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:49 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Sandy! Underpaper is newsprint that I use to protect my work surface. While I’m working it inevitably gets paints, inks, etc on it and I love using it as a collage element.
Anne Lou (Nan) Robkin
January 13, 2018 at 12:03 pm (2 years ago)Love what you did with the non-dominant hand!
alhrobkin (at) aol (dot com)
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Catherine Lenoci
January 13, 2018 at 2:09 pm (2 years ago)Beautiful project!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Crescent Rodgers
January 13, 2018 at 5:59 pm (2 years ago)love your layering!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Anne
January 13, 2018 at 7:36 pm (2 years ago)You did a great job of working with the non-dominant had prompt.
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm (2 years ago)Thanks, Anne.
jnana Bryant
January 13, 2018 at 10:05 pm (2 years ago)Loved the colors you used and loved seeing how you allowed the cards to inspire your creativity. I thought your pages were so fun and free! Really loved it!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:51 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Helen Gullett
January 14, 2018 at 5:58 am (2 years ago)Love the result of using those prompt cards on your art journal page.
Stunning design and I love the colors, too.
Thank you for the inspiration and a chance to win the $25 Gift Certificate to StencilGirl Products and a Mixed Media Inspiration Deck™ Empowerment Edition!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:51 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for hopping by!
Ebonee Shelton
January 14, 2018 at 7:10 am (2 years ago)Wonderful to see your process each step of the way. The final page is beautiful
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:51 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
lynda maclellan
January 14, 2018 at 8:55 am (2 years ago)Love everything about this! From your color combinations to the stencils used to your mark-making. Really wonderful! Must try using my non-dominant hand to take away the overthinking. The inspiration deck is such a wonderful idea!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:52 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
textilerecycler
January 14, 2018 at 8:57 am (2 years ago)Looks like a nice mixed use of inspiration cards and creative intuition. Awesome page..
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:52 pm (2 years ago)Thanks so much!
Wendy W
January 14, 2018 at 10:57 am (2 years ago)love how you repeated the cards to continue to create your layers! Awesome page!!
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:52 pm (2 years ago)Thank you!
Natalie
January 14, 2018 at 2:05 pm (2 years ago)ooohhh I LOVE this
So much awesomeness
Belen Sotelo
January 14, 2018 at 6:52 pm (2 years ago)Thanks for hopping by!
Tova FRanczoz
January 14, 2018 at 8:11 pm (2 years ago)outstanding my favorite so far!!! love the message be present! love the colors love everything!!
Belen Sotelo
February 2, 2018 at 6:06 am (2 years ago)Thanks so much, Tova!