Thursday, January 9, 2014

Corrugated Cardboard Art: Christmas Garlands

I love making gifts at Christmas, if I can think of (or find) good ideas. This year's inspiration came from Jessica Sporn's fabulous Holiday Garland Tutorial. As soon as I watched her tutorial, I knew what I would make for gifts this year. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to order her lovely stencils and had to go ahead on the project without them.

I had so much fun making these garlands! They basically consist of a series of mixed media collages done on a corrugated cardboard substrate. The backgrounds are watercolor and/or fluid acrylic with stamping and other embellishments. I made my own very simple stencils and masks for the tree shapes this time, but would love to try out Jessica's beautiful stencils with some Christmas projects next year. Here are some photos of the individual collages as well as the finished garlands. I'm so excited with how they turned out. Thank you Jessica, for so generously sharing this great idea!


















Hmmm... I did my own lettering on the first set of collages for my 'test garland' and decided not to do lettering on the rest. Plus, it gave me a good excuse to keep one of the garlands for myself! 







I ended up making four garlands (one for myself, of course) and one for each of my sisters. Making gifts like this is such a win-win situation. I get to do what I enjoy most while making something special and unique for the people I love. It sure beats rushing around in the stores, looking for gifts to buy. I hope you all had a chance to slow down and create during the busy holiday and that 2014 is a year full of time to paint and create!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today. I always appreciate your comments.

25 comments:

  1. These are so beautiful. Great textrues and colors.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  2. awesome decoration - fantastic !
    Happy PPF!

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  3. Beautiful garlands. I love using corrugated carboard in projects, so may need to try this... perhaps for Valentines. Thanks for sharing. Happy PPF!

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  4. Wonderful Garlands!!! That is what my sisters and I do we make our presents. It means so much more. It comes from the heart.

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  5. Your garlands re just gorgeous! Valerie

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  6. Really beautiful! Happy PPF - Irma

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  7. These are great! I watched Jessica's video and think I might make my own garland for next year. Thanks for the link :)

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  8. These are gorgeous, full of warmth and heart. Thank you for sharing. Happy and creative 2014 for you

    http://agagasiniak.blogspot.co.uk/

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  9. Gorgeous...beautiful colors and full of celebration and whimsy! Love them!

    Hugs Giggles

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  10. Great idea and your garland is gorgeous. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/mix-it-monthly.html

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  11. How pretty! What a wonderful garland idea! Lovely :)

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  12. Your garland is really nice, Debbie. Jessica always has neat ideas and you have taken her idea of the garland and really run with it! Beautiful work.

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  13. Wow these are great. Love the garlands and am inspired now to make more for the outside for spring. Nice job!

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  14. They are wonderful. All the colors and texture, so fun.

    Happy Paint Party Friday!

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  15. Absolutely darling! Really lovely and creative!

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  16. Hello Debbie,
    I'm visiting PPF for the first time today and loving it. It's all so inspiring.
    I know I'm going to have lots of fun and learn so much.

    Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for sharing ;D

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  17. Beautiful garland.Great colors and textures.

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  18. Gorgeous garland! you inspired me, I think I will make one for spring!

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  19. I love these garlands Debbie. They are a perfect Christmas gift so pretty and made with love.

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  20. Your garland does look like it was fun to make. Thanks for showing the today. Wishing you a creative new year.

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