“My Heart Song” Mixed Media

Here is a DIY lesson for creating a mixed media piece I titled “My Heart Song.” The piece was inspired by the wonderful women in my family and among my friend’s who nestle next to my heart. Their friendships bring an ending stream of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement.

Begin by painting a 8″ by 10″ wrapped canvas with unbleached Titanium White. Let this dry, and then apply diluted yellow ochre and light portrait pink-colored acrylic paint to the opposite edges. Next use Tim Holtz’s Distress Ink, Fired Brick and Walnut Stain, and let dry (all acrylics are the “Basics” brand).

Cut two hearts out of old quilts. Apply a mixture of gesso and Golden Gel Medium to the back to puff them up. Put them onto the canvas and then apply a layer of Golden Gel Medium over them.

Next, add embellishments: pressed leaves from your garden, collage heart and banners with words. Dab a bit of gesso over a few areas of the heart.

I created the banners by applying a diluted mixture of yellow ochre and rose acrylic paint. Then I stamped the lettering and finished with an overlay of a stamp with lettering. Finally, ink the edges with Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain. For a fabulous DIY lesson on how to make a vintage tag, visit this post by Paulien Van Den Bosch.

Here’s a close up of a pressed heart leaf, pressed flower, and quilt heart. You can press your own leaves and flowers by placing them between either wax paper or paper towels. Then stack books on top and allow about a week’s drying time. The different papers create different effects so experiment. Ink areas with distress inks to create an aged effect.