I have to confess that I was so focused on finished this mixed media canvas that I forgot to film my progress. I showed you in Borders and More what I selected and how I prepared what I was going to use.
I draped the yarn to look like a textured frame within the paper frame. In the corner loops, I glued the sand-covered glass pebbles. For more texture, I applied Liquitex glass beads, which goes on white and dries clear. The glass beads are around the larger shells inside of the yarn border.
Here is the finished canvas. It has a metallic look that does not show up in the image and the colors are a mixture of blues, greens, and bronze. I named this piece “Memories.”

I decided to add a torn paper border with vintage themes. I used gesso to adhere the papers, then let it air dry. I choose not to use a heat gun to speed up drying, which is why I like doing this type of art in the summer. I can put the canvas or accessories out in the sun and let the sun do the drying naturally.
After the borders dried, I selected my accessories to build a theme. Digging through my supplies, I found some sea shells. As if a light went on, a theme flashed into my mind. Not vintage, but memories of times past. Check out the video to see all the accessories I used and how I prepared them.
The video with this post is no longer available.

This is just the beginning of layers after the paper and base paint layer. I do not have theme and colors picked out yet. I know that I do not want the same theme or colors of my last two mixed media pieces. I love using watches, gears, and metallic colors, but I need a change!
This is the experimenting stage. It can be kind of boring. Why is that? This is the building up of layers. Most of what I add now will be covered up. These layers are necessary to create value, texture, and shape. Sometimes I really like the beginning layers and dislike covering them up, but it is necessary if I want a complete composition. I picked a variety of blues and browns as my starter colors; some geometric stencils and I threw in clock hands just for fun. I waited until everything dried and decided I would be happy to cover it all up as the colors and shapes do not work for me. What comes next?
Video is no longer available.

The foundation is dry and now I need to cover the magazine print with paint. After that layer dries, I will add another layer of paint for better coverage. If the colors tie in with my theme, I will continue to use those colors in the following layers. What is my theme? I do not have a theme-yet. I keep going through my collections which is anything from keys to lace and buttons, air dry clay objects and so much more. Choices, choices, choices! Do you ever have a hard time choosing? I see so many possibilities that I have a problem deciding. Finally, I pick a couple of stencils and apply the joint compound for texture. Now it is time to let the layers dry.
Video is no longer available. Images show first layer of paint, texture, and more layers of paint. It will get better, I promise!