Universe DreamCatchers

Hello everyone! Martice here from the Uneek Art blog. This is my first post with RubberMoon, as one of the Creative Dream Team members and I want to say 'thank you' for joining us here today.


I think we call all agree that our Universe is truly magnificent, right? Funny thing is, the more I learn about our world, the more I learn about myself and my purpose in life, and to have more faith. You should never feel embarrassed or hesitant to

Speak dreams out loud; decree it's YOURS! Set a positive energy

 form in motion to work for you. (Tweet this!)

Today, I bring you Universe DreamCatchers

These are the supplies and tools I used:

RubberMoon stamps: Large Fern & RubberMoon Alphabet Set (rm-2594)

Cardboard from food packaging OR 140 lb. Cold press watercolor paper -- for the circle templates

Gelli prints

Phone book paper -- for the stars and feathers

Your choice of paints

Note: I used these paints --
DecoArt Americana Acrylic paints: Bahama Blue & Razzle Berry
DecoArt Americana Neons Fluorescent Acrylics: Torrid Orange & Fiery Red
DecoArt Gloss Enamels: Dioxazine Purple
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics: Phthalo Blue & Quinacridone Gold
DecoArt Multi-Surface Satin: School Bus
Premier tempera paint, White

Gel Medium (or Mod Podge®)

Scissors

Embroidery floss, choose 3 different colors

Let's Begin!!

STEP 1: Create Round Template

Glue gelli print to the circle OR paint a galaxy onto the cardboard.


Set aside to dry, then cut out template.


With circle RIGHT SIDE UP, use an awl (or sharp, piercing tool), to carefully poke one hole in the top and 3 holes, equally spaced apart, at the bottom.

STEP 2: Create Stars

Using phone book pages, paint randomly onto the surface. Scribble positive words, wishes and thoughts into the wet paint.


Set aside to dry.

Draw a star on a scrap piece of transparency. I cut the star out and used it as a guide for the next step.

With this method, you can instantly see which parts you'll like best for your Universe DreamCatchers! I just love simple, little tricks like this one!

Now, the fun part! Take your dry, painted pages from previous step and use the transparency star as a viewfinder - look for interesting sections to cut out.


Trace around the star in 6 or 8 different places. Cut out each star.


Paint the back side of each star in a light colored paint. (I painted mine Bahama Blue)


Set aside to dry.

Such a pretty pile of painted stars and feathers!

STEP 3: Make the Feathers

From the same painted pages, draw elongated oval shapes in random places. These will be our feathers.

On the reserve side of the feathers:


Create a mixture of black and white to make a light gray. On one side of the feather, paint it a darker shade of gray.


Paint the other half white. Blend colors for a more realistic look.

Using embroidery floss, let's create a vein down the center of each feather, following these steps:


a.) With a paintbrush, apply gel medium to the center, along the length of the feather,

b.) Lay down the string of embroidery floss. Apply another coat of gel medium - directly on top of the embroidery floss,

c.) Fold along the floss.

d.) To make a prominent crease, use the handle end of your paintbrush to gently rub along the floss. 
(Do both sides this way.)

e.) Gently open up the feather. Stop right before the floss is exposed. Turn the feather right side up and press the center to one side (left or right), with your finger.

   f.) Use scissors to cut slits at an angle. Stop your cut just before reaching the center.

STEP 4: Stamp Image & Letters

I used the Large Fern stamp (in Phthalo Blue) for the back of the stars and added fluorescent Torrid Orange dots with a paintbrush.

I used RubberMoon Alphabet Set (rm-2594) for the sentiments "Listen", "Recall", "Dream", and   "Wish" on the front of the stars.

STEP 5: Assemble the Universe DreamCatchers!

Retrieve your circle template. String the feathers (attached to the embroidery floss) through one hole at a time. Tie a knot at top of each hole. Vary the lengths of each strand.

Tip: For more visual interest, try using a different colored floss for each hole. Don't forget to embellish with your favorite charms!

Gold flakes, Metal wing charm (from Metal Gallery), Decorative button (from Prima Marketing, Inc., and silver archival ink.)

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

"There wouldn't be a sky full of stars 

if we were all meant to wish on the same one."

~ Frances Clark

Until next time,

Keep those wishes and dreams BIG!

Martice Smith II