Springtime Inspiration, Going Up in Smoke!

Well, maybe not exactly~~


Hello Friends and welcome to my studio blog today and some fun with a smoked technique for background interest.

Many years ago I did a study with one of my favorite artists, Nancy Kinny and learned a pretty soft background technique called smoked.

This technique is done with a block candle and silver spoon. As the candle burns, you hold the real silver spoon over the flame until it turns black and starts to send up smoke. Then, holding your item that has been based coated, you hold it over the smoke moving it around to evenly, or with good balance, give it a soft misty, smokey look. Once you have the background the way you want it, you proceed to paint or decorate your item however you choose. This will not work with a stainless steel spoon.


This is how it should look when complete. At this point, you lightly varnish the smoked piece to keep it in place and from smudging while you are working on the painting or other design. This way, the soot won't come off on your hands or smear.



Today I did this art technique on an old vintage cake pan and then painted a design from Nancy Kinny on the pan. It is a Carolina Wren sitting in ivy leaves. Can you see the smokey look on the soft ivory background color?



Such a sweet little birdie. I loved working on him. The next two pics are taken on a magazine holder I also painted using this technique while on study with Nancy's design and technique. One side of the holder is a winter blue jay and the other side a springtime robin. I painted this wooden treasure about 16 years ago.


Oh I love to paint birds and also little nests. After completing the Carolina Wren I painted another vintage pan with a rose nest, but this one without the smoked background.

Now I was on a roll and painted another little nest on a pretty pink vintage spoon.


And then a larger wooden spoon I call HOME~

With spring, hopefully around the corner and warmer days ahead, I can't wait to be outside in my garden and of course in the studio creating pretties for the season.


Until next time, have a wonderful day and blessings always.
XO Celestina Marie

Mailbox Surprises from New Zealand

Hello blog friends ~ Blessings to you this beautiful Sunday.

Another mailbox surprise gift awaited me again last week and this one was from my friend Carolyn from Draffin Bears in New Zealand. Carolyn won my Christmas giveaway and she so kindly sent me a sweet thank you gift in return.

After opening the pretty gift wrapped package, I found a gorgeous lavender tea towel made in Germany and detailed in the prettiest designs of lavender, beautifully rose scented soap wrapped in french tissue paper, sprig of lavender all the way from New Zealand and a darling tea cup note card. Oh I love it all and what a sweet surprise I never expected. I am being spoiled lately with goodies in the mailbox, but I know the blessings I am granted and thankful to have wonderful friends from blogland.




Thank you so much dear Carolyn. I cherish these pretties because they are from you and I will think of you every time I enjoy them. You are a dear friend in blogland and I am blessed to know you.

Thank you friends for stopping by~
Have a special Sunday and see you tomorrow for a Link Party hosted by Cindy from Whimsical Musings.
XO Celestina Marie