Step-by-step mixed media canvas with "Early Autumn" & Fancy Pants "True Friend"

Happy Friday! 

Today, I have a fun new project for you all... and a step by step in pictures of how I made this autumn themed mixed media canvas that I made this week! 

I used the Early Autumn kit and focused on the Fancy Pants "True Friend" line that is included in the kit, along with a few other things. Make sure to scroll down to see my process! 

Start by prepping your canvas with your favorite background material. I love the way book pages look peeking through paint, so that's my typical "go-to" material. I just mod podge it down. 

Add a blob of acrylic paint towards the top of the canvas.

"Scrape" it down using a thick card. I used the backing to an embellishment pack from the kit. I like to leave the edges of the canvas untouched. I really like how this technique picks up all the bumps and ridges in the paper.

Using a stencil, spray some mist on top of the paint. You can make your own stencils from thick cardstock, or even using something with a pattern from your house! 

I grabbed a piece of Fancy Pants "True Friend" paper and cut it with scissors into a tree trunk. This is just very freehand and whimsical looking! 

Then I cut out a whole bunch of random leaves from the same line of paper and placed them on the branches.

Once I figured out where I wanted them to go, I mod podged them down, and added some button embellishments.

To give the tree more definition and to help it stand out on the page, I use my favorite black Pitt pen around the edges. I do this in short lines and smudge it with my finger before it dries.

To continue adding dimension, I unscrew the lid to some spray inks and use a paint brush to go along and add shadowing along the trunk and branches.

I realized an autumn tree is not complete without some leaves scattered on the ground beneath it and then wanted to add a pumpkin. 

I used the same process to add detail to the pumpkins and leaves. I also added some white rub ons randomly on the tree as a fun little extra whimsy.

A few epoxy stars complete the canvas! 

If you decided to create a canvas based on this tutorial, please let me know! I'd love to see your creation! :)