Mixed media bird canvas

My mom and I rub off on each other in different ways, but especially in the creative projects that we try.  She is really into mixed media right now, and I decided to give it a try too.  Basically, I layered on different things a little at a time over the space of a week or two.   Perfect for a busy mom.

I started out with a blank canvas from Hobby Lobby.
I glued some old sheet music paper to it.   I have a ton from when I played the flute. 
Then I smudged some brown paint all over and drew the tree branch.
Another day, I lightly painted some blue streaks up near the “sky” and some green streaks near the “ground”.
The birds are made from fabric scraps;  I ironed wonder-under to the fabric before I cut the shapes out, then ironed the birds right onto the canvas.  Hot glued some buttons on for eyes.

Then Grace peeled the birds off my canvas when I wasn’t looking.   
She left all the pieces in a pile under a table.  When I found the pile of birdie pieces, I started to wail and moan…. “Why, why, why?”  Brian came running in from the other room to check on me and comfort me in my distress.   “I’m fine. Really, I’m fine.”  I signed to him, embarrassed that my wailing was so loud that my DEAF husband could hear me from across the house and came running.   “It’s just that my project is ruined and I should have stayed in bed today!”   (Some days I’m more dramatic that others…..)

Well, turns out I was able to iron those birdies back on in about two minutes and hot glue the buttons back on in about 20 seconds.  Back on track.

 
The next day I used a celery heart to make some “flowers” in the corners.  I saw it on Pinterest, and this was the perfect opportunity to try it out! 

(Source of celery picture)

I chose the quote “Life does not have to be perfect to be beautiful”, considering the imperfect route this canvas took while being created.  The words were printed it out on vinyl with my Silhouette machine.  I let Grace help me place the letters…. hoping that involving her NOW would deter her from peeling them off LATER. 

I love how it turned out (even though I wish the entire quote was printed in blue).   BUT it doesn’t have to be perfect.   There is beauty in imperfection.