Berry71bleu : Special Guest Designer Emily Hammann!

Today we're excited to welcome back Special Guest Designer Emily Hammann!

I’m a mixed media artist living in St. Louis, MO with my fiance, two children, two cats and bird. I started creating in 2008 with layouts after receiving a scrapbook for my birthday. Once I began making layouts, I never looked back. I moved on to tags, cards, altered items and finally mixed media. I prefer mixed media now, and am at my happiest when my hands are covered in paints and inks. I’m fortunate to have an extremely understanding fiance’ when it comes to my work. When I am not in my art studio or teaching at a LSS, I am with my family going for hikes, walks, or visiting local hot spots where I can always find inspiration. If not I will be curled up with a good book or watching one of my favorite shows. Currently I am on the Genuinely Jane Studios and Creative Inspirations Paint Design Teams. You can find me on my blog at www.emilyhammann.com.

I am so happy to share my layout with you! This time of year is full of so many things that bring comfort and joy to me, and one of those things is making sweet goodies to share with family and friends. The treats I especially love to make are buckeyes, which for those of you who aren't familiar are basically peanut butter cup like balls covered in chocolate and made to look like the real buckeyes that come from the trees. I had never had them until I got together with my fiance who is from Ohio, where they are pretty popular. :)

I wanted to make the layout as luscious as the tag I received which is made by Marivic. There were so many layers and colors, I wanted those included in my layout.

I mounted my layout to a piece of corrugated cardboard that came in a package. Using some Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos in several blues, I colored the cardboard. To tone it down, I mixed in some Liquitex Gesso. I didn't want it completely covered so I just used the gesso lightly, here and there. (I highly recommend Liquitex's gesso, by the way.)

UHK Gallery papers are used for the background, ribbon at the base of the layout, photo mat and on the Genuinely Jane Studios ornament page. Because I couldn't go without adding texture, I HAD to use some Liquitex Light Modeling Paste with a stencil on my background UHK Gallery paper, as well as on the wood Ornament. I am a huge fan of texture!

You can see the beautiful tag by Marivic which I have used for more layers on my ornament, over a doily and being used as a pocket for my journaling, which I put on a tag made with UHK Gallery paper. I normally don't do so many layers, but the tag was so inspiring!!

The journaling on the tag reads: One of the many things that brings me joy during the holiday season is the backed goods, cookies, and goodies that get made. Even more, I love sharing what I make with others. I get the kids involved and we make buckeyes together. Although, they eat at least half of what we make... Oh well! :)

Once again, I have enjoyed being a Guest Designer and had a great time with the challenge. Have a Very Merry Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season, no matter where you are!!

Here are all the challenge details: We have a two-part challenge this month. This time of year is perfect to reflect on the past and to look forward to what is yet to come. It's a season for being thankful, to surround yourself with loved ones and to enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer.

Many call this the "most joyous time of the year." With this in mind, the December challenge is simply: Joy. What brings you Joy? What always puts a smile on your face? Joy can be interpreted in many ways. Think about what person, place, activity, pet, hobby or simple pleasure gives you joy. This can be anything--that first warm cup of morning coffee, reading your favorite book, your family, your dog cuddling up next to you! Think outside of the box.

The second part of this challenge is that you must include journaling. Your journaling must be at least 3 sentences or more. Jotting down places and dates do not count. Document your thoughts and explain why the subject you chose to scrap brings you joy.

Here's the challenge board to bring you some inspiration.

Main Prize:

Liquitex Paint Marker Set

Choice of 3 13arts Chipboard/Stencil Designs

Random Prize:

The Random Winner will receive a Hot & Cold paper pack from UHK

Sponsors:

Liquitex

Liquitex offers the widest spectrum of vibrant intense acrylic paints, acrylic mediums and art supplies that enable you to bring your creative vision to life. The possibilities to expand your creativity are endless with their innovative toolbox. Liquitex was the first water-based acrylic paint created in 1955 and since then has partnered with artists to ensure that they continually evolve and innovate – resulting in a long history of acrylic innovation. Today, Liquitex offers the largest array of vibrant acrylic paints, mediums and tools to enable acrylic artists to continually explore their art and take it to new and unprecedented boundaries. Their innovative drive, creative passion and intense desire to share the joys of artistic expression through unparalleled education and community outreach programs, has ensured that Liquitex will continue to be a strong partner in helping artists explore their art for decades to come.