Good Ol' Gesso

Gesso is one of those products that I just can't be without anymore.
It's a must for me.
I use it on it's own as a base or I mix it with other products too such as paints or sprinkle over some glitter. It's so fun and versatile.
I get asked so often during classes what I use it for.
Here's a couple of projects that I've used it on. 

Here is an older LO that I made for the Craft Stamper Magazine last year.

Papers:Fancy Pants Designs - Summers End

I loved the old wall that Hollie was stood up against. It's like an old tunnel at the Royal Virgina Gardens. It was a fun afternoon with Dad and my sister and her family. We got a bit lost, the little boys needed a wee ( and a #2) and there was no toilet in sight. Not like you can just let them go behind the bushes eh!! It's funny the things you remember : )

I wanted to bring out the old brick wall and had a really good Cocoa Daisy Wall Stamp. I laid on some gesso for my background and added some molding paste too. I used a little orange ink on the brick wall stamp and pressed it in to the gesso and paste to get this great effect. I splashed a little gesso around too.

I also altered this old table last year.
I bought it from a thrifty store. It was dark brown and rather boring. 

 Ade was always complaining that we needed a coffee table, but I didn't want one stuck in the middle of the room. So this seemed like the perfect idea. It's small enough to pop around the side of the sofa, but he pulls it out when we have a coffee.

I cleaned and sanded it down a little and then covered it in old book pages and painted over with gesso once dry. I hand cut a big heart and misted over and typed up these words to add. I covered it in modge podge and it was finished. I have to say I'm so pleased with it. It fits in with our lounge room perfectly and over a year later still looks as good.

I also added some Bakers Twine to the table legs and used gesso over the top.

It makes a great primer. I always use it on canvases before I start painting. I also enjoy adding it to patterned papers if they are really busy. It tones them down a little.
 There are lots of different types to buy.
Just experiment and have fun.
That's what this is all about eh?!!
  
xxx