Art beyond the canvas

It's SHA Tip Tuesday (I know... surprise! This doesn't happen every week! But when it does, well... thanks for reading on...)

Today I have two tips to mention:

• Paintings don't have to be on walls, and

• Acrylic sticks well to lots of surfaces.

This bag was inspired by my online Paint Along, "Bees in the Lavender". I made the bee bigger and painted it on this slightly-textured, pleather tote bag. The stitching gave out before the painting came off (ie. it didn't come off at all) and I didn't use any additives or mediums.

Mind you, it was just a bag for me (I didn't sell it), so if it had come off it would have been fine... I'd probably just paint it on again!

Over the years I've painted clothes (a more watery paint and loose style helps), lampshades, earrings, denim, leather, shoes, water bottles, purses, book covers, tables, doors, wooden and cardboard boxes, necklaces (central feature was made out of painted canvas), bangles and chairs. Lots of chairs.

So practice on a page or canvas, but notice where else you might be able to personalise with paint. Be inspired by one of my Online Classes and make it your own.

Some things will work (hello, bathroom shelves) and others won't (I have a half finished linen jacket that may never make it) but when it does work, it brings joy to your life. Simple as that (and it's more likely to work when you've already had a practice on canvas).

OK! What do you think you could paint?

PS. Here's a link to get 25% off the "Bees" Online Paint Along. It's only $33 and you can paint it again and again. AND you'll keep getting better at it!

Offer expires in a week!