Embossed Iridescent Paper Ornaments

Hey friends, great to see you here!  This is an ornament making technique I've been using for years and there are a thousand different ways to make them. You can use photos, Loteria paper or different colors of cardstock. Whatever you have hanging around. It's like math, magic and origami all mixed together. For this particular version I embossed black watercolor paper and then used this incredible pearlescent acrylic ink from Royal Talens that shows up brilliantly on black surfaces. It worked like a charm!  I hope you make some of these fabulous Christmas ornaments - at least your own version!  

Love, Mark!

My trio of Christmas ornaments in 3 of my favorite iridescent colors!

Watch how to make them here or on my YouTube channel here:  https://youtu.be/JyXNLkIBH3A

Here's everything I used for this project:

Amsterdam Acrylic Iridescent Inks: https://www.dickblick.com/products/amsterdam-acrylic-ink/ SIZZIX Big Shot Embossing Machine: https://bit.ly/3Z5ILQS Van Gogh Black Watercolor Paper: https://bit.ly/3R4fVx1

I used a drinking straw inside for the structure but you could use a rolled paper straw

This stuff is magic!

Wiping it over the embossing and it just appears and the most beautiful way!

I'm obsessed with embossing anything and everything. I love my Big Shot from Sizzix and am thinking about getting a much larger version!

Merry Christmas!  Love, Mark!

 

Earth Day Tree & 6 Earth Day Ornaments

April 22nd is Earth Day!  It's a day to raise awareness about pollution and to celebrate the environment of our blue planet!  Personally, I try to celebrate the earth EVERY day and more importantly I try my darndest to use upcycled and recycled materials in my art.  I know it's hard, but truly every little bit helps.  Did you know that 8 million tons of plastic go into the ocean every year?  Our oceans are so important and we're just destroying them.  In honor of Earth Day 2021 I'm making an Earth Day Tree using upcycled materials and things that fall off of my tree in the backyard!  Use what you have sweet friends and always Make Your Mark!I used a tomato cage as the base and it worked perfectly!  The plaster ornaments are my favorite!

Everything I used for this project:

Royal Talens Amsterdam Acrylic Markers: https://bit.ly/3sgqFtw

Royal Talens Amsterdam Acrylic Inks: https://bit.ly/3wSLCy7 AND https://bit.ly/2QgiqAyMY AMAZON STORE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/markmontano

Watch how to make my Earth Day Tree here or watch how to make it on Youtube here:  https://youtu.be/HNa0LiDRgMc

A close-up of my earth day ornaments using plastic lids and salad clams, twigs and seashells

Don't have a sketch pad to doodle in?  Try colorizing some fallen leaves!

Dripping ink on plastic lids is mesmerizing AND they make beautiful ornaments!

This project reminds me of mycelia which impact 90% of the growing plants on our planet.

I love seashells and have always thought they are the true jewels of the sea!

Happy Earth Day!