Saturday 15 July 2017

Stone Shrine


Apply DecoArt Media White Gesso to the shrine

Followed by DecoArt Media Crackle Paste

Apply Gesso to the figures

Apply DecpArt Media Fluid Acrylic Quinacridone Gold as a wash

Followed with Cobalt Teal Hue and Carbon Black
washing and applying neat in areas

Apply a wash of Quinacridone Gold to the figures blending in the Black to areas


In Vajrayana Buddhism the Five Dhyani Buddhas or the 'Five Great Buddhas' are representations of the five qualities of the Buddha. There are different associations that go along with each of these Buddhas including a different season, wisdom and cardinality - in this case, which cardinal direction the Buddha normally faces. (These are all included in the description below). There are only four within this set as these are associated with the main seasons & cardinalities (i.e. The fifth Buddha represents the 'Centre' and does not carry a season). 


Akshobhya - Second Dhyani Buddha

Faces East, Represents the Water Element, Winter Season, the Colour Blue & the Wisdom of Reflection.

The Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya is usually represented by exhibiting the Bhumisparsa Mudra (spiritual gesture, or pose). This gesture can be translated as 'Touching the Earth' or 'Calling to Witness the Truth' Mudra, where the right arm is pendant over the right knee. This figurine is this set however has a similar pose to the Buddha Amitabha (Fourth Buddha), and exhibits the Dhyana Mudra where the two palms are folded face up on top of each other and are lying in his lap. This gesture is said to promote the energy of meditation and deep contemplation.

Akshobhya's symbol is a sceptre/Vajra, (a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond).

Suggested placement: At the centre of your home, or at the main entrance.

Ratnasambhava - Third Dhyani Buddha

Faces South, Represents the Earth Element, Spring Season, the Colours Gold/Yellow & the Wisdom of Equality.

Ratnasambhava usually depicts the Varada Mudra, this is the gesture of charity and gift bestowing. His lift palm rests on the lap with an open palm, whilst the right is extended downwards. The Varada Mudra is said to express the energy of liberation and compassion whilst offering acceptance.

His symbol is the Jewel; within both Hindu & Buddhist traditions this is said to be the equivalent of the philosopher's stone (a wish-fulfilling jewel)

Suggested placement: In the home office, or library/study.

Amitabha - Fourth Dhyani Buddha
Faces West, Represents the Fire Element, Summer Season, the Colour Red & The Wisdom of Observation.

The Buddha Amitabha is shown with the Dhyana Mudra; both hands are placed on the lap with the right hand on the left, fingers fully stretched and the palms facing upwards.

His symbol is the Lotus; this usually represents rebirth, faith and beauty.

Suggested placement: In the centre of the home, study or a meditation room.

Amoghshuddhi - Fifth Dhyani Buddha
Faces North, Represents the Air/Wind Element, the Autumn Season, the Colour Green & the Wisdom of Perfect Practice.

The fifth Dhyani Buddha Amoghshuddhi depitcs the Abhaya Mudra, is this gesture, the arm is elevated and slightly bent, the hand is lifted to the shoulder level with the palm turned outwards and the fingers are extended. This pose usually represents protection or fearlessness.

His symbol is the double vajra/ the double thunderbolt.

Suggested placement: In the main entrance of the home, or the living room. 

Thursday 13 July 2017

DecoArt- Antique Canvas


Apply DecoArt Media Crackle paste through stencils onto a canvas board

Once dry arrange embellishments and fix

Apply Media white gesso

Spritz with water and brush DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylic Diarylide Yellow

Followed with Quinacridone Gold

Apply Doxadine Purple to shadow areas

Dry and then do the same with washes of Carbon Black

Once dry I stamped a script and stenciled areas with Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Umber and  Dioxadine Purple


Wednesday 12 July 2017

DecoArt- Fear

Facing 
the 
F.E.A.R
As the classic song by Ian Brown quotes youve got the fear! 
Link 

L.O.V. E 
Andy Skinners Skull doggery and has his new MOM kit as just been launched it was a great opportunity to use and overcome the clown issue!


Apply Crackle Paste quite thickly with a palette knife

Apply Paperclay embellishments

Stamp image and colour with Pencils, Apply washes of DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylic
Carbon Black and Quinacridone Gold

Apply neat around the stamp and blend outwards

Apply Carbon Black, Quinacridone Gold and Burnt Umber and blend outwards highlight with Cobalt Teal Hue

Apply darker around the moundings

Wipe back with a baby wipe to highlight the mouldings
                                                

 Apply Carbon Black around the edges to define


Andy Skinner Stamp and Kit can be found HERE

Stampotique Challenge- Celebration


Celebration is the theme, it can be anything!
I'm celebrating all things Unique, Weird and Beautiful!!
more details on joining in can be found over on the Stampotique Designers Challenge Blog here

Saturday 1 July 2017

Stampotique New Design Team! New Stamps!! Blog Hop!!!


Stampotique Design Team Announcement and Blog Hop

So excited because today we are announcing our new design team and we will be having a Blog Hop 

Our new team will be showing off Stampotique’s new stamps for July you can see them all HERE
I used the wonderful new mini Seahorses
.
Make sure to leave a comment on each blog to be in with a chance to win one of the fabulous prizes We will be doing a random drawing for: 
1. A Stampotique Grab Bag 
2. A 30.00 Gift Certificate to the online Stampotique Store

You will not know which blog we are drawing from so leave a comment on each one. Come back here on Friday July 7th to see if you won!! 
 The Blog Hop line-up and new teammies are:

Arwen McCullen
Karen Hayselden
Nellie Van Leeuwen
Cassandra Sloan
Sternenglanz
Jo Capper-Sandon
Michele Kosciolek
Jools Robertson YOU ARE HERE
Gemma Maggs
Valerie Wilson
Yvonne Baas
Cheetarah Cheda
Elena Martynova

We are thrilled and SO excited about this new team and I'm pleased to be returning on this years team!

Please bid a warm welcome to them! I think you will enjoy all their different esthetics and the many ways they show off the Stampotique’s line of stamps.
Again – be sure to hop to each blog and leave a comment then come back here and let us know what you thought. 
Have fun!!! and good luck, don't for get to leave a comment here and then hop over to the next blog 
Jools x