Thursday

Dark rebel: 9 ways to explore your dark side



As you know, recently I've been exploring my "dark" side. Dark colours tend to recede and serve as an awesome backdrop for your focal point. Here are some ideas for the dark rebel in you...*winks*



1. Go for black and metallic silver.

Even if you are going dark, throw in texture and it will add depth and mystery to your project. The base of this canvas was created with layers of modeling paste, fiber paste and stencils. Everything was painted black first before finishing with a coat of metallic silver paint with bits of the black base showing. All the trims are in similar tones with their own tactile quality to create depth and interest.

Room-scene-mixed-media-canvas
My "dark" side...on canvas
2. Bright colours pop on a dark background.

The texture on the background was created with fiber paste and stencils and painted black. Liquid acrylic paint colours were dripped down for the bold pops of colour. The embellishments are in matching hues with different textural properties like the soft pig, the metal frame and the paper umbrella.

Cherished-treasures-canvas
Cherished treasures mixed media canvas for Imaginarium Designs

3. Create depth with a dark colour.

Here the black was used as an accent to create depth for the dimensional elements and add an air of sophistication to the piece. Try painting with glazes so the metal embellishments really stand out.


4. Try chalkboard art.

Dark colours can be fun too. Like a dual purpose board - pinboard on one side and chalkboard on the other.


Family-mixed-media-canvas
The elevator family selfie mixed media canvas

5. Use black lace for classic sophistication.

A black and white photo stands out on a textured black mat of lace. Keep the rest of the colours subdued and the eye will naturally be drawn to your focal point.


Birthday-birthday-layout-by-Yvonne-Yam-for-Xyron
Birthday party layout with Xyron and Out on a Limb Scrapbooking

6. A dark base makes bright photos pop.

Bright and happy birthday photos can really stand out when you use a dark brown base that doesn't compete with the colours on your photos.

Apologies...this canvas just got picked up for publication..

7. Mix up textures to create interest.

This simple canvas is all about textures...the burlap, the lace, the crochet bloom and trim, the wood ticket, the pearls, the butterfly bling and the glittered chipboard create visual interest by moving the eye across the elements.

Gangster-gang-canvas1
Why I love working on canvas...

8. Create an artsy background.

There's a myth that one must use bright colours when it comes to scrapping photos of children. Try a "darker" colour palette to make the photo stand out more.

Y-Decorated-black-monogram
The embellished black wood monogram

9. Go for tone-on-tone.

There's something dark and mysterious about black and tone-on-tone textures. Mix the hard...leather and metal...with the soft...fabric bloom and lace.

There you have it. 9 ways to explore your dark side...which is your fave? 


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15 comments:

Creations by Shirl said...

oooh everything is just gorgeous Yvonne... love love all your details to each and everyone... Those little rebels are just something else, they sure are photogenic.....Super creations!

Lizzy Hill said...

Love it when you do these sorts of posts:):) My very favest fave is the gangster one.....but i have to say, the black Y is VERY sophisticated....black can do that, right???!!!!!!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

I love these posts with all your tips!! You ROCK everything (and every color) that you touch!!!!!!

Cindy deRosier said...

I can't pick a favorite! The silver on black canvas, the Y, and the birthday layout all all my favorite.

Annette Allen said...

wow thanks for the recap and the tips... they are all FABULOUS..

Radhika said...

Great to see all Dark side canvases in one post and thanks for the tips and ideas Yvonne :)

Lisa said...

These are all amazing!! There is no way I could pick a favorite - they are all fabulous!! You are so creative and talented my friend!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Shelly said...

These are all amazing!!! And thanks for sharing some awesome tips!

Miae said...

When you put all your projects together like this post they look so gooooooooood! What amazing texture you've got everywhere! Beautiful art Yvonne!

Ella Swan said...

ALL fab but if I MUST choose one I would say the top one! You certainly are a prolific creator of late! Dark definitely does make things pop. For me I have got lighter & lighter as time has gone by & just adore pale tones atm too.

dstandard said...

Each one of these is just awesome by itself! Together its a huge chocolate cake full of goodness!

Lynnda said...

You know how much I love when you post tips and ideas !! These projects are simply beautiful and very inspiring !! My fave is the last one!! One tone✔️!!

Dr Sonia S V said...

Yvonne...I love your list style articles.You make them so much fun to read and packed with info!! And Thank you so much for your encouraging comment on my Swinging Card tutorial

Audrey Pettit said...

I seriously love them all! You are just a master of design...whether you are working with your dark side, or any side. Seriously cool the way you can add so much detail, even with black monotone. And honestly, I am dying over the metallic silver mixed with all the black. :)

Caz said...

I think your dark side is pretty awesome :-)

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Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it. Have an awesome day!:)

Cheers, Yvonne.

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