Getting Artsy Craftsy with Gesso!

Today, the Practical Scrappers On Trend team is here to show you that Gesso isn't used only on canvases anymore.  What is Gesso (correctly pronounced "jesso")?  Well, it is traditionally used by artists to prime their canvases before painting.  It brushes on like acrylic paint and dries to a hard, slightly textured consistency, which prevents paints from soaking into the canvas.  Gesso can also be used to create a modelling (also called molding) paste, which is exactly what it sounds like - a paste that can be molded or modelled into shapes and textures.  Scrapbookers have discovered and love it because it allows us to use painting and mixed media techniques directly on our layouts.  Want some examples for inspiration? You are in luck - just keep scrolling down...

Practical Scrapper Wendi Robinson used a mask with her gesso to create the brick look on the blue papers on this layout.  She also used gesso on the chevron to create an ombre look to it.

Practical Scrapper Julie used a mask and modeling paste to add dimension to her layout. She then used Faber-Castell gelatos to add color to her background.

Practical Scrapper Danielle de Konink used a Heidi Swapp mask and thick layers of modeling paste. After the modeling paste dried, she added PanPastel to the hearts to give them touches of color.

 

Practical Scrapper Lisa Peeples used gesso to create a painted background frame for her photo. She lightly pressed embossing folders into the gesso to give a slight pattern to it.

 

Practical Scrapper Marcia Dehn-Nix used modeling paste and a brick stencil to create dimension on this vintage layout of her grandparents. Gesso was also used around the photo and over this kraft clock to suit the color scheme better.

Practical Scrapper Cathy used a Heidi Swapp mask and modeling paste to create dimension and  more interest on her layout. Modeling paste is above the hearts and on the little black layer of paper behind the tag!

Practical Scrapper Charissa used gesso to paint a photo mat for her photos, softening the bright yellow Glitz Designs patterned paper. She also painted in the stamped arrows above her title with gesso, again to soften the yellow of the patterned paper.