Today on the Paper Crafter’s Library blog, we’re continuing our weekly featured artist spotlight whereby each week we spotlight a different artist/designer in the paper crafting & mixed media world and introduce you to their fabulous work.

Today we’re thrilled to welcome back – Ronda Palazzari.  To add to the excitement, Ronda is sponsoring a give-away of her book Art of Layers – I own it, and LOVE it – as well as a copy of her stencil, both shown below.  Read more on how to enter to win these great items at the end of the post.


1024Ronda Palazzari Art of LayersStencilOct2413

Before we show you Ronda’s fabulous projects, let’s get to know her a little bit more…

1024Ronda Palazzari head shotRonda Palazzari is a Mixed Media Artist, Author, Scrapbook Designer, and an Instructor living in the burbs of Denver.  She has been into art since early childhood.  One of her most memorable Christmas presents was a Crayola Caddy that inspired her to create.  She took many art classes throughout her secondary and college schooling.  She continues her art education and exploring her world through art, as well as helping others feel creative.

In 2009, Ronda became a Memory Maker Master for Memory Makers Magazine.  She started doing contract design for many manufactures including Sizzix, Ranger Ink, Maya Road, Fancy Pants Designs, Lily Bee Designs, Crate Paper, Purple Onion Designs, as well as Guest Designing for many other leading manufactures.  Her first book Art of Layers with North Light Publishing/F&W Media was released in March 2012. She is published in several magazines and idea books including Artful Blogging, Cloth Paper Scissors Studios, Creating Keepsakes, Somerset Memories, Haute Bags, Memory Makers, and Scrapbook Trends. 

Ronda is currently a license designer for The Crafter’s Workshop with 26 stencil designs and does designs work for My Mind’s Eye.  An avid blogger, Ronda shares her inspiration daily.  She’s best known for combining her mixed-media techniques with bold bright colors.  Ronda is one to follow because you never know if she will be art journaling, scrapbooking, sewing or getting messy with paints; her art changes day-to-day.  She continues to teach worldwide as well as providing inspiration and telling her dorky stories on her blog HelpMeRonda.

 

Featured Designer Project

1024Ronda Palazzari Awake my soul

 

Step 1
I am starting with a 4×6 clayboard.  It’s a great multi-medium surface.  Begin by collaging paper onto the background using gel medium.  I used an old street map and tore it into pieces.
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 1

 

Step 2
Next scratch into the clayboard using a paper piercer or any like tool.  Remember to scratch away from you so you don’t slip and hurt yourself.

1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 2

 

Step 3
Paint your background with acrylic paints.  I am using Distress paints because I can water them down easily to create some transparent colors.  Layer paint on top of paint to create some depth.  Push it into the scratch marks to give them texture.
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 3

 

Step 4
Once you have a good base layer of paint, stamp some words/images on the background using permanent ink.  Be random in your stamping even turning your stamp on its side or upside down.
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 4

 

Step 5
To create more depth, add a layer of light gesso over the top leaving one area free of gesso.  On my piece it’s the orange/yellow cirle on the left side.  Make some areas of the gesso heavier and some lighter.
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 5

 

Step 6
Add black paint to the outside edge of the canvas and a few painty layers.  On my piece I added some aqua areas back in around the edges.
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 6

 

Step 7
With a cosmetic sponge and black paint, sponge through the stencil to create some small patterns around the edges.  Here I am using my dots & dashes stencil.
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake Step 7

 

Step 8
Finish you piece off with a word or two and some tiny black splatters.  Since this piece reminds me of a sunrise, I added the phrase “awake my soul.”
1024Ronda Palazzari Awake my soul

We hope you have enjoyed the fun creations from Ronda and we would also like to extend a warm thank you her for sharing this fabulous project with us! Please take a minute to stop by Ronda’s Blog and see more of her beautiful work (and let her know we sent you).  And don’t forget to leave a comment below to enter to win the drawing for a copy of her book and the stencil shown above.


68 replies on “Featured Artist/Designer: Ronda Palazzari”

  5. I love this creation, it’s very organic and appealing. I have now subscribed to Rhondas blog, thank you for pointing me in her direction! I would love to win her book and learn more about her 🙂

  6. I am just getting into mixed media (in my retirement!) and Ronda has influenced me more than anyone else. This piece is an example of what I love about her work. To have an autographed copy of her work would be awesome!

  10. I have been following Ronda’s blog for a while now, I love her work .. thanks for the chance to win

  11. I actually just recently discovered Rhonda too. She is very talented and her work is always inspiring!

    Thanks for the chance to win her book and stencil!

  15. So excited to see this new piece of hers, love her style. I love the way she paints and her love for grids like me. Her create daily posts inspire me and make me want to learn more about art.

    Thanks so much for this chance to win her book, it’s on my wish list and the stencil is a extra fun bonus !!

  16. Wow! I love Ronda! This book is on the top of my wish list. I want to read all of it right now! Ronda’s stencils are so amazing too. Glad I found your blog in the process. Crossing my fingers and toes to win this giveaway. I would use the stencil in making Christmas cards for this year. Need to start soon. Lol.

  18. Love Rhonda’s work. Thanks for sharing it and a chance to win her new book!
    Aloha, Kate

  21. Thank you, Ronda, for the tutorial. Your work is so inspiring…..I love your book and refer to it the most. Would love to win it for a friend who is just starting out. Thank you!

  23. I always love mixed media, especially this piece and sometimes I try to attempt the same. Thank you for a chance to win.

  25. I love Ronda´s work. Almost daily I visit her blog. Really inspiring. Love the step by step tutorial. Thanks for the chance to win :o)

  27. beautiful as always.. love Ronda’s work! would love to win her book and stencil !!!!!!!

  28. Love the look of mixed media and layers!!! Would love to learn more about the technique. Thanks for the chance to win your book and this lovely stencil.
    <3 J

  30. I love Ronda’s style, and the step-by-step for this piece is awesome! I never would have thought to scratch up the paper layer like that. Totally cool. Love that stencil, too. The black makes everything else pop! Thank you for the chance to win, and for spreading the good word: “Ronda!!” 🙂

  32. wow, Rhonda is one talented and well established artist. Thanks for showcasing her right here at papercrafters library. appreciate the info on this lady!!!

  33. This is the first time I had seen Ronda’s work, and I really enjoyed seeing her process and checking out her blog. I would be thrilled to win her book and stencil and get to learn more of her techniques. Thanks to Ronda and PCL for offering this generous giveaway.

  34. I would love to win a copy of Ronda’s book. I want to start using stencils so any advice or encouragement I can get will be very helpful. Getting a stencil to start out with will be a blessing also. Love the project. It’s very bright and colorful.

  35. Like all great artists and professionals, Ronda has made her beautiful work look easy. I know my attempts wouldn’t come anywhere close to hers, but I’m inspired to give it try. I love the simple tile pattern stencil. I just jumped over to her blog and will be making a return visit.

  36. i love your base layer and the colors you used. i am beginning to love stencils. i could use ink, sprays, etc. to get a wonderful layer! thank you for sharing.

  37. It’s nice to read about Ronda. I was amazed by her work and would love to win a copy of her book.

  39. Came over here after reading Ronda’s blog. Love this tutorial and finished piece. May make a few as gifts. Would love to see her book! Thanks for offering the book and stencil.

  40. oh wow, have never tried anything like this before, but would love to give a try, plus get her book to learn more about this style

  42. Awesome mixed media tutorial. I will head over to your blog and see some of your other works! So talented!!

  43. Beautiful art! Thank you for the opportunity to learn about Ronda and have a chance to win her book and stencil!

  44. Where have I been? Love your work. Thank you for sharing a tutorial with us. I will be heading over to your blog to see more of your work. Thank you again.

  45. Love Rhonda’s work….would simplu LOVE to have her book….and the stencil as a bonus! Thank you for offering this giveaway!

  46. Such beautiful work. Love the stencil too. Thanks for a chance to win.
    isoscia at aol dot com

  47. It would be great to have her book and stencil. Love what you did.

    How do you add your paint splatters? If anyone else would like to share their tips I would love to know how you do it.

    I tried last week and not happy with any of my results.

    1. I use an old and trusty worn toothbrush so the splatters are larger and. I can control where they go in a smaller pattern.

  48. Beautiful creation!! I love the dimension that you have added – it really draws your eye!! Thanks for the chance to win your cool stencil and book!!

  49. Lovely work I just love the colours thank you for the giveaway would love copie of the book

  50. Thank you so much for sharing. I am trying to learn layering, properly, well I guess there is no right and wrong way, but my layers just don’t work, using the wrong product maybe? So your book would be such a great help. I love your style of “art” and enjoy your e-mails a lot!!
    Thank you for a chance to win!!

  51. I am striving so hard to be looser in my journaling and so am continually inspire by any artist I can view their work .i would love to have your book and hope it encourages me to FIND my voice.

  53. That’s a wonderful tutorial of a great project! I love her style and sense of color. Thank you Ronda!

  54. Wowzee Ronda, your work is fabulous! I have always been a fan of the artist Flavia and the colors in your work remind me of her work. Soon I will be retired and I am so looking forward to trying out your methods…Thank you so much for the inspiration!

  56. I just look the look of mix media projects. You have peeked my interest even more with this project and do love the title. Will be visiting your blog for more fantastic ideas….Must have your book..

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