Christmas Manger

I am using a 6x12 canvas to create a beautiful Christmas manger scene with a night sky. We'll add some goodies like clear glass, seed beads, and some glass strips to create the star over the manger. Such a perfect piece for Christmas! 

First, we are going to start by painting our background blue - I am using Deep Midnight and Prussian Blue. I'll also add in some black paint. I am also painting the sides of my canvas. 

Then, I'm going to take some white to blend with my blue. I am just creating a swirly circle right where my manger will be. I'll also add some white to the bottom of my canvas too. Let dry.

Now, we are going to splatter! Take a little bit of white paint and add some water so it is a watery mix. Use an old toothbrush, dip it into the mixture, and run your finger along the bristles to create splatters on your canvas. Let dry.

Grab your tracer, tape it to the canvas, place transfer paper underneath, and trace your manger scene with a stylus onto the canvas. 

Next, I'm going to paint the stable and manger. I am using Traditional Burnt Umber, Gilded Oak, and white. For the blanket, I am using gray paint. Next, I am taking some Splendid Gold and right above Baby Jesus' head, I am adding a little glow - and then adding some around my star. I'm then painting his head with Warm Beige.

For my star, I am adding tiny strips of clear glass. I will just cut those to size and attach to my canvas with tacky glue, standing on its side.

I am adding some detail lines with my graphic pen - just to outline the stable and manger. 

I have a piece of gold glass that I'll add as a halo. Then, I'm adding some Starfire glass to the bottom of my canvas.

Next, we will add resin. We're going to elevate our canvas using blocks. Mix 1 ounce of resin and stir gently for three minutes. Then, drizzle over your glass. Pour the remainder of resin onto your canvas and spread it using your gloved fingers or brush.

Use a heat gun to pop your bubbles. Keep your heat moving at all times!

I will now add add some transparent seed beads to the bottom of my canvas in the snow. I'll just sprinkle them onto my canvas.

If you don’t want to miss my Facebook LIVE art instruction, make sure you are on my texting list. I always text 10 minutes before I’m going to go LIVE, so you won’t ever miss it. You can text “Hey Cindy” to 901-519-2923.

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