“The grass is greener on the other side of the fence” is a timeless proverb. Trying to keep up with the Jones’ can leave your head spinning. The phrase happens to be permanently stuck in my head after years of hearing my mom repeat whenever I chose to whine about whatever bugged me about me at the time. Of course I knew the true meaning was that the grass might seem greener for other people, but seldom was greener when you came right down to it. 
I’ve been wanting to paint a circular canvas for awhile. When this idea popped into my head, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to break out of the box : ) I chose a 16″ round canvas and started the piece by adhering ripped map pieces along with flowery and grid (fence-like) decorative paper.
I wanted my choices including canvas shape and materials to work with the whimsical nature of the idea. Raffia was a given for the grass. I also happened to have those cool wooden sticks (kids building sticks from back when). And have I mentioned my latest obsession? Much like half of the crafting universe… it’s GLITTER! (check out the Martha Stewart vintage line…ahhhhhhh.) The point here is to think creatively when on a mixed media adventure. Sure a fence is simple enough to paint or make with paper…but what about a painted fence from actual wood…hmmmm.
This process shot is a behind-the-scenes as to how I work. A little paint and then a little adhering (with gel medium), then more paint and more adhering, etc. I build up the layers plunging right through that awkward-i hate-this-piece moment that happens at right about the halfway point with every painting I do. 
In the end, I’m very happy with how this painting turned out. I’d keep it if I had more wall space. Until I figure out how to get more of that, I’ve listed the original over in my etsy shop. No prints will be made of this one. It’s a circular one-of-a kind. *bonus points* if you can answer why most paintings are square or rectangular. I really wanna know because circles seem more fun!
Hi June! Enjoyed your step by step photos, thanks for sharing!….and yes it's so true when you get to the bottom of the greener grass next door it's not so green anymore. A lot of stuff and things seem better than you have already but they never are the real deal…behind the scenes it's totally different and sometimes you don't expect that at all.
Have a great weekend, smiles, Anke ;)
This makes me smile!! Just love it.
I love what you have done 'in the round'. I also bought a couple of these round canvasses awhile back but I haven't had a chance to work with them yet. I am envisioning abstracts of some sort, not sure.
I sure love what you have done though. Fantastic!