Creativity knows no bounds, and when it combines with a good cause, something truly magical happens. Such was the case with a recent Mystery Box Challenge, where artists were given donated paints by Fusion and tasked with creating unique art pieces. In this challenge, not only did the artists get a chance to showcase their talent, but all the proceeds from the sale of the artwork went to a local animal rescue organization. Among the participants was Lovelee Laine Designs, Cindy Dionne, who embarked on a journey to transform a plain piece into a mesmerizing mermaid-inspired vanity masterpiece.
The Mystery Box Challenge
The rules of the challenge allowed artists to lighten or darken the colours they received, using white or black, respectively. Transfers were prohibited, but stencils were allowed, providing a creative avenue for the artists to explore. Choosing the right piece to transform was crucial, and after going through four different options, Cindy stumbled upon a moment of inspiration while standing in line at a cash register in Toronto. A beautifully blended mug caught her eye, and the colours on that mug sparked an idea that led to the creation of the mermaid-themed vanity.
Lovelee Laine Designs Creation of the Mermaid-Inspired Vanity
Eager to bring her vision to life, Cindy scoured Marketplace and found the perfect vanity in Ottawa, complete with a delightful shell decoration. With the canvas in hand, Cindy did a live opening on her Facebook page, unveiling the colours she had received from the challenge:
- Fusion Mineral Paint Winchester
- Fusion Mineral Paint French Eggshell
- Homestead House Milk Paint Champlain
- Homestead House Milk Paint Homestead Grey (previously named Confederate Grey)
- Fusion Milk Paint Pearl Metallic
- Fusion Hemp Oil
To create a captivating blend, Cindy decided to mix French Eggshell with Winchester, resulting in a beautiful purple hue. She then lightened this mixture with Champlain. For the second colour, Cindy combined Champlain and Winchester, crafting an enchanting pink shade. Finally, she added Champlain to French Eggshell, subtly lightening it to the perfect shade for a mermaid. These three colours formed the basis of Cindy’s blend, a stunning combination that captured the essence of the mythical sea creature. To add a touch of sparkle and shine, Cindy applied Pearl Metallic on the legs, as well as on the intricate details and scales at either end.
But the creativity didn’t stop there. Cindy also incorporated all the colours, including Pearl Metallic, in a resin pour on the small top piece, using her custom pink as the base. To utilize the Homestead Grey Milk Paint, she mixed it with Fusion’s clear glaze. This glaze was applied to the details and center drawer, giving the mermaid theme a shadowy depth. Inside the drawers, Cindy used hemp oil to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
The Mermaid-Inspired Vanity
The colours blended harmoniously, resulting in a breathtaking piece of art. While Cindy had previously worked with Fusion paints, this was her first attempt at creating a blend. Contrary to expectations, the process proved to be much easier than anticipated, thanks to the all-in-one nature of Fusion paints. Touching up a section was a breeze! Any paint that accidentally made its way onto a completed area could simply be wiped off. The top of the vanity, with its colour-changing appearance, seemed almost like a chameleon, captivating viewers with its ever-shifting hues.
This mermaid-inspired vanity is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of giving back. Through the Mystery Box Challenge, Fusion’s donated paints, and the artist’s skillful hands, a simple piece of furniture was transformed into a work of art. Moreover, the proceeds from its sale will support the invaluable work of a local animal rescue organization. It’s a beautiful reminder that art has the ability to inspire and uplift.
