So I bought a canvas and thought seven months was plenty of time to get it done! Around May I decided I'd better get cracking and got as far as building up the base layers. I used corrugated card, beads, masking tape and tissue embedded in grunge paste and gave everything a coat of white gesso.
With about ten days to go it was time to get some paint on the canvas. I've never had any tuition in painting...but how hard could it be?!!! I used Paper Artsy Fresco Finish Chalk paints which blend easily and come in a wide range of colours which helped with matching paint and not having to mix my own shades too much.
Ta da! Several days and quite a few hours later it's done with four days to spare. Enough time for the paint to dry and harden! Happy Birthday little sis.
For a first foray in to the world of art rather than craft I'm fairly pleased, but no more commissions please, it's far too nerve racking!
Thank you for taking the time to look. All constructive comments gratefully received...just in case I decide to have another go in the future!