Tag : buttons

15 posts

This page I created for A Stitch in Time didn’t start out with this in mind. I was creating a masterboard of sorts to cut apart into postcards, tags etc. Its one of my new favorite techniques.

It is also a great way to use up scraps. A real non-thinking activity. I will often listen to a podcast or YouTube while gluing down my scraps. Its therapeutic really. 

After completely this masterboard this section spoke to me. I decided to cut a 7 x 7 square to fit in my scrapbook journal. I’ve been kind of obsessed with butterflies lately so it doesn’t surprise me that one found its way onto my page.

We have one more day left of June and A Stitch in Time

Art Journal Journey

Since I’m guest hosting over at Art Journal Journey this month I thought I’d make this a twofer post.

The journal page I created for my theme of Words to live by completely fits the bill.

I wish I could remember exactly who gave me the stamped handmade paper piece but I’m not sure.

I have an idea but maybe if she recognizes it she can speak up and I’ll know for sure.

I have quite a bit of coffee themed items that were collected and traded for long ago to create an altered book. With that book complete, I now have lots of fun items to use in other creative ways.

The background for the page was layered with random papers from my scrap bucket. Over the top I spread red, turquoise and cream with my fingers in a loose fashion…almost giving the appearance of peeling paint. The colors were a bit to bright so I first used some distress paint then glimmer mist to tone it down. Now I was at the color I was searching for.

I added washi tape with my sentiment boldly across the page then softened it with some torn washi in a complementary color. I then added a stacked button flower embellishment from my stash for a bit more interest.

This is another loose leaf journal page sized for a new art journal I’m working on. I love working in loose leaf. Being able to add stitching, eyelets or brads simply anywhere frees my creative process. Of course this page is not an example of that.

My new journal is an old recipe binder. I cut pages to fit out of black card stock and will adhere each completed journal page to the card stock.

The binder is yet undecorated as I’m not sure what I want to do with it. I was thinking about giving it some gorgeous texture but now I’m leaning more towards a fabric slipcover. Indecision at its best.

I’m not even worried that the journal pages I create are an exact fit for the pages.

This page from my previous post will leave a bit of black page showing on both sides. I almost prefer this look to the fit of my coffee page.

This week has a college visit tied into a mini-vacation for Mini-me and I. We are both super excited for a little time at the lake. Hopefully the weather cooperates with us!

What are you doing today?
Art Journal Journey

I’m super excited to announce that I have the honor of hosting over at Art Journal Journey this month.

Art Journal Journey

I have chosen the theme of Words to live by.

An art journal page just doesn’t seem complete without at least one word on it if you ask me. I’d say that I’m a stickler for the rules and true definition of a journal but that would be a big fat lie. I’m more of a rules are meant to be broken sort of gal…just don’t tell my kids at home or school. However, the gals over at Art Journal Journey do have some rules to adhere to if you want to play along so be sure to check them out.

For my first journal page of the June theme, I began with an abandoned piece of painted watercolor paper. I think Mini-me was attempting a night sky perhaps. Or maybe it was even me…who knows…who cares. It became the base as I began to stack layers of papers and fabric until I found a pleasing arrangement.

I used my sewing machine to loosely stitch the background layers together while I still contemplated where my page was headed. I rarely have an end goal in mind when I sit down to create. It really tends to stifle my creative process.

After a time, I decided on an image I know I have used at least once…but I’m thinking perhaps twice in the past as my focal point. I slipped a piece of dictionary page and scrap of vellum under the image before attaching it with brads. 

The page was really coming together now. I added a few extras such as washi tape, a punched medallion and vintage button before searching out words for my page.

In general the words are my last but critical step in my journal process. As I said before, I cannot seem to create a page with words. Found text is really my favorite way of adding words. The challenge to find something relevant that speaks my mind is so much fun!

When I noticed this phrase I thought it very fitting for the crew in the photo. What is up with this group anyway? Siblings, co-workers, man and his many wives, school chums, glee club…what’s their story? I bet it could start with the phrase “Strangest thing happened…”

Won’t you join me for Words to live by over at Art Journal Journey?

Art Journal Journey

In my last post I shared more of my mini collage embellishments that I’m currently obsessed with creating. I’m sure some would wonder if I will ever be able to use them all. I can’t speak to using them all but they are very handy when pressed for time.

Having these on hand allowed me to make some thank you cards just by adding a stamped sentiment.

Each of these embellishments also included a previously created button flower embellishments. I’ve nearly used all of those up. Nothing goes to waste.

Besides, some times it’s just about creating…not about the product.

Over the weekend I finally checked something off my perpetual to-do list that has been on it for far too long….a closet purge. I decided to through my closet with a realistic mind.  I had so many articles of clothing that hadn’t been worn in ages. They fell into several categories; out of style, doesn’t fit, not my style, and why do I even own this?

I have a tall kitchen bag full of shirts and skirts but several pieces had potential to be reused or re-purposed.

I decided to cut or tear out the usable crafting pieces. I love adding bits of fabric to my journals, collage cards and mixed media pieces.

There was a good mix of colors and textures.

I’m really excited to start piecing these together. The pink plaid is kind of bugging me in this photo if I’m honest. But the rest of it gives a real tropical 1980s feel. Bright, bold colors…totally 80s.  Like, totally!  (in your best Valleygirl impression)

That roll of lace is calling my name….I cut it from the bottom edge of a shirt that I think I only wore once. It just never fit right. I hate that! I should know better than to buy something just because I really like the look of it and ignore the fact it doesn’t really work. But at least I have some pretty lace now.

But seriously…so many fun bits of this and that.

Anyone notice my glass of water in keeping with the T stands for Tuesday rules? She’s there on the corner of the table. Have to keep hydrated in the winter.

There was a sweater in my original pile but I haven’t decided how I want to use it yet so it remains uncut. I was thinking about Christmas ornaments and decor. Also maybe boot cuffs or mittens. I also thought about trying to refashion it in some way. Since I am totally undecided it will go in with my sewing fabrics until a later date.

What are you doing today?

Today, for my birthday, I took some time out to create. With the school year winding down and everything that entails this year, I’ve been finding it harder and harder to carve out creative time.

I glued some random papers to parts of my book then used thick white craft paint to give a bit of texture with a palette knife. I was planning molding paste but my jar was dried up…hard as a rock.

Next I used my fingers to spread two shades of teal then a light touch of plum purple on the very edge. I blended everything with a slightly damp babywipe. I continued to wipe away at the areas with the white paint to bring the lightness back for interest on the pages.

I used Staz-on to stamp gears and clock numbers on the background.

Washi tape was used to adhere a glassine envelope holding a tag to the page.  I added some stacked paper and button embellishments I created from my stash. The colors meshed well with the overall look.

More washi was added for balance on this side along with a snippet of music. I added a bottle cap I picked up on a walk since it reminded me of the treasures I bring home.   

As I looked through one of my favorite books to cut words and phrases from I saw this in a line.  Perfect.

Secret notes and treasures.

 

These last few weeks of summer have us trying to squeeze every bit of summer fun and activities that we can. We’ve already started the school ramp up. Orientation yesterday…during the second half of the eclipse…nice timing people. At least it was raining like crazy at that time so no one cared.

Speaking of the eclipse…did anyone see it? I built a couple boxes in case the clouds cleared. We got peeks at it as it was eclipsing.

The clouds rolled in thick enough to obscure our view minutes before the greatest point of totality in our region. It was very strange though….the temperature suddenly dropped and the crickets started chirping. So awesome…just wish we could have seen as well as felt it.

The eclipse reminds me that I should show you my still work in progress of the acrylic pour project.

Somehow I seem to have lost the chipboard 3 overnight….I’m guessing Marvin had something to do with that.  I think I’m going to paint the numbers either white or black…leaning towards white. Then seal the whole works before attaching the clock parts.

I’ve also been playing around with my button collection again…

I have some ideas for projects. More button stacks. I just love how they look.

Over the weekend we had an evening that was just perfect for a fire. Hot dogs for dinner anyone?

As I waited for the fire to get going I checked out the garden. Late summer has done a number on some of the plants.

Such as the pumpkin  plant..totally dead and gone.

The green beans have totally taken over. I’m surprised since they were really poor early in the season….which is completely opposite of the last few years. I’ll definitely have some spicy beans to can.

And diced tomatoes as well.

Since the thick humidity, as seen here over the weekend, has finally cleared out. I’ll likely tackle the canning today in between playing taxi driver of course.

What are you doing today?

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