• Art - Blog - Creativity

    Warm in the summer

    Today, since it’s the first official day of summer, I thought I’d share a salute to summer journal page.

    The page began as so many do with a piece of what I like to call mop-up paper. Basically copier/printer paper. I have tons of it in various colors that came in a lot of scrapbook supplies I acquired several years ago. Working in loose sheets allows me to use thinner substrate knowing that it will be adhered to an existing page in the final journal.

    For background interest I glued book text in random places before covering the whole sheet with tissue paper. I love the texture tissue paper provides plus it softens the background.

    I used gelatos to colorize, blending with a baby wipe.

    After the background was settled, I chose a photo I had taken while on vacation a couple years ago. After resizing by tearing, I used my trusty sewing machine to stitch it into place. While I was at it I created a stacked fabric and paper collage embellishment for the top edge of the page.

    Next it was time for the words…the oh so important and vital part for me. Warm in the summer jumped out at me. I layered the words over script stamped tissue and fabric.  At this point I thought I was done, until I noticed a tiny pinwheel charm in my box of bits. It was the finishing touch that the page needed.

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

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    T Tuesday: AJJ edition

    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
  • Blog - Crafts - Creativity

    T Tuesday: card making edition

    One evening last week, while sitting with Mr. G in front of the TV, I decided to make some cards. I gathered some supplies and set to work.

    (pretend this photo was taken pre-card making) Also imagine there is a glass of water off to the side…

    Between the pre-folded cards from Micheal’s and the stack of mini collage embellishments previously created it was quick work to put together 29 cards.

     

     

    Most of these cards will need a sentiment of some sort such as this one…

    I am so pleased that I now have a plethora of cards to chose from for all kinds of occasions to come.

    What are you doing today?