GRATEFUL ART JOURNAL (MIXED MEDIA)

Wow, it sure has been "WINTER" around here in Michigan!!!  I know Michigan isn't the only state experiencing the cold and ice, but I am so ready for Spring.  So what does a girl do when she hasn't gotten her new products from the new Celebrate the Everyday Mini Catalog?  This stamper decided to get out her Grateful Art Journal and play/experiment with new techniques.  I'm so glad I did this because not only was it uplifting, but just as I was finishing today UPS delivered my overdue new product (weather conditions prevented earlier delivery) so I could add the final touch using the new Spiral Flowers Original Big Shot Die -- what fun!! 

I have posted pictures from my Grateful Art Journal in the past, but for those who don't know, it contains pages of things I am grateful for using art and anything I desire for that page.  It's so much fun because it isn't meant to be "beautiful or perfect" -- just feelings!!  So these two pages are dedicated to my oldest grand-daughter, Emily, who I am so very, very grateful to have in my life.

How was it done?  See the end of this post.

 

Close-up of the flowers made with the new Spiral Flower Original Big Shot Die.

My grand-daughter Emily.

 

SUPPLIES:

Stamps:  Loving Thoughts

Cardstock:  Primrose Petals Core'dinations Card Stock and Print Poetry (retired) DSP Pack.

Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Old Olive, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Large Pearls, Burlap 1-1/4" Ribbon, Antique Brads, Sanding Block, Sponge Daubers, Spiral Flowers Original Die, Tombo Glue, and Artisan Embellishments Kit (retired).

 

You will notice my Spiral Flowers look a little different.  I wanted a more vintage look, so I squashed them after forming the flower and then applying Tombo on the bottom to adhere.  The center flower was sanded (Core'dinations Primrose Petals Card Stock).

 

To get the texture in the background behind Emily's picture, I applied Gesso to the whole page, put down the flower masks, and then made some homemade texture paste and applied it over the whole page with an old charge card (I don't have a painter's knife).  I then used the sponge daubers to color before removing the flower masks.  I used a leaf stencil on the other page applying the texture paste also.  So here is the recipe for the texture paste:

 

Texture Paste Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon White All Purpose School Glue
• 1 Tablespoon White Craft Paint
• Some Water
• 1/4 cup Talcum Powder or (Johnson’s Baby Powder to make it smell good

Instructions:

Combine talcum powder, glue, white paint with disposable chopsticks or plastic spoon in an airtight container.  Add water to get it to the consistency you are looking for.  You want a nice thick texture much like toothpaste.  The mixture will keep perfectly for many months.

I love it when I can create using all Stampin' Up! product without going to a high-priced craft store to get the effect and technique I want.  I hope you try something new on your next creation!!

 

Until next time,

Sandi

 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever . . .."

--  1 Chronicles 16:34