Excited to share my art journal cover!

After I did my first beeswax experiment I had the idea to use some of the same colors and techniques for my art journal cover. I've been working on it here and there and finally completed the front cover. I purchased this book at a thrift store it's approx 8 1/2 X 11. I thinned it so I wouldn't end up with a monster journal that's impossible to work in (been there done that). I covered it with black gesso, then dictionary paper then a white wash of gesso. After that I used stamps, Tim Holtz distress inks, paint, gesso and a couple embellishments to get the look I was after. If you like this look check out a Youtube video by RachO113 called Beeswax Tag(there's 3 parts). Even if you plan on never using beeswax the video is worth watching also check out her other video's too she's amazing!

Art Journal Cover

I finished the cover for my Art Journal and wanted to share it with you. (don't have many "you" but I'm believing that will change!!).  I love owls and they seemed to fit this background. The texture on the bottom is from gauze I got at target during halloween. I used Golden gel medium to adhere it. It's very easy to put down just cut a piece a little larger than the area you want to cover. You need extra material to be able to maximize the texture. When the gauze is coated with the gel medium use your fingers to create your desired look. (Medical gauze would work great if you decide to try something like this.) Once the gauze was dry I used a few shades of green to create the look of grass. I drew a few flowers and did some doodling swirls with fine tip pens. Now for the swirly cloud(ish) looking things I glued kitchen twine down with some pva glue. My sky was made with mixing some blues with white until I had my desired color. I added some white highlights and used a white gel pen on the clouds. I put the owl stickers on and applied a coat of collage podge over them to be sure they would stay in place. My art journal is just a small spiral notebook I got at a secondhand store. I will do a post soon that will show you how to prep the book pages like I do in my journals. The pages can then be written on, painted, embossed, zentagled, stamped, glued on etc etc etc the possibilities are endless! you should try making your own art/visual journal. Merry Christmas!!

Holiday Bizarre!

I had a chance to put my art in a booth at a local Holiday Bizarre. My bff was kind enough to hang out with our stuff for the day. She told me there were lots of people looking at my canvases but apparently they weren't buying. I'm trying to learn not to take it personal. If you ever get the chance to work public markets, bizarres, art festivals etc you'll to find that sometimes it goes well & sometimes it doesn't. Just go with your gut and have fun with it. Here's a few photos of my little area. On a side note a local consignment market took four of my pieces. We'll see what comes from that crossing my fingers!

My Version of Poppies!

I wish I would have started taking pictures sooner...but I caught it halfway. I watched a Donna Downey inspiration wednesday post and es excited to give it a try in my art journal. I'm thinking now I definitely will be making a canvas with these darling little flowers. I started with tearing flower shapes from old book text. I used my collage podge to adhere theme to my journal page. I used Cherry Red Americana acrylic paint to begin with and then Golden Transparent Pyrrole orange. The stems are from using Bombay black India Ink. I glued black beads in the centers with glossy accents. I can't wait to make a canvas!! Hope you enjoy and it inspires you to create your own piece of art!