Hi there friends.
Wow, I just seem to run out of time and steam at the moment. It's been a good but busy time but I think I'm beginning to see light. If you recall, a while ago I was saying that I had a few projects on the go.....well I finally managed to get one finished today so I thought I'd share it with you. Hopefully it will make up for the lack of too much crafty stuff appearing here recently. But I digress slightly so here is my new Art Journal.
Leather spine with hand-stitched signatures. Yes, I am teasing you a bit by showing you the side view so how about this view?
Or this? The cover has gorgeous textures created with Decoart Texture Crackle and about seven layers of Americana and Traditions paints and washes.
The heart has been worked on about 5 times too! mainly Americana paints and Decoart's One Step Crackle which is fabulous. It was a bit too shiny when I first did it but the extra layers of washes have dulled it down though still keeping elements of sparkle.
The decorative corner elements were added on at the beginning and worked over with the paints too and very lightly sanded back about halfway through adding layers of paint so you can still catch a hint of metal but it's not too shiny.
I have edged the covers and spine with metal foil tape (Coloured with Alcohol inks) I can assure you that it is not as bright and contrasty as it appears to be in the photo!
The back has been done exactly the same as the front, but with no chunky embellishments
I added the metal leaves and flowers with hot glue to secure as I felt it needed something more than just the heart on the front and then I saw the sentiment which I thought was perfect too (Tim's Word Bands)
Isn't the texture just awesome? I love it. I've already started working inside in the sense of I've made some pockets and stuff for tags but can't wait to get some ink onto the pages. This book was a bit of a trial run for me and I learn't a lot and some things I'll change but boy did I have fun. Book number two is about half complete and I am excited about that one too as it is looking really really good.
So, what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts......don't be shy.
Take care and I'll catch you all soon.
8 comments:
...oooo this is a cracker Neil, love that heart all crackled up with its deep rich colours, so many wonderful layers, a beautiful work of art...Mel:)xx
What's not to love?! Really cool crackle finish, Neil. Love the heart, too. Yep, I hear ya about the foil tape. No,tater how many layers of a.i. or paint is on it the shine blinds the camera. Look forward to #2.
Loving this journal, Neil.
It has a real classy look to it.
Metal is a pain to photograph, we'll ignore the brightness that isn't really there.
I always do my cover last...once I have finished messing in my inside as I always get colour and stuff on the outside as I work. I am intrigued that you did the outside first. I would find the depth of the heart a pain to work on top of. This is what makes creating so interesting, to see how we are all so different. I love the thickness of the paint that has cracked.
As a book maker I have to say that I LOVE it! It is great. All this texture and the 3D heart..... I am waiting for the next book - you know it is addictive!
Wonderful earthy colours Neil, gives it a mythical feel, something of the forest. The heart has turned out beautifully. The dulled look you were after suits the tone of your book. Looks like you had fun putting it all together. Px
Wow! The crackly heart is amazing emerging from all those layers of colour and texture - beautiful work!
Alison x
Great use of the crackle mediums, love this book!
Post a Comment