Lately most of my time has been spent creating journals, writing in them or thinking about them…but not art journals.
I tend to do this…I get completely obsessed with one thing and virtually abandon the rest for a time. Art journals and mixed media always find there way back to me. They are my true calling.
Today though I knew I wanted to art journal. I started out with some dress pattern paper and gelatos for that lovely aged yellow color. I added bits of torn fabric and papers in opposite corners of my spread. I then added some red and gold with a variety of sprays and golden paints.
After that I wasn’t really sure other than I thought I needed another color…something contrasting. I came across a tattered book mark in my stash. The colors of the flowers matched perfectly and the blue gave that contrasting color I was looking for.
After I decided on the wooden bird for the opposite page I dug out my sealing wax just for fun. I haven’t use it in ages. My cousin and I got little sets back in the early 1980’s when we were girls and wrote letters to each other. I still have my set and a few more seals that I’ve picked up over the years just because they are pretty and kind of a unique thing to come across at a rummage sale.
I happened to find a journal tag that was the right color blue to act as a perch for my bird. The words we flew jumped out at me from my box of found text. I thought a bit of loopy thread gave some nice texture and was a bit reminiscent of a nest.
The tag looked a little boring so I used a bit of distress ink on a script stamp for a little more vintage feel. I didn’t have a brad the right color so I dipped a white one in paint then sprinkled with baking soda. once it dried It had a nice muted appearance in just the right color.
I’m super happy that I gave in to my impulse and got creative today.
Linking up with Art Journal Journey for Vintage or Modern
Wow. I was mesmerized as you explained each detail of this incredible mixed media beauty. I am in total awe of how you got all these disparate parts to come together so cleverly.
One thing that surprised me was how you treated the brad. I have never heard of painting one, then adding baking soda before the paint dried. It turned out great. I’ve always just dipped the brad in embossing powder, but the idea of using paint and baking soda opens up an entirely new way to get the exact color you want. Great job.
Even more incredible, you shared this with us at Art Journal Journey. Thank you for creating this awesome art journal entry, dear Halle.
This is gorgeous Halle. I thought that bird was metal; I love how you colored it. Thanks for sharing with us at AJJ. It was exciting to see something so pretty on a damp Monday morning. Hugs-Erika
Oh gosh! This is an utterly beautiful spread Halle! Simply gorgeous! Great to see you at AJJ! Thank you for joining us! Happy new week!
Susi
“I tend to do this … I get completely obsessed with one thing and virtually abandon the rest for a time. Art journals and mixed media always find there way back to me. They are my true calling.”
Those words could have come out of my mouth, if I weren’t ashamed to admit it. Maybe I should stop fighting it.
Thanks for the aha moment, Halle ;-)
Beautiful spread. I love the sealing wax and the story behind it.
Eileen xoxo