A Favorite Thing

A favorite thing is using what I have and what I LOVE!  For me, that also happens to be the fun and the challenge that comes when creating with my favorite tools and materials and mixing it all up with ideas into something worth sharing.

A project from the past begins with a versatile surface to create from,  Eileen Hull Sizzix die, the Journal.  (One of the main reasons her dies have become my "go to Tools".)


 Mixed Media Journal

Let's begin...
To make this journal I used a Sizzix die designed by Eileen Hull and the Big Shot die cutting system that I like to use for most of my die-cutting.  I have added the material list that I used to complete this project.  NOTE: Use what you have available or other perferred materials.

Front Journal Cover

This cover was made using two different techniques from the book together for a layered look that still showed under the other embellishments.

Back Journal Cover

The back journal cover again uses a easy and fun background technique that will change with colors used, tools (such as stencils or stamps) and type of medium (paints and/or inks).

Front Journal Label

Another fun and interesting technique using foils that creates a lovely background, whether it is large or small.

Inside Journal Signature Covers

Transform double-sided card stock into something different using techniques found in the book along with a variety of stamps, stencils and various paints and other mediums.

Art Tape for Embellishments

Art Tape Foiling

Add coloring with inks or paints and then add stamped images to create "one of a kind" backgrounds for embellishments.  Add foil to the adhesive side for an intereesting affect.

To complete the journal a burlap ribbon band is added for texture, along with die-cut leaves from coordinating card stock.  The leaves have touches of various colored foils added to them before gluing in place.  A small bow was created from the Art Tape. The word "journal" is cut from fun foam.  The last element is an old jewelrey find.  Signature covers are made from the re-designed card stock, with inserts for each are  made by using copy paper.

NOTE: Techniques used to create this Journal can be found here: 
 ebook by Rebekah Meier's Paper Art Collage

List of Materials
Sizzix Dies:Eileen Hull Journal die
Sizzix Dies: Eileen Hull Journaling Words
Sizzix nesting label die
Tim Holtz thinlits bows, skeleton leaves, funky festive
Sizzix Big Shot cutting machine

Mixed Media adhesive sheets
Mixed Media art paper sheets
Mixed Media art tape
Mixed Media foil sheets - patina, antique pearl, old gold
Mixed Media medium
Double sided tape, 1/4”
TCW gold gesso, light & fluffy modeling paste
TCW stencils by RM 462, 462S, 768
Stamps RM mesh, mandala, Death Star explosion
Stamps RM F22011,G22006, F22003, F22000, H22014, H22012, L22013, CC18

Paints - DecoArt media fluid acrylics, assorted colors
Distress oxide inks, assorted colors
Mat board, 2 -  6" x 13"
Gelli arts plate
Brayer
Decorative papers, assorted
Assorted papers, Various weights and colors Black foam
Seam binding, white Various embellishments

Arnold Grummer Papermaking - Surface Technique

It is always a challenge to come up with something a bit different for the posts I do for the Arnold Grummer Papermaking blog.  It seems that I have this "habit" of never wanting to just make a single sheet of paper or make a single paper casting square.  To me it's always about experimenting or trying something new or at least a new twist on an existing technique.

There are a few different books on "paper making" in my craft library, but the books I refer to the most are "The Complete Guide to Easy Papermaking", "Arnold Grummer's Complete Guide to Paper Casting" and "trash-to-treasure paper making", also by Arnold Grummer.
                                           
It was in "trash-to-treasure papermaking" where I found the idea for "Surface Embedment" and the term "Napkinization", so I decided to give this a try.  This is a process using an artistic paper napkin to transform a simple sheet of paper into something quite different.

The white, second layer of paper must be removed from the napkin, just leaving the patterned design.  Then using a ruler, I tore the napkin into about 1 1/2" strips, to prepare them for embedding.  You begin the same way you would to make a sheet of paper but using a bit more pulp because the surface embedment works best on a thicker sheet.

Process paper for a sheet just like any other. Pour pulp into the papermaking mold.  Lift the mold from the water, immediately place the napkin strips onto the surface of the pulp.  Allow the water to drain as much as possible.  After draining and following the steps to finish the sheet, the end product was a pretty framed sheet to use as a background for a photo in an acrylic frame.  A uniquely, decorative sheet like this would be perfect in any clear acrylic or floating frame.

NOTE: Before drying and ironing the sheet, pull away any of the excess white paper while still soft, from along the edges.  Use a pin, needle or the point of a knife to carefully complete this step.

To place an order for papermaking products, visit the Arnold Grummer website.  Use the savings code - THANKS20 - when ordering for a 20% discount.