Hello Friends
Today I have another couple of Journals to share with you. I guess some of you may have been wondering how long it would take me to use seahorses on one... well, today is the day!
I cannot stop making these wonderful Journals. I am so thankful to Eileen Hull for designing this particular die, which is out later this month.
Rather than showing individual steps, I am using a collage to show you how this came together.
I used Eileen Hull's fabulous Colorbox Blend inks in Leaf, Golden and Bay to colour my seahorses, the leaves and also the gauze. The gauze was 'thickened' with fabrick stiffener. The starfish is from a previous project and the wheel and crab were coloured with a mix of Ebony and Nutmeg.
This photo shows the three stages of creating the covers. First I painted the blank cover with DecoArt Crackle Paint, just a thin-ish coat. Once dry I coloured the whole of the cover with Colourbox Blend in Bay, with a touch of Leaf mixed in here and there.
Once dry, I flicked white Gesso and Bay Colourbox Blend over the cover. To assemble, I added the stiffened gauze (still wet) to the front and then glued all the other elements in place. I glued them fairly flat so that the Journal can be easily handled. I added the closure (which I first covered with paper leather to give it strength) and used a Tim Holtz Hitch Fastener as my closure. The whole Journal was then completely sealed with DecoArt Matte Medium.
For the inside, I created three signatures, one with watercolour paper, one with ruled paper and the third one is a pocket envelope. Don't you just love that great journal quote by Oscar Wilde?? It makes me smile each time I see it, the stamp is by Darkroom Door.
I also wanted to show you this Journal that I made for a friend, David Rose of Craft Obsessions, who did me a huge favour. I used Tim Holtz's latest release fabric - Correspondence (a gift from my dear and lovely friend Kath Stewart). These fabrics are beautiful quality and perfect for covering Eileen's Journal.
The fabric is now available in the UK too! I just got some more from The Cotton Patch. They have a lovely selection of the Correspondence and also Tim's other range of fabrics. I have just invested in a few more pieces of Tim's fabric.
On the bottom left photo you can see that I used a genuine Midori insert in the Journal, it fits perfectly. I am pleased to report that David loved his Journal.
I hope you are not getting tired of seeing my Journals, I am sure I will be making lots more!!
If you have time to visit Eileen's blog each week HERE you will see more Journals and more of Eileen's HeARTfelt die release projects by the Inspiration Team.
As always, thanks so much for your visit, I hope to see you again soon.
Hugs, Anne xx
Rather than showing individual steps, I am using a collage to show you how this came together.
Once dry, I flicked white Gesso and Bay Colourbox Blend over the cover. To assemble, I added the stiffened gauze (still wet) to the front and then glued all the other elements in place. I glued them fairly flat so that the Journal can be easily handled. I added the closure (which I first covered with paper leather to give it strength) and used a Tim Holtz Hitch Fastener as my closure. The whole Journal was then completely sealed with DecoArt Matte Medium.
I also wanted to show you this Journal that I made for a friend, David Rose of Craft Obsessions, who did me a huge favour. I used Tim Holtz's latest release fabric - Correspondence (a gift from my dear and lovely friend Kath Stewart). These fabrics are beautiful quality and perfect for covering Eileen's Journal.
The fabric is now available in the UK too! I just got some more from The Cotton Patch. They have a lovely selection of the Correspondence and also Tim's other range of fabrics. I have just invested in a few more pieces of Tim's fabric.
I hope you are not getting tired of seeing my Journals, I am sure I will be making lots more!!
If you have time to visit Eileen's blog each week HERE you will see more Journals and more of Eileen's HeARTfelt die release projects by the Inspiration Team.
As always, thanks so much for your visit, I hope to see you again soon.
Hugs, Anne xx
Anne, I love these journals. I don't think anyone could get tired of them. Both are so beautiful and INSPIRING. I'm sure you are one of Eileen Hull's greatest salesperson.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how perfect the gauze is for seaweed.
Lucy
Wonderful project!
ReplyDeleteFabulous journals Anne. Would love to try one on these. The beautiful colours and sea horses look so at home on this type of journal. They both look amazing Anne and your talent shows through. Hugs Rita xxx
ReplyDeleteI will never tire of seeing your journals Anne! I think this die looks so useful - it may have to go to the top of my list!! I love the underwater scene you have created on the first one but must say the fabric one would make a great travel journal! Keep 'em coming!! Hugs, Chris
ReplyDeleteI have been visiting your blog for quite a while, just studying the pictures of your stunning projects!! Wow, Anne!! These are both spectacular!! The texture on the underwater scene is so amazing!! I just want to run my fingers over it!! Every detail is perfect!! It's a work of art!! And oh wow, the journal you made as a gift is better than anything you could buy in a store!! Truly gorgeous, my friend!! I love, love seeing your journals so I hope you keep them coming!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Like everyone else I will never tire of seeing your journals Anne - each one a work of art on its own! I've been pouring over the details for ages and love the whole way you put together that underwater scene. The gauze is genius and that's a great tip using the paper leather over the closure for strength. And David's one is so classy! No wonder he was thrilled with it. I love too the large pockets you've added inside each one. Such a clever idea too! Thank you so much for sharing your creative genius - I'm off in search of fabric..... xxx
ReplyDeleteLovely journals Anne. Love the seahorse, the textures and colours are perfect . Love how you incorporated the gauze. The one you made for David is fabulous so classy in design and I love the inserts too. Have a lovely week. Tracy x
ReplyDeleteOh I Love when you do an oceanic version Anne, no-one does sea horses like you!! David's journal looks beautiful, you are so sweet hearted. I also love the fabric journal, its gorgeously made. Must check out the linked store. Terrific makes as always Anne. Nicola x
ReplyDeleteHow can you possibly think we would get fed up of seeing your awesome journals? It's just not possible! Each one is a separate work of art. It's so cool to see one with those gorgeous seahorses on, I must use some more of the ones you kindly sent me! The background for them is wonderful and the quote is brilliant! I love the material covered one too - it's so cool! Hugs. xxx
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are fabulous Anne...I love the fabric on the second, and of course love your signature sea horse...lol! Oh that blue is sublime and just so darn fun too. You rocked it!
ReplyDeleteNo one could ever get tired of see your incredible journal productions, Annie! And, yes, I was rather waiting to see when one would appear featuring your beloved seahorses! You did not fail!! I also love the one you made for David Rose and I'm sure he will cherish it! Happy Easter to you and David!! Love and hugs, Darnell xxoo
ReplyDeleteNot tired of seeing them at all, it's a sheer pleasure to be able to see your fabulous designs and creativity let loose on the wonderful covers of Eileen's brilliant journal. The seahorses look right at home and the inserts are perfect and I love the fabric one too. You're really rocking these midori style journals xxx
ReplyDeleteTwo different journals and two beautiful creations! Your favorite seahorse is perfectly set in its scene, and the letters combination on the fabric cover is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love it when you get the seahorses out.
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful journals Anne and I look forward to seeing many more.
Toni xx
So beautiful journals, I think I need this die. I like the "beach" theme as well, and the fabric one is great. I can understand that your friend loves his journal, who wouldn't?
ReplyDeleteFabulous journals and as everyone has said, we will never tire of seeing them so please keep making them! I love the seahorse one with all the elements and the insides look perfect too. Happy Easter Elaine xx
ReplyDeleteAnne, these are just wonderful and of course I just love the seahorse one in particular!I am a fan of the sea!
ReplyDeleteSo , I really do not use dies all that much, although I have collected quite a few! heehee but, you really are inspiring,the way you create with these. May I ask you what machine you primarily use with your dies?
Thank you for sharing!
love & hugs,Jackie
These are just so fun to see Anne. Both so totally different and wonderful - from a PLAYFUL PARADISE to a POSTAL PROPAGATION!! Wonderful creative spectrum. Xj.
ReplyDeleteAnne...these journals are amazing! I love both of them...very different. Everything you do is beautifully done. The seahorses are darling. I just returned from a trip to the west coast in Santa Barbara so everything about the sea is appealing to me right now. :) And the postal journal is adorable. I always love anything with stamps, cancelled postage marks, etc. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnne.. as always your work is amazing!! so much thought and attention to detail. I absolutely adore the 'ocean' one!!!
ReplyDeleteThis one takes my breath away (and especially as I've been trying to do some crackle paste, and not being successful at all! Tried 3 different kinds so far, not great with either!) Love the use of the fabric stiffener with the gauze to create the seaweed shape, and of course the fantastic seahorse. This TH fabric sounds wonderful, and it looks perfect on your journals. What a beautiful, and thoughtful gift for your friend. He will appreciate knowing that you made one of your masterpieces especially for him! TFS & Hugs. Happy Easter too!
ReplyDeleteAnne both of these journals are so fantastic! I love all the tips you give, especially like the paper leather on the hinge- sheer genius! And the gauze... I'll bet your friend David was blown away by that gift. Such attention to detail and care you put in everything you make- that's you Anne <3 Thanks...
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, not surprised you like making the journals so much they look so professional when completed though I think the person making them has something to do with that Lol!. I knew we would see the Seahorses again soon, I know how much you like them. Have a lovely Easter and happy crafting, Angela xXx
ReplyDeleteTwo fantastic journals, Anne. The seahorses look right at home, and I love the pockets on the inside - a great idea. Beautiful TH fabric, and I love the bookplate and closure on that one too. Brilliant work with Eileen's brilliant die!
ReplyDeleteAlison x
Anne, you do stunning work, and I can tell these took a lot of time, energy, love and creativity! I love the crackling on the seahorse journal cover, and of course, all of the sea life elements! I know how you love seahorses, but my favorite is the crab! The gift of a journal you made for David is brilliant with the closure and fabric cover! I bet he treasures this! I know every detail is just perfect! I will never tire of seeing your work, no matter what it is! Happy Easter to you, my friend! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHey sweet Lady - I have not forgotten you - not by a long shot. Being the recipient of several of your makes - I know how good you are!!! Wonderful Anne - absolutely wonderful!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am keeping this email post on my computer for a while to look at again and again. I still do not have this journal die - maybe soon!
Sandy xx
Two stunning journals anne. I love that you did a seahorse one. Totally stunning colours. The second one is fabulous too. I'll have to look into that fabric. Big hugs rachel xx
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are just great!! This die is too much fun!!
ReplyDeleteLove love love both of these! I keep seeing so many fabulous creations from the Eileen Hull Design Team - I absolutely need to add this die to my library. Thank you for the inspiration, Anne.
ReplyDeleteLove these, I can not seem to find the die. I am so excited I really am inspired by your journal and really want to make one or 2 or 3...
ReplyDeleteWow Anne! Both of these are tremendous. I just love your amazing nautical mixed media and how could you not love the correspondence fabric on such an awesome journal - brilliant! Hugs, Autumn
ReplyDeleteHey Red, all of your journals are always exquisitely put together and fun. These take the cake though! I was totally wondering when you would do a nautical themed one and this is awesome sauce!!!! Your nautical themes are the best of the best and then You go and add the one with that amazing fabric! Say what!?! Wowzers and gorgeous creations dearie! Hugz to you muffin!
ReplyDeleteWow Anne, these are incredible!! Nobody does a beach themed project like you do, this is just so amazing!! So many wonderful techniques and elements on the cover. The coloured cheesecloth is so beautiful and your textured crab and wheel are spectacular! The inside is so amazing, I love that pocket and the 3D envelope, fantastic! The second one is also so fun, and so different from the first one. The collage style is fantastic and I love the bead on the enclosure tie! Absolutely wonderful Anne, love them both! hugs :)
ReplyDelete