Art Journalling

One of the things I love doing is art journalling and so since this week's theme here at Scrapware was on the subject of journalling, I thought I would share a couple of my pages.

Since Scrapware has such a vast array of chipboard alpha fonts and words available, it is PERFECT for using on my art journal pages. The prompt for the page below was "My Favourite Things" and I have used a combination of Scrapware words and alphas to create the words of each favourite thing.

The word "Art" (WD108) has been first painted with a dark brown paint. Once dry I have covered the word with embossing ink (direct from the ink pad). I then covered the word with UTEE and heated using a heat gun until the embossing powder melted. As soon as this was done, I followed with another layer of UTEE. This second layer of powder will stick to the first layer if it is still hot. I repeat this process two or three times. Once the final layer of UTEE is melted I gently press a rubber stamp on to the chipboard. When the stamp is removed it leaves an impression in the embossing. This embossed pattern can be highlighted further with metallic waxes such as Rub n Buff as I have done here. This is an awesome way to add really cool dimension and interest to an otherwise plain chipboard word!

The word "Family" (WT36)has also been covered in the UTEE but instead of stamping in to the last layer I have just left it alone, allowing it to dry to the high gloss finish. As the UTEE is clear the colour of the chipboard will show through - so first paint or ink your chipboard piece in your desired colour. (Actually UTEE comes in a bunch of colours but I just used the clear variety for this page).

The other two words "Nature" and "Friends" are created using the following chipboard alphas:

Antique Lowercase Alphas (AZ08)
Elegant Lowercase Alphas (AZ11)

Mini Antique Lowercase Alphas (AZ10)

This alphas have just been painted with a cream paint and sanded to give them a shabby finish.

This week I thought I would extend my art journalling "off the page" .... and so I created this piece using the new Scrapware Two Way Shadow Box Cube (new product available soon!). Two sides of the cube are flat, and two sides have little shadow boxes ... how cool!

The cube goes together quite simply using tape, in the same method as the memory boxes do. Once I put mine all together I covered each side with torn pieces of patterned paper using mod podge to glue it all down. I have then lightly painted with gesso, to give it a shabby finish, followed by a little colour using my Caran D'ache watersoluble crayons. I also painted a face on a Scrapware Twinchie (CH400) which forms the insert for one of the shadow box sides.

My words are formed using the same alphas listed above, simply painted with Gesso.

To form the roof I have first adhered the new Damask shape to each roof piece, cutting off any parts that hang over the sides. I then painted the whole lot with gesso. Once that was dry I have used my watersoluble crayons to add some colour and glued to the top of the cube using Helmar 450 glue. I then added the Tim Holtz ribbon trim around the edge which covered the seam nicely.

My cube sits on four little antique wooden spools which I have also painted with gesso ... giving it little "feet".

The Shadow Box Cube is certainly a must have product and one of my favourites from the brand new release which will be available in a store near you VERY SOON. And if they don't have it ... ask them to get it in for you or email us at Scrapware to see who does!

Happy creating
Natalie W

xx