'What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday 25 March 2020

Good afternoon. 
I hope you're all doing well, despite current circumstances? 
It's hard to imagine the scale of what's happening on a beautiful sunny day like today. But Spring is definitely on its way! It was my birthday yesterday, but I wasn't able to see my family or most of my friends - and had to cancel my evening celebration. One of my most precious friends did come, so we spent a wonderful few hours chatting and sharing stamping stuff. I think I spent the rest of the day on the phone 😁

This is something I began in preparation for a Try it on Tuesday challenge, but ended up not being able to complete it because I was stumped by the closure 😣 I had originally inserted magnets into front and back, but because I used a lot of thick layers, they didn't work! Then I prematurely punched two holes in one cover but what I wanted to do didn't work with them, so I was flummoxed, lol - probably because I had a lot of other things going on. So I left it 'til later...when I came back to it it seemed so simple, it was silly. 

So this is what I began with...
Using the Eileen Hull Wrapped Journal die, I cut out the covers, then cut out the same in a painted piece of heavy watercolour paper (a playtime from a couple of years ago) and in thin black cardstock.
The materials I chose were quite thick, so didn't fold well without cracking - I will learn from that 😉 although I did manage to cover it with inks and you can't see it now.
So this is the completed journal before decorating.
I stencilled the background with both a baby wipe and with Brilliance Moonlight White. After lots of pondering and grand ideas, I found the already coloured flutterby and loved the way it looked, so that and the stacked letters spelling 'Notes' became my only embellishments. The punched holes limited my choices.
I alternated black and white (undecorated) pages inside, which consists of 4 sets (or signatures) of pages.
  
Spine, showing the thread that holds the folded signatures together.

You can see where some of the black lining card is cracked and curling. I've put this right now, but this is a learning curve...
Sorry it's so photo intensive, but I wanted to show you the snags I hit upon to make it easier for you if you want to attempt one of these.
I will sew the signatures next time and will definitely use a lighter weight card. I quite like the idea of 'lining' it, though. I like that effect.
I have more cut and ready to go and it's looking as if I'll have lots of time to complete one or two more, if the movement restrictions continue.
Linking to:
Addicted to Stamps and More, Make Your Mark (watercolour and Prisma pencils on butterfly)
Creative Artiste Challenge, Anything Mixed Media
Blank Page Muse, Anything But a Card
Mix it Up, Anything Goes
Not Just Cards, Anything Goes

Thanks for calling in today
I'll be back soon
Cath
xxx

11 very kind comments from lovely people:

DVArtist said...

Hi Cath it is a beautiful day here as well. Happy belated birthday. Just think of all the celebrating we will do when this is over. Thank goodness for the phone. I really like what you did with this journal. The colors are fabulous. I have looked at some of these challenges but I don't stamp and I don't do cards. I think it is important, for this time, we get involved as much as possible in art and the different places to post them. Have a great day and be safe. Elbow hugs.

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

That’s absolutely fabulous Cath and I love the colours that you’ve used on the cover. Happy belated birthday for yesterday by the way. I’m pleased that you got to spend some time with your friend. A good friend of mine was seventy on Monday and had to cancel her party too. Take care of yourself and keep on crafting x

My name is Erika. said...

Wow Cath, this is amazing. Those colors make me swoon. And glad you managed to have a happy birthday even in these weird times. I guess in the big scheme of things, as long as you are healthy and smiling it is good. Right? Take care my friend. Hugs-Erika

Meggymay said...

Its a fantastic journal project Cath. It was good to read that you had made the best of the situation and enjoyed your Birthday.
Take care and stay safe.
Yvonne xx

Let's Art Journal said...

Wow, such an amazing transformation! The design look amazing, I love the colours that you used with the stencilling and the pretty butterfly and wording are the perfect too - stunning 😁. Thanks so much for joining us at Creative Artiste! Hugs, Jo x

Mrs.B said...

You've created a lovely journal Cath, love the colours on the cover.
I'm glad you were still able to enjoy your birthday in these strange times.
Avril xx

crafty-stamper said...

Belated Happy Birthday and love your fabulous journal-love the colour,stencilled background and beautiful butterfly
Carol x

Andree said...

A fabulous journal cover. Gorgeous colour blends and super stencilling.
Thank you for joining in with our March challenge "Anything Mixed Media Goes" at Creative Artiste Mixed Media. Good luck x

Ann Chuang Crafts said...

A fabulous journal cover. Love the blended ink background over the stencil. Thanks for sharing your project at Mix It Up Challenge Blog! Hope to see you again soon!! HUGS!
Ann DT

Neet said...

I still haven't had that birthday call I intended - it is on the list though. Just hope I don't clash with your visitor when I do. Sounds like you and Lynn had a lot of catching up to do - so glad you had someone to brighten up your birthday.
As for this Journal - ooh, I like the colour and the pattern on it - it looks lovely. The butterfly is perfect having landed on the front whilst she gathers her thoughts. I like the idea of the wide spine because it allows for all those signatures plus decorating the pages without it bulging. A lovely project, I look forward to seeing another with different embellishments - you can have a ball doing different ones a it lends itself to so many possibilities.
Hugs, Neet xx

Aimeslee Winans said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Dear Cath! I am marveling at your creation, gorgeous and so intuitively made! Those few mistakes you made, they are like the ones I have to make to learn and remember, so hey, you did great in my book! XOX