Inner Fairy

I have always loved this quote and when I found this adorable fairy, I couldn’t wait to create this page!

I covered the background with patches of white gesso using a palate knife – I find it produces a lovely textured and translucent effect when inks are applied over the top. I painted different greens using diluted Distress Inks and Colourfast Brusho Crystal powders, then splattered diluted Black Soot Distress Ink onto the page. The flowers stamp is from Hampton Arts and I stamped it using grey Memento Ink. For the honeycomb effect I stamped hexagonal shapes using Distress Ink and stenciled dots using Pébéo modelling paste mixed with glitter glue. Once the modelling paste was dry I added more sparkly glitter over the top. To create the fairy dust I sprinkled Brusho power in 3 places and spritzed with water, then added dots of glitter glue in a starburst, which took a while to dry. I cut the pink flowers from napkins and stuck them down with UHU Stic. Once the quote was stamped onto pink paper, I outlined the pieces with a black Sharpie. The quote, fairy, clover and bees are all stuck to the page with double-sided foam tape to add extra dimension.

I like to think fairies live under the toadstools in our garden, and this bee must definitely think so too! A big Thank You to Yvonne aka Meggymay over at Art Journal Journey for this month’s theme ‘In my garden there is…’, which I am really enjoying.

My hubby says the fairy looks like this “little crafter” when I was a little girl! What do you think? I love this quote and believe you can realise your dreams if you:

“Spread your wings and let your inner fairy fly”

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Pébéo White Gesso
• Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Shabby Shutters, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint, Tea Dye. Black Soot)
• Colourfast Brusho Colour Crystals (Leaf Green, Emerald Green)
• Memento Dye Ink (London Fog)
• Ranger Archival Ink (Jet black)
• Sharpie Permanent Marker Fine Point (Black)
• Pébéo Modeling Paste High Density
• Hobbycraft Glitter Glue Pens (Assorted Colours)
• Creative Expressions Masks (That Touch of Mica Masks – Distressed Dots)
• Hampton Arts Bella Blvd cling mounted rubber stamps (Sand & Surf ICO226)
• Docrafts Papermania clear stamps (Capsule Geometric 3 pcs)
• Dovecraft upper and lower case alphabet stamp set (WDN ALPHA STMP DCVW0050)
• Craft Sensations Design Pad paper (Endless Love CR0260/A)
• Poundland (Fairy Stickers)
• Caspari Napkin
• Liquitex Matte Gel Medium
• UHU Stic
• The Range double-sided foam tape

Tea Time

When we are at home we always have elevenses, which means it’s time for green tea and a homemade cake. My page today is inspired by this, as well as the T Stands For Tuesday blog challenge hosted by Bleubeard & Elizabeth. A big hello to all of the T-Gang! I apologise for the lateness in my post – Tuesday just didn’t work out as I planned! Hope you like this page.

I stenciled cog wheels using white gesso and let it dry completely, I then dripped and dabbed diluted Faber-Castell Big Brush markers over the page, gradually building up the layers of colour. To define the wheels more I doodled around them with a fine line Uni Pin marker. Liquitex Matte Gel Medium was used to fix the pieces of torn decoupage paper and I added white gesso using my finger to blend it into the background more. I covered some cardboard alphabet stickers with copper leaf using Gold Size and stuck any remaining copper leaf randomly onto the page. Next I started creating the steam rising up my page using transfers, gem stones and clock stickers which I coloured black (you may notice the steam has lifted the numbers of the clock faces as they are swirling up the page). The three teabags, which I dried and emptied, are stuck down using UHU Stic. I stamped words onto them using Archival Ink, added star stickers and a stitch effect around the outside using a black marker. I used some cup images from a leaflet, which I distressed with inks and a baby wipe. I finished by outlining the images and words with a black marker.

Here’s a photo of our elevenses, Gunpowder Green tea and homemade carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting – yummy!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Pébéo White Gesso
• Faber-Castell Big Brush artist pens (Black 199, Dark Sepia 175 B, Sanguine 188 B, Cold Grey IV 233)
• Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
• Sharpie Permanent Fine Point marker (Black)
• Uni Pin Fine Line marker (Black 0.1mm, 0.2mm and 0.8mm)
• Uniball Signo gel pen (White)
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Tea Dye)
• Ranger Dine Wakley Media stencil (Wheels MDS45588)
• Dovecraft upper case Alphabet stamp set (WDN ALPHA STMP DCV0050)
• Outline Stickers (Time Silver 904935)
• Letraset Transfer (Helvetica Bold Condensed 5mm RDC0251)
• Santora (Decoupage Papers SNDE C043)
• The Range (Shaped Gem Stickers)
• Copper leaf
• Annie Sloan Water Based Gold Size
• Liquitex Matte Gel Medium
• UHU Stic
• Teabags
• Leaflet

Dragonflies

The inspiration for this page is Dragonflies. When I first started art journaling I explored the internet to learn more and I recall finding a beautiful dragonfly piece that someone had created. So I thought it would be fun to create my own, drawing from my memory to incorporate the things I loved about the piece; from what I remembered it had a yellow theme and included a doily and circle effect and squiggles around the dragonflies. So with my challenge sorted I set to work and here’s the page I created!

To start with I used Liquitex matte gel medium to adhere rectangles of decoupage paper to the page. I stamped the doilies using a grey Faber-Castell Big Brush marker as ink and for the circle details used three postage label stamps, a dot stamp and black Archival Ink. Then I smooshed and splattered diluted yellow and gold Spectrum Aqua markers and the same grey Big Brush marker on the top. I also stamped a Kaisercraft Sketchy stamp using a sepia Spectrum Aqua marker. As a finishing touch to the background I sprinkled lemon Colourcraft Brusho powder and spritzed with water, this is a really fun technique where you ‘ooh and aah’ as the colour literally explodes on the page in front of you. It really intensified the yellow and merged with some of the other inks I had used, which I like. I stamped the dragonflies using an Eco Green Crafts stamp and Archival Ink, then using a black Uni Pin marker I doodled squiggles around them. The coloured dragonflies are rub-on transfers which I outlined to make them pop out more. I also used the decorative leaf border on the page to add vertical dimension; it is from the same transfer set. To finish I stamped a couple of words to describe my dragonflies and added some vintage looking alphabet buttons to title my page.

It just so happens I have a metal dragonfly in my garden, it sits in my flowerbed and ties in beautifully with my page. As the theme over at Art Journal Journey (AJJ) this month is “In my garden there is…” I’m happy to be joining Yvonne and the others over at AJJ again.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Spectrum Aqua Artist’s Markers (Gold, Yellow, Sepia, Slate)
• Faber-Castell Big Brush artist pen (Cold Grey IV 233)
• Colourcraft Brusho Crystal Colour (Lemon)
• Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
• Uni Pin Fine Line marker (Black 0.1mm)
• Dovecraft Curiosity Corner A5 clear stamps (Lace and Doile DCCS009)
• Kaisercraft clear stamps (Sketchy
• Eco Green Crafts recycled rubber art stamps (Petal Party #04309)
• Woodware Craft Collection Francoise Collection (Flower Style FRSWS003)
• The Works clear stamps (CR0274/TW3)
• Vivi Gade Skangen Decoupage Paper (Art No: 25561)
• Royal & Langnical Tip of the Brush Rub-on Transfers (Insect Collection #TIP-1484 RUB-ON)
• Home Bargains self-adhesive letters (Love Letters Item code: 22738)
• Liquitex Matte Gel Medium

La Fleur

When I think of Daisies they make me smile, with their heads raised skywards they dance in the sun, their soft delicate white petal dresses gleaming so beautifully in the light.

I planted a perennial Daisy (Leucanthemum) in my garden this year and this journal page celebrates my first flower! I’m pleased to be able to join Yvonne again who is hosting the theme “In my garden there is” over at Art Journal Journey.

The background is covered in random patches of diluted Spectum Aqua markers, I choose olive and peach to give a soft ethereal feel to the page. I then stamped the script using black Archival Ink and added three horizontal lines of washi tape. I painted White Gesso over this background in square blocks gradually blending the edges so they fade out, I love how this has made the page translucent in certain areas. I used a rubber stamp from Eco Green Crafts (made with recycled rubber) using a charcoal Spectrum Aqua marker to stamp the daisies. The images are stickers from Penny Black and I applied a thick line of the charcoal Aqua marker to add more dimension. I then stamped two postage marks and La Fleur wording over and around the stickers. I like how these match the French theme I was trying to achieve. To establish where to position these stamps I stamped them onto tissue paper first, which allowed me to move them around the page until I was happy with the look. The two postage stamps are also French, if you look closely you will see the beautiful images of women with flowers in their hair. To finish I added the lace trim at the top and bottom of the page. I hope (like me) you think this page turned out beautifully!

Here is my first Daisy, I have counted a further 21 buds, it’s really exciting to check each day to see how the plant grows and blooms.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Spectrum Aqua Artist’s Markers (Peach, Olive, Charcoal)
• Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
• Pébéo Studio Acrylics White Gesso
• Kaisercraft clear stamp (Script CS752)
• Hampton Arts 7 Gypsies cling mounted rubber stamps (Birdsong ICO151)
• Eco Green Crafts recycled rubber art stamps (Petal Party #04309)
• The Works clear stamps (CR0274/TW3)
• The Works 3 Washi Tapes
• Penny Black 2007 Stickeroos (Painted Vases #10-191)
• Lace trim
• Postage stamps (France 1955 and 1979)
• UHU Glue pen
• The Range double-sided foam tape

Light Ash Farm Shop and Café

After a walk in the countryside, we had a wonderful time at Light Ash Farm, looking round the farm shop and sitting in the sunshine enjoying a drink and the superb home cooked food at the café. This page is inspired by our visit and you’ll see some of the elements I have depicted on my page in my photos later.

To start I added a thin layer of diluted Faber-Castell Big Brush marker to the page with a paint brush under the areas of brick work. Distress Inks were then applied to the other areas of the page with a blending tool to create a soft background. I used Liquitex gel medium to adhere the bricks, which I made from a wallpaper sample. I added detail between the bricks using diluted Spectrum Aqua marker to make it look like mortar. The owl and wooden panel papers are fixed to the page using UHU Stic and the flowers, leaves and butterflies are toppers, stickers and a napkin. The cake and stand are fussy cut from an old birthday card and I embellished it with a rose sticker then stuck it to the page using double-sided foam tape. I also punched out some hearts from the glittery border of the birthday card, which help to tie the colours together. The postage stamp is from Poland and dates back to 1963, it’s from my hubby’s childhood stamp collection.   I used some sparkly corners to attach the farm name and UHU Stic for the other farm images which were taken from a promotional leaflet.

When we first arrived we passed the stable yard, and this handsome fellow popped his head out to welcome us! My page reflects this image with the use of brick and wood, as well as the beautiful white flowers cascading over the top of the stable and of course the horse. As we walked round the side of the barn we walked towards a field and saw the farm had more horses too, galloping over to say hello at the gate.

We turned the corner and then I saw these, aren’t they fantastic! I love owls so they made their way onto my page!

The farm shop and café is inside an old barn which has been converted, with its splendid flower baskets and wooden carvings making a lovely sight. The café was very busy so we decided to sit outside on one of the picnic benches; it was a great choice as we could take in the atmosphere and watch the comings and goings of the farm. We watched the farm dog basking in the sunshine in the stable yard, the House Martins which were nesting along the side of the barn, the horses in the field and even saw the farmer on his tractor.

Luckily I had an old birthday card with the perfect cake and stand picture, as I wanted to include these marvellous cakes on my page. We noticed a lot of people leaving the shop and café with takeaway boxes filled with the spectacular cake that they serve.

For dessert we couldn’t resist having a piece of the Carrot Cake between us, we didn’t need a takeaway box though … lol!

We had chicken and stuffing sandwich with apple sauce, coleslaw, crisps and salad. Don’t you just love how those chips were served in a heart-shaped bowl! We enjoyed Green tea and the carrot cake too. Yum! As T Stands for Tuesday turns three today I’m so glad to join Bluebeard and Elizabeth’s party, Many Congratulations! Happy T Day!

After lunch we had a look round the shop which was chock-a-block with cakes and goodies.

I just love this rag heart which I saw, it has inspired me to make my own and maybe some smaller ones for Christmas presents. The backing is Hessian and the fabric strips are just pulled through, it should be a fun project! If anyone has made one of these before, any tips would be most welcome.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Faber-Castell Big Brush artist pen (Grey 233)
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Milled Lavender, Shabby Shutters)
• Spectrum Aqua Artist’s Markers (Tan)
• Uni Pin Fine Line marker (Black 0.1mm)
• Uniball Signo gel pen (White)
• Dovecraft Glitter Stickers (Cupcake Boutique – GS CAKES C’CAKE B – DCST047)
• Nitwit Collections Essentials (Strawberry Social – Toppers NWCE-T-SS1)
• Poundland (Fairy Stickers)
• Craft Asylum 6×6 paper pad (Into the Woods 480326)
• Caspari Napkins (Elderflower and Berries)
• Birthday card
• Wallpaper sample
• Leaflet
• Postage stamp
• Tonic Studios Paper Punch Accent (Heart Sider 830E)
• The Range 3D Glitter Glue Pen
• Liquitex Matte gel medium
• UHU Stic
• The Range double-sided foam tape

Sea Swallows

Last week we walked along the seafront to Cleveleys in the sunshine and got covered in sea spray as it was pretty windy too! My page is inspired by our walk.

The background is made from diluted Spectrum Aqua Markers, (drawn onto an acrylic block, then spritzed with water) which I then painted onto the page like watercolour, the colours symbolise the sun, sand and the sea. I splashed some blue droplets onto the page to represent the sea spray. The agapanthus is a napkin which I fussy cut and stuck down with a UHU Stic. I have included my interpretation of two sculptures – “Mary’s Shell” and “Sea Swallows”. I drew them both, the shell onto a napkin and the swallows onto paper and added details using black marker and diluted Spectrum Aqua markers, again using it like watercolour paint. The poppies are recycled flowers from an old birthday card and I stamped the outline of the leaves and sentiment, then filled them in to create a watercolour look. To finish I added the words inside the shell using Archival Ink.

On the way we saw a beautiful border of poppies, so we collected a few seed heads while we were there. I’m hoping we will see them bloom in my garden next year. Therefore I’m pleased to be able to join Yvonne again who is hosting the theme “In my garden there is” over at Art Journal Journey.

Although we saw many flowers, my other favourite flower was agapanthus. Their rich deep blue flowers captivated me as they looked so stunning with their sturdy stout stems holding their own against the sea breeze.

Cleveleys has some great sculptures along the sea front which are themed around a book “The Sea Swallow”. The shell is called “Mary’s Shell” and it’s around the size of a minibus!

I love the cut out design of the Sea Swallows sculpture and it is an impressive 33 feet tall!

The super photo above is of a Common Tern and was taken locally by a good friend of mine who is passionate about photography, especially birds and wildlife. She is incredibly talented, so thank you for letting me use this wonderful photo!

Due to the difficulty in telling the difference between Common and Arctic Terns, the informal name ‘Sea Swallow’ is given to both. The Latin for the Common Tern is Sterna Hirundo – Hirundo meaning ‘swallow’ due to the similarity in the light build and the long forked tail.

We had such a fun day out and I really feel this page represents the highlights!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Spectrum Aqua Artist’s Markers (Aquamarine, Gold, Yellow, Moss, Scarlet, Navy, Purple, Slate, Tan, Charcoal)
• Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
• Uni Pin Fine Line marker (Black 0.1mm & 0.8mm)
• Uniball Signo gel pen (White)
• Crafter’s Companion Signature Collection by Sara Davies photopolymer stamp set (Butterfly Lullaby)
• Docrafts Papermania 4×4 clear stamps (Bellissima – Alphas PMA907212)
• Dovecraft upper and lower case alphabet stamp set (WDN Alpha Stmp DCVW0050)
• Caspari napkin (Royal Horticultural Society – Agapanthus)
• Aldi Alio Napkins
• Birthday Card
• UHU Stic
• The Range double-sided foam tape
• White paper

BBQ and Brew

Summer is here and its BBQ time once more, my hubby is a top chef when it comes to BBQ. At our house we BBQ American style with a smoker, adding wood chips to the charcoal to create a wonderful flavour. What’s better on a hot summer’s day then to spend time in the garden having a BBQ and a (home brewed) beer.

The background is diluted Distress ink, smooshed onto the page using an acrylic block. Next I added yellow and red acrylic paint splatters and left them to dry overnight, they turned out rich and glossy, just like I had spilt mustard and ketchup onto the page. The images are such fun and came from Hunkydory, I bought them last year and have been waiting for BBQ season to begin so I could use them. The menu is a greaseproof paper sheet that you can buy in a home store to serve your BBQ items on. I stuck them to the page using UHU Stic and outlined them with a black marker. To finish I added a pint of beer, this image was taken from a magazine, and the sentiment.

The title for this page was inspired by a sign we have in our kitchen.

BBQ at our house is a splendid affair, my hubby loves BBQ and cooks mouth-watering and delicious food, and his specialties are Apple Wood Smoked Ribs, Pulled Pork and Beer Butt Chicken – yummy yum yum!  All served with home brewed beer of course – although occasionally we have happy accidents and the beer doesn’t go quite to plan.

This beer is what you call ‘Lively’ but once it settled down, tasted delicious as usual!

As T Stands for Tuesday I’m saying a big hello to all at  the T Gang, Happy T Day! And also linking to the “In my Garden there is …” theme over at Art Journal Journey.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:

• Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Cracked Pistachio)
• Liquitex Artist Color Acrylic (Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Red Medium Hue/Lacquer Red)
• Ranger Archival Ink (Jet black)
• Docrafts A5 clear stamp set (Alpha Folk DCE907115)
• Hunkydory Magnificent Men Luxury Card Collection (Grill King & Nice Buns)
• Home Bargains (The Original BBQ King – greaseproof paper sheets)
• Magazine
• UHU Stic