As you may know we enjoy walking and often walk with our friends and their dog, Chase. Last weekend we were lucky enough to look after Chase while our friends were away – she is such a lovely companion and a joy to be around!
As a thank you we received a gorgeous metal mushroom ornament for our garden which inspired my page (grin!).
I started by applying Brushed Corduroy, Ground Espresso and Frayed Burlap Distress Ink using a blending tool and then spritzing the page with water to activate the ink so it blended more. I also added splatters to the page by stamping the same inks onto an acrylic block and diluting with water, then using a paintbrush to flick the ink onto the page. Then I applied Pébéo modelling paste through a honeycomb Dinky Stencil from That’s Crafty! using a palette knife and left it to dry overnight. Next I stamped some green leaves from a Crafter’s Companion stamp set using Cottage Ivy and Pistachio Memento Ink; as the green was too bright I covered them with Pébéo white gesso and then used the honeycomb stencil again to apply Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink over the top. Next I used some Kaisercraft clear stamps to add more detail to the background, this included: a Script stamp using black Archival Ink; a flower stamp using Rich Cocoa Memento Ink; and a foliage stamp using Peeled Paint Distress Ink. The mushrooms are fussy cut from an old Nature Book that I bought from a charity shop (thrift store); I only chose ones which can be found in gardens in the UK. They are stuck into place using a UHU Stic and I added more detail using a black Uni Pin marker and white Uniball gel pen as well as some shadows using a Topaz Spectrum Aqua Marker. I added the words “how lovely” from a Kaisercraft sticker sheet which I outlined with a black Uni Pin marker and also some pretty paper flowers. To finish, I added the “Thank you so much” tag which I edged with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink; this tag came attached to the metal mushrooms that we were gifted (grin!).
You may remember Chase from a previous post; here she is sitting in my friend’s garden.
This is the metal mushroom ornament, isn’t it amazing! I love the rusty look and it was the perfect gift because as you may know my goal is to sort out and replant our flower beds this year – this so thoughtful, thank you!
Some of you have expressed a wish to see my flower beds, this is what they look like at the moment. The plants are all new including two apple trees which have replaced some huge shrubs that filled the borders.
I’m aiming for a cottage garden look and to be honest I’m not much of a gardener so it’s been a big learning curve for me, which I love! You can see our beautiful walls and all the flowers which make me smile. We have also seen an increase of butterflies and bees in our garden already so we have their seal of approval too (grin!).
Challenges
I’m glad I found out about Challenge Blogs as I enjoy taking part, they provide me with inspiration for my pages and are a wonderful way to meet like-minded arty people. So here are the challenges I’m joining today:
I’m pleased to join the lovely Chris from Pearshapedcrafting, who is hosting the Arts for Art’s Sake challenge over at Art Journal Journey.
With the distressed look and feel of my page I’m joining in the fun over at The Artistic Stamper where their challenge is Distress It!
I’m joining the Get Sentimental challenge over at A Vintage Journey with my Mixed Media Style “Thank you so much” page.
I’m also joining the lovely Wen and her Simply Neutrals Tuesday party over at Apple Apricot with my neutral coloured page.
As this page was inspired by the beautiful mushroom ornament in my garden, I’m also pleased to be able to join the In The Summer Garden challenge over at Country View Challenges.
Over at the That’s Crafty! Challenge Blog, their challenge is Close to Nature so I’m happy to join them with my mushroom art journal page.
I’m also pleased to join the Allsorts Challenge Blog and their In my Garden challenge as this page is inspired by metal mushrooms that you can find in my garden.
Thanks for joining me today! If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you.
Here is a list of all the materials used to create this art journal page:
- Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Brushed Corduroy, Ground Espresso, Frayed Burlap, Peeled Paint)
- Tsukineko Memento Ink (Rich Cocoa, Cottage Ivy, Pistachio)
- Pébéo White Gesso
- Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
- Uni Pin Fine Line marker (Black 0.2mm)
- Uniball Signo gel pen (White)
- Spectrum Aqua Artist Marker (Topaz)
- That’s Crafty! Dinky Stamps (Reverse Honeycomb TC031)
- Kaisercraft clear stamp (Script CS752, Magnolia Grove CS822)
- Crafter’s Companion Signature Collection by Sara Davies (Rustling Leaves S-AUT-ST-RUS)
- The Illustrated Book of Nature
- Kaisercraft Sticker Set (Secret Garden SS283)
- Gift Tag
- UHU Stic
- Stix 2 Mini Craft Dots
This is a stunning journal page. I love how you can take everyday life and turn it into art. This is simply adorable and I love the mushrooms you used and the use of the Thank You card. It makes it even more special that you shared it with us at Art Journal Journey.
Chase is remarkable and so kingly. He looks like he should be sitting on a throne. I am in LOVE with your garden. I wish you could come and share your expertise with me, because I want a lovely garden like that. LUCKY you.
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Thanks very much dear Elizabeth! That’s very kind and I’m pleased with how the garden looks too, it’s been hard work with all the digging and planting but it’s getting there …lol 😉. Happy weekend! J 😊 x
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waue stunning, your mushrooms are waue much love from me. I love your doggie so king and handsome
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Thanks a lot! Our friends dog Chase is so adorable, isn’t she 😁. Have a nice weekend! J 😊 x
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Oh Jo! Another BEAUTIFUL journal page of you – I love all about it! The texture, the colour the mushrooms – even fussy cut, and that the >Thank you tag < is so lovely used on the page! And wow Chase is simply ADORABLE! A beauty! And your garden is just AMAZING. This beautiful flowers look awesome – all the different plants and colours! I am in awe of it and hope to see even more photos in the future! Thanks a lot for yet another fantastic entry linked to Art Journal Journey!
Have a great Sunday!!!!
Big hugs
Susi
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Thanks so much dear Susi! The garden is a work in progress and I’m sure it will look better once it is more established and as I learn more about what I’m supposed to be doing …lol 😉. Chase is beautiful, isn’t she and a pleasure to look after! Have a great Sunday too my friend! J 😊 x
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Lovely page. The mushroom ornaments are wonderful. What a thoughtful gift. Your garden is just gorgeous. You need to come help me with mine
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Thank you! I’d be more than happy to help although I may be more of a hindrance than a help …lol 😉. Happy Sunday! J 😊 x
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Wonderful page, love the earthy colours. Your garden is looking great and the new mushroom is wonderful. Chase is a real beauty! Have a great Sunday, Valerie
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Thanks so much dear Valerie 😁. Happy Sunday and have a wonderful new week! J 😊 x
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A really delightful creation for our ‘In my Garden’ theme at Allsorts challenge, many thanks for joining in.
B x
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Oh Jo! Thank you for this special page for Art for Arts Sake- I love the dreamy look of this page but then when i saw the inspiration I wasn’t at all surprised – your garden and those fabulous mushrooms look amazing too! Chase looks as though he could walk quite a distance! Hugs,Chrisx
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Thanks very much Chris! Chase enjoys her walks especially if she there is water involved, she loves paddling in the sea and fetching sticks from the water as long as it’s not too deep ….lol 😉. Happy Sunday and wishing you a creative new week! J 😊 x
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A stunning page Jo, so fresh and summery.
Your garden looks lovely, beautiful borders and I do love the brickwork walls.
Chase looks so contented, animals give so much love, I bet it was hard to say goodbye after the weekend. The mushroom garden ornament looks awesome.
Happy Sunday.
Yvonne xx
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Thanks very much Yvonne! We are lucky to have a walled garden …lol 😉. I’ve been enjoying seeing our new plants grow too. Happy Sunday and enjoy your week! J 😊 x
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Thank you so much for this beautiful page! I was thinking, mushrooms? But after reading your story, it fits wonderful. O, I love the wall in your garden 😊. Hugs, Lenie
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Thanks so much dear Lenie! I love seeing the walls that surround our garden too, they make such a lovely backdrop for the plants and flowers 😀. Hugs, J 😊 x
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chase says your welcome . thanks for your care especially in the night. xxxx j and p and chase
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Thank you and we so enjoyed looking after Chase, she is a pleasure to be with 😁. J x
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Chase is a regal being!
Your garden is an inspiration already. I’ll look forward to updates. The trees are a good addition, I think 🙂
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Thanks so much! Yes, I think the apple trees will add some height and interest, and what could be better than picking your own apples 😁. Happy Sunday and enjoy your week! J 😊 x
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Your page is wonderful! I love the textured honeycomb pattern and the mushrooms. Chase is so lovely! The metal mushroom ornament looks great in your garden, which is very pretty. Love that brick wall!
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Thanks very much! Chase is wonderful, she is very loving and we so enjoy her company 😁. Hope you are well and have a wonderful new week! J 😊 x
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Hi Jo, I really love your page allot-especially the background-very awesome. what a handsome dog and I love your gift! perfect for your garden-hugs
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Hi Kathy, thanks for your lovely comments 😁. I was so delighted to receive such a beautiful gift, so kind! Happy Sunday and wishing you a wonderful new week! J 😊 x
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What a beautiful creation and so perfect for our “In my Garden” theme at Allsorts, many thanks for joining us this week!
Your flower border looks absolutely amazing too with all the pretty flowers, beautiful brick fence and the mushroom decor is gorgeous!!
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This is a lovely composition. Love the soft colours.
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Many thanks and wishing you a great new week! J 😊 x
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Hello sweet Jo, I’m in love with your gorgeous mushroomy page! Oh, and with that sweet dog too! AND your flowers 🙂 There are so many wonderful detail-discoveries to make watching your page. I love that gorgeous background with the texture and subtle colours. And isn’t learning to garden just wonderful? I enjoy it so much too. We are trying to add more fruits and veggies in between the shrubs and flowers. A new adventure 🙂 Big hugs and happy week wishes, xx
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Thanks so much dear Wen! I’ve enjoyed my garden fencing journey so far …lol 😉. I love learning so I’m having lots of fun and want to try adding more fruits and veggies to our flower beds too. Big hugs and wishing you a happy new week! J 😊 x
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Chase is gorgeous, and so is your page that was inspired by that fabulous gift Jo!
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Alison xx
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Thanks so much Alison! It was such fun looking after Chase 😁. I hope you are having a wonderful week too! J 😊 x
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What a delightful “thank you” page, Jo. The metal mushrooms look great in your cottage garden.
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Thank you, I was so delighted with the metal mushrooms too 😁. Enjoy your week! J 😊 x
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A wonderful new page dear Jo. The mushrooms you got from your friendship look so nice and perfekt in your garden. I love the dog, she looks so sweet and special. Sehe has a wonderful fur.
Dear Greetings and a happy weekend
Sabine
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Chase is so sweet and a pleasure to look after! Thanks for stopping by and your lovely comments 😁. Happy weekend dear Sabine! J 😊 x
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What wonderful colors, stenciling and stamping on your lovely journal page Jo – that dog is just beautiful – how nice that you watched him for your friends – and what a gorgeous mushroom ornament for your garden! A win all around! thanks for joining us at a Vintage Journey this month! Julia xx
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Thank you! I love your challenge this month and will be joining you again soon I’m sure …lol 😉. Sending you happy and creative wishes! J 😊 x
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Jo, your journal page is spectacular! I love mushrooms and your little clusters of them mixed with foliage are so pretty on that stenciled background. Thank you for being such a loyal participant at A Vintage Journey and for sharing this with our ‘Get Sentimental’ challenge. Hugs! Sara Emily
PS Chase is one fine looking dog! And I’m envious of your garden! Good luck with that!
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Thank you for stopping by and your kind comments! I always enjoy joining your challenge and love your theme this month 😁. Chase is beautiful, isn’t she! Happy weekend! J 😊 x
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Love this so much!!
Thanks for joining in with us at That’s Crafty!
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Thanks very much 😁. Have a wonderful weekend! J 😊 x
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Gorgeous! Thank you for joining in The Artistic Stamper Creative challenge this month 🙂
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Thank you for stopping by and your kind comments 😁. Sending you happy and creative wishes! J 😊 x
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This is so very beautiful. Love all the texture. What gorgeous pages! Thanks for joining us at countryview challeges and good luck. Hugs rachel xx
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Thanks very much! I always enjoy joining your challenges 😁. Wishing you a lovely week! J 😊 x
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An absolutely stunning journal page, such lovely textures and details and I love how the mushrooms in your garden inspired the theme.
Thanks for joining in with nature challenge at That’s Crafty! and wishing you good luck.
Fliss DT x
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Thanks so much for stopping by and your lovely comments 😀. Wishing you a happy new month! J 😊 x
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Hi Jo, your garden looks great with its new mushroom gift, and I love your mushroom-inspired artwork. Thanks for the description of how you did it. Chase is gorgeous! What a sweet post!
Hugs,
Jesse XXX
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Thank you for stopping by and your lovely comments! Chase is so adorable 😁. Have a great day! J 😊 x
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