Pushing Through!

Years ago I bought a pile of chipboard books and sheets to make books ( I have a Cinch). Mini books were all the rage and they always looked so easy and fun to do. Problem was that I was afraid that they wouldn't turn out as pretty as anyone else's, and didn't know what I'd do with them anyway. I feel the same way about art journals and yes, I know that they are just for one's self, but even though I don't ever need to show another soul, the truth is that once I have the background done, I am lost with where to go from there. So I'm pushing through my self limiting excuses not to try what looks to be a wonderful form of self expression and I'm going to use that collection of chipboard books to do so. If I don't like something I can just chuck it without remorse and grab a new piece.
The second part of my plan is to find ways to incorporate my old stuff. I have so many things that have been sitting around collecting dust, purchased for whatever project I had optimistically dreamed of doing. I know that I'm not the only one!!!
So here's my first step into the abyss, er, my new creative journey.

This is a 6x6 piece of chipboard that will (hopefully) be the cover of my book. I used torn bits of tissue paper, paint and Modge Podge to create the textured background. Different blue TH Distress Stains were used for colour with a bit of purple gelato rubbed in. I pounced gesso through a Prima mask to make the white spots and used Dreamweaver Pearlescent embossing paste and part of a large Kaisercraft stencil to make the vines. I sprinkled purple and green glitter on the paste while it was still wet (as if the paste wasn't shiny enough on its own ). I used white Molding paste and the same Prima stencil to add the word Dream.
I made the butterflies using Angelina Fibres and a TH Movers and Shapers Butterfly die ( I love this and I had completely forgotten that I had it), as well as a butterfly from a Heartfelt Creations set. I found some old bling in a drawer and glued a few on with Glossy Accents, Wasn't sure how well it would hold the beads to the embossing paste, but I's say that they are on there forever! I
I had some trouble with the stain coming off even though it was sealed with Modge Podge. I wasn't sure what I'd do, as the cover was completed. I remembered that I had purchased a jar of TH Distress Glaze and so I rubbed that on. Problem Solved !! No more blue fingers!

I probably won't share much of my creative journey, but I thought that by committing myself to this in public, that maybe I would keep on going and not add this to the UFO (un-finished objects) graveyard!

I'm entering this in the following :
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge : Use Paste
I used Embossing and Molding Paste.
Simon Says Stamp: Favorite Technique and/or Product
I love embossing paste and stencils, and the paste has to be my favorite product.

Party Time

Impression Obsessions latest challenge is "Party Time". I didn't have a clue as to what I'd do, and it didn't help that I just have no interest in crafting lately. But, I love IO and I love every single thing I've ever got from them, so I figured I could find something in my stash that could be a jumping off point for a card. I decided on a Cover A Card stamp (CC107) and a Happy Birthday sentiment from the Greeting Set dies. Then I just had to decide what to do with them :)  I had a bit of fun and made a juvenile party hat card.

I used really soft coloured Distress inks for the background and the same colours in stronger values for the hat. The hat is made from half a circle folded around for a 3D effect and I split a ribbon into really narrow strips for the top. This was quick and simple, but it's actually really cute in person!

Watercoloured Hydrangeas

There are so many gorgeous watercoloured cards on the Watercolor Blog Hop hosted by Pretty Pink Posh, it's hard not to be inspired!
I got out another one of my favorite stamps, Jumbo Hydrangea Set by Stampendous, and my Peerless paints and had a bit of playtime.

I used the wet on wet method, and dropped blue and purple into the petals, allowing them to blend on their own. The background is also wet on wet, with a blend of blue, yellow and green which I dabbed off with paper towel so it would be very soft. The sentiment is stamped on vellum and heat embossed, with a few sequins for a bit of texture.
The last time I used this stamp, I used it with Kuretake watercolours which are more opaque than the Peerless. Maybe I'll try it with Twinkling H2O's next for a completely different look. :)

Bird Haven Watercolour

I haven't posted in a while and I've been remiss in visiting all my favourite blogs and bloggers. I just couldn't get interested in crafting. I'd look at all the lovely supplies I have and then walk away. I recently came across the 30 Day Color Challenge on the Daily Marker ( http://www.thedailymarker.com/category/30-day-color-challenge/ ) and thought that maybe it could be what gets me interested again. Through that, I found a lovely Blog Hop sponsored by Pretty Pink Posh.



There are the MOST AMAZING watercoloured cards being posted over there. It is really worth seeing!!
http://prettypinkposh.com/2015/06/watercolor-blog-hop.html
Seriously, check it out!

I do love my watercolours, so I decided to share this card which is probably my favourite card I ever made. I used a stamp from Heartfelt creations Bird Haven set.This is a stamp that I LOVE using with watercolours.

I used Peerless watercolour paints, Impression Obsessions rolled flower dies, and Spellbinders Captivating Squares. The woodgrain background was cut with Spellbinders Basic Lattice. The paper flowers were painted and then given a dusting of glitter because I can't resist adding a bit of sparkle.Something I noticed is shared by many others!

Thanks for looking!