Life Documented 2024

Part Two December 2024 12th -24th December

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:10:00 +0000

Part Two December Julie Leggett

Technique: Any mediium or style

Theme: Reverse 12 days of Christmas......

Quote: Choose your own quote

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Lets get creative on the run up to christmas - the prompt is open so that you can do as little or as much as you like on the run up to christmas. Time is so busy, I have chosen to use collage and have collected together lots of images and bits from my stash with no paint involved at all, just a glue stick and a little use of my posca pens. I have chosen not to have a specific quote, but will add words/quotes for each day

Two page area worked on with three windows on each page (my pages are A5 size) and are uneven due to different papers. To make my pages the same size I used christmas card/paper glued onto my pages, creating an even substrate to work on. Please feel free to paint your pages and use any medium that you have time for.

Collected stash ready to put together a reverse advent of 12 days up until christmas.

My windows are created with the use of parcel tags, images and frames, using christmas card/paper to cover the area - the idea is to document on the back of the lift up cover to each image. I have decided to have three windows to each double page - adding words, dates and days.

My pages are fairly basic so that I could put things together in the time that I have - I will be adding to them on the run up to christmas making them more festive.

The images should help you to put your advent together. You may not want to do four full page spreads as I am doing - do whatever works for you. I have lots of pages spare at the end of my journal so plenty of pages to fill.

It does feel strange doing my last prompt for Life Documented - It has been such a pleasure and both Claire and I have really enjoyed it - thank you all for taking part.

It is now time for some new blood to take the reins, Louise will bring some great art and ideas for you with some new approaches.

Thank you Louise x

I hope you enjoy creating up to christmas and find some time to do something....its all about showing up and playing. Have fun, I am really looking forward to seeing what everyone does.

Julie and Claire x

December Part one - 1st - 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 17:12:00 +0000

Part one of December with Julie Leggett

Technique: Bullet Style decorating with pens and posca

Theme: Hello December Journal Page

Quote: Its the most wonderful time of the year....................................

Hello and welcome to December, how on earth did that happen, it seems that it closes in on you all of a sudden. Time to enjoy, prepare and celebrate. I thought you all would be mostly busy, busy, busy, although I am aware that others may have lots of time on their hands - it is always so different for us all.

I have decided on a 'Bullet Style' December page using pen and posca, and chose a cosy scene of a hot drink (hot chocolate) and gingerbread. The page is illustrated with leaves, berries, candy canes and stars. You can find lots of ideas on pintrest if you fancy something different.

For this minimimal materials - if you don't have posca pens (acrylic markers) use sharpies or felt pens instead, or even crayons. Of course other media is ok too.

My journal is jumbled scrap papers so before I began I gesso'd a double page spread with a couple of layers of paint.

I always sketch in fine liner pens - so no rubbing out - here are my early pages.

Move then onto colouring in and adding some colour and life to your images

Here is my finished journal spread - I may decide to add more sparkle 😃

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S 🎄🎅🤶🤶🎄

Enjoy your creativity in the period before christmas - cant wait to see what you all do.

Part two will be up on the 12th December, so that we can work through pages and/or ideas on the run up to christmas with lots of ideas for your journal for a 12 day advent to the end of the year.

JulieLeggett Art

November Part Two - 16th November with Julie Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:21:00 +0000

Week Two November with Julie Leggett

Technique: Messy play with paint and oil pastels

Theme: To create border designs and envelope for your page

Quote: .'More time, less hurries. More fun, less worries. More smiles, less mess, More merry, less stress'

Hello welcome to the second week of November, , for the second part of November we will carry on with 'Messy play' using acrylic paint and/or oil pastels.

Of course play along with whatever materials you have. I find that using acrylics and oil pastels allows for a vibrant result..

Christmas is approaching and we all have thoughts and plans in hand - what is your wish for christmas?

We are going to make borders for our pages both the arty page and the documenting page using acrylic paint (any brand) and oil pastels (any brand). Feel free to use whatever you have to produce your messy vibrant page to cut, make into borders and a envelope.

I created two pages, one with acrylic paint and oil pastels, the other with just oil pastels. Using gesso to prime your page is a favourite go to of mine too.

My technique is not to think about what you are doing, just scribble and paint away adding layers of colour as you go.

My journal leads me to the page I will use and the one that I came to this time was a sheet of music, so a little fragile but very doable.

Acrylic paints, I used system 3 and liquitex paints, choosing a small selection of colours for the first layer - magenta, fluorescent green and . I used gesso to create dobs and splashes at the end prior to adding the oil pastels.

A selection of oil pastels - I have a box of them all mixed up - any brand is good.

Gesso and my first substrate was black card, black card isnt neccessary - any colour card can be used.

First layer of Gesso - white acrylic is fine to use as well.

My three acrylic colours: System 3 Process Magenta

Daley Rowney Fluorescent Green

Liquitex thick body Cadmium red light.

Three images showing the progress of my first page going through the stages of paint, then dobs and splahes and finally once dry adding oil pastels to brighten up the piece - I purposely chose, pinks, blue and white to complement the colours. A few scribbles then in black oil pastel showing a move towards christmas cheer. Ho ho ho.....christmas is coming and xmas is here..

This was my secong page of just oil pastels - scribble away and keep filling in the gaps - overlaying the pastel will create new blends and colours which is all good fun.

I missed taking a few snaps before I drew onto the sheets I created prior to drawing developing borders and then cutting them out. As you can see, decide on how you would like our borders and design away.

I made sure that I kept a square of one sheet to make into an envelope. I used the acrylic and oil pastel sheet for the envelope, but I would suggest using the piece with just oil pastel, as it will be a little thinner and more flexible to bending and folding.

I had a wonderful array of borders which I loved creating and was excited to use - I simply love bold colours.

My main page waiting for the addition of the borders.

First border attached with glue - I used mod podge - any good glue will be ok.

I created my documenting page by using the border, my oil pastel was a little smudgy so I may gesso the page before I document, it really was messy play... To prevent further smudging I plan to mod podge the whole of the coloured pieces.

The process for making the envelope is below.

I kept a 7 inch square, but would suggest slightly larger and 8 inches.

7 inch square of one of your papers.

Fold it as above - then keep following the actions from the images - it is all very simple and quick to do.

Small fold at the top.....................

Fold over again to the bottom of your piece

Cut a small piece of your paper / or alternative that will fit into the enevelope once it is finished

start folding the envelope around the paper insert until they meet in the centre.

Because the paper was only worked on, on one side the fold was black, I used a small piece of my papers to glue onto the black surface as I thought it looked better. You can see the process below.

The last image shows the finished piece, with the card insert ready to go into the envelope. I stitched around the envelope with my sewing machine, this is optional, you could use glue to fix it or hand stitching.

On your coloured insert use your chosen paper / card to glue onto the back - this will be used for your christmas wishes and can be kept private - tucked away. It is not always gifts that fo onto a wish list for christmas.......

I found that my envelope fold down wasnt long enough to go into the bottom folds as it should have, so I cut one of my borders and stapled it at both ends so that I could tuck the card in and keep the envelope closed. Hopefully if you are care on your size of envelope and the size of the card you will be able to tuck your envelop down without the addition of the bar. There is always the option to improvise to make things fit as I have done......

I selected a brad to fix the envelope to the page, as the page is thin paper I secured it on the back of the page by glueing on a piece of the border to make it stronger and prevent if ripping in the future.

Well I really have had some fun, and kept it all very light hearted and spontaneous, I have tucked away my christmas wishes. Documenting key points and events will be added later.

I hope everyone has fun and I look forward to seeing what borders and envelope you all come up with.

Julie_leggettart - Instagram

Julie Leggett Art on FB

https://www.julieleggettart.com/

November Part One by Claire Ann

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 15:01:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I hope you have enjoyed creating so far this year - I can't believe we are nearly at year end - madness!

Continuing with the alternative prompt style for November...

I came across this fabulous tutorial. I was drawn to all of the vibrant colours and thought it would be lovely to try and incorporate colours that speak to me at this time of year, here in the UK.

The leaves are most definitely changing, such lovely pops of colour everywhere as well as it being Guy Fawke's night on Tuesday - more pops of colour with all of the fireworks!

No worries if these events aren't happening near to you, simply think of something that speaks to you this month and try the tutorial...

You will need a variety of coloured paints, stamps/ink, tags, label maker (if you wish to add text) and some relaxing music on!

credit to Susanne Rose Art

She has many tutorials you may wish to explore too! Link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao5-2RvnvyQ

I look forward to seeing what you create!

Claire x

October Part Two by Louise Mairs - 19th October

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:09:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed the leaves printing!

Alternative prompt for Autumn/Fall /Spring

Collect leaves - trace round them. Use waterproof pen. Add watercolour.

Use one of the prints from your stash and add title. (Autumn or Spring)

If you are in springtime - use springtime colours and the quote ‘Spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be’

Have fun!

Louise x

October Part One by Louise Mairs 7th October 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:12:00 +0000

Life documented. New Concept.

Pilot for the month of October.

I am delighted to announce that I (Louise Mairs) will be taking over Life Documented from Julie and Claire in January 2025. So here’s a wee taster of what the new Life Documented will be like.

Each month I will post the theme including technique suggestions with a follow up idea half way through the month.

You can post as many as you want - it’s up to you.

Month: October
Theme: Autumn/ Fall 🍂
Technique: Printing leaves 🍁

I have included two YouTube videos about gelli plate printing and printing without a gelli plate.

What you will need:
Gelli plate
Letter stamps
Leaves
Rollers- acrylic paint
Photocopy paper

Printing with gelli plate

credit to Gelli Plate Birgit Koopsen

Printing without gelli plate

credit to Catherine Rains

Looking forward to what you all do!

Best wishes,
Louise

September Part Two by Vanessa Byham 21st September

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:02:00 +0000

Vanessa Byham Part two

Life Documented September 2024 Part Two

Technique – Using moulding paste to decorate journaling cards in a journal spread.

Woodland friends journal spread with pocket and journaling cards.

Quote: “I think that I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree; a tree whose hungry mouth is prest, against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; a tree that looks at God all day and lifts her leafy arms to pray...” Joyce Kilmer, “Trees”.

Hello again Life Documenters. For this half of the month, I’ve continued on with the same “Woodland Creatures” theme that I used in the first part, but in a different way. All the parts can be used a separate elements or stand alone pages/spreads if you would prefer.

Step One – Creating a background. I used a sheet of thin card folded in half which I will stick into my journal when completed. You can create any size you’d like but bear in mind the size of any pocket you want to create for your journaling cards. Mark out your background in sections. I chose a stylised landscape form.

Step Two – Paint in the colours of your choice. I used Pale blue for the sky, leaf green for the forest backdrop and raw Siena for the ground.

Step Three – Decorating the background. For the sky, I just used my fingertip to blend in white to make stylised cloud formations. You could use a stencil here or draw in something more realistic. For the forest layer, I used the same abstract stencil as I used in Part One of September, but again you could draw in some trees. For the ground I used a floral stencil and picked out bits of the design in different colours to highlight them.

Step Four – Further embellishment and adding a border. I decided the ground section needed more colour so added my favourite cadmium yellow medium and brilliant purple to the flowers. Then I drew in a narrow border all round and decorated with toning colours to the spread.

Step Five – Adding a journaling pocket. I wanted to add a bit of grungy detail to the spread so I used a piece of vintage paper to make a pocket. Size will be what fits on half of your spread, otherwise you can make the size you want. Don’t forget to consider what size you want your journaling cards to be and how many you want to make, so the pocket will need

to comfortably accommodate them. I measured out my pocket, then decorated it with florals in Posca pens. Attach to the right side of the spread. I find Red Line double sided tape brilliant for this kind of thing as it is thin and very strong.

Step Six -Now it’s time to make some journaling cards. I used the same “Woodland Creatures” stencil as I did in September Part One and pushed modelling paste through onto my cut to size cards but the sky’s the limit here. Instead of modelling paste, you could just stencil with acrylic paints or trace the stencil outline and colour in as you wish. Alternatively, you could decorate with stickers or washi tape.

If using modelling paste, pick out individual shapes and push through modelling paste. Allow to dry. In this first example (rabbit) I picked out different colours areas in different shades of acrylic. The thicker paint picks up the stencil details very nicely. See the completed spread photo for how I finished this card off.

In the second example (deer), after pushing through the modelling paste and then drying it thoroughly, I picked out the deer shapes in brown, leaving out the stencil dividing lines. I added a contrasting background and allowed both to dry before coming back in with gold

acrylic paint to highlight the joins. I then added some cloud detail in turquoise and white, blending them with my finger, before getting out my Posca pens to add floral detail and my Stabilo Black All Pencil to define the outline of the deer and the horizon.

Step Seven – Add finishing touches and words. Here you can see my four finished journaling cards. With the owl, I added some stamping for decoration, while with the snake, I kept it simple with colour division and some black outlining on the snake. To finish off, I collected some alphabet stickers and created fun titles for each card and for the spread. On the back of each card I glued either graph paper or lined notebook paper for future journaling. Final point is to add the quote.

You could use the background as a basis for a spread, or create the cards separately for a pocket you already have. Modelling paste makes a nice basis for the card decoration but you can get a nice result trying other techniques. Happy crafting!

September Part one with Vanessa Bytham 31st August 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:30:00 +0000

September with Vanessa Bytham - 31st August 2024

Hi there Life Documenters! I’m Vanessa Byham, also known as #NessieBeeArt. I'm a great fan of nature and love to spend time walking in forest parks and admiring the local wildlife we have here in this part of the UK. Join me on this nature inspired project.

Quotation

“You cannot share your life in a meaningful way with any animals such as a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, rat, pig, horse and so many more and not know that we are not the only sentient and sapient beings on the planet.” — Jane Goodall

Using texture paste with stencils and tissue to make a multicoloured woodland scene.

Using a favourite woodland stencil plus texture paste , acrylics and watercolours on tissue and deli paper we will create this colourful multilayered scene.

What I used

Stencil Girl “Woodland Creatures No. 2” by Margaret Peot

Any random background leafy stencil.

Tissue paper

Deli paper

Masking tape (or washi tape)

Texture paste (I used Liquitex Professional Flexible Modelling Paste)

Watercolour paints (I use a mix of Roman Schmal and Daniel Smith but anything will be fine).

Acrylics

I used Fluorescent Pink

Caput Mortum

Koala (Paper Artsy Fresco Finish)

Van Dyke Brown

Cadium Yellow

Yellow Green

Naples Yellow Light

Ultramarine Blue

Raw Siena

Turquoise Green

Step One

Decide on the size of your page. I would say about A4 is a good size, though of course you can make any size you want. My finished page was approx 10 by 7 “. I used this lovely stencil by Margaret Peot, picking out the individual animals but if you don’t have this stencil, then try to find one in your stash that has individual figures or shapes and use that. Decide on the shapes you want to use and arrange them around the page in a frame shape using the texture paste with a palette knife to push through to the tissue. I found it was easier to do one figure at a time other wise you risk dabbling your stencil in the wet texture paste! Allow to dry.

Step Two – Paint your modelling paste figures with several layers of watercolour. I used browns, dark gold and wine red. Allow to dry, then cut a irregular gap in the centre of your page.

Step Three – Prepare your foundation layer. This was going to be the “leafy backdrop” for my forest, so I used sap green watercolour on a sheet of tissue paper.

Tip: when painting or working on tissue or deli paper, lay the sheet on top of a punch pocket and it will be much easier to work with, When partially dry lift off so that the paper doesn’t stick, Allow to dry

Step Four. Apply texture paste through your background stencil,

The white of the paste really makes the green underlayer pop!

Step Five : Top layer.

I used my woodland creatures stencil again, this time with a sheet of deli paper (or greaseproof paper) and traced my chosen figures around the edge of the sheet in a slightly different configuration than before, using a black fineliner. Then I used craft acrylics (or thin down heavy body paint) to fill in the details and background. Use a fine brush for the details and a flat (filbert end) brush for the back ground. I stuck mainly to woodland colours but added a dash of hot pink to make the colours pop. I did a bit of mark making to finish off, again using acrylics. Allow to dry and again cut an irregularly shaped hole in a slightly different configuration than the other page.

Step 6. Making your own washi tape.

At this point you can decide to use any co-ordinating washi tape you have or you can use this simple technique to make your own.

You’ll need a plastic punch pocket, masking tape and some co-ordinating acrylic paint colours. I used the same ones that I used on the top layer. Estimate roughly how much tape you’ll need to go round the four sides of your top layer and add a bit extra. Stick your blank masking tape to the punch pocket and paint on your design. I kept it simple and did contrasting diagonal lines.

Skip this step if you are using your own washi tape.

Step seven.

Binding the top layer and binding it to the other layers.

Use two short strips and one long strip to bind the top/bottom and right side of the top layer page. Use the last strip to bind the back (leafy green page with texture paste stencil) together.

Above photo shows front and back covers (outward views plus a little bit of left over washi I used to decorate the back cover.

Step 8 – now join in the middle layer. I used invisible tape but you could use contrasting washi tape if you prefer. The three layers should line up with the back layer on show through the top and middle layers.

You can journal your quote on any of the layers or add it on a separate piece of blank paper. Have fun with your woodland walk !

Final note – if you don’t want to do the whole project, any one of the layers would make a nice journal page on its own to which you can add colour or decorate as you wish. I think the tissue page with just the plain moulding paste on it is my favourite- I really didn’t want to paint over it!

August Part Two: Japanese art and proverbs 17th August 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 16:21:00 +0000

August 17th with Julie Leggett

Technique: Pens, posca on chosen substrate

Theme: Japenese abstract art and proverbs

Quote: 'Fall down seven times, stand up eight' Japanese proverb.

Hello welcome to the second week of August, I thought we would carry on with a japanese theme, using a abstract art theme.

The moon is symbolised a lot in Japanese art and for this reason it is what I have chosen for my simple abstract piece , along with a flowing plant, water and sky using two colours (red and black).

Here is some information that tells you about what the moon represents, in Japan and why they use it.

What does the moon symbolize in Japan?

From mythical tales to poetic expressions, the moon represents a myriad of emotions and concepts such as tranquility, contemplation, beauty, and the passage of time. The cultural appreciation for the moon continues to thrive in Japan, captivating both locals and visitors alike as they marvel at its luminous glow and timeless allure.
There are many proverbs to choose to go with your page, I was drawn to the one that I have used, maybe there is some meaning for me subconsciously - who knows?

Do some research on line and see which proverb speaks to you to use on your journal page this time.

Proverb in Japanese
I also wrote the proverb in Japanese writing, which I copied from the net, it did come very easy, maybe because I am pitman shorthand trained.

I used posca pens and a watercolour marker for my page - I have kept it rather simple this week - of course you could make yours much more elaborate and colourful. It would be lovely to see some gold type guilding if anyone has the skills.

Have fun, I am looking forward to seeing what you do 😃😃😍🎎

August Part one with Julie Leggett 3rd August 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 07:59:00 +0000

Week One August

Part one August

Technique: On any background choose and draw a sashiko pattern/ stitch or colour your page.

Theme: Japenese Sashiko

Quote: Shippo - Tsungi 'Endless peace and happiness, and a talisman for infinite fertility and family prosperity. Julie Leggett

For the month of August we are going to look at Japenese sashiko patterns, there are so many to choose from. I am stitching my way through a variety of patterns and will be adding the stitched pattern shown in part one - 'Shippo-tsungi' to my journal in part one of August.

You can choose whichever pattern you are drawn to, then draw, paint, colour or stitch your piece how you would like.

There is a large amont of information on the web about sashiko patterns and history for you to look at if you wish. Wikipedia is good (just put in sashiko and wikipedia) to your search engine.

Generally sashiko first came into existence in the Edo Period (1663-1867) and was a type of embroidery applied to clothing to make it stronger and was done out of a practical need to strengthen clothing for poorer working people of the time.

Patterns are geometric and interesting. Circles symbolise endless peace and happiness, as well as acting as a talisman for 'infinite fertility and family prosperity. The philosophy behind sashiko is mindfulness of the running stitch.

For my Shipp Sashiko pattern I used a stencil to draw the pattern, alterntively patterns can easily be achieved by using a grid, ruler and compass.

I hope you enjoy this challenge this month - you can be very creative with how you apply the japanese sashiko patterns to your page - I am really looking forward to what you do. Have fun and enjoy learning about sashiko.

Julie Leggett Art Instagram Julie_leggett Art

Part Two July 20th Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 17:10:00 +0000

Part two July - continues as freestyle - with a suggestion you may want to go with -

Technique: Make a background of watercolour, add flowers and leaves in black fine liner pen

Theme: Flowers for July

Quote:Flowers need time to bloom. So do you. Unknown

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is enjoying the free style this July with flowers. I have put together something for my journal this month in a fresh simple way.

Do a background in your choice of watercolours and draw freestyle flowers or leaves onto it once dry. I hope everyone is inspired, of course this is only a suggestion for freetyle, feel free to show us whatever it is you would like to go with.

I look forward to seeing what you do.

Claire x

Part one July 6th with Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 14:22:00 +0000

Part One July with Claire Leggett

Technique: Use tissue, fabric and paper in layers

Theme: Flowers

Quote: 'Live simply bloom wildly' Unknown

A suggested idea could be to try and use layering of different textures. You could use fabric, tissues and paper - or whatever you have to hand!

There are so many beautiful roses blooming at this time of year… maybe you could incorporate them into your journal this month!

We look forward to seeing your take on free week! If this doesn’t grab you, please do whatever and share, share share… we love to see what you create…

Use PVA glue or mod podge on top of your layers, once your layers are in place, place a piece of thin delhi/tracing paper or white tissue paper to secure it all together. This process is called 'laminating'

Once dry stitch by hand or machine.

I hope you enjoy your free week.

Looking forward to seeing what you do.

June Part 2 with Vanessa Bytham 15th June 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 17:19:00 +0000

Make a fun Journal Spread using foam

As with the first part of this month’s prompt, you can just pick the elements you like and create your own journal page.

Quote ‘’A Life on the Ocean Wave/Oh I do love to be beside the seaside.’’

Use fun foam and tissue paper to make a contoured landscape journal spread.

1. In part one of this month’s prompt we explored using fun foam sheets to make easy shaped stamps. In part two, we are going to use similar materials to create a totally different look. You’ll need one A4 sheet of fun foam in white (or your chosen colour), plus co-ordinating or contrasting tissue paper and an A4 sheet of white card (or your art journal).

2. First of all make the base. Decide on a simple contoured landscape of your choice. I kept with the theme of the seaside but you could do a valley or a river. Again keep the shapes simple to help with definition.

3. Draw your contours onto the back of the sheet of fun foam and cut them out. Peel and stick them onto the sheet of A4 card with about 1/8th to 1/4 inch gap between them or attach them direct to your journal pages. I used wavy shapes for the “beach” base and simple cloud shapes for the “sky” plus some simple bird shapes.

4. Now make a selection of toning or contrasting tissue paper collage papers. I used a Posca pen and a Uniball Fine Liner to make marks as shown. Again I stuck to my

seaside theme and drew waves, bubbles and abstract splotches. You’ll need five or six different papers. Allow to dry completely.

5. Rip or cut the papers and arrange them on the base. To get smoother edges when ripping, dip a thin paintbrush in water and paint along the line where you want to rip the tissue. Allow to soak in for a couple of minutes then gently pull the excess away from the painted water line.

6. This is how I arranged my papers but you can build your layers any way you fancy. For this next step, I recommend using Mate Gel Medium or PVA glue. Decide on where to place your shapes and then coat the back of the tissue with a thin layer of glue. You can also paint adhesive into the “valley” created between your contours to aid smooth adhesion. Carefully smooth the tissue paper into place, taking care not to rip the tissue by pushing it into the valleys. Allow to dry.

7. Now it’s time to add your embellishments and do some more mark making. I drew lines in Fine liner to define the contours and marked out a couple of “rock pool” shapes to fill in with paint later. Take care where you make your marks as if you draw on top of the valleys, you might rip the paper. Chose the “flat” areas of the contours and features which should be easily visible through the tissue paper. I also used blue watercolour to define the edges of my foam “clouds” but again the sky is the limit.

8. I then added definition to my contours with some gold gouache. I cut simple bird shapes in the fun foam and stuck them on before attaching the tissue paper layers, then highlighted them with the gold paint. Then I filled in the rock pools with the same gold paint (I used gold gouache but you could use gold fluid acrylic or acrylic ink).

9. Now for some more embellishments. I drew simple shapes straight onto the tissue (taking care as before to try and draw onto the flat areas of foam). I chose seaside themed images such as a crab, a seagull, a sand castle (see top of page) and edged the rock pools with rocks outlined in fineliner. If you would prefer, draw your embellishments on a separate piece of paper or white tissue paper, colour them in and then glue them to the page with matte medium or glue stick. I used Posca paint pens in a variety of colours, with toning and contrasting colours. Try bright pops of colour to add interest to your scene

10. I love adding writing to pages between wavy lines. Again take care to write on a flat contour or you will rip your tissue. I found a brush pen easier to do the writing as you can press more lightly but I found it bled into some of the tissue. I don’t mind the effect so I left it in situ!

11. I added bands of acrylic paint in cobalt blue on the sky and bright yellow on the sand.

12. And that is your contoured foam and tissue paper scene done. You can always chose to use smaller amounts of foam than I have, maybe just as the bottom or top or sides of the piece. It does add form and texture to a page but bear in mind your page will finish up quite bulky. Instead of images, you could use stickers to match your theme and stick on alphabet letters. I hope I’ve shown you that fun foam can add a lot of texture and interest to a page for not much outlay.

Happy Journalling.

Vanessa: vanessabeeart

June Part One with Vanessa Bytham 1st June 2024

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:16:00 +0000

June Part One with Vanessa Bytham 1st June 2024

Technique: Making Fun Foam Stamps and using them on tissue paper to make a layered journal page.

Hi documenters, I’m Vanessa, also known as NessieBeeArt. My main art love is watercolour buildings but I also love mixed media and art journaling. You can find me on Instagram at @NessieBeeArt.

Quotation: “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and sky, and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; and the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sails shaking, and a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.’’ ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield.

1. First make your stamps. I decided on a seaside/underwater theme but really you can go for anything you like. The only thing to bear in mind is to keep the shapes fairly simple as you will be cutting them out of fun foam and the less intricate the shape, the easier it is to get a sharp image from your stamps.

Fun foam is easily obtainable from stores like Poundland or on Amazon and is basically sheets of thin foam backed with peel -off self adhesive backing.

Decide on a series of images (I did underwater plants and shells) and draw your image on the back (plain paper) side of the foam. You’ll want 2 or 3 different images (or more!).

Tip: If you Google ‘Outline drawing of [whatever image you need]’ you’ll get easy to copy line drawings.

2. Divide the shape into 2 or 3 separate parts and cut out each. Adhere to a piece of card with a slight gap between the pieces.

3. Ink up your stamp and apply to various tissue paper layers. Make your first page a base layer for the rest of the spread. I used three types of underwater plant stamps for this, layered over each other in different toning colours, then added a bit more texture with some toning dots using fun foam and a one hole punch. Punch as usual and stick the dots onto card to the size you want. You can chose to add anything here or leave it out all together (below is my fish stamp, pictured further on.)

4. To strengthen this base tissue layer, I added a backing of plain white tissue paper with a layer of PVA glue. Smooth together and allow to dry.

5. Now build your tissue paper layers. I used toning and contrast colour tissue but you can use any combination you like – the sky’s the limit. I doubled the tissue for strength then cut wavy edged shapes to fit in with the underwater/seaside theme.

These are the shapes I used. Fold your tissue and glue with a layer of PVA as before. Wait until dry then draw shape on. Cut out and fold in two ready to layer. I used graduated sizes so the under layers would show.

6. These are my stamped, shaped layers. As well as the plant shapes, I made a fish shaped stamp and re-used the plant shapes. I folded the pages in half but you can make them assymetrical if you like.

7. Fold the upper tissue layers around the base page and staple along the edge to fix in place (but see note 10 below.)

8. I added another small layer on thin card but again you can experiment with what looks good here. I used my shell shape and attached it with staples as before.

9. I wanted to journal but didn’t want to write over my stamped designs so I cut a piece of thin card into a co-ordinating shape, again double width so I could fold it around the spine. I edged it with a fine liner and co-ordinating Posca paint pen, then ruled some lines and drew some shell shapes to finish the page. I used a quote from a favourite sea-themed poem but again you can journal what’s in your mind and heart at the time of making.

10. If you are going to use this a journal insert, don’t staple until you have this layer in place. Fold and insert the journal page between your chosen tissue layer. I judged the size so it would just show under the tissue paper layers.

Alternatively, you could journal on the plain tissue back of the base layer but you’ll need to take care not to rip the paper. A paint pen would be a good choice here.

Note pictures above show the folded journal page.

11. And this is the finished page, which I’ve glued into the home made junk journal I’m using for my Life Documented this year.

Have fun!

Nessie Bee 🐝

May Part Two: 18th May 2024 with Louise Mairs

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 18 May 2024 09:23:00 +0000

May Part Two with Louise Mairs

PROMPT: Keep it simple!

TECHNIQUE: Line drawing, repeat, negative shapes.

QUOTE: Simplicity is the Beauty of expression. Walt Whitman

Hi there!

Louise again!

Sunny weather at last ( as least for a day!) so I took my journal out to the garden and drew the daffodils. You can draw from life or use a textile or wrapping paper for an inspiration.

1. Fill about a third of your page.

2. Choose your favourite colour pen and go round your line drawing with it.

3. Trace your drawing.

4. Cut your tracing into six - mix up and divide on the rest of your page.

5. Go over your tracing paper in another colour.

6. Choose and draw a colour scheme. I limited my colours to five. Keep it simple!

7. Finally add the quote (or use your own)

I am so excited to see your designs! Good luck and have fun!

May Part One: 4th May 2024 with Louise Mairs

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 04 May 2024 09:08:00 +0000

May Part One with Louise Mairs

PROMPT: Go with the flow!

TECHNIQUE: stencils/line drawing

QUOTE: The purpose of art is washing the dust of our daily life off our souls. Pablo Picasso

Hi there!

Louise here! Great to do this again and I hope you have fun going with the flow!

It’s always beautifully unpredictable when I use stencils and gelli plate!

1.Choose one stencil and use it in different ways.

2. Choose different tones of one colour.

3. I sprayed two different tones of one colour (green) through the stencil to start with.

4. I used the gelli plate with the stencil to cover most of the white.

5. Line drawing

Once I was happy with the pages, I used a photocopy of wrapping paper, as inspiration for the line drawing.

You could draw freehand or use other inspirations to start you off with and then go with the flow!

Finally add the quote (or use your own)

I am so excited to see your journals! Good luck and have fun!

April Part Two: 12th April 2024 with Julie Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:34:00 +0000

April Part Two with Julie Leggett

Part Two - 12th April with Julie Leggett

Prompt: A Reduction Background

Techniques: Use your selected medium for the substrate and stencil cut out paper to top your page.

Quote: 'In the middle of every difficulty lies an OPPORTUNITY' Albert Einstein

Hello everyone, I hope you havent been chomping at the bit waiting for week two prompt for April. Lots of committments have kept me away from my life documented - here it is.

Another reduction technique seems fitting for April, this time we are reducing our subtrate (page) by cutting out a stencil or free hand shape of your choice to lay on top and allow the under image to shine through.

You will need any medium to cover your page, I chose to go different this week and used some stencilling sticks which I have had in my studio for a while. They are very versatile and a bit like wet/soft pastels. Go ahead and use whatever you have.

You will need paper, scissors or a craft knife or similar. I also decorared a envelope into which I will put inside ephemera and documenting.

I started with a bland black page which was already gesso'd. It doesn't matter what background you start on, I use whatever is next in my prepared journal and just go with it.

I covered my page with random squares and colour of the stencil sticks.

Once your page is covered in whatever style you would like to do.

Use a stencil or do a freestyle drawing and cut out from a sheet of white paper or card.

You may either leave your paper/card as it is and cover your page to reduce it, or colour the stencilled piece. I decided to colour my piece with the same stencil crayons.

Lay the stencilled piece over your substrate and fix with glue/or you could just fix along the inner page edge so that it can be lifted.

I also decided to stencil a envelope in the same manner, but without doing the reduction. This will hold ephemera and documenting for the last two weeks of April.

I typed on my quote using my good old typewriter.

I hope you all enjoy creating this reduction and as always I look forward to seeing what you do.

Julieleggettart.com

Julie_Leggett Art /Instagram

Julieleggettart on You tube

April Part One: 30th March 2024 with Julie Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 21:05:00 +0000

April Week one

Part One - 30th March with Julie Leggett

Prompt: Think about friends and dedicate this prompt to them

Techniques: Create a reduction background

Quote: 'By chance we meet, by choice we become friends'

Spring in the UK is finally showing its face; we are still getting lots of rain here and anyone living in the UK will be hoping for brighter dry days. The clocks go forward today (30th) which will make the daylight last that little bit longer.

For April we are going to create reduction backgrounds. This is a process where we cover our substrate (page) with a medium - for the prompt I have layered my page with collage to give texture and depth, painted using acrylic medium. Several colours have been used, I decided on pastel spring type of colours. Then use stencils of your choice. Once the paint is dry we then use a shape, rather than a stencil, place it on your painted background and use white acrylic/gesso to colour out the background.

This was my process:

Paints - I used pastel acrylics. Recently for mothers day one of my daughters gifted me these paints. They are cheaper paints, so much thinner than my professional acrylics which I save for my fine art work. I have a good collection of stencils, for this project and chose to use the circles and the mesh stencil you can see in the image to build up layers.

Creating some depth and texture is important with stencilling - I collaged with papers first, then began adding layers of paint.

Add many layers of paint, drying each layer before you add another, with acrylic paint this doesnt take long as it drys very quickly.

Next start stencilling:

When you are happy with your layers, cut out a shape from card to paint around. I drew a simple person onto card and cut it out.

To reduce your painting you will be painting around your shape - place your chosen shape on at different heights to give interest.

Continue until you are happy with your page - I left a margin of the at the top and bottom of the page, as I didnt want to cover it all.

Using my good old typewriter I typed the quote and added it to the top of my pages - it is hard to see in the images, pages always look better in the flesh than in photo images I think. I decided to use a black liner to go around my shapes, if I am being honest I wish I had left them alone, I liked them better without the marker pen.

I am going to concentrate on my documenting style for April during the week which I can show you in part two.

Hope you are up for having a go and I look forward to seeing what you all do.

JulieLeggett Art - https://www.julieleggettart.com/

Instagram: Julie_leggettart - https://www.instagram.com/julie_leggettart/

March Part Two - 16th March with Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 18:37:00 +0000

Part Two - 16th March with Claire Leggett

Prompt: Reflect on things you wish to do more or less of right now...

Techniques: To create a quick prompt using scraps of paper and shades of green.

Quote: What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. Buddha

Hi all,

I hope you are all well. It's been a hectic week this week so my prompt this week is a nice manageable spread. Lots of scrap paper and stickers to create your page, all with a hint of green - ready for the freshness of the start of Spring over here. I hope you enjoy focusing in on a quarterly reflection of 2024 - already!

Step 1:

First of all, grab your scrap bits of paper. I took a good look through my stash of paper, largely looking for shades of green as well as other funky pieces of paper. I also found some green stickers to really showcase the green.

I started by sticking pieces of paper onto my cream page. I decided to select some colourful paper too.

Step 2:

Next, I found some green toned paper I had in my stash and stuck it on top to add additional layers. I also decided to use a greeny/blue tone of watercolour onto the music paper.

Green circular stickers were then cut in two and stuck on the edge of my page. On the opposite side, I added additional pieces of paper to contrast with the black background. I wish to reflect at the present time and document things I wish to do less of and things I'd like to do more of.

Step 3:

I found some pretty stickers I had in my stash, 'To do', and thought that would be apt to put on the side of things I would like to do more of.

Next, I used black and white pens to add freestyle marks to various areas of my page. I chose the green semi circle stickers and the flower print.

After that, I wrote 'LESS' on my black journal page and used my white signo pen to write the things I would like to do less of, moving forward.

I then decided to use a contrasting black uni-ball eye fine pen to write my 'MORE'. It felt good to complete a positive task relatively quickly. I always like to add art marks on my pages, so have made a start adding white dots/circles on the black journal page - I do love the monochrome look.

I really hope you enjoy this task and find it as useful as I have. Now to keep looking at this to help me manifest this into reality...

March Part One - 2nd March 2024 with Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 13:13:00 +0000

Part One - 2nd March with Claire Leggett

Prompt: To select minimal colours/items to create a journal page

Techniques: Use blues, yellows and pinks using one chosen medium (I will be selecting watercolours) and select scraps to enhance the finished look.

Quote: Despite the forecast, live like it's Spring! Lily Pulitzer

Hello all,

Welcome March - here in the UK we are hoping Spring is just around the corner. We see hints of it with crocus', daffodils and snowdrops but the weather is challenging: it continues to rain and flood and just feel rather miserable. I am hoping wherever you live in the world the weather is much brighter!

This week, I intend to work with a few of the ideas suggested within the group (thanks for the suggestions!) I thought going with a limited palette of colour would be fun OR you may wish to use different colours but limit the number of items you use. For example, use a handful of scraps, a medium of your choice, pencil, black and white pen...

Step 1:

First of all, I got myself organised and grabbed all of the items I had listed. I have gone for the colour pallette and the limited items - please do what works for you. If you veer off on a tangent go for it!

Here is my journal for those who may have missed me sharing earlier in the year or are new joining. I've got quite small, with the proviso that I can pop it in a small travel bag with my mini printer and create anywhere!

Below, is a picture of my new signature for March. I am creating a new signature for each new month. I always doodle on my front page during the month, create a double page when creating my prompt here and then between the two prompts, I may add pictures from throughout the month, or throw back pics from a memory or even before and after pictures relating to projects in the house - anything goes! BTW, each signature comprises of cream cardstock, black paper, brown kraft paper and I've recently added a pretty piece of patterned card too.

I will happily share my pages when we do our next live hang out soon!

Step 2:

To start, this is what I intend to produce. I have chosen to use thinner paper (thought it would be better when adding/sticking into my journal) as well as much larger - this way, I can take the section I like and tear it to add to my journal page. Below, I have shown you the piece of blank art paper I have used. Anything goes here, use what you have and what works for you!

So, let's get creating! I have to really try and concentrate less on getting it to look perfect - a work in practice! I grabbed the pink first then the yellow. At this stage it does look a little child-like!

Keep adding your next colour - I am going to mix my blue and yellow to make a green (cheating a little maybe but I really fancied a green element - be creative!)

I've added some more marks and colours and have left it to dry - the sun has made a surprising appearance - so I am making good use of it!

Step 3:

Once your page has dried, take a feel of it. Turn the page around, look at the shapes you have created and that have formed. If you want to add more colours go for it!

Grab your pencil and pens and try to scribble freely. I like to use my black Stabilo pencil which I can dip into water and help develop different lines on my pages. If you don't have one, no worries, simply use a pencil!

Voila!

Now, rip your pages randomly - it always feels a hard thing to do... I always take a picture of my page so I can always reprint and use again...

I don't like a blank page so I found some of my favourite wrapping paper - black and white and stuck this down onto my page, carefully placing my strips of colours. Once I was happy, I cut the edges off and added more art marks...

Step 4:

Once it has been cut, I added a piece of odd book paper and, no doubt over the week, I will add bits to it... On the opposite side, I have simply written about my week. I have covered this over but I hope you get the jist. I needed to keep this week's prompt simple, stress-free and manageable.

Here it is! I cannot wait to see what you create - please do share and tag me in @claireann. I have decided to add the quote to the coloured piece of my page...see below...

February Part Two - 17th February 2024 with Julie Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 14:15:00 +0000

February Part two

Part Two - 17th February with Julie Leggett

Prompt: Simple Collograph with tape

Techniques: Use a variety of chosen tapes and paper

Quote: 'Do your best - go where your heart takes you' Julie

"Only half of what I do in here ever works out, so I just move twice as fast." submitted by Caitlin Nolan

Here are a couple of images from the village where I live - the pictures were taken when we had a spell of snow a couple of weeks ago. The first image are sheep on Bonsall Moor.

The second image is the view of Bonsall village where I live. I hope you like them.

Hello everyone for our second week in February - we going to make another 'Collograph'.

For the next collograph, we are going to use tape and paper onto a substrate of card. You need very little in supplies. It is better if you have a printing quality acrylic to use, thinner paints won't work.

For my collograph I used plasterers scrim, paper tape and decorators tape. Any tapes will be ok, use what you have. You need one piece of torn paper, and a shape cut out of paper as well for interest. I used a circle shape.

Optional items to use: distress inks to add colour.

Once the tapes are laid down and adhered with glue stick - the next step is to ink/place paint onto your surface and use a brayer to spread the paint evenly. I made a couple of collographs to play with.

I was very underwhelmed with my result of the collograph, it was very wishy washy. I used my old imperial typewriter to type out the definition of a collograph, which I cut out and adhered around the edge as a border.

Next I used a contrasting colour to ink some of my plates to get a two tone look as below:

For the collograph I was going to use for my journal a selection of distress inks were used to colour the different areas of the print as below: Apply the distress ink with a sponge dabber

Using the distress inks worked for me. Pastels might also be a good option.

My journalling area was created by coverig my pages with old print and images,adding a additional strip on the left hand side with stick on dates for February.

The whole page was machine stitched around to keep everything together.

The date margin acts as a tuck space. The gesso was still wet when I photographed.

These pages will be my photo and diary area for rest of February.

Have fun everyone, I think you will find this collograph much easier than the last one, looking forward to what you all produce.

Julieleggettart.com

https://www.julieleggettart.com/

February Part One - 3rd February 2024 with Julie Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Leggett) — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 17:32:00 +0000

Part One - 3rd February with Julie Leggett

Prompt: Simple Collograph

Techniques: Use Cardboard to create your collograph

Quote: 'Saving the planet by recycling cardboard' Julie

'No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings' William Blake

Hello February, hello snowdrops and hello to you all. It is still cold over in the UK and a fair amount of rain has fallen in different parts of the country. Today we have sunshine, showers and even a rainbow. Looking forward to brighter weather and longer days of light, as I always get more done when the weather is warmer.

I am sitting in front of a lovely woodburner drying my collograph.

The technique this week is collograph - just a simple one made with cardboard. Always a great material to use for lots of projects...reduce waste and upcycle.

'Collagraphs feature rigid substrates like wood, cardboard, and layered paper. Artists usually use shellac and PVA glue to harden the printing plate further so that it withstands the process firmly. Upon preparing the substrate, the artist uses many tools to create images, patterns, and designs'.

You will need cardboard, craft knive, PVA, Shellac varnish (dont worry if you dont have it) a pen and scissors. Black gesso, printing heavy body paint, or whatever you have.

I prepared my page by using white gesso, so that I had a plain substrate to print on once my collage is dry enough to print with. This week requires a little patience in waiting for layers to dry on your collograph so that it becomes strong enough to withstand the application of paint. You can print without doing this, but your cardboard will absorb the paint and you probably wont be abel to use the collage again.

Cut your card to the size you would like to use, you can go with a plate that covers your whole page or make a smaller plate that you can print repeatedly on your page. I decided to go with a bird in flight, I also did a small plate with a heart on, which is so very quick and easy.

Gesso'd page ready for printing

Some Shellac from out of the shed (other halfs stuff) and some PVA glue

I am working in a A 5 Journal this year - so much smaller.

First draw on your cardboard, then decide which parts of your image you would like to stand out and have the take up of the paint. I chose to keep the bird proud, take the craft knive around the edges carefully once done lift off the cardboard, continuing until all the cardboard is removed. I chose to remove the eye and make some other markings on the bird and again used the craft knive to go around the areas then lifted them out with the craft knive. I also did a heart as February is known as the month of love, and chose to keep the heart proud and remove the cardboard around it (this took me two minutes to do - a lot longer to do the bird). So if you dont feel up to doing anything large go for shapes.

For the bird collagraph I cut out little triangles out of the cardboard and stuck them on to give some texture and marks to the end result when you print.

The Hearts

The next process once all of the cardboard elements have been stuck onto the collograph with PVA is to allow it to dry. Once dry you can layer up with just PVA or use PVA and put a top coat of shelllac onto it. Shellac dries very hard and this is why it is good to use. Doing this process will give some prolonged use of the plate, which I think is worth the trouble.

You could use your collograph to print on fabric as well.

Here it is, still drying - once it dries I will be able to think about posting.

Too early to have my documenting in place - made a little start with my typewriter, I have added a small pocket at the bottom of the second page (which will get stitched when the print is completly dry) as a Tuck Spot and placed a favoutie bird hanger in there. On the back of the page I will be adding some photographs and other elements. I havent decided what yet.

Have fun, I hope some of you have a go, drying times are little bit of a pest, but its good to have a go at a new technique. Look forward to seeing what you do. Julie

https://www.julieleggettart.com/

January Part Two - 20th January with Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 17:54:00 +0000

Part Two January - 20th January with Claire Leggett

Prompt: Keep it simple! Keep it focused!

Techniques: Use watercoloured or painted patterns - use ones already created or have a play with watercolours to create your own pattern/style - I LOVE flowers!

Quote: What you focus on grows.”— Esther Hicks

Afternoon all,

The weather is finally warming up (ever so slightly!) over here and no longer below zero, which is a relief! January, for me, is always an interesting time of year. I try hard not to get too affected by the shorter days - we've tried waking up watching the sun rise and going to bed a little earlier to keep our body positive... January hasn't been quite so bad this year!

I wanted to keep my journal focused this year and enjoy what I create more. As I have decided to used different types of paper in each of my signatures, it focuses me on the type of tools, pens, resources I am going to be able to use - which I like! I've been known to overcomplicate things!

Step 1:

My pages are black and brown so I am hoping to use pens that stand out on each (I will explain in more detail later). I grabbed some masking tape, pictured below, and ripped a strip off and stuck it onto my black page. Later on, I added another strip, which I overlapped.

I decided to look inside my paper stash of randomly cut up pieces of watercolours that I made a few years ago, and stick this onto the masking tape. All very random! I also found a lovely contrasting piece of paper and incorporated that too.

Step 2:

Next, I grabbed my white Posca pens - I have quite a few of them and most of them work periodically - and started art mark making. I decided on dots and feathers...

Before

After

Step 3:

I decided to write my quote on my art piece as it is a small quote so fit quite nicely ;-)

The other side of my journal page is a brown Kraft paper. I am thinking of an element of documenting here using my vintage typewriter. I simply found some clream paper (thickish) and wrote about the month, detailing some documenting of things I have done as well as what I need to focus on.

My beloved typewriter, the best Christmas ever when my mum bought this for me.

I then grabbed my black uni-ball eye fine liner and drew some feathers and coloured them in with the white uni-ball Signo pen. I love to add stickers too and found some round stickers that I cut in half and edged around elements on my pages. I may circle them with the black pen later on ;-)

The foil I used is on a roll, which you can buy online. I screwed it up and re-flattened it and stuck it down before sticking my documented piece on top.

Step 4:

Finally, I printed a few pictures on my Canon Selphy (I love it - I've had it years and it still works a treat!) I'm not sure how I am going to add these yet (the sheet is 6 x 4), I may stick them so it flaps over or stick in on the next page... we shall see, I will share later!

Watch this space!

If anyone has any questions let me know. I will share how I create my watercolour papers soon - if you'd like to see my process!

Enjoy - I'm looking forward to seeing what you create.

Insta: Claireann0507

Facebook: Claire Ann

Happy New Year! January Part One - 6th January with Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 17:32:00 +0000

Part One January - 6th January with Claire Leggett

Prompt: Use scrap paper to create a New Year spread and create a slogan on your page too...

Techniques: Use what you have to make a colourful spread.

Quote: NEW YEAR, NEW HABITS... you've got this... ~ Claire Ann

Hi all,

It's that time - finally! I have tried to keep it nice and steady to kickstart the new year in style! As I have gone small, I have really has to think much smaller with it all!

Step 1:

To start, I grabbed a plastic wallet and stuck it on the front to symbolise the start of January. I will do this for each monthly beginning. I intend to create a bit of a ATC card style element to slip into this.

Step 2:

As I have three elements to each of my signatures I have decided to use one whole signature for one month. Starting with the cream, black then the brown pages, I will utilise all pages throughout the month and see what happens! I like to always add pictures so I think it will be managable - fingers crossed!

Step 3:

My next step, was to grab a bunch of old envelopes that I have stashed away for years and years (didn't we all back in the day?!) and looked for one with a blue inner and a window!

I cut it so that the window fitted across the page of my journal, leaving a small edge around it like so... I then turned to my lovely sewing machine and stitched around three sides, mindful of leaving the top unstitched so I could house a tag/treasures!

Step 4:

To make the modified envelop prettier, I took to my stash of papers and scraps...

I found the one I liked the look of, as above, and cut it into little strips to sitck above and below the window.

I found some pretty bits of wrapping paper (black and white spots) and cut small elements to add to it. Then I simply glued it to the black page, leaving a slight border all the way around...

Step 5:

Next, I focused on my cream page... Using my drawer of scrap paer and bits and bobs, I started to layer different elements to create a colourful page... This took longer than I thought but I am quite happy with it now! I even found a piece of paper with 'new habits' so that's gone on too!

For the slogan, I used my fabulous vintage typewriter and some brown parcel paper and went stitching mad... I stitched around the text then stuck it onto the white vintage fabric and again on top of hte red sari ribbon and finally on the cream material... and voila... I then stuck it higher up on my page... I always like to stitch around the edge of my pages too!

Step 5:

My final step, was to create label with my wishes for 2024...I used my typewriter again and wrote a few elements that came to mind... I will no doubt add to this!

I intend to add pictures to my page so may even roll onto the next two pages so watch this space...

I really am looking forward to seeing what you create for your first prompt for 2024... We will post with a Saturday in January that we intend to have a creative 'hang out' soon!

Claire xx

December Part Two: 16th December with Claire Leggett

noreply@blogger.com (Claire Ann) — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 19:51:00 +0000

December Part Two: 16th December with Claire Leggett

Colours for this month: Gold, silver, red and green (I have decided I will be going a little rogue and using monochrome instead with elements of the above colours - do what works for you!)

Technique: Black out! Gesso in a colour to make your background bold. I am going with black and white alongside some silver and gold (if the gel pens still work!)

Quote: Let all the failures of your past year be your best guide in the New Year.” – Mehmet Murat Ildan

Hi everyone,

I honestly cannot believe Christmas is 9 sleeps away - where on earth has 2023 gone? So, it seems I am to share the final prompt for 2023... this time of year always challenges me to fulfil all of my obligations with work, family, life and my creative goals... I have decided to go with what I always love to fall back on when it all seems a little overwhelming - monochrome. I am hopeful you will try and find that creative hour in the next few weeks to create your final pages too!

Step 1:

I grabbed my journal pages and black gessoed all over them! The gesso I have used was from a shop called 'The Works' and I am sure it was under £5 when I bought it all of those years ago - I am quite surprised I have any left to be honest!

I used my drying tool to help speed the process up!

Step 2:

My next step is to select a handful of pictures and print them out on my Canon Selphy - probably not the most cost effective way to print out pictures - to document December. As I have quite a lot of page, I may select some highlights from the year as a bit of a flash back to how far we've/I've come throughout 2023.

I grabbed my whote uni-ball Signo 0.7 white pen and drew a freehand line around edges of both sides of my pages.

Step 3:

Photo printing in progress - Whilst I selected and printed my chosen photographs, I got my old typewriter out to create captions for each of my pictures...

Step 4:

Now to place my chosen photographs onto the black background. I played around a little and could have spent longer fiddling! I finally stuck the pictures down, some I put sticky foil behind to act as a double border.

White pen was the next task, drawing pretty baubles and little stars around my page to make it festive. To finish off I wrote December in a calligraphy font. Voila!

I really hope you enjoy and are able to create something memorable for your 2023. I will no doubt at the quote tomorrow when I have stitched the page to my page which will then be hand sewn/bound into an old book spine!

I will share additional pictures within the next few weeks as I will keep adding elements as Christmas unfolds on my two additional flaps I have left over!

Enjoy everyone, wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and we'll be seeing you in the New Year as we continue with the same format... Two prompts a month. (If you know you know ;-)) I will post dates etc as the year ends...

Please post your pages in the group, we really love to see your pages... and remember... if you want to stick the colours around please do! I did!

Life Documented 2024

Part Two December 2024 12th -24th December

December Part one - 1st - 12th

November Part Two - 16th November with Julie Leggett

November Part One by Claire Ann

October Part Two by Louise Mairs - 19th October

October Part One by Louise Mairs 7th October 2024

credit to Catherine Rains

Looking forward to what you all do!

Best wishes,Louise

September Part Two by Vanessa Byham 21st September

September Part one with Vanessa Bytham 31st August 2024

August Part Two: Japanese art and proverbs 17th August 2024

August Part one with Julie Leggett 3rd August 2024

Part Two July 20th Claire Leggett

Part one July 6th with Claire Leggett

June Part 2 with Vanessa Bytham 15th June 2024

June Part One with Vanessa Bytham 1st June 2024

May Part Two: 18th May 2024 with Louise Mairs

May Part One: 4th May 2024 with Louise Mairs

April Part Two: 12th April 2024 with Julie Leggett

April Part One: 30th March 2024 with Julie Leggett

March Part Two - 16th March with Claire Leggett

March Part One - 2nd March 2024 with Claire Leggett

February Part Two - 17th February 2024 with Julie Leggett

February Part One - 3rd February 2024 with Julie Leggett

January Part Two - 20th January with Claire Leggett

Happy New Year! January Part One - 6th January with Claire Leggett

December Part Two: 16th December with Claire Leggett

Best wishes,
Louise