About Me

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I'm a retired primary school teacher, who started paper crafting in 2008, when I had a fancy to make my own Christmas cards. Since then, I have tried all sorts of techniques and styles - and I kind of like them all. I have been lucky enough to be on blog teams and large design teams and to do a bit of freelance demonstrating - and I love the challenge of working with different products. My crafting style is very varied - from junk journaling and art journaling, bookbinding and journal making, to quilting and patchwork - and of course I still make cards. This variety keeps me interested - and my crafty stash growing!! I'm always seeking inspiration for new projects.

Thursday 5 February 2015

The Mirror Crack'd - Mixed Media Challenge 6 - Journal Cover

Afternoon! It's challenge time again at The Mirror Crack'd. For our sixth challenge, we would like to see your mixed media journal or album cover. We are really excited to be sponsored by Woodware - who are offering £12 to spend with your favourite Woodware stockist - either in store or on line. Their design team are also playing along with this challenge, so be sure to check out their blog, along with all the inspiration on The Mirror Crack'd

I started with a blank Kraft covered album. The inside pages are black, along with the binder and ribbon tie. Can't remember where I got it from - could have been The Range or maybe Hobbycraft. 
I had already chosen a piece of 8x8 paper from the Craftwork Cards Cottage Garden pad, and used Pebeo Deco Matt Acrylic Paints to create colours that would tone in with that. I used Bermuda, Greengold, Antique Pink, Garnet Red, Burnt Umber, Grey and White - in various quantities and mixes.
Having used mini pegs to keep the ribbon out of the way, I painted the outside edge of the album with white, and then used a stencil brush to add the other colours. I did the same with a piece of canvas. This canvas comes on a roll from The Range.
The piece of canvas was then glued onto the front of the album cover. Having cut the paper to the size I wanted, I inked the edges of the paper with Weathered Wood DI. I also embossed the edge with Do Crafts Papermania Little Cake Shoppe Border Embossing Folder, and inked over the top.  
I then found this  gorgeous black bobbly trim in my stash and wrapped that round the bottom, before mounting it on black card and attaching to the album.
Using That Special Touch Polka Dot Stencil, I added silver texture paste (Lidl) in the corners areas. For the embellishments I used white UTEE with my Melt Pot and a Martha Stewart silicone mould (part of the Antique Keys pack), and then rubbed some Creative Expressions Patina gilding wax over the top. The black flourishes are Spellbinders Floral Flourish, and the leaves are Spellbinders Foliage. 
Lots of different ribbons and lace were tied through the ring binding, and I added Creative Expressions black pearl hat pins and some pink paper roses. The butterfly is a magnet - and is removable!! And because I was thinking this could be used for an art journal, I used this sentiment from Crafter's Companion Nature Sentimentals set. It sums up how I am sometimes with art stuff - and I need to do less thinking and planning - and just play and let it happen!!

I would like to enter this into:
City Crafter Challenge Blog - Lace and Roses
Deep Ocean Challenge Blog - Lace and Pearls

Take care
Cxxxx

12 comments:

  1. Beautiful journal cover, Carole love this!!

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  2. what a gorgeous project, love all the details
    Kim x

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  3. How pretty is this - so shabby chic and love the pinky and grey tones - beautiful xx

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  4. Hello Carole,
    Oh wouldn't we all like to be able to play and let it happen! I know exactly where you are coming from, I over analyse things to death, it is really pathetic, but you are who you are.
    This cover is very very pretty; it relates a peacefulness and a little Vintage appeal, I am thinking your desk is very very tidy as this is clean and perfect.
    Smiles:)
    Sue

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  5. Gorgeous, wonderful vintage softy colours in contrast with black!

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  6. What a beautiful journal cover!! Thanks so much for playing along with us at CCCB!!

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  7. Fabulous project! Thanks for joining us at CCCB this week!
    Samra DT

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  8. Thisis a lovely journal cover. Keep it on your coffee table throughout the year; it's a gem :) Thanks so much for joining us at CCCB this week!

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  9. Loving your journal cover Carole, the colours work so well. Happy crafting,
    Angela R. x

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  10. What a super pretty creation, thanks for sharing with us at CCCB!

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  11. Carole, this is lovely. The black really makes the whole piece pop. Love it. xo

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  12. Stunning artwork Carole - love the soft colours and everything that you have added to it

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Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!! I really appreciate it!! Cxx