The Blessing Journal -2016

I started with some up-cycling on some old used mat board; you can use any thick chipboard.  To make them matte black, just use chalkboard paint.

Cover page

To the right is the Cover page with "Whatever is Lovely" Collection from Illustrates Faith. (from now on I will put WIL-IF to reference to this line of paper) Item 983 Art Prints.   

The Black word "GOD" is outlined with Tonic Nuvo in the Crystal Drops black. It adds a bit of shine & dimension to this page. Crystal Drops are wonderful to use & super easy.

The ribbon used is by May Arts.

pages 1 & 2 

 Page one features WIL-IF 980 Chevron side with some items from Basic Grey & a snip of WIL-IF 983 Art Parts.

Page two features a pocket to stash some note paper in. 

Blue page in background-WIL-IF 978 & the pocket is the opposite side of 978. The stickers are from Bella Blvd. Just Add Color line item 1041. 

You can use whatever stickers pertain to your book.

pages 3 & 4

Page three is from Kaiser Craft "My Year My Story" collection (I will be referring to this as MYMS-KC). This item is called Lilac. The page is left blank for you to start your journal one line at a time on something you find beautiful. Whether it is the laughter in your home or the breeze that you feel on a hot day. It is a reflection page. Page four-WIL-IF 981 green side & a pocket  & matting from white cardstock. with item 982 & snippets from 983. The Awesome sticker is from Basic Grey. This can be used to store any item that will fit.

pages 5 & 6

Page five includes Cardstock  that is no longer available by the manufacturer (Worldwin Caribbean Colors- Kiwi ) Any bright green would work. If you want to achieve the speckled look before you begin your layout take your cardstock & a toothbrush with some watered down coordinating colored paint & do a technique called flyspecking.

[I found a fly specking tutorial here- by Jennifer Allwood]

 The pocket is WIL-IF 979 Word side.

the Blessing Cards WIL-IF item 982

Page six is my favorite. This is MYMS-KC in cactus Calendar section of the page with the snippet "Praiseworthy." This is used to take one month & everyday of that month to think & write down one thing you want to praise GOD for. Whether it is the breath of life or something that happened that day. When you have completed the month-by-day it will be filled out.  Then for the next 11 months of the year on that day remember & think on this Praiseworthy gift GOD has given you.

pages 7 & 8

Page seven- MYMS-KC Raspberry, snippets from WIL-IF 983. Buttons & stickers from Basic Grey.

Page eight-WIL-IF 979 heart side along with the "&" pocket 982 . Cardstock Kiwi green using Basic Grey die-cut "hey you" Finally stickers by Bella Blvd. Just Add Color Trinkets-1041

pages 9 & 10.

Page nine-WIL-IF 978 yellow side with bookmarks made from 983 & backs I used 979 word side. The slip pocket has a small sack by Hampton Art (slit 3/4 down on right side). I covered it with the "Love" snippet from 983.

Page ten uses the snippet from  WIL-IF 983 "But First Pray" & washi tape. Bella Blvd. Designer tape in several designs. Basic Grey die-cut frames, white cardstock, & various inks.

This Blessing Journal stemmed from my prayer.  This journal brings creativity in your life as an outlet as you praise & meditate on HIM & HIS Words. Philippians 4:8 I believe is a Word that we all need a little more of in our lives. It gives us a means to look at all that is around us & find those praiseworthy moments, to remember needs of others, & to think of the wonders GOD has given us. To think on these things first helps us to have a right heart & to replace the old patterns of our mind.

page 9 the fronts & one back or bookmarks tied up with May Arts ribbon

pages 11 & 12 

Page eleven-MYMS-KC Yellow.

Page twelve-cardstock in bright yellow & mat in black. An elastic ribbon & ordinary index card. To record the scriptures you would like to learn &/or place in your heart.  Snippets on both pages from WIL-IF 983 & the stickers are from Bella Blvd. Just Add Color Trinkets & Basic Grey.

The "I can do all things through CHRIST" snippet is popped up.

pages 13 & 14 

 Page thirteen-MYMS-KC with "Peachy" Reminds us to smile & be that light, even when there are problems & difficulties, we can look up to the ONE who gives us strength. We can make a difference in someones life even through our struggles.

Page 14-WIL-IF 981

The butterflies look so sweet fluttering out of the pocket "Lovely".

With wisps of the words to

Philippians 4:8. Trimmed with May Arts mini pom-pom. Set on top of a mini paper bag from Hampton Arts.

pages 15 & 16

 Page 15 MYMS-KC "Minty" is embellished out with Bella Blvd. Little Bits in "Gulf" & a fun arrow from the "Just Add Color" Trinkets 1041.

Page 16 Black cardstock (Midnight Surf ) with WIL-IF 978 as a pocket. cover is a Nice coordinating cardstock in the color "Ocean"

page 10 

Page 10 here shows off the Basic Grey frames for your prayer page. The frames are glued down on both sides & the bottom so that you can slide extras in whenever you would like to change them out. The few pages peeking out of the top of the "But First Pray" pocket holds the extras attached with Illustrates Faith Washi Tape & Bella Blvd. Designer Tapes.

page 14

Picture on the left shows where I slid a small notepad into the "Lovely" pocket on page 14. I used scraps to cover the front & the words are from MYMS-KC strip at the bottom of the paper. Have fun making this your own invention.

More inspiration & a video  for MMB's "The Blessing Journal" can be found on

Making Moments Beautiful

Page 16 has a pocket big enough to hold a Studio G by Hampton Art Smile journal notebook. I actually used the plastic covering that came with the journal & cut it down to size to fit behind the pocket paper. This makes it a bit easier to slide the journal in & out of the page. Illustrates Faith has some new wonderful lines coming out, check them out at your local scrapbook store. If they do not carry Bella Blvd. &/or Illustrates Faith ask them about it; most are happy to order them in. 

Have a beautiful day, week, month, year & peace within.-Ellie G.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

List of Companies used for this project:

Illustrates Faith- Whatsoever Is Lovely collection & washi tape

Bella Blvd.- Just Add Color collection & Designer tapes

Kaiser Craft- My Year My Story collection

May Arts Ribbon- Chevron 382 Turquoise 3/4", Mini Pom pom 419 in olive. & more

Nuvo by Tonic Studios- Crystal drops in black

Cardstock by Worldwin Paper- Caribbean Colors

Basic Grey

Zutter Bind-it-All was used for binding.

Misc. items include- Studio G. by Hampton Arts 

Upcycled old black matte board for front & back covers along with light weight chipboard for pages.

Sweet Song 2016 12x12 canvas

The sweet song of the Robin in the spring or summer is a beautiful reminder of the journeys though out each season in life we attend. I will be doing a short overview of this canvas & hoping in the near future to make a video of the process. Video tutorials are in the works.

Featuring +Stampendous  Dreamweaver & Imagine Crafts.
See bottom of page for supplies.

Overall view of the whole canvas.
Please refer to this throughout the process

 Start by painting the canvas all over including the sides, top & bottom.  Paint approximately 2/3 in the blue I also added some down in the bottom lower right. The lower portions & middle should be a medium tone of green. I went up on both sides but more on the right-side then left. Make sure to follow the color around the sides, top & bottom.

While your canvas is drying stamp out all of your images & diecut them out. You can paint them or color them in at this time as well. I did 3 flowers 1 bird. One Nestled bird and extra flowers from the Nestled bird to add dimension to the flowers. I colored & cut out in detail. Make sure that you roll out plenty of the leaves from Leafy branch about 9-12. & a few of the leaves that come with the Bird Blossem Die.  Also 2 branches.  I used a piece of twisted cord for the branch under the Nestled Bird.


Clouds

Picasso 
& Stencil brush

To make the clouds prepare your Picasso by using the Removable Tape to the front & back of the stencil. ( This is to keep from marking the canvas incorrectly) We will be using the wave section on two parts of the stencil the short one and the long one.  This method of painting is called dry brush. To prepare your stencil brush you will need a Paper Towel handy or a rag.   Use a white paint &load up the brush then dab it off onto the paper towel. Predetermine the way you would like your clouds I flipped the stencil in different directions & used both waves to achieve this look. To add color start on the stencil & brush outward. You want more of the color up against the stencil & it to be more wispy as it fades away from the cloud. (special attention to the direction of your brush strokes-they need to go in the same direction to depict wind movement)


Stenciled leaves-
Stencil, Picasso, &  Stencil brush

To stencil the leaves prepare the leaves stencil with Removable tape around the edges to remove the border from your stenciling. Also you can take the tape and go around features of the leaves on the edges. Paint palette should have several colors of greens along with a rust or yellow ocher. Repeat the masking off of tape on both the front & back of stencil. You can also utilize the Picasso as well. Load your brush up with several colors & using the stencil Technic dab up & down turning your stencil around in different directions to give you the painted background.
[ Note do not work over an area that is wet other wise it will not give you crisp stenciled image of the leaves. Wait to dry. I worked one side then moved to the other. let dry & continued in the middle. Also stay on the green section only do not over lap onto the blue- that will be done in another step.  Make sure that the paint does not dry on the stencil. Place in your water tray if you are not able to clean it right away.]

Stenciled leaves

Leaf stencil, Picasso, Regular Embossing Paste, Palette Knife, 

& Spreader

This process will involve you preparing the stencil again with the removable tape. Please refer to Stampendous videos on how to create a hinge to use on the stencil. Read over care instructions on your stencil as well. This is a wonderful tool so care for it carefully. Have your water tray ready & set to your side. decide where you would like to add texture in your leaves. [ I added on the margin between the sky & tree overlapping into the blue so that it gave more dimension.] position your stencil the way you would like to place your leaves. Next load your spreader with the palette knife along the full top edge of the spreader make sure that you have a generous portion on the spreader. next lay on the tape hinge of the top of stencil & pull down at a 45 degree angel. lift & repeat step in another area that does not touch what you just did. You will need to allow to dry before you continue next to leaves you just did. [ I worked on opposite sides working in long sections as I could to get the most coverage] Make sure that you drop the stencil in water when not using. This is to keep the Embossing Paste from hardening on the stencil.
Once this process is completely dry lay your Picasso back over the tops of the white paste (it will fit like a puzzle) then repeat the process for the painted stencil leaves)

Word of caution before we start the next steps please use wisdom when operating the heat gun.They all get very hot!!  Not all heat guns work the same.  We will be heating from the underside of the papers & canvas. All of the items can burn so make sure that you are focused in the process. I use a slow swaying motion when my heat gun gets hot so that it does not burn. I also angled my gun up under the corners of the canvas to get behind the wood. { you can also heat the surface before beginning which will help the E.P. to stick a little bit more}  Another trick is to start way above the top side of area & slowly bring your heat gun in. Allowing it to heat slowly & not blowing all of the E.P. off of your work area.

Embossing the sky & sides

Versa Mark, Versa Marker, Shabby White & Shabby blue 

 Take the Versa Marker and move in an outward direction the same as your brush strokes and add some detail on the back part of the clouds. then add embossing powder shake off access. Heat

Next on the edge & top corner use the Versa Pad in the same manner you would to distress edges with ink. then add powder & heat. If you would like it thicker while it is hot add more E.P.

Repeat this process on bottom & top right edge with the greens while the E.P. is hot you can throw on some Fragments & glitter. If they give you hard time to stick heat E.P. that has already been put down & add some Deep Impressions heat over top of the Fragments & glitter.

Birds & flowers

Use the coordinating colors for each item.

Clip tool, Versa Marker, Aged Rose, Shabby Pink, & Aged Taupe


 Using the Versa Marker color in where  you would like to add the E.P. Take the Clip tool & then add E.P. & heat from underneath.

 Leaves

Versa Mark Pad, Stuftainer, Clip took, coordinating embossing powders, Deep Impression, glitter, & fragments.

Place the colors in the Stuftainer you would like to use, mix up. Ink your leaves then lay into try and dredge them in the mix. using clip tool repeat process to heat.  

Nest & branches

Nestled Bird, Seasonings, Deep Impression, Spoonful of Rust, Mini Stuftainer & Clip tool.

Ink the area of the nest with Versa Mark. Then lay down Seasonings. Heat up while hot place in Stuftainer & pour on Spoonful of Rust add Deep Impressions as needed. Heat while hot continue to build up layers of color until you get a nice dimension of E.P. on the next letting the bird appear to sit inside nest.

Flowers on Nest 
Versa Marker, Clip Tool, & Spring Sparkle

I used extra flowers & cut them between petals you can attach these along the branches. Make them layered I used the Versa Marker & Spring Sparkle to add the E.P. glimmer. Heat.

The twisted branch section is just inked. The branch under the male Robin & up in the top right corner are embossed in layers.

Next arrange your canvas how you would like. Adhere your pieces. 
To add more glitter & Fragments in any area you would like lay down the Versa Mark & use Deep Impressions or coordinating colors to adhere to canvas. Heat. 

When you have completed your canvas place a picture. 
 Vellum would work nice. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn this process. I loved it. It took some time to complete but I am really happy I did. -Ellie G.

Versa Mark over top 

& sprinkle with E.P., heat

What you will need from

Stampendous:
Bird Blossom Die & stamp    DCS5083 & CRS5083
Nestled Bird                           CRR158
Beautiful Life                         CRV273

Embossing Powders:
Aged Copper- FREG025-Leaves, branch & nest 
Aged Gold-    FREG024-leaves
Aged Green-  FREG043 -leaves
Aged Tuape-  FREG033 -male robin
Aged Rose-    FREG031 -flowers


Deep Impressions-  FREG004-to set fragments & glitters

Fragments Leaf Green- FRC13- Tree Background
Glass glitter Champagne- FRG02C
Glass glitter in either Green- FRG06C or FRG12C

PEARLustre Jade-  EP232-leaves backdrop

Seasonings-     FREG044- leaves, nest, branch & background
Shabby Blue-   FREG029- sky
Shabby White- FREG027-clouds, & sky

Spoonful of Rust-  EJS05- Nest
Spring Sparkle-     EK20- flowers on Nest

Vintage Olive-       TP118- leaves & background 

Stampendous Tools-
Clip tool- FX72 used to hold loose die cut pieces for embossing
Mini Stuftainers -STOR05- to dredge leaves in, build up layers & to work over.

Clear Handle- SSH46 or SSH34- to adhere cling stamp




Dreamweaver:


Jungle Leaf Stencil- DWLJ 825- background leaves
Leafy Branch Die- DWDD003 - leaves
Regular Embossing Paste- DWDEP-leaves
Removable tape- RMT- used to mask off stencil & Picasso tool
Palette Knife- DWDPK- to apply Paste to spreader & small details
Picasso-    DWLL332-clouds & mask for leaves
Spreader- DWLM2010 -leaf Stencil
stencil brushes 1/2"-DWNHB-12



Imagine Crafts:
Memento Tuxedo Black-ME-000-900 -all stamping
Memento Dual Tip Marker Rich Cocoa- PM-000-800-used to outline the word "Beautiful" 
Versa Mark Clear-VM-000-001- used to emboss large areas
Versa Marker clear- PV-000-001- used to add embossing powder to sky & fine areas


Misc.

12 x 12 canvas
White, Kraft & Green Cardstock
Acrylic Paints- sky blue, white, colors for your Robin's (tawny brown, black, rust, orange, & white) You can make this your own and do your own coloring of the birds. Stampendous Stamps make the birds generic enough that you can do a large number of types of birds. Try using bird field guides for added help. I love the process of painting with the Embossing Powders as it allows forgiveness for any mistakes in the painting.

Tools:
heat gun
Paint brushes
Large shallow flat plastic container 
Finger nail cleaning brush