From Junk to Journal

Today I am sharing a journal page made quite literally from rubbish - the sheet of paper from the bottom of my 'spray & splat' box that I use for messy techniques. I thought the paper was just too pretty to throw away so I worked over it to create this art journal page. I am really pleased with how it turned out!

Product details:
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
Stamps - Donna Downey, Prima/Finnabair
Stencils - The Crafter's Workshop, Tim Holtz
Die - Memory Box

Here's how I created it:

1 This is what the scrap paper from my spray box looked liked before I started work. I glued it to a piece of mixed media paper to make it more sturdy.

2 I added some details with a stencil (TCW) and some Green Gold DecoArt paint.

3 I added further stenciling (Tim Holtz) with white modelling paste.

4 While still wet, I sprinkled the modelling paste with silver embossng powder.

5 Heat set the embossing powder (if the modelling paste is still a bit wet you'll get bubbling like you see here - I think this is cool but if you want it smooth allow the paste to completely dry before heating). Add some more stencil (TCW) detail with black gesso.

6 Stamp the foam bird (Donna Downey) with Cadmium Orange Hue paint (DecoArt).

7 Use Primary Yellow and Pyrole Red through a TCW stencil to add detail to the bird (it doesn't matter if you go over the edges as it's being cut out).

8 At this point I decided the silver embossing was too in your face so I toned it down with a bit of white gesso and Cerulean Blue paint.

9 I added some stamping with Prima stamps and black ink, outlining the circles roughly with silver calligraphy pen (Sakura). I also added washi tape.

10 I added some more details using a pen top and credit card dipped in white paint. I added die cut flowers (Memory Box) too. For the bird I created a shadow with a Stabilo All pencil under where he would be placed before sticking him down. I also outlined the bird with white gel pen and finished the page with a sentiment (Prima).

I think it's a success - which means I am likely to throw away even less stuff!!! My husband will be delighted.............

Katy x