love...The Crafter's Workshop Stencils & Hand Stitching

Hi there friends!  This is a project I shared on The Crafter's Workshop recently.

I love Fall and very anxious for the changing season, although since I live in the South, it still feels like summer, though starting to change!   I have a stack of photos to be documented and this is one of the special ones waiting for a memorable layout.  I am a bit obsessed with hand stitching at the moment, so I used a stencil to create a border for this page.

{  To keep a little anonymity for this sweet boy, I covered his face with a heart!  }

The Crafter’s Workshop provided me with some product to create this project.  The opinions I share are solely my own.

Using the stencils shown below, I used one as a template for hand stitching and the other for a large inked title.

                      

 

I took this wavy water stencil and drew pencil lines following the curves.  I actually ended up simplifying the wavy lines after I realized there would be stitches too close together, threatening to tear the paper.

After the waves were sketched in, I used this punch to add holes along the pencil lines.  I used two different embroidery threads, both in multi-colored ombre patterns of blue.

I used some washi tape to secure a few of the looser threads at the back of the cardstock.  I wanted to create a loose watercolor background for the photo.  I used a couple Distress Ink colors and an acetate sheet to “smush” the diluted paint onto the background.

I added more paint to make it darker in places and add some splotches around the edges.

Wanting to keep the page clean and simple, I decided to ink the stencil below with a dauber and this “love” paint splattered pattern.

I used a couple different inks in the end, but the title was still a dark navy.  I adhered the photo with dimensional adhesive onto a couple layers of torn tracing paper.

I am so pleased with the way this layout turned out.  I wanted it to be whimsical, yet simple and powerful and not overly embellished.

I have been sifting through all my stencils for the ones that will be perfect stitching templates.  I hope this inspires you to explore this possibility too!

Thanks so much for stopping by the Blog today!

STENCILS Used:

TCW2149 – 6x9 The Sea

TCW567 – 12×12 Complicated Hearts

SHINE BRIGHT like a...Scrapbook Circle DT Choice

Hi there!  I am happy to share my DT Choice for the Scrapbook Circle Blog post.  The September kit, “Shine Bright” is an amazing combination of colors, patterns and embellishments!  I was so inspired by the Amy Tan watercolor resist cards that I created this page using a simple grid.

I rounded all the corners of the patterned papers and my photo to match the resist card that I painted a pale teal color.

The little bag of star sequins included in the main kit were a perfect match for this color palette and the gorgeous background paper in the wood grain pattern.

I used one square for the title, inspired by the kit name, one for the photo, one for the sequin pocket and the resist card.

I added some black paint splatters onto the background paper and stitched a few lines thru some of the grid pieces.  I also added stitching to the left and right sides of the background.

This color combination never bores me and I will always be inspired by these lovely hues!

Thanks for stopping by the Blog today...I hope you have an amazing day!

LISTEN to your heART - Art Journal

This is an art journal page from months ago, but I haven't had a chance to post it yet.  However,  it is one of my favorites to date.

I started this spread to practice drawing and painting an eye up close.  The rest of the face was just a little bit of filler.

I have always loved the flowers that Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed and painted, particularly, his graphic rose.  This is a little homage to that.

The quote written in her hair, found on Pinerest says:

"Time to create," said her Heart.  "It's about time," replied her Soul.

That pretty much sums up my desire to do art journaling.

Thanks for stopping by to see some of my more personal art journaling.

I hope you have an amazing day!