Open a New Page

Hello!! I'm here with my first post of 2018. I am sure like many of you the New Year is a new slate and offers a blank page for new dreams. And who doesn't love a nice notebook to jot down notes? As you may know, I love using houses in my art and thought of these simple but amazing Simple House Ornaments in my stash and got to thinking about how they would make the perfect covers for a book. This an easy project that is taken up a level with a simple Coptic stitch which was one of my goals to learn and practice in 2018, and believe me I definitely need more practice.

I started by painting both front and back of the Simple House Ornaments pieces with Raw Umber. I did one light coat and it offered a wood-like look to the chipboard pieces. 

On the front of one ornament, I did a simple collage with various pieces of vintage text and sheet music. I applied the collage with Distress Medium. Once dry I used a palette knife to add a few random swipes of Gesso to the collage. To add some interest I stamped this image of a postmark and French postage stamp and then layered a vintage French stamp on top. 

To make the pages I made signatures of 3 pages each folded in half. I then traced around one of the house shapes and cut out. I used 6 signatures in my book. I just searched YouTube for a tutorial on how to do the Coptic stitch. This was my first time trying it. It is a simple technique but one that I need to fine tune just a little more. 

To finish off my cover I heat embossed a key from the Keys and Plates Shape Set with Burnt Copper Leaves and adhered using Distress Collage Medium. 

I will probably use my little book to write quotes in. I can see many more of these in my future though!! I hope I have inspired you to try this simple bookbinding technique. If you do give it a try I would love for you to share. Wishing you a creative and happy new year!! ~Jennalee 

Unlock Your Dreams- Heartfelt House Die Project

Hello!! I was recently the lucky winner of a giveaway on the Eileen Hull Fan Club Facebook page. I won Eileen's new Heart Felt House Pocket die. I love house shapes in art so I was very excited to add this die to my collection. There are so many ideas dancing around in my head!! 

The House Pocket die was the perfect base for the piece I had in mind. I picked up a couple beautifully vintage escutcheon plates while junking and could not wait to use one. 

I started with a simple collaged background and added some random swipes of gesso. I used my new favorite instant coffee. I keep a small spray bottle at the ready with instant coffee and water mixed, ready to spray at any time. 

I used one of my favorite stamps. This girl speaks to me and inspires me to keep searching and seeking for my dreams. 

As you may know, I love keys and try to sneak them in whenever I can. So naturally doors and houses need keys, right? 

I have been enjoying working with wire and sneaking it into my projects. A wire hanger was the perfect addition to take this piece from flat to a dimensional wall hanging. 

As always I snuck in some messy stitching and buttons. 

Have you made anything with inspiring die? Be sure to check out the Makers Challenge over on the Sizzix blog. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes with me. Comments always bring a smile so leave a quick note and let me know you stopped by. 

Happy Creating Friends!!

~Jennalee