I was so excited to gain a Pinworthy from A Vintage Journey challenge back in February, for my Dreamer fabric collage. I was asked to be a Guest Designer with the theme “Quotes”, chosen by Jenny.
I have a jar of quotes handy and randomly chose a couple. The one that appealed to me was:
“You are the only one who can make your dreams come true.”
I had a small journal I wanted to cover and use for jotting ideas and sketching out ideas, the quote was just right!y
I started with a sheet of mixed media paper long enough to wrap around the journal and have pockets on the inside to hold photos and bits.
I was stuck for colours until I saw this spring blossom, the colours seemed perfect for a dreamy theme. I printed the photo and matched Decoart acrylic colours. This was useful to create a palette of colour.
I used Decoart paints to create the shades I needed.
The stencil was a Mandela, the pattern reminded me of endless dreams. I used TH Distress Texture paste, it is light and takes colour well. The paint was dripped and spritzed along with some Distress Crayons.
I stamped the Dreamer ( my lucky stamp), some script and texture.
Sewing has always been my love to create interest and texture so out came the machine and I went around the mandala stencil and the edge of the journal with straight and zig zag stitch. I stitched a length of sari silk to wrap the journal and added fabric beads from my stash.
I added layers of paper, lace and fabric for the title. I cut out the words and numeral, you, 1 and True, on Watercolour paper, ( I kept the ripped off section) using TH Thinlets, I die cut dreams, painted gold, to layer on top. I printed the other words using Paperartsy stamps with archival ink and felt tipped stitches round the words. I painted gold under the cut outs and used some paper made from Elephant Poo, my friend Ruth Winters brought me as a present from South Africa!
I finished it off with machine stitching, Treasure Gold for highlights.
I am pleased with the effect I achieved, hope you all like it too!
There is time to enter this challenge over at AVJ, some great inspiration from the DT, getting creating.
Hugs
Jan x
I absolutely adore this fabulous little journal! The cover takes my breath away – so creative and beautiful! Hugs, Autumn
Thank you Autumn, I was pleased with the end result x
My goodness – some paper made from elephant poo! What a fun and different element to use! love your colors, textures, stamps and stencils used to create this beautiful journal cover Jan! thank you so much for joining us as a guest designer at AVJ!! Julia xx
Thanks Julia for your lovely comments. What kind of friend buys you elephant poo paper? X
It looks really fabulous Jan.
Thank you Jo x
So happy to see you as a guest designer at AVJ Jan and bringing us this wonderful project too. I love all the details and how you chose your colour palette, this really is a gorgeous journal. Hope you’ve had a great week xxx
Thanks Brenda, always a nervous time to see if people like your project! X
This is such a stunning textural piece Jan, the colours are really dreamy and I love the additional elements you used to give this such a tactile feel (wished I coud touch it). I adore the closure with the ribbon and beads also, a wonderful cover and great to have you with us at AVJ!
Thank you so much Astrid for your lovely comments x
Wow, Jan, this really is amazing, and how interesting to read and see how it came together in your post! I love the rich texture and delicate colors of the background, and your quote and how you presented it is fabulous! Elephant poo paper???? hmmmm, yuck! Hugs!
Hi Sara, yes really good friend brings you a present from South Africa, elephant poo paper? Interesting texture! X