Saturday, May 2, 2015

Saturday Step by Step - Stencils and Crackle and Journals, oh my!

Hi everyone and welcome to a (delayed) Saturday Step by Step with me, Jenny, as your host. This should have been with you last week, but deadlines piled up to breaking point it seemed sensible to take more time and give you a tutorial of the standard you deserve. So here goes...

Having resisted for a long time I've finally been bitten by the journalling bug!!! My great friend Brenda Brown has been encouraging everyone to give it a try (see her current link HERE) and when I discovered an old academic diary it seemed like the perfect place to start. I decorated the cover for a spotlight at Our Creative Corner way back in 2012 (see the post HERE) and didn't want to get rid when the year finished. So, I opened it to the centre (a less scary place to start) stuck a couple of the adjoining pages together to create a thicker surface, and...

(click on the photos for a closer look)

Start with some strips of old book paper and a coat or two of white gesso. Then add a layer of Picket Fence Distress Paint.


Add a medium layer of Rock Candy Crackle Paint.


Stencil White Embossing Paste on through the Tim Holtz Wildflower Layering Stencil (an uneven layer is good).


When dry drip lines of Alcohol Ink down the pages, then add some Alcohol Blending Solution and tip the book to make it run.


Continue to add complimentary colours in lines until the pages are covered.


To make the foliage stand out add Snow Cap Ink over the stencilled areas (you could also use Picket Fence Distress Paint/Stain for this). The colours will come through a little as it dries so the results won't be as stark.


Reapply the Picket Fence Distress Paint to the edges to create a border.


Add some definition and depth by using a Frayed Burlap Distress Marker along one side of each stem, blending out the lines with a detailer nib water brush. You can see I added die cut flowers at this stage too.


Finally add buttons to the centre of your flowers, brush them with a little Forest Moss Distress Ink, add some botanical Idea-Ology rub ons and stamp one of the sentiments from the Tim Holtz Life Quotes set.


Here are some close ups...








If you've not tried journalling why start now? You can try things out, you've got a portable way of showing others what you can do (without storage issues) you have a record of techniques tried for easy future reference, and if a page goes wrong you can cover it up with a coat of paint and start again! Go on, I dare you...

Whatever you're getting up to this weekend, have a great one and take care of yourselves.
Jenny xxx


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75 comments:

  1. Birdcage Craft Studio by Sue RalphMay 2, 2015 at 2:38 AM

    Love this! Well done Jenny super start xx

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  2. Rupa SwaminathanMay 2, 2015 at 2:40 AM

    Beautiful. ..For a moment I thought those wild flowers were chip board cut outs! Amazing.

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 5:28 AM

      Thank you Rupa. I was pleased with those die cut flowers too x

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  3. JaneMay 2, 2015 at 2:42 AM

    What a fabulous first page Jenny. Such gorgeous flowers and textures...oh my! The flowers really stand out. Brenda also inspired me last year to start a journal and yes it is very addictive.......it's fantastic just to play and as you say if you don't like it just cover it up with gesso and start again and infact sometimes it's the covered work which gives beautiful textures. Thanks so much for sharing xx

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 5:29 AM

      Thank you Jane, and yes, I'm addicted already! x

      Delete
  4. VeerleMay 2, 2015 at 2:47 AM

    Stunning project, thank you so much for the really good explanation and step by step. Greetings Veerle x

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  5. Paula J AtkinsonMay 2, 2015 at 2:48 AM

    Very pretty, Jenny. I love the texture. I've been journalling over a year now & will never stop 😊

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 5:30 AM

      Thank you Paula. I can understand why you won't stop! x

      Delete
  6. Paula J AtkinsonMay 2, 2015 at 2:49 AM

    Very pretty, Jenny. I love the texture. I've been journalling over a year now & will never stop 😊

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  7. Astrid MacleanMay 2, 2015 at 3:28 AM

    Stunning Jenny, what a start on journaling!! Love the effect of the alcohol inks, the whole piece is so full of life, LOVE it!!! Hope you keep going on your journal journey, because I for one can't wait to see more!

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 5:30 AM

      Thank you Astrid. Yes, I will be doing lots more! x

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  8. UnknownMay 2, 2015 at 4:41 AM

    How amazing is this page and fabulous step by step - I am just in love with those daisies too!! The colours you created for the background are just yum. Hugs, Georgie xx

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  9. Margaret MifsudMay 2, 2015 at 4:56 AM

    This is wonderful Jenny!! What a great beginning for your art Journal journey!! Love the colour and texture .. totally brilliant spread!! xx

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  10. Brenda BrownMay 2, 2015 at 5:28 AM

    Yay Jenny, what a fabulous start to your visual journey, these are magnificent pages and thanks for sharing your process steps and the shout out. I love how you used the alcohol inks and blended them for the background and how you lightened the textured foliage. Great job xxx

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 5:31 AM

      Thank you for pushing me in this direction Brenda. You are an inspiration x

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  11. rachelMay 2, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    this is so fresh and beautiful Jenny - absolutely love this! Thanks so much for the step by step too - beautiful x

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  12. Juliz Design PostMay 2, 2015 at 6:14 AM

    Fabulous journal pages Jenny and a super step by step. So inspirational, I really must take the plunge, TFS you are such a talented lady.
    Julie xx

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  13. Suzanne CMay 2, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    Beautiful. Love the details and had to go back to see where you put that crackle in because it adds the most lovely texture to your background.

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  14. KimMay 2, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Your journal pages are lovely. The colors are so rich...never would have thought of using alcohol ink that way. The stenciled flowers just pop off you pages. Just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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  15. PatriciaMay 2, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    Brilliant Journal pages Jenny.
    Love, love, love everything you have done on them
    Patricia x

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  16. PamelliaMay 2, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    What a gorgeous page Jenny! I love how you used the alcohol inks and the colours you chose are so beautiful! I love the idea of shadowing the texture design, really gives your page extra depth. So stunning! hugs :)

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  17. FlissMay 2, 2015 at 7:21 AM

    These really are just gorgeous Jenny. So much fabulous depth and texture. Thanks for sharing the how to as well.
    Fliss xx

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  18. A PinkMay 2, 2015 at 7:46 AM

    Now thats how to create a journal page ! Absolutely incredible !! LOVE all the layers n textures- the crackle n alcohol drips - WOW!! n such stunning colours ! Thankyou so much for sharing the process Jenny n can't wait to see ya next page ! You n your creativity are so inspirational !
    From journal page to wall art - this page is asking for it don't ya think?

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 8:52 AM

      Thanks so much Amanda! Wall art... now that's a thought! x

      Delete
  19. wendy vecchiMay 2, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    amazing texture. you rock!

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  20. Patty O'MalleyMay 2, 2015 at 9:35 AM

    This is gorgeous!

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  21. Paper ProfusionMay 2, 2015 at 11:38 AM

    This looks totally brilliant Jenny. Thank-you for so many little tips too. I certainly wouldnt be brave enough to drizzle inks so liberally but the end result sure looks worth it. Nicola x

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 12:18 PM

      Thank you Nicola! Go for it - you can always add more gesso if needed :) x

      Delete
  22. RedanneMay 2, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    I sneaked away from the family to have a closer look at this gorgeous page - Jenny, it is fabulous, I love how you created the drips with the alcohol inks, I never thought to used them like that. Your flowers are stunning too! You are always such an inspiration.... Anne xx

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 2:50 PM

      Thank you so much Anne! Hope the family weekend is going really well x

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  23. AnonymousMay 2, 2015 at 12:56 PM

    Fantastic journal pages Jenny ! Love the alcohold ink drippage and the highlighted embossing paste is gorgeous ! Sue C x

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  24. UnknownMay 2, 2015 at 2:30 PM

    Ok soooooooo - let me admit... when I saw the alcohol ink drips in the picture... you had me worried. Heheheheh! I recently tried to do a jelly fish with inks that way and trust me... didn't turn out in any way as amazing as your wonderful journal page did!! I LOVE IT. It's gorgeous. Wow. All the crackle and paste just made it come together perfectly. Thanks so much for the super tutorial too. jj.

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 2, 2015 at 2:52 PM

      The key is to add plenty of blending solution and mop up any excess as you go. And don't forget, Picket Fence and white gesso will always help tone down anything you're not happy with x

      Delete
  25. UnknownMay 2, 2015 at 2:30 PM

    Ok soooooooo - let me admit... when I saw the alcohol ink drips in the picture... you had me worried. Heheheheh! I recently tried to do a jelly fish with inks that way and trust me... didn't turn out in any way as amazing as your wonderful journal page did!! I LOVE IT. It's gorgeous. Wow. All the crackle and paste just made it come together perfectly. Thanks so much for the super tutorial too. jj.

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  26. Kerstin F.May 3, 2015 at 12:15 AM

    Fabulous, great colors and texture in a wonderful nature flower page. I hope, we can see soon more!

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 3, 2015 at 4:13 AM

      Thank you Kerstin. Be assured there's more to come! x

      Delete
  27. SandraMay 3, 2015 at 5:13 AM

    Wow Jenny, This is amazing! Never would have thought of using alcohol inks in my art journal, but with a full layer of crackle paint I see the need! Hugs, Sandra

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 3, 2015 at 6:06 AM

      Thanks so much Sandra! Looking forward to seeing what you do with them x

      Delete
  28. The Sparkly FairyMay 3, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    This is fabulous!

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  29. CecMay 3, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    I am late to the party because I was out gardening yesterday but now that I am here, I am so happy to see your beautiful and floral journal page. I think the drips of colour are brilliant and the shading give such depth while the crackle gives added texture. Gorgeous first page my friend.
    Hugs!
    Cec

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 3, 2015 at 5:02 PM

      Thank you Cec! It's because we can now get out into the garden that I felt inspired to create this spread so it's great news to hear you have enjoyed time in yours. So pleased you like this x

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  30. pearshapedcraftingMay 4, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Jenny, this is just so beautiful! It looks as though you have taken to journalling so hope to see lots more! Love the alcohol drips and the use of the Picket fence! Chrisx

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  31. InkypinkycraftMay 4, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    a really gorgeous project x

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  32. DriaMay 5, 2015 at 8:46 PM

    Absolutely wonderful! I have had no time to play BUT I love looking at the lovely things on here!

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 7, 2015 at 7:57 AM

      Thank you Dria x So sad you don't have time to play but if the Design Team and our special guests can keep you hooked with wonderful creations and ideas then that's good. Jenny x

      Delete
  33. Nicole Wright DesignsMay 7, 2015 at 5:03 PM

    WOW, I love this Jenny!!!!! You're AMAZING!

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 11, 2015 at 2:55 AM

      Thank you so much Nicole!!! Right back atcha! Jenny x

      Delete
  34. Nicole Wright DesignsMay 7, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    WOW, I love this Jenny!!!!! You're AMAZING!

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  35. Julia AstonMay 12, 2015 at 11:44 PM

    Beautiful journal pages Jenny! love all the wonderful texture and the drippy alcohol inks! I really need to give journaling a go! Julia xx

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  36. Words and PicturesMay 15, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    Gorgeous stencilling, and I love the alcohol drippage - great tutorial and great pages (as I think I already said before, but the comment doesn't seem to have got through - must have left it via the stoopid iPad).
    Alison xx

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    1. Jenny MarplesMay 17, 2015 at 1:58 AM

      Thank you so much Alison! So glad I'm not the only one this happens too. Jenny x

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  37. CharmaineMay 23, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    This is absolutely beautiful.

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  38. CarolineMay 31, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    Wow!!! Love the crackle paint and the drippage with the alcohol inks!! Thanks for sharing your process :)

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  39. CarolineNovember 26, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    I appreciate this was some months ago & I've never been here but just found on Pinterest. Your pages are absolutely terrific, the texture, dimension (my fave things), going back in with white to highlight flowers, the shading with distress marker & water. Adding buttons & diecuts gives even more feast for the eyes. All combined makes for a wonderful spread. Those alcohol inks surprised me as would not have thought they'd move but of course the blending solution ensures this. Clever. Think I need some of that crackle paint (my current 2/3 step is SO laborious). Can't believe this was your first page?! Tfs...

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  40. PrettyMarch 24, 2017 at 5:12 AM

    VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU PRETTY

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  41. UnknownJuly 5, 2018 at 9:47 AM

    very nice

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