Friday Crafting

My sister, Nikki, and I decided that every Friday we will get together and scrapbook. For at least an hour. That's our resolution to getting more scrapbooking time in. You have to MAKE time for it.

Since my word is EXPLORE, I took some time to explore new techniques. First, I made a journal to chronicle my journey to getting fit. I'm determined this year that I will become fit and healthy. I'm not focusing on a certain weight or size...just on being in a healthy weight range and being able to do fun activities like Dance Dance Revolution without sweating and huffing and puffing in the first millisecond.

My inspiration for the journal came from Donna Downey's Decorative Journals book. It is a must read! Even if you don't journal, you will find inspiration for your next crafting project in this book.

Inside cover:

Supplies used: Lil' Davis (patterned paper, chipboard accent); StazOn (ink); Making Memories (foam alphabet stamps, paint); Martha Stewart for EK Success (acrylic alphabet stamps); Faber-Castell (pen); Modge Podge (adhesive); index card notebook

Then I went on to make the album for my Project 365 photos. I used a gluestick and brayer to put the paper on this album. Worked wonders! Didn't bubble up like Modge Podge. I prefer Modge Podge for smaller albums or items with many sides, but for a large album with a 12x12 paper adhered to it - a good old glue stick works better.

Supplies used: American Crafts (album); Spare Parts (fabric alpha tabs); KI Memories (patterned paper); Making Memories (foam alphabet stamps); StazOn (ink); Faber-Castell (pen); UHU glue stick (adhesive)

And, as if I couldn't create more in one night, I did an entry for my art journal. This year I've decided to explore the paint medium. I've loved what other people are doing with art journals. Similar to a written journal, you make periodic entries. But instead of just words on paper, you paint, glue, collage, make art. A combination of words and pictures. Whatever you fancy.

I'm taking a class with Big Picture Scrapbooking called Got Paint?. It's already one of my favorite classes so far. Registration closes tomorrow, so sign up if you are interested. Taught by Emily Falconbridge, the class pushes you to use paint on your scrapbook pages. And more than just inking the side of the page. So, the first week's project was to start an art journal. This one is simply 6x6 cardstock bound by book rings.

Supplies used: Apple Barrell by PLAID (paint); Anita's All-Purpose Acrylic Paint (white paint); Making Memories (foam alphabet stamps); StazOn (ink); Faber-Castell (pen); Liquitex (matte gel medium); vintage book page; white cardstock; toilet paper tube

If you read my supply list you will notice an odd supply. Yes, I used the tube from toilet paper. I used it to stamp the oval/circles on the page. You could also use a paper towel tube. I would cut it down to size, though, so it's easier to stamp with.

Notice I used my word?!?

If you want to make an art journal, but you don't want to take a class on it, I recommend downloading Donna Downey's instructions. I bought her online class (which is an instant download instead of taking a scheduled class) and a board book. Looking forward to playing with that one as well.