This is supposed to be a gift.....

I hate it when I make something to give away, and then I don't want to give it because I really like it.  Like this notebook.  (I'm a notebook junkie.)

This is one of the art journals in the Stampin' Up! catalog.  It's 5x5", and the perfect size for card sketches and notes.  But, alas....I have to give it away.  *sigh*

It's kind of a hodgepodge of techniques.  I knew I wanted to use Smackin' Acetate for the cover.  Here's how to do it:

Take a transparency sheet and scribble on it with markers.  I used Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry.  Then spritz it with water.  When the colors are melded like you want, smack your paper down in the mess.  It looks really neat, but it wasn't quite bold enough for me. So....

I took Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry refills and dripped them down into the schmutz on the paper.  Then  I dipped the card stock again.  I really like the "artsy" look with the blobs of ink.  I was going for more "kitch" than pretty. 

The flowers are stamped in StazOn on Whisper White card stock.  I used the Sansodor/Stump watercoloring on them with the Watercolor Pecils, but the background was so bold, they got lost.  So I recolored them with an aqua painter and ink pads.  (Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry)  Looking back, I'd use different colors, because now they kind of blend in with the background.  Although, they look a lot cooler in real life.  I'm actually happy with the way they look. 

I cut them out and embossed them with clear embossing powder. 

Here are the supplies:
Stamp Set:  Embrace Life
Ink:  Jet Black StazOn; Watercolor pencils; Classic pads, Stampin' Write Markers & Refills - Melon Mambo & Rich Razzleberry; VersaMark
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo (inside covers), Whisper White card stock
Accessories:  5x5" art journal, clear embossing powder, spiral punch, sticky strip, stampin' dimensionals, heat tool, aqua painter
Non SU!-Transparency sheet (yeah, I could have used one of our window sheets, but I really didn't want to waste one!), sansodor, blending stumps

Off to convince myself I don't really need another notebooki!!

Comments

[Sandy Moriarty]

It's very pretty in all those similar -- but different -- tones. And I like the way you putzed, fixed, and added to get it just the way you want -- cool touches.

[Mel O'Donnell]

Oh,one can never go wrong with another notebook. I probably have at least a dozen and I'm retired!!! HA!

[Cate (Britbook70)]

That is so very pretty! I love the delicate shading.

[Stephanie Atterbury]

Lovely use of colors and textures.

[Laura]

You did a great job! I like the technique and the way you puttered around with it to get the look you wanted. Since you have to give this one away you'll just have to make yourself another one!