How To Make A Distressed Journal Cover With Monogram

This journal cover features distressed colors and a monogram. I started with a natural canvas cover and applied Tattered Angels mist. The monogram is navy jute held in place with a couching stitch of gold braid. I chose a cover so the notebook can be replaced as it is used up.

Directions:
Step 1: Place cardboard or canvas between covers of journal to prevent over spray.
Step 2: Measure journal cover. Cut cardstock 1/2” narrower on each edge and punch decorative shapes into the corners. I used the point of a star punch on mine. 

 Step 3: Place cardstock on cover. Mist or paint edges with a teal color. Remove cardstock.

Step 4:Mist cover with light colors. This colors and preps the surface for the bright colors. You want the bright colors to sit on top, not soak in.

 Step 5:Mist or splatter the cover with bright colors.

 Step 6:Allow to dry 20 min. Rinse with water. Fade is increased by warmer water temps or longer rinsing times.
Step 7:Allow to dry completely. Iron to remove wrinkles.

Step 8:Prep stamp with pigment ink. Add image to cover.

Step 9:Leave to dry. I left mine overnight, but pigment ink can be heat set to speed up the process. 

Step 10: Stitch Cord to the cover in the shape of a letter. Be sure to tie a knot in each cord end to control raveling. I used a straight couching stitch at the ends and points, and a zig-zag couching stitch along the length.

Journal covers in standard notebook sizes make a great gift. They can be decorated to fit anyone's style. The best part though is being able to reuse it at will.

Stop by my Instagram for more crafty inspiration.

Craft On

~charity hotrum~

How To Make a Mixed Media Banner for Mom

Today's blog post is a Mixed Media Banner for Mom. Three 4x6 alphabet cards are attached to a garland of white roses, a yard long. I plan to slip the middle letter through the handle of a gift bag and let the M's drape down. 

~ MOM ~

This banner will be my entry for the April 15th Bleeding Arts Challenge: Add Stenciling. I used three different stencils, one for each alphabet card. For the Alladin Screen from Kite I used a lavender Embellishment Mousse from Tonic Studios. Liquitex Modeling Paste and a square frames stencil make the background for the O.

The second M uses a TCW reel stencil with ink and glimmer mist. The coloring was too subtle so I added dragonflies with a TCW stencil and blue Embellishment Mousse from Tonic Studios.

After allowing the media to cure I added fussy cut elements and diecuts to the first M. I attached the rose garland with tiny white brads as well as a large gem and pearl brad.

The O turned out very steampunk. The keys, chain and lock plate are all from my stash. The gears are 7gypsies. The bicycle diecut is Peachy Cheap, the Wings are Spellbinders, and the Zephyr is Amazon.

The second M has fussy cut rabbits, tiny Prima flowers, and a spray of Prima gems. The blue butterfly is a Prima flower with a petal removed, pinched in the middle, and a trio of gems added. Another gem and pearl combo of brads attach this card to the garland.

The fabulous Letters are punched from copper Rinea Foiled Paper. I used a WeRMrk Alphabet Punchboard to form the letters.

It can be tricky to capture the shine of Rinea Foiled Paper on camera. In person the glow is luxury at its finest! It meshes perfectly with the assortment of Blue Fern Studios papers I used for these cards.

Hope you found a way to spoil your Mom this weekend.

Scrap On!

~charity hotrum~

How To Make A Stunning Mixed Media Mermaid

This stunning mixed media card has a mermaid silhouette made from Calambour 3D Glossy Gel. The gel was applied thickly through a stencil with a brush to leave a nubby texture. Foiled and patterned paper in a Copper and Turquoise color scheme offer the reader a Great Day. 

 The base of this card is a 4x6" piece of patterned cardstock. I placed a slightly smaller paper over it, then painted the edges with Chalkboard Mist.

 I pair of concentric ovals in copper and turquoise shape the center. Best Glue Ever in scant amounts holds the foiled paper to the base.

 The mermaid is painted on the center piece with a home made stencil and 3D Glossy Gel.

 After allowing the mermaid to dry thoroughly, a few stripes of Best Glue Ever secure the top oval in place.

 The sentiment is popped up with the help of craft foam and dots of Best Glue Ever. The No-Clog Writing Cap ensures the glue goes only where it is needed.

  A cluster of shell stickers adorn the corner and the card is complete.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper:Authentique
Foiled Paper:Rinea
Mermaid Stencil:Amazon Die
Stickers:Bella Blvd
Chalkboard Mist:Tattered angels
3D Glossy Gel:Calambour

Scrap On

~charity~