2020 #2 A Hint of Spring: Fresh Art Journal Cover with EEV {by Lotte Kristensen}

2020 Topic 2: A Hint of Spring

Lotte's fab zingy journal is enough to get us all wishing for spring. The book-print background is really effective and the fussy cut leaves give real dynamism to the page. ~Keren

Hey everyone, it's Lotte here again, and I've been playing with some lovely, fresh, spring-like colours for my project - a new art journal, which had a rather boring black cover that was just *demanding* to get colourised!  I had some pages from a recent bout of gelli printing - I know I've said before how great Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics are for mono printing, because they stick much less than other paints, but they really are the best!!  I used Aquamarine, Granny Smith and Limelight mainly, with a few light touches of of Coral for contrast.  Together with the gorgeous Ellen Vargo stamp set, it made a really zingy cover:

So, these are the colours and stamps;

First, I stuck down a variety of old book pages with a glue stick, and then dry brushed all over with a very light coat of Heavy Cream.

Next, I got my gelli pages and Ranger Archival ink pads in Chartreuse, Garden Patina and Paradise Teal,

and then it was on to some stamping: I did all the stamps in all the colours!

Next, I cut out the individual shapes - perfect to do while you binge-watch your favourite show on Netflix :D

So, I played around with the layout a bit, before sticking down with a glue stick.  Let some of the leaves go over the edges, and cut off the excess, for a more natural look.

I filled in some of the gaps with smaller cut out pieces from the stamped images, before adding a bit of doodling with a fine felt tip pen.

And that's it!  I was quite pleased (for once) with the finished result. I love the contrast between the bright colours of the stamped images against the neutral background of the book pages.  I went on to do doodling on almost all of the pieces; it was fun to try and fit in as many different kinds of shapes and patterns as possible LOL!  Plus it feels like I've already overcome the 'blank page syndrome' of a brand new art journal by making this colourful cover, and am looking forward to filling it with lots of new ideas.

Until next time :)

Lotte

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