Majestic Beauty Handmade Book with LPC & Urban Snapshots stamps {by Ann Barnes}

Hi everyone, it's Ann here and I am so happy to be back with you today.

This year on the blog, we have free reign to do a deep dive into  PaperArtsy product ranges of our choosing. When I was looking through my PaperArtsy Urban Snapshot stamps, one of the sayings stood out to me. The stamp: MAJESTIC BEAUTY PERSONIFIED had me thinking about combining these wonderful architectural designs with some of the beautiful Lynne Perrella images. 

Today I'm looking forward to sharing with you how I combined the combined these stamps creating layered pages, resulting in my own version of MAJESTIC BEAUTY PERSONIFIED.

My handmade book contains layered pages that, when paired, combine an architectural element with a Lynne Perrella beautiful female face images. I enjoyed exploring all the possible different combinations.

The images are all stamped onto faux parchment backgrounds. While I was intent on the pages having a classical appearance, I knew that I would need to utilize a heavier paper weight. I will share how I achieved this look, using Distress Inks, and PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints.

For this Post I focused on combining PaperArtsy Urban Snapshots 'Arched Apertures' Stamp sets (USAA1, USAA2, USAA3, USAA4) with Lynne Perrella Collection Set 36 (LPC036) as well one of the Lynne Perrella Collection Mini stamps (LPM05) that is a slightly larger version of one of the female images in Set 36. All of the images were stamped with a black pigment ink.

For the backgrounds I used PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic Paints in Buff (FF96) and Heavy Cream (FF203), as well as Distress Ink (antique linen).

The chipboard book front and back were covered with specialty papers, while the interior pages are Bristol paper. Waxed linen thread is used for the slip knot binding.

The first consideration when creating a book is what size it will be. Make sure that your pages will fit the images you want to include. For this book, I measured the largest stamp that would be used and then allowed for a border. Take into account what type of binding method you will use, as this may require additional length along the bound side. when cutting pages, be sure to cut some extra in case you make a mistake or decide to add a few. I also like to punch any holes needed before I begin.

Cut the covers to match the page size. I like to use recycled chipboard for my covers. The backings from old notebooks or sketchpads works really well.

I intend to have use this ornamental grate image as an inset on my cover. Placing it where I want it, I mark the location and cut a hole into the chipboard. This will allow it to be seen when the cover is closed, hinting at what is to come when the book is opened.

Once I verify that everything will work, I cover the chipboard with my specialty paper and am ready to move to preparing the inside pages.

As I mentioned, I wanted the book pages to have a classical feel. I dipped each of the pieces of Bristol in Distress ink (antique linen). Then I added PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic in Heavy Cream to tone down the appearance. Using a sponge applicator, I dab lightly across the page. I allow this to dry then add another sponged layer of the heavy cream paint. I compare this to the piece of specialty paper that I will be using for my cover, but it is still too brown.

Next, I add a layer of PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic in Buff. For this layer I use a piece of natural sponge and with a gentle touch, sponging randomly across the pages. This adds more depth and brings in color that will tie into the covers. I love the outcome.

The pages coordinate nicely with the cover papers.

Now it is time to get inky with some stamps!

 

I start by stamping the architectural designs onto pages. To ensure that the images are stamped correctly, I use my stamping platform. This allows any necessary repeat-stamping to be easily aligned on a second pass. Since I sponged the paint onto the pages, it may require multiple layers of ink to ensure a solid image, because the surface underneath is likely to not be entirely flat due to the texture of sponged paint on the background layer.

When I have all these pages stamped, I cut out the sections that will allow the page below to show through. You can save these cut-outs for a different project.

I wanted to get a feel for which images I would pair together, so I stamped everything onto tissue paper to play around with. These pieces will be put to use later on in my process as well, and after my book is completed I can use them for layers in an art journal spread.

When I have selected which images I want to show through the different openings, I return to the stamping platform. Now to align the faces so that they show through the openings properly.

This next step is a bit tricky, but once you figure it out, the remaining pages are relatively easy to do following these same steps. Layer the pages: blank page on the bottom, stamped tissue image, then the book page with the opening on top. Check that the book pages are directly on top of one another, then secure with magnets.

Remove the top page (stamped and cut architectural image) ONLY. Secure the bottom page and tissue image in place.

Do your best to align the stamp where you believe it goes, then close the stamp platform so that the stamp attaches to the cover. Place an additional piece of tissue paper over both layers (page and stamped tissue). Ink the stamp and stamp onto new tissue. This step allows you to verify that you have placed your stamp correctly (without wasting a painted book page).

Verify the stamp placement is how you want it, then remove all of the tissue layers and stamp directly onto the prepared page.

Set aside to dry. I used Versafine pigment ink to stamp onto the painted pages. This type of ink is a beautiful black, but can be slow drying on paint. A heat tool can help.

Once all of the pages were complete, I added touches of gold to the images. I also used colored pencils on the Lynne Perrella images.

Stack the pages and covers in the desired order and bind them together. I used a slip knot binding to put my book together. This is a simple binding method for loose pages. This binding also allows for the book to open flat, which is one of my favorite aspects. You can find a few tutorials online by searching "slip knot binding".

 

The details...

There are so many different PaperArtsy stamp designs that this technique could be applied with, even using different themes; all it takes is a bit of imagination. Perhaps the entire book could even be a bit more interactive, keeping the openings as flaps instead of completely removed. You might even utilize the technique for a card front with a gorgeous interior. The possibilities are endless.

I am so happy you stopped by today, I hope that you have been inspired to grab couple different stamp sets and experiment with them to create something unique!

~Ann

Blog: aksbarchitect CREATES
Facebook: Ann Sullivan Barnes
Instagram: @aksbarchitect

Fabric Painting with NEW Tracy Scott Stamps {by Nikki Acton}

Hi everyone, Nikki (a2a.craft) here, with something a little different from me.

Last week saw the release of new stamps and stencils from Tracy Scott and I have the pleasure of creating with them today. Having recently taken up sewing I decided to introduce my relatively new sewing 'skills' with Tracy's stamps and stencils.

I have made a zipped pouch (make up bag or for anything you fancy!) from an old pillow case decorated with stamped images and stencilling.

I am not sharing the details of the pouch construction (I have included the link below from the lady's pattern and video tutorial I used) but am sharing my experience of working on fabric.

I chose to work with Tracy Scott stamp set TS097 along with PaperArtsy stencils PS462 and PS464 (designed by Tracy Scott).

I selected my main colours as Fresco Chalk Acrylics Butternut (FF02), Bougainvillea (FF93) and Aquamarine (FF153). I selected these three to create high contrast as they are colours spread out on the colour wheel (a triadic colour combination).

My first job was to rip some sections of my pillow case to work on. They were around 25cm x 18cm. I started with five so I could experiment as I went, as this was a new experience for me. I knew I needed a minimum of two to make the pouch.

To create the backgrounds I mixed my selected paint with a little water and a fabric medium. I used Crafter's Acrylic Fabric Medium by DecoArt. I was a bit inconsistent with my mixing but it was approximately 2 parts paint to 1 part medium with a couple of sprays of water added.

I used a large sponge to gently sponge the colours onto the fabric (which I placed onto some scrap cardboard to absorb the moisture that soaks through the material).

At this point I started experimenting with stamping on the dry painted fabric. I found ink wasn't giving me the best outcome so started stamping using Fresco Chalk Acrylic, Little Black Dress (FF19). This worked perfectly - clear, bold images.

Next step was to take these backgrounds and add lots more interest.

 

I took two of my Bougainvillea / Butternut painted pieces of fabric and began stencilling on them using PaperArtsy stencils PS462 and PS464 by Tracy Scott. 

On each one I used Fresco Chalk Acrylics in Aquamarine, Bougainvillea and Chalk (FF83). I also added some stamped images from Tracy Scott stamp set TS097.

Once this was all dry I split each piece and inserted the Aquamarine painted fabric with my sewing machine.

This gave me the 2 pieces of fabric for my pouch. You can find the sewing tutorial I followed on YouTube - here.

As usual I had leftovers to work with and wanted to use some of the large flowers I had stamped on the painted fabric. I made some simple stencilled and stamped backgrounds on card ready for the flowers.

I love the idea of creating my own patterned fabric - whether for a sewing project or as a layer on a card or journal page.

The fabric flowers (top 2 cards) were adhered using glue. (The yellow flower is stamped and coloured on card).

By adding a little water to the fabric flower I could add some additional layers of paint and blend the colours together. (Some Stickles added for a little bling!)

Blog: Addicted to Art

Instagram: @a2a.craft

Pinterest: nikacton

YouTube: Nikki Acton