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.
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.
The pages coordinate nicely with the cover papers.
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.
Verify the stamp placement is how you want it, then remove all of the tissue layers and stamp directly onto the prepared page.
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
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