It has been a little while since I have shared one of my art journal spreads, so I thought I would do so today as a plug for next week’s art journaling session here at The Studio. I’m also sharing the stages the layout went through to get from where I started to the finished article. ‘Maps’ is the theme this month and you’re very welcome to join us on Monday at 7:30pm for the session where you will create your own take on the theme. All materials are provided, and you can get a suitable journal from me for just £2 if you don’t have one already. Just let me know if you’d like to attend. Here’s my finished layout:
Used to create this maps-themed layout
- Schminke Akademie Acryl Color: Titanium White
- DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint: Ultra Blue Deep / Bright Blue
- Ordnance Survey map (Landranger 170)
- Darkroom Door Word Block Stamp: Journey [DDWB005]
- Stampers Anonymous / Tim Holtz mini-stencils: Arrows [THMS025] / Traveller [THMS043]
- That’s Crafty! Dinky Stencil: Arrows Background [tc006]
- Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Chipped Sapphire
- Ranger / Tim Holtz Distress Oxide: Chipped Sapphire / Tumbled Glass
- DecoArt Americana Acrylic Sealer/Finisher: Matte [DAS13]
- Stampers Anonymous / Tim Holtz rubber stamps:
- Mini Blueprints 3 [CM150]
- Words for Thought [CMS132]
- Kaisercraft Clear Stamp: Postmarks [CS802] / Now Boarding [CS163]
- Stampendous Perfectly Clear Stamp set: Travel Words [SSC164]
- Kaisercraft Collectibles: Now Boarding [CT783]
- Tim Holtz Idea-ology Ephemera Pack: Expedition
- Yes! Paste (all-purpose stik flat glue)
My starting point: random application of spare acrylic paint from other layouts resulted in this abstract background.
Using the ‘Yes!’ paste (which doesn’t crinkle the paper) I stuck down sections of the map.
Add stamped words with white acrylic paint over the darkest areas of the background. Remember to wash the paint from the stamp straight away.
Use stencils and stamps and the two blue shades of acrylic paint to break up the lightest areas of the layout.
Blend the edges of the page with the distress ink and soften the edges of the map pieces in the same way. Seal the distress ink with the spray sealer to stop it moving in future layers.
Blend the distress ink over the edges of the ephemera and stick down with Yes! glue. If you screw up the pieces first, the wrinkles will pick up more ink and help create an aged look. Dab off the ink with a baby wipe if you wish to soften the inking.
Finally, for your focal point, stamp the sentiment in the darkest shade of distress oxide, then again with the lightest for a bit of variation (I used a stamping platform to keep everything lined up). Cut out and stick down. Let everything dry before shutting your journal!