Snarky Cat and Alice with their Flying Friends

Snarky Cat is hiding under the brolly, held spellbound by all the birds flying about... he knows its lucky if they drop anything squishy on his head, but ew!

The quote I've written using Tim Holtz Idea-ology stickers (Halloween and Small Talk) say ... watching and waiting, held spellbound. When nothing is sure, everything is possible (so) stay curious.
Looking back as I write this blog post, I am wondering who's doing the watching and waiting, Snarky Cat, Alice or the vultures, I mean sparrows. lol :)

How this art journal page was created...

Above ... a few of my favourite things used for this journal art page : from left, Tim Holtz Sizzix Thinlits 'Silhouette Birds', Dina Wakley MEdia Collage Tissue 'Flying Things' and Dyan Reaveley Dylusions Dyalog Insert Book 'Backgrounds 3'.

First, gather the outer scraps from diecutting lots of Tim Holtz Sizzix Silhouette Birds out of Tim Holtz Heavystock Kraft. 

Next, roughly cut around the flocks of birds from Dina Wakley MEdia Collage Tissue, and choose a background inside the Dylusions Dyalog Insert Book. 

Using a paintbrush, apply Dina Wakley MEdia Gel Medium to the back a piece of tissue, layer it into place on the Dyalog page then smooth it down with the same brush. Repeat for the rest of the flock. The white paper may disappear as it dries, however this result (for me) varies like the weather. Wash your brush before the gel dries!

It is best to use a craft mat or glass media mat so this next step of a painted layer doesn't stick to your table as it dries. I have used white scrap paper underneath to make it easier for you to see what I've done.

Use a paintbrush with Dylusions Acrylic Paint in Black Marble to paint, cover the whole die cut piece. Lift carefully while wet and place it loosely down again (on your mat or a drying tray), so it is easier to pick up once dry. Leave to dry.

If you used a black sheet of cardstock instead of kraft, you can skip this step and go straight into sponging shadows.

Apply lighter colours using a coarse sponge. I've used Distress Paint in Lost Shadow (shown above) and Dylusions Acrylic Paint in Balmy Night.

Dabbing lightly to keep a speckled effect, work the colours to be darkest at the top and lightest near the bottom of the piece. Leave to dry. Wash your brush and sponge before the paint dries!

After the paint has completely dried, brush on Collage Medium or Gel Medium to the back (as above). Lay this piece over the background of flying birds. Work fairly quickly so the glue does not dry before you have it in place.

Alternatively, use the Tim Holtz Collage Medium in the bottle or a glue stick. Some like to use staples or adhesive tape to secure layers too.
If you have trouble with lining up layers, keeping layers in place or glue dries faster than you can work, simply use pegs or hinge clips to hold the two layers together first. Then keeping one side attached so it doesn't move, lift the loose side and apply glue however you wish, using what works for you. Press the layer down, put the clip back on to hold that still and repeat for the other side. Remember, it is art, therefore doesn't matter if it is crooked or upside down!

Rummaging through my stash of stamped leftovers and paper embellishments, I picked out Snarky Cat stamped onto Distress Heavystock White Paper from the Tim Holtz Snarky Cat Halloween set, the umbrella from Idea-Ology Engravings Layers, Silhouette Birds cut out of kraft Heavystock, and a fussy cut Alice in Wonderland figure from the 8x8 Stamperia Paper Pad. I used a black fine pen and white gel pen to draw on birds' eyes.

Have a wonder through your alphabet Thinlits die cutting sets, alphabet stamps, quote stamps or Idea-ology stickers to say something, tell a story, share your thoughts, add song lyrics or write a poem.

Hope this creative journaling page inspires you to have a go, play with colours, use up those scraps you've been saving for that opportune moment and have a fabulous messy time!

Happy Creative Day!

:)

Jenny

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