I'm pretty excited to share this project... it's been under wraps for a while! A month or so ago, I got a chance to work with Maria's new stencil from StencilGirl called Doodle It Borders.
Pretty cool, huh? I thought this would be awesome to use with some of the Pergamano techniques I've been playing around with, so I pulled out some vellum and my embossing tools and started playing. In the end, I decided to make all the pieces into a book and I LOVE it!
And, in my first ever blog video, here's a walk-through of the inside of the book. (This was just a quickie with my iPhone... one of these days soon I'll get an actual video camera with some editing software! But this worked okay for my first video, I think. Apologies for the vertical view - I wasn't thinking about how it would look when I uploaded it. Oops!)
Here's a quick overview of how I did the vellum pages. I'll admit... it can get a tad tedious. I did most of this sitting in front of the TV which helped a lot.)
First, I embossed the borders. Just use a stylus and a foam pad underneath - I have a Pergamano pad, but you could probably use some thick craft foam or something similar. I use wax with my stylus to help it glide better. You have to watch your pressure or it will tear through the vellum. I might have done that a few times, but you can work around it.
Next was the paper piercing part. (Say that 5 times fast!) I used Pergamano tools, but you could just use a needle or skip this part. I wanted to get some more texture into the design. I also cut out a few pieces from one of them.
Then I got some watercolor pencils and started coloring. This was about the point where I decided each one was going to be its own color, but I hadn't yet thought about keeping each signature the same color.
This is the "ugly phase" that my project went through. I almost chucked it and went another route, but decided to see if maybe my Liquid Pearls could save the day. (Duh. Of course they could!!!)
As I was getting everything ready to make the signatures and start binding, I decided it would be really cool to have each signature be the same color, so I dug out patterned papers that went with each design and cut it all down to size, then bound it up.
The cover was painted with iridescent Pebeo paints and DecoArt black gesso, then detailed with more Liquid Pearls.
There you go! My finished book. The Doodle It Borders stencil couldn't have been more perfect for this project... I can't wait to play with it some more! (And while you're looking, check out Maria's other stencil that was released today - Doodle It Bigger!)
I know I already told you this....but this book and stencil technique is just amazing! Thank you for taking so much time making something so beautiful with my new stencil. Love seeing all the step-outs and details :)
Posted by: Maria McGuire | February 25, 2015 at 11:27 PM
Oh my gosh, Gwen! This is EXQUISITE!!
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Mary C. Nasser | February 26, 2015 at 04:45 AM
Thanks so much! And I know I've already said it too, but thanks for letting me play with your awesome new stencil!
Posted by: Gwen Lafleur | February 26, 2015 at 10:05 AM
Wow! Fabulous. I want it!!!!! Beautiful pages, binding, and colors. And as a bonus, I learned a new art technique!
Posted by: Vicki ross | February 26, 2015 at 01:14 PM
WOW WOW WOW!!! What a journal - you have created an amazing journal!!
Posted by: Carolyn Dube | February 26, 2015 at 01:23 PM
Ohhh Gwen, This is beautiful! Great completed journal...and your vellum pages are fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Janet | February 26, 2015 at 06:09 PM
This is one of the most innovative things I've seen in a while--thank you for showing the step-by-step--what a transformation after adding the liquid pearls! And I love the color-themed signatures. Just love this journal--awesome! BTW you have a great voice on the video so video should prove to be a great medium for you--will look forward to more.
Posted by: Rebecca Buchanan | February 27, 2015 at 08:11 AM
Thanks so much Rebecca! I've actually got a video camera picked out, I just need to get it and figure out how to edit the videos and all that. :)
Posted by: Gwen Lafleur | February 27, 2015 at 08:26 AM
WOW! Just over the top gorgeous! Love what you created with Maria's stencils <3
Posted by: MargieH | February 27, 2015 at 01:09 PM
I love your book and the borders, your work with the radiant pearls is stunning. your talent is such an inspiration.
Posted by: Glenda Hoagland | February 27, 2015 at 02:37 PM
this turned out so great! Love it.
Posted by: Margaret Griffiths | February 28, 2015 at 08:30 AM
Gorgeous, and what a fantastic stencil!
Posted by: [email protected] | January 27, 2016 at 06:28 PM
Thank you so much Carol! Didn't Maria do a fantastic job designing that stencil? I love that one :)
Posted by: Gwen Lafleur | January 28, 2016 at 04:19 PM