I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite things to do: make background papers. Background papers are the foundations for my art journals, cards and Art Journal Pockets (even more so as there is a lot to say on that 2.5”X3.5” rectangle). I want to be able to get my story across on those 9 pockets, so foundation is important. Like most of you have experienced, I’m sure, time can be limited and I’m always looking for a way to get it done faster without losing quality or impact. A while ago, I was rushing to complete a project when I looked down and saw some amazing color and dimension on my spray sheet. I quickly took it to my scanner and have been playing and saving my spray sheets ever since. I hope you find some inspiration and wonderful background papers in this share.
I want a good color blend and the illusion of some great texture. Why the illusion of great texture and not the real thing? Over time gesso, gel medium, paint, etc. will react with the plastic sleeves causing distortion and discoloration. So illusion it is for my AJP backgrounds.
One of my favorite things to use are my spray sheets. I have several in use at any given time and I’m hard pressed to discard them unless they’re falling apart. They mutate over time and are layered with paint, gesso, washi tape, masking tape and bits of paper that have adhered to the wet substances. One of my spray sheets is a mat for one of my die cutting machines and it’s my all time favorite, in size it’s 12”X12” and will probably never fall apart.
My Spray Sheet
By taking the spray sheet to my scanner and scanning in just a portion of the image I am able to get an abstract background with a lot of depth. After scanning I open the file in PhotoShop and crop it to 2.5”X11” and save it to my desktop. Then with my Silhouette Software (a photo editing software, PhotoShop or PS Elements will do the same thing), I import and copy it so that I have three images on one 8 ½” X 11” page and then print it out. This gives me 9 - 2.5” X 3.5” backgrounds for my AJPs.
This is the portion I chose for my AJPs
The next image is my completed AJP, I left the last three cards blank so that you see the texture and dimension achieved in the individual cards.
I love using Tangie Baxter and Rebecca McMeen images. I love Tangie’s freestyle and wild random color, Rebecca’s feminine, soft and muted colors. When I am doing AJP pages I also want my fingerprint on the cards. It all creates a synergy, (synergy being - the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects.), backgrounds are a wonderful way of achieving this. For this page I used kits from TB&CO: Tangie’s “Wizard Boarding School” kit available in The Vault, “Bestiary of Beasties” kit and Rebecca’s “Wren” kit, the pen
is from my stash.
For more information on Art Journal Pockets visit Art Journal Pockets- Tangie Baxter & Co.
[Posted by: Sandi Kelly]
My fellow Tangie Baxter & CO Art Journal Emporium partner Susan and I have the best job in the world! On Mondays we will be right here on the blog sharing with you some of the treasures we’ve discovered among the many wonderful AJE Challenge submissions from the previous week. So sit back and take a look! If you enjoy what you see, please take a moment to leave them some love!
Let’s start with this wonderfully vibrant banner created by Jenny for the Day of the Dead Craft Party. I especially love the two end flags!
Jenny’s credits: TB&CO’s Day of the Dead {CUATRO}, Day of the Dead {DOS} and Day of the Dead {UNO}..
Next we have this gorgeous two-page spread submitted by Kay Oft for the AJE October Challenge. Love how she’s peeking through the spider’s web!
Kay’s credits: Rebecca McMeen's “Crispin” and Tangie Baxter's “Spinning Daydreams” which were part of the October TB&CO Grab Bag and will be available as individual kits soon. Also used was Rebecca's I am Raven.
And finally we have a somber piece submitted by Karon Willams for the AJE November Challenge. The juxtaposition of the towers, the birds and the quote simply takes one’s breath away.
Karon’s Cedits: TB&CO’s November Grab Bag, PHOTO and OVERLAY from web, FONT: Mariah.
Congratulations and a big thanks to Jenny, Kay Oft and Karon Williams for gifting us with this week’s gems. That’s all for today... Be sure to check back next Monday to see the treasures Susan uncovers!
For more information on the Art Journal Emporium vist Art Journal Emporium - Tangie Baxter & CO
[Posted by: Glenda Mulac]
Today, I took a trip to the grocery store and saw the saddest display I’ve seen in quite some time: the gym class reject pumpkins. You know the ones I’m talking about. It was a pretty depressing sight! Now, I know that we tend to jump straight from Halloween to Christmas, but people… this madness must stop!
Just because Halloween is over, doesn’t mean you have to abandon the fall décor. We are still knee deep in autumn folks, so here's a project for you to help make use of all those poor pumpkins that didn’t get picked for dodgeball.
Poe Pumpkin
Supplies
Steps
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Paint the pumpkin with a mixture of Mod Podge® and white paint.
- Download and print Art*ionary papers. Rip 'em up!
- Paint a stripe of Modge Podge® on the pumpkin and the back of the paper, place and smooth. Place other papers as desired. Cover with a thin layer of Mod Podge®.
- Download and print bird elements. Cut & Mod Podge® them to the pumpkin.
- Draw and paint around the edges of the ravens.
You now have a unique fall decoration or centerpiece that is sure to be a conversation starter! Now that you've got the hang of it, here are a few more fun designs for you to try:
Give Thanks Pumpkin
Supplies
Steps
- Paint pumpkin desired color, with a mixture of acrylic paint and Mod Podge®.
- Add desired lettering.
- Print a variety of leaves, flowers, and flourishes
- Layer elements in a cluster, much in the same way you might on a digital layout.
- Paint the pumpkin with Mod Podge®, paint the back of the papers, and place in desired location. Paint each layer with a small amount of Mod Podge®. Add other 3d elements as desired.
- Seal up the project with a thick layer of Mod Podge® and voilà!
Patchwork Pumpkin
Supplies
Steps
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Print papers, try using a variety of colors and patterns. Cut into shapes, I started with squares and rectangles and trimmed them along the way as I needed.
- Mod Podge® the pieces, like a quilt, until the entire pumpkin is covered.
- Seal the finished project with a thin layer of Mod Podge®.
- Finish up the project using a permanent marker to cover the seams with stitches.
There you have it! Three fun and simple DIY decoupage pumpkin ideas, using your stash of digital scrapbook products, to spice up your fall decor!
How are you using digital products in your fall projects this year?
Share with us in the comments.
[posted by Karli-Marie]
*Trigger Warning: This post contains discussions of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss*
We hardly ever talk about it, not with our loved ones and certainly not in mixed company. Yet, it is with us, always. It has become a part of who we are: pregnancy and infant loss survivors. Many of us bear this weight in needless silence. Others don’t allow time to mourn at all, trying to be strong for those around us. Our losses come in many forms and no two stories are alike.There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but despite the isolation you may feel, one thing is for certain: You are not alone.
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10-20% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage each year. 1
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24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States each year. 2
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Every year 3,500 infants die from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. 3
In 1988 Ronald Reagan declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, yet despite this proclamation almost 30 years ago, many are still entrenched in seclusion and shame, unable to share their stories. But, as author Brené Brown writes “owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” So, today I will be brave. I will share my story and art journal. I will live a wholehearted life and attempt to empower others to do the same.
[Remember: Created with supplies from Tangie Baxter’s Eerie Shadows Bundle and Art Journal Caravan Workshop Expedition 2014, watercolors, acrylic paint, and markers]
In 2007 I suffered a blighted ovum. Development ceased at seven weeks, but it took my body five more to catch up. And so, at 12 weeks, after heavy spotting sent me to the emergency room, I received the news that I already felt in my heart. I had lost another pregnancy.
This particular loss was different. Unlike my previous losses, this pregnancy was public knowledge. Everyone knew, everyone celebrated and congratulated me: the mommy to be. My previous pregnancies were lost early and were not disclosed to anyone but my journal. There was pain and grief, but it was mine alone to bear.
This miscarriage was incomparable. The physical pain was excruciating. My hormone levels were so off, it took my body months to return to normal. I wanted to heal and move on so desperately, but my body would just not let go. Yet, the physical pain paled in comparison to the emotional toll it took on me.
You see, it wasn’t just a pregnancy that was lost. It was the hopes and dreams tied to it. It took time to mourn a future that would never come. As with all forms of grief and loss, there is no cookie cutter solution, only time can heal. But, if I had to go through the process again, here are some places I would start:
Lean in and let yourself feel
Try not to gloss over your pain. It is hard and exhausting, but allowing yourself to take the time to truly process your emotions is so important to the healing process.
Secure your oxygen mask first
When an airplane is in distress and oxygen masks are deploy, the rule of thumb is to put on your mask first before you can help those around you. The same concept rings true here. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, you are worthy of self-care.
Seek solitude not isolation
Take time to be by yourself, but remember that you are not alone. Reaching out to friends and family who love and support you can be crucial in times of loss. If you feel like no one close to you will understand, there are many online support groups that will embrace you. Find a place where others can commiserate and celebrate your strength and courage.
Journal and create art. Often.
In the words of Tangie Baxter “It’s showing up even when we feel “uninspired” and work through it. So much can be learned, so much joy found and our minds healed through creativity.” Art journaling is a great place to begin the healing process.
Practice gratitude
It’s easy to practice gratitude when things are good. Yet, practicing gratitude is even more important during times of need. If you already have a gratitude journal, keep on writing. If you are not familiar with the practice, start by writing down five things you are grateful for every day. Studies show that those who practice gratitude are happier and healthier for it.5
Share your story
It may take days, months, or years to be able to talk about your loss. When it is time you will know. Bottling up your experience and putting it on a shelf is a great way to feed the loneliness within. Connection, awareness, and understanding bring us one step closer to defeating the sense of shame and guilt that often accompanies pregnancy loss and infant death.
Are you ready to be brave and share your story or tackle an art journal page about your loss? Please share with us in the comments below.
[posted by Karli-Marie]
You can purchase a subscription, where you automatically get the grab bag every month at the $6 price!
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Have you ever wished you could hang out with Tangie in her studio? Her 5th Annual October Weekend Workshop is right around the corner and there are a few spots left! We'd love to have you join us for one of our favorite events of the year.
This year's theme is Gypsy-inspired for some festive fun. We're going to have a spectacular weekend filled with art, delicious food and new friends. Come create with us! This annual workshop is something we look forward to each year!
Visit ArtspirationStudio.com for all the details and to reserve your spot. Hope you can join us!
PS: The weather in Arizona is beautiful this time of year!
[Posted by Stacy Crookston]
WOW! We have been overwhelmed by the amount of applications we received. Thank you so very much to each and every single one of you who applied. If you applied you will be getting an email sometime this evening (please remember I'm on Arizona time!) with our decision. We will be announcing the crew to the public sometime in the next week as we work through all the necessary steps to get everyone set up and team agreements signed (our originally scheduled announcement date of October 1st was a little overzealous)! Thank you again, to everyone who applied...the future is looking bright here at TB&CO!
It only happens once every few years! We're looking for a few good hands who'd love to get their hands on TB&CO workshops and products for FREE! Would you like to join the crew? Fill out an application [here], where you can also find out more details. Please help us spread the word, share this with anyone you think might be a good fit or with everyone you know :)!
The summer is just flying by, isn’t it? As fun as June and July were, I’m excited for August! Want to know why? Here’s a quick look at what’s going on in the Art Journal Emporium this month.
First of all The Daily Art Dose is up for August. This mini-workshop provides a one-word prompt for the day to inspire a quick artistic creation. Sketch, photograph, paint, sing, dance…whatever works for you. Be sure to post in the class room and if you share on social media, tag your creations with #thedailyartdose and #artjournalemporium.
Next, the new ATC swap is gearing up. Our theme this month is monochromatic cards. All cards must be mailed by the 15th, so there is still time to get in on the swap!
Finally, the new book club has begun for the month focusing on Pam Carriker’s book, Creating Art at the Speed of Life. So far (it just opened today) Tangie posted a picture to get us started.
Mindy joined in with her own example as well.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. ~ Thomas Merton
It’s a great month for art…join us in the emporium!
So, what’s going on this month?
ATC Swap
Did you get in on the ATC Swap? This month’s theme (due date was June 15) was gypsy and I’m super excited to see what everyone has done. Feel free to comment here with pictures! Want to get a head start on next month’s swap? The theme is ‘things with wings.’
Loyalty Reward Program
Have you been here the whole six months of the Emporium? There’s a super special workshop open just for you! Best of all, there is more coming! Stay tuned for more rewards.
Have you followed the Practically Imperfect in Every Way workshop? Have you posted your creations? You can share your art in the classroom, here on this blog as a comment, or on social media with the tags: #artjournalemporium and #thedailyartdose. Show us your practically imperfect art!
Savings & Deals
Tangie also let us know this month about Radiant II. This is an online workshop where Tangie is one of the guest instructors. This looks like a great workshop and Tangie even has scored a discount for Emporium members. Want to get some more info? (Link is an affiliate link that pays Tangie if you purchase through her link.)
Art Journal Emporium members also get a discount on the 2015 October Workshop taking place in Arizona! Who’s excited for that? I know I am!
If you’re interested in the Junque Journal class (starts Wednesday and I can’t wait), Tangie has even given a coupon in the Emporium for that workshop.
The I-want-it-all subscription option (C) for the Emporium has been lowered in price! Let Tangie know via email if you would like to upgrade or click here to get your subscription.
Whew! I guess Tangie needed a vacation after arranging all of that!
Download and Products
Also this month we’ve had the monthly Grab Bag released, a pack of digital papers, and a new collage sheet miniworkshop.
Then there is the zine for this month. The Tangerine Telescope this month features quotes. Which one was your favorite? Has it inspired you to do an art project on your favorite quote? Be sure to show us.
The Daily Art Dose
Then of course there is my favorite part of the Emporium. These mini-masterpieces really make me want to check in every day to see what’s been made. If you are sharing yours on social media, be sure to tag them with #artjournalemporium and #thedailyartdose.
Anne Lou’s layout has the most beautiful colors.
I can empathize with Kay on this one. Gardening makes it hard to sleep at night sometimes!
And Carol made us this fantastic creature!
There’s more of The Daily Art Dose on Instagram, so check them out there too!
Book Club
Here’s one of Tangie’s pages that help round out our exploration of Journal Spilling by Diana Trout.
I love the splash of color on Liz’s page
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That’s it for now, enjoy the rest of the month and remember to give yourself time to create.
Posted by: Becky Sasala
