Color is something that has always captured me and when I first saw our guest designer's work I hoped that I would one day have the honor of meeting her. That wish came true at this year's Winter CHA. Elizabeth Allan was working in the Penny Black booth when we stopped by and I was giddy with excitement when Elizabeth said yes to my invitation to share her creativity here in the CLASSroom!
You can find more of Elizabeth's fabulous work at the blog that she shares with Jill Foster titled Studio Sessions. Elizabeth talent showcases the Penny Black and Inchie Arts products for whom she designs in an absolutely fabulous way! I know that you will be inspired when you visit their blog!
Please join me in thanking Elizabeth for sharing this fabulous Art Book by heading over to her blog Studio Sessions. Simply leave a comment on the post showing the package of goodies shown below - these goodies are our way of thanking you for taking the time to visit and explore Elizabeth's blog. Please leave a comment on her blog post about being a guest here by March 19th to be included in the random drawing hosted there.
Thank you so much Elizabeth for this sharing how to create this fabulous little art book - it was so fun to meet you and have you join us here in the CLASSroom this month!! -Ellen
Hello everyone! It’s an honor to be today’s guest designer in Ellen’s CLASSroom.
One of my many loves when creating art is to make three-dimensional pieces. So, when Ellen asked if I could stop by for a visit and share some “color”, I immediately thought of creating a small art book. A little something you could use as a personal notebook, tiny scrapbook, mini watercolor/mixed media journal, or a gift for a friend. For an antique flair, I aged the covers to give them the appearance of fabric.
Here’s a look at how I created this little booklet:
Step 1: Stamp Penny Black’s Poppy Pattern in Desert Sand Memento ink on two 4” white Art Squares.
Step 2: Lightly color the poppies with Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils. Applying the color in small, round circles will provide an even application and eliminate hard edges when water is applied.
This is an easy way to pre-plan color patterns and shading.
Step 3: This next step incorporates blending the watercolor pencil applied in the previous step and the application of Koi watercolors. Using a water brush or paintbrush, add the watercolors using the watercolor pencil as a guide. (I use the water brush like a paintbrush and do not fill the water chamber as it gives me more control of the water application.) Keep adding layers of color until the desired intensity is achieved. The background between the flowers was painted in a soft blue.
Step 4: This is the part where the Art Squares start to appear as if they have been covered in fabric. When the watercolors have dried, apply a light layer of Desert Sand Memento ink with a jumbo sponge dauber.
Step 5: To seal the colors and give the book covers a subtle sheen, apply a coat of Gel Medium. It gives the piece a sumptuous finish as well as added durability. I have the best results using my finger for the application.
Step 6: While the book covers are drying, cut a piece of watercolor paper to measure 4 x 12 inches.
Score the paper at 4, 4 ½, 5, 5 ½, 6, 6 ½, 7, 7 ½, 8. Fold the pleats as shown. As a visual reference, gluing areas are noted here which will be part of Step 7.
Step 7: Stamp the inside front and back panels with Penny Black’s Decadence in Desert Sand Memento ink. Apply the glue (Glossy Accents) to the scored areas indicated in the previous step to form the pleats.
Step 8: Cut 4 pieces of watercolor paper to measure 4 x 8. Score each panel in half. Glue the panels to the pleats. (Tip/Hint: Dry fit the panels on the pleats to see that they do not overhang the covers. The panels may need to be trimmed slightly.) Ink the edges of the Art Square covers with a black (110) Copic marker. Glue the front and back panels of the booklet to the covers.
Thank you for joining me the CLASSroom.
Wishing you a day filled with colorful, dimensional happiness!
-Elizabeth
