Tuesday 1 November 2011

did you blog hop here?

If you are participating in the UKS blog hop, you may have come here from 3 Jolly Scrappers .  Hope you enjoyed their project and didn’t forget to post a comment so that you can be in with a chance to win one of the prizes on offer.

First up, if you are new to my blog, a bit fat welcome to you! I’m Vicki, owner of a sprinkle of imagination where we have a passion for memories and getting messy! Which brings me nicely to our project - an accordion art journal, although, you could use it as a mini book rather than an art journal if you preferred.

To complete the project you’ll need:

a sheet of grungeboard (you know you have some, we all got it when it came out and then said – “now what?”)

a sheet of watercolour paper – I’ve used Windsor & Newton Bockingford 14x10 inch – 300gsm.  The size is the most important part, any watercolour paper will do, or you could substitute with a heavy weight cardstock. Check places like The Range or The Works.

Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints

Brushes and plastic palette knife

Ranger Craft Mat

Liquitex Acrylic Inks

Jenni Bowlin Paint Dabbers

Liquitex Gel Medium & Gesso

Stencil of choice

Waxed Thread and a charm

Stampotique stamps

and lastly – an old gift card.

 

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Start by applying a thin coat of gesso to both sides of your watercolour paper and grunge board.  Using an old gift card will help you get a thin coat. Let it dry on one side before you do the other.

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Once the gesso is dry, apply some gel medium through a stencil with a palette knife (easier to get the gel out of the pot that way as well) in patches to create some texture for your backgrounds.  I used the Crafters Worskhop small circle grid, a big favourite of mine at the moment.  You’ll notice that the dots left on one side were a bit black as lazy me hadn’t cleaned off the black paint from the last time I used it.  Again, you’ll need to let it dry before you do the second side.

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 While you’re waiting for everything to dry, select the colours you want to use to create your backgrounds. Add a little water to a small amount of paint and create a colour wash over both sides of the water colour paper and the grungeboard.  You’ll notice that the dry gel medium will create a resist.  If you want the resist to stand out more, then you can dab the still wet paint off, or if it’s started to dry, use a baby wipe or a slightly damp cloth to lift the excess paint off.  Keep applying the paint until you are happy with what you have.  Tip – use complimentary colours to avoid a muddy outcome. 

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The next later on the page is created by drawing circles with the Liquitex Acrylic Inks, if you are worried about getting round circles then you can always use one of the basic circle stencils as a guide to help you.  Acrylic Inks come in dropper bottles so I just used the dropper to draw with.

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This is the point where the size of the watercolour paper is perfect for working with the grundgeboard. Fold the watercolour paper in half – lengthways, and then cut it in half.

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Next, score and fold each half at 3 1/4 inch intervals.  You’ll have a small excess at the end, cut this off ONE of the lengths. The stick the two pieces together with gel medium, using one of the short lengths to overlap them. This will then make one long accordion piece.

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I’ve cut window in some of my pages, so if you want to do the same, this is the time to do it as it’s easier than when it’s stuck on to the cover.

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The grungeboard is to form the cover for your book.  Lay it down lengthways and find the centre, then mark half and score across the short side a half an inch either side, giving you a one inch wide spine for your book.

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Before you adhere your pages into your book, using a 1/16th inch punch, punch two holes in the back cover for the wax thread to go through and create your closure.

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I’ve used a 1 meter length of red waxed thread, may seem a lot, but it will wrap around your journal three times to make an attractive closure.  Wiggle the thread until you are happy it’s in the right place, then stick the last page of the accordion to the back cover with gel medium and let it dry.  You can then wrap the thread and decide where to add a charm.  To do this create a lose knot and add a charm to a jumping, thread through the know and tighten.

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You’re now ready to decorate the book, adding photo’s, or in my case stamped images and some doodling ready to add your journalling.

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Hope you’ve enjoyed the project and feel inspired to have a go!  If you do, please leave us a link so we can come and see your version.

Now a chance to win prizes!

If you’re a member on UKScrappers, and leave a comment on each blog TODAY you’ll be entered for a chance to win a prize, remembering to include your UKS ID so we know who you are.

Anyone posting a comment here will also be entered in with a chance to win a set of Claudine Hellmuth Mini Studio Paints and a winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday.

 

Next to visit is A Trip Down Memory Lane

If you get lost along the way you can go back to UKS and find the full list of blogs taking part here

 

189 comments:

Yizz said...

Thank you for such an inspiring project, I cant wait to have a go. UKS Yizzard

Tina Thomas said...

great tutorial. UKS tinasue

JT's crafty blog said...

I am going to be giving this a try it's rely good and right up my street
Thank you for sharing
Dusty fairy

Anonymous said...

I need to come back later when I've got more time
UKS Meggie

Anita said...

Really creativ work. UKS anita OT

Sam said...

Great project, love the vibrant colours. UKS Sam MC

suescope uks said...

A beautiful, inspiring project thanks

Anita said...

Really creativ work, love the colours. UKS anita OT

Anonymous said...

Wow, I don't think I'd be brave enough to try something like that, but with your step by step tutorial, who knows - may be one day. UKS lkl_fawcett

suescopes uks said...

a beautiful, inspirational project thanks

Dawn said...

What a fabulous project - might turn my hand to that

UKS - dawntracey

Tracey said...

I think it is a great project. I love new ideas UKS traceyjp1

Tracey said...

I think it is a great project. I love new ideas. UKS traeyjp1

Anonymous said...

I need to make one of these. Thanks for all the layering tips.

uks Beadmad

kjjc said...

fabulous easy to follow tutorial

Curly said...

Ooh this is super, I have a pal who I'll send for a look too. UKS name Kaydd

HilaryB said...

Fabulous. I haven't had a messy play for ages and I think I have everything I need for this......Tigerlady

Unknown said...

That's brilliant-I'm gonna do that for sure!! uks wombat

Ali said...

Thanks for sharing - great instructions and the paints are lovely. AliTS on UKS

lemon said...

thanks for the great techniques uks lemon

Unknown said...

Love the inky, mixed media project. On the blog hop but will visit again! UKS anna _fran

The cockney crafter said...

what a great little project thank you, love the effects will be giving this a try cockneycrafter uks

Yolanda said...

Wow amazing UKS Scrappyyo

Lou said...

wow a fantastic project! UKS Louise172

Eleanor said...

Great techniques, lovely result, think I'd better get some gel medium, lol.
UKS snipper

Anna said...

Great mini book, will be back to have a go! Uks yorkiegirl

Fuchsia said...

Thanks for the inspiration I have bookmarked for later date I will definitely be putting this on my to do list
fuchsia10

Penny aka Pennyk said...

fab project- pennyk on UKS

gwyneth said...

Great tutorial, don't normally do messy but this looks very inspiring, will be back later to read it properly ! gwyneth 123 UKS

Claire said...

I've never tried anything like this before, but it's very inspiring! Thanks!
Clairewill on UKS

Karen said...

Brilliant - I will definitely add it to my ever increasing 'to do' list :) Kitty Crafts UKS

Scrapping4fun said...

Fab project! Alison-lee

Dawn said...

Fabulous tutorial, Thanks Mrs Cheshire

Bernice Hopper said...

Love your little book. I'm hopberni on UKS

Scattychick said...

Ooooh I love it I want to do an art journal but wasn't sure where to start but I am going to have a go at this Thanks :). On UKS I am Scattychick also

Leanie said...

Wicked album - and now I have to get some gel medium!
UKS Leanie
www.craftaholicleanie.com

My not so simple life said...

So pretty, love all the colours. UKS gemmasteele

My not so simple life said...

great project, love all the colours. UKS gemmasteele

Anonymous said...

This is a great tutorial, I've never done anything like this before but I'd love to try it.
Thank you
Chris
UKS DippyD

Minty Magic said...

That is beautiful. I am not very good at these type of projects - I am bit too structured, but you have definitely inspired me to have a go.
UKS Minty Magic

Anonymous said...

Great tutorial - lovely project!

Fae K said...

Always wanted to try art journaling but daunted by the 'art' bit. This tut makes it look so easy. Going to give it a go ... bookmarking.
UKS Fae

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Great tutorial, with lots of techniques to try. I've not visited your blog before, but recognise you from the AJ thread on UKS.

jampot said...

A great project to get grubby with. I love it! :)
UKS jampot

Ifa said...

Great tutorial, thank you.

eClaire said...

Wow, the colours and "funkyness" of this design is great! from eClaire on UKS

eClaire said...

love teh "funky" designs and colours in this project from eClaire on UKS

Suzy said...

Vicki fab tutorial and maybe the push I need to make me stop procrastinating and give art journalling a wee go

Suzycad (UKS)

Kirsteen said...

Great tutorial. I love the charm you picked. Thanks for sharing. UKS Kirsteen

Jane said...

a bit out of my comfort zone but might be brave and give it a go, love what you've done

janen

Unknown said...

Very funky project...looks like messy fun. UKS CraftyCaz.
Caz
x

Ann said...

Wonderful colourful project. I guess it could be adapted quite easily to make a Christmas Book. Thanks. UKS eleyfa

Anonymous said...

Beautiful project, thank you ! Anne88

vixen said...

I'm always in aww when I see peoples are journals and bought some alcohol inks to have a go but paints, gesso and templates/ masks and stamps are on the wish list :)

fab tutorial and your little book looks fab :)
from boland :)

zafira said...

A lovely project might just treat myself tomorrow and have a messy day
janet

Jackie Humphreys said...

Oh I have to have a go at this. Love the colours....ty. Jackie1h1

Glen said...

Lots of lovely colour. TFS the tut. ArtAngel on UKS

Kirsten Alicia said...

I am in complete awe, this is a GORGEOUS project. I'm bookmarking this page, because I definitely want to give this a try. Thanks for the great photos & tutorial.

LizGinSussex said...

Great project and tutorial.

Thanks for sharing

Lelly said...

Might have to give this a go the finshed results look amazing. UKS lelly

Anonymous said...

wow I could get real messy with this one! UKS Sheltie141

Karen said...

A fab tutorial, thanks for sharing :)

UKS ~Karen~

Ladkyis said...

Wow, that's way beyond me I'm afraid, but so lovely to look at.

Ladkyis

salamanda said...

Brilliant project and you explain it so well - have made a note of it for later. Uks - Salamanda

Jane (J-bug) said...

Great project - I'll be having a go once I get time! (UKS: J-Bug)

Jane (J-bug) said...

Great project - I'll be having a go as soon as I get time! (UKS: J-Bug)

Jackie said...

Really pretty, as always - love your work but not sure I could manage it myself! (UKS = Galadriel*)

Linda Jones said...

Fab project!

Leann said...

Such a great tutorial!
UKS Lanny

Cruzysuzie said...

Great idea, love the little book and can't wait to have a go! Not tried anything like that before but you've really inspired me to get more creative. xx

Amy said...

Thanks for the great tutorial....i am just getting into altered art, so it will be really useful. A_M_Y on UKS

Weasel said...

Great idea, would love to give this a try myself!
Suzie-UKS-Weaselwise

Anonymous said...

Great project and tutorial....never done anything like this but perhaps it's time to be brave and take the plunge.

nannyjan on uks

DSNYLVR said...

looking forward to trying this soon x

Ann S. said...

I really MUST have a go at this - love it! UKS eluned

voodoo vixen said...

I loved the bit about the Grungeboard... because that is exactly what I did... and now I will get it out of the cupboard and have a play with it!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Caroline said...

Great idea. Going to give it a go tonight. UKS simplepleasures

Virginia said...

Wow that's gorgeous, I love the idea of converting it into an accordian book once you've played with the art.

UKS Celtic Angel

Mole said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Just getting into Art Journaling and this has inspired me to have a actually have go as opposed to thinking about it UKS Jibba Jabba

Shirley said...

This is one project that I will definitely be doing Vicki.
Love it.
UKS .........Shirley June

Meg baby said...

May need to go and get some grunge board to get messy.

sam said...

great inspiration i want to jump in and try it but never quiet got there , this could be the tipping point : ) UKS bubble460

Rooty said...

Just my sort of project, I love it.

Emy said...

Fabulous project. I love the texture and colours. UKS Emy

Rooty said...

And forgot to add my UKS name is Fizzydrink!

Allycat x said...

I'm definitely going to have a go at this - love it!

Thanks for the inspiration Vicki

AllycatD

Gail said...

Love the idea will have a go.
Sharron246 UKS

Alison said...

What a lovely arty splodgy project! Great colours you've chosen. If I didn't have twin babies would be replicating this background using your tutorial straight away ...
UKS Alibri

sixofone aka Leah said...

This is gorgeous. But I'm really bad at being messy. Maybe one day I'll get over it

loulou said...

Looking forward to having a go at this at the weekend, I love the finished look. lou@papermaker

Jayne C said...

Oh!! I REALLY like this......want to go and try it right now!!! xx

Mole said...

Love the virbrant, swooshy colours. A great proejct. Thanks! M<ole from UKS

Karen said...

Wow great colours - so eye-catching!
Great project, thanks so much for showing it xx
UKS scrappynewbie33

Katherine said...

What a fantastic project - just gorgeous.

Judith aka materialgirl said...

oh wow - what an amazing project
UKS materialgirl197

Anonymous said...

Great idea to make xx
UKS lojo7868

Sarah said...

What a brilliant tutorial and a fantastic project too.

Thanks for doing your giveaway xx
UKS stillcrafting

Angela said...

This is fabulous & right up my street....really must have a go. x

misteejay said...

This is such a lovely little book. Beautiful colours - TFS.

Toni xx
UKS - misteejay

Sandra said...

Lovely project I can feel myself getting messy soon! I already had my eye on those mini size paints which are a great idea I think.
UKS Sarnj

Dawn said...

Have never used grungeboard before but will try now. UKS MrsF

kirst said...

Great tutorial Vicki love the gift card tip. (Corrina on UKS)

gayle said...

Great project! I certainly do have a pack of grungeboard tucked away lol!!

UKS scrappygayle

Carole Bryson said...

Amazing project, and great use of products. Really inspiring.

Cal - Hysteri-cal

lynmcf said...

Great tutorial ... now where did I put my grungboard??? *mrsmcf*

Jane said...

great technique - Jane130

Scrapbagleader said...

I love the layered effects. Thank you for an inspiring tutorial.

UKS Rollingpin

Anonymous said...

Love using Gesso and getting messy.Thanks for a great project. ambermouse

Anonymous said...

Great idea and great colours
badrill118(uks)

Sue said...

Definitely on my list too do now. thank you for sharing. UKS slewis

Julia said...

Very inspiring book! UKS Julesaroony

cathy0536 said...

Gorgeous project

UKS Cathy0536

Scrapdolly said...

What an amazing and inspiring project

UKS Scrapdolly

debbie r said...

ooh i've never tried grungepaper before :) might just be giving it a go now :)

CoventryAnn said...

Love the bright colours UKSCoventryAnn

Unknown said...

This looks so clever. Thank you for sharing. UKS Kim

Tracee said...

Beautifully bright project, great tutorial too. uks Fluffyness

Juliwan said...

great project Vicki thanks
juliwan

Anonymous said...

very creative TFS x

uks amandaj

Kathy said...

love the little skull, this is a brilliant project thanks for the tutorial! (UKS)katj

Summer Sunflower said...

Messy Play....I like, thank you so much for the tutorial, fabulous!!

White if you Like said...

I like the vivid colours & will have a go at this.
popped over from Jolly scrappers
UKS name jay670120
this is soooo exciting :)

Anonymous said...

I love these colours, and you're right - tick grungeboard sitting in cupboard! UKS Allytoe

Joy said...

This looks lovely and messy! Just the thing for a dark November night.

nikki said...

wow - love this project - UKS nikkimitch

Shazza said...

great project, lovely and bright.
shazzapat UKS
x

Julesmichelle said...

Wow...you are very artistic! Love the colours.
Thanks for the project.
Julesmichelle

Ann Freeman (mafswife) said...

Neat project and oh how I would love to win those paints! Thanks for sharing.
UKS ID: mafswife

Julesmichelle said...

Wow...you are very artistic! Love the colours.
Thanks for the project.
Julesmichelle

Zahra said...

Funky stuff, love it!

UKS zahra

Jules said...

Great project, will definitely be having a go at this!
Yorkshirelass

Jen said...

love it, really want to have a go at this - best add bits to 'things I must have' list and yes I do have grungepaper! Thanks
UKS: Bluffy78

AnnA said...

Great project, very inspiring. UKS Ann35

Anonymous said...

Stunning project - subtlerevulsion

Sandra said...

Thanks so much for the tutorial x
paypercrafter

chrissy o said...

really nice project
thanks so much
hugs chrissy o

Jennie said...

That is stunning, why can I never make anything that lovely! UKS Jencrafts

Lynne said...

What a lovely idea- look forward to trying it
Lynne

MiniOwner said...

Wow! Looking forward to getting messy!
Sue x
(aka MiniOwner)

Becky said...

Wow! This is beautiful! BeckyG1

CRAFTY WOMBLE said...

Brilliant - journalling and bookmaking are on my list of things to experiment with next year (it was bag making and sewing this year).Think you have given me a great starting point.

Lois said...

Thats amazing I never thing of doing this sort of thing defiantly inspired :)

Jackie said...

your project is amazing. JAYEM

Lois said...

Wow I never think of doing something like this! I am truly inspired.

Jackie said...

your project is amazing. JAYEM

Cath said...

Will have to give this a go.

UKS CyprusCath

Nikki said...

Cool project, love that gel medium technique! Uks niknakscat x

Nikki said...

cool project, love the gel medium technique! Uks niknakscat xxx

Unknown said...

Great project, I don't have the exact supplies but I think i can replicate it in some way :) ScribbleMonster

Anne said...

This looks really good. Thanks for sharing this. UKS Anagram

Sharon said...

Lovely project, very versatile technique.
UKS: sharonb

Sarah said...

Wow, love it, will have to try that some time xxx

UKS tobysmum

Judi said...

I love this. any excuse to get messy.
UKS Judi

Jennifer Grace said...

Ooh, it looks gorgeous, lots of lovely layers. I like the cord holding it closed too. Please don't put me in the draw for paints though, I have acrylic paints coming out of my ears. x

My UKS name is jennifergrace.

Val said...

A great inspiring project, thank you. UKS name:Sav

sue said...

Inspirational need to have a go at this UKS Name: sue1952

Sharon S said...

Great ideas, thank you.

Jo said...

That looks beautiful, I shall definately give it a go :) UKS Wonky

Crafty Kacy said...

This is a great idea, and I love the artistic feel to the finished book.

Carin McDonough said...

wow, that is goreous so arty and yum and what a great tutorial! UKS 2Angels

Jacqui aka Morgana said...

You're right I do have grungeboard that I bought and after making more than a few bracelets I still have loads left and this project is right up my street. Thanks Morgana123 (UKS)

Wisher UKS said...

wow - truly gorgeous, have never seen those mini paints either lol More for my shopping list. Thanks for making such an inspirational project - bookmarked for later

knitkath said...

Love the project, thanks for expanding my knowledge!

Susie.A said...

Well I always wondered what grungepaper was for and now I know. Great project and very effective. The tutorial is great and makes me think I could actually be brave enough to try this. UKS Susie.A

Anonymous said...

What great inspiration, never tackled anything like this before, looks loike i could even do it fantastic jules5526 UKS

hernibs said...

The start of this project is similar to a piece of Christmas wall art which I completed las year. I never thought of a journalling book and feel truly inspired by this project...any excuse to get the hands messy! Thank you, UKS member fimcc4168

Charmayne aka Marmalade said...

What a great project. It would also be great as a room canvas. I love it!

UKS Nipper said...

What a fab project, I haven't seen this blog before - the blog hop brought me here. Now subscribing. Some great ideas that I want to take forward in my art journal. Big thanks!

Nix aka Nipper.

Unknown said...

Great tutorial, thanks. CarolynP

janie said...

Love the colours! Need to find a few more hours each day! UKS: janie

Papoosue said...

I LOVE this project, it's just so creative. I need to make it! UKS papoosue.

Ali said...

Oh wow! This is *scrummy*! Will definitely be having a go at this. :) - Alipeeps

rach said...

what a cute project uks howejam

Sarah Louise said...

Beautiful project, well done. Sarah (UKS Smelly)

Jolene said...

Fab tutorial.
Jolene on UKS

Liz said...

First time certainly not the last.

ljrn on uks

Psychodiva said...

wow! I have so many old cards I don't know what to do with- thanks!! :) uks culpepper

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

I commented earlier, but didn't put my UKS name in the comment, because it's my Google name too! UKS:Angelfish

topsy said...

Thank you for posting such a lovely project :)

topsy, UKS

ForgedinPaper said...

Lovely project. Great blog hop.
Sonja (UKS name wrightboysmum)

Anonymous said...

I am usually scared of art journaling but you make it look so easy!! UKs countrycrafter

Andern06 said...

Thanks for a great tutorial Vicki. You've inspired me!

furrypig said...

great little art journal creation thank you

Liz said...

never tried anything like this but building up to it LOL
UKS Cottonscraps

Jimjams said...

That looks brilliant - will show DD too as she's keen on "messy" art ;o)
UKS Jimjams

jackie said...

loving the look of this project uks danyaz

bonjen3 said...

I completely missed the blog hop on UKS but am so glad I decided to have a nosey anyway as I found your blog. I hadn't visited it before but have bookmarked it as its right up my street. Great project, thanks a lot
bonjen3 UKS

Rachael Elliott said...

Vicki, thanks for a great tutorial! Love the finished project, might just have to have a go at that. Also just to let you know that ink worked perfectly :)
Thank you