A Year in the Life of an Art Journal|one

I am happy to be taking part in A Year in the Life of an Art Journal challenge again.

This year the prompts are for photographers as well as art journalers. 

The challenges are given out on the 15th and 30th of every month.

Here is the challenge for January 15, 2013:

PROMPT: New Year's resolutions or ONE WORD. 

Do you make New Year's resolutions, or take part in the ONE WORD project? 

SHOOTERS: Shoot your mug with your word or something that symbolizes your word.
(Sharing on Monday Mugshots on fb also)

BOOKERS: Use watercolors on your page to emulate your word... (if you don't have water colors, watered down acrylic paint will do just fine.) use color to convey that word and what it means to you. While your paint is WET, sprinkle salt on it, and let it sit. When your paint is dry, brush off the salt.  (people taking part in the creative prompt can put their mugshot for this prompt on this page.) 

 I have been choosing a word for my year for the last five years.

I tend to over-burden myself about unnecessary things 

and this year, I've decided it's time to MINIMIZE.

 For these pages I used a double spread in my almost complete (YAY) journal that was already gesso'd and started covering it with a layer of mod podge and then random pages of vintage text from dictionaries, old scouting book, vintage hymnal, worn copy of Pride and Prejudice, etc.

I just mod podge'd away and didn't worry if there were wrinkles or anything.

Then I started painting on a water color wash of orange...my favorite.

(Make sure your page dries in between each thing you do.)

I added two pictures that I printed off quickly on my regular printer.  One is of my coffee mug that I wrote my One Little Word on.  I used a Sharpie Marker and free-handed on the mug. Then I placed it directly on the oven rack at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or so.  Won't wash off now. :)

The other picture is a little setting I made with some Scrabble tiles to spell out MINIMIZE.

   I added scribbles of oil pastels and gelato here and there.  Did some smudging.  Then I took some Bahama Blue acrylic and just let it drip down my page.  Just anything that made me smile and broke up the orange a bit.

 I began to write random words that represented things I wanted to minimize.  I used a Sharpie marker for the bold words.  Then around the word I used a Glaze gel pen to write how I would MINIMIZE those areas. 

I have found that the Glaze pens work great on top of any type of medium - even the waxy oil pastels.

 I may continue to add things to the pages that I want to MINIMIZE as I think of them, but this is it for now.  

To MINIMIZE fear:

Psalm 56:3~But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

Colossians 3:15a.~Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

Do you art journal or like taking photos? You can join in on the fun twice a month too!  Just head over to Rachel Whetzel's page to play! 

ATC's, a couple good quotes and One Little Word

 "I did my BEST today and it was ENOUGH"  ~Oil pastels

 "Don't stumble over something behind you." ~acrylics

 My One Little Word for 2013 "minimize" ~watercolors

 My One Little Word cards for the last 5 years. (Click on photo to enlarge)

To read my post about my One Little Word - Go HERE to visit my other blog HE{ART}

Altered Journals and Mini Journals

These altered composition books can be used for anything. These particular journals were made to be prayer journals.  I usually get information such as favorite colors, styles, quotes, Scripture, hobbies, collections, etc. and then I go from there to try to make a special notebook for a special person.

 You can see more journals on our facebook page.

 We also carry MINI altered composition books in our Altered to Perfection store.  

 These mini-journals were made to be given to some special members of a book club.  The buyer wanted something that her friends could use to keep track of what they read. 

 You can also check out our shop by going directly to Etsy here.

 These little books measure 4.5" x 3.25" and are covered on the front and back.

Altered "lunch box" tin: Music Teacher

 I so enjoyed making this file organizer for a special music/piano teacher.   The buyer asked me to make a music themed box.

 This box measures 7"x5"x5"  The handle is carefully embellished with the a beautiful array of red/black/white ribbon.

 There are about 20 dividers that I made. Each with a tab and decorated differently.

 No two dividers are ever the same.

You will definitely enjoy this unique and personalized gift!

Mini Altered Composition Notebooks/Journals

 Measuring in at 4.5"x3.25", these little notebooks are sure to put a smile on somebody's face.

 They are just the right size to put in your pocket or purse.  They make great gifts, stocking stuffers, door prizes, party favors, etc.

 I can design them in just about any theme, with 3D embellishments and possibly even a ribbon closure!

I never make two exact same items.  Every item is unique and hand-crafted just for you!
Click on my ETSY shop in the side bar to go to my shop and order as many as you'd like!
You're going to love these so much, you'll want one or two for yourself!

Wooo Pig Sooie!! DIY Canvas

This was a fun project that I did for a friend.  I picked up a few canvases on sale at Michael's and had them put away for a while.  I decided it was time to get busy with them!
I used acrylic paint and gave the whole thing a layer of gray and let it dry.  Then I randomly placed several round stickers all over the canvas.  I then painted a layer of black over the whole thing.
When that was dry, I carefully peeled the stickers off the canvas.  I was a little disappointed that some of the paint bled through the edges, but I rolled with it.
I then printed off a picture of the beloved Razorback Hog.  You can trace this or draw it out on your own.  I carefully cut it out and then Mod Podged it down.
I used foam letter stamps and acrylic paint to add the Wooo Pig Sooie!!
My final step was to sand the canvas a bit on the edges.  I just prefer that look, but you don't have to do this.
I am going to be working on another canvas this week where I do a photo transfer.  I will try to remember to take pictures of the process as well.

Have fun and let me know if you try a canvas of your own!

My 100th Post on this blog!! A game day banner for you Razorback fans!!

I just noticed that this is my 100th post on my Altered To Perfection blog.  Yay!
Today, I am sharing a banner with you.  GO*HOGS*GO! for a dedicated Arkansas Razorback fan.

Thanks for reading along!  I love all of my friends here at Altered To Perfection!