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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Hello Studio... I've missed you!

I've managed to find some time to get back in the studio recently. Gosh it feels good to get my hands dirty again!! LOL!!! I made of couple of journal type books.

This one was made from an unfinished wooden scrapbook that I picked up at a Garage Sale a couple of years ago. I painted the whole thing with some of the Caromal Colors paint I had left over from my table project, because I love the texture that I got from the paint. Then I covered it with a rectangular shaped doily. I really wanted to use millinery flowers but I just don't have any so I use some white Prima paper flowers and crinkled and smooshed so they looked really beat up! I added a drop of Latte alcohol ink into the center to give them some depth. I used an old cabinet card for the image, more lace, buttons and trim. I am using it to hold all the beautiful images that inspire me from the the pages of my favorite magazines.


I enjoyed making the first one so much, I made this one too! It's made from one of the composition books you can get all over the place for back to school. I covered Both front and back, inside and out with off white cardstock.  The image was printed from my computer.  Then I layered all different pieces of lace that I have in my lace stash until I got a layout that I liked. Again, more crumpled flowers only this time I used coffee to stain the centers. I added seam binding and lace to the front and back of the covers to be used to tie it closed and of course, more buttons. This one is my favorite. I made it to take with me next month to keep notes in when I go to The Creative Connection. I'm starting to get excited!! 

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed looking at my latest creations. If you haven't grabbed up some composition books at the store yet, what are you waiting for???
Have an awesome day my friends! It's going to be beautiful!!!!!!

45 comments:

Karen said...

They're beautiful Karen. I bought a few composition books but haven't tried my hand at altering one yet. I hope to soon, thanks for inspiring me.

Lynette Killam said...

These are wonderful, Karen! It occurs to me I could do a patchwork quilt journal cover with my leftover pieces...off to give it a try. Thanks for the idea...:)

Sandra Kaye said...

WoW!!! Just beautiful Girlfriend, Just beautiful!!!! Ahh, YOU get your hands dirty?? LOL!! ...sure... :):):) love ya. --Sandie

Blondie's Journal said...

The journals are darling, Karen! You can really see all the time you put in to them...I know you really enjoy making things and your imagination has no limits! Keep up the great work! :-)

XO,
Janie

gracie said...

Love your books...I will be trying this real soon!

oldgreymare said...

Karen, they're lovely. You can hear how excited you are to have been creative for a day. We need it like nourishment for the soul, don't we?
xx
z

somewhere on the avenue said...

Wonderful work as always xxx

fairyrocks said...

Nice to see you again too.
Gorgeous work

Donna, The Decorated House said...

How pretty Karen!

It sure is good to get back to creating when you get busy doing other things. We know what you mean.

bobbie said...

They're both gorgeous!!

Angela Richardson said...

Hi Karen,
Beautiful work, I love your books. It's so nice to sit and make something special.
Nice to see you having fun.
Hugs, Angela.

Robin said...

They are both gorgeous Karen! Love the soft romantic feel of both of them!

Hugs,
Robin

Sheila Rumney said...

Karen,

They are beautiful!! I wish I was going to Creative Connection! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Have a great week.

misteejay said...

Truly beautiful books.

Toni xx

Anonymous said...

They are just fabulous!!

Anna said...

bellissime queste creazioni!E' sempre un piecere fare un giretto sul tuo blog!Ciao Anna

Joanne@ Desertmountainbear said...

Beautiful, I love how you tucked the button into the corner. I love buttons.

Gems said...

Just discovered your blog...what an absolute gem! I have so many buttons and no inspiration until now...thanks so much!

Gems xxx

Charlene said...

I just started a jewelry journal. I have not decorated the front yet but, am really enjoying putting things on the pages. Right now I am taking 2 online classes which I haven't done before. Really am enjoying them.

YOUR books are amazing!!! I LOVE them both but, that first one is my favorite. What a good idea about putting magazine photos in it. Me........ I just have STACKS of magazines laying around! I know Cindy does the same thing you did & it works great for her! Stop by & see Elle in her swim suit... HUGS!
Charlene

Mona Kay Gorman said...

Karen, they're beautiful! I know the feeling..I haven't painted a piece in a while.

LivArtNow said...

How absolutely beautiful!!! Love all the laces and buttons, it's gorgeous!
hugs and smiles,
Linda

bright star said...

They are really lovely and you have inspired me to use some of my bits and pieces in a similar way.Really delicate and pretty. lol Angela

Unknown said...

Hi Karen,
I just love what you've done with both books. You have such a nice style, I love it! Very cool idea to keep your fav mag pics in one place... I am definitely stealing that idea. Also, love the idea for your Creative Connection book. Stealin that one too!
If I have TIME!
Thank you so much for the Caromal Colours plug- You're a sweetie!

Will you have a chance during the event to go Junk Bonanza- it's really a must see, since it's going on the same week end.

Sandy said...

Karen,

They are both dreamy gorgeous!!! I can imagine your excitement is building to attend such an event. I know it is going be very inspiring. I am missing my studio these days too but I have a few home improvement projects that have to be taken care of before I can play. Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Beautiful sweetie and I'm a lover of that look with vintage children's images, my favorite, of course you know that! Glad you are taking some creative time for yourself! We all need that for sure! Hugs and love sent your way, Marilou xoxo

The Crafty Elf said...

Lovely! Very pretty and feminine and a pleasure to visit!

Bohemian said...

Karen these creations are lovely! I too have gotten back to some of my unfinished creations now that I have Mom settled in her new Home... it feels great to be working on pieces again!

Perhaps I'll see you at the Grand Opening of Sweet Salvage this month??!

Dawn... The Bohemian

Unknown said...

These are both stunning pieces! I cant wait to see you create more! :)

Hugs,

Bonita Jane said...

Your work is so beautiful and unique! I can hardly believe you are "getting your hands dirty!" Ha! Have a wonderful weekend.

Cheryl said...

Karen that is stunning are the composition books soft covered with ordinary feint line in? What glue do you use for the lace???? I love that really love it!

Cheryl said...

Karen that is stunning are the composition books soft covered with ordinary feint line in? What glue do you use for the lace???? I love that really love it!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Karen Sweetie...
What a gorgeous share. I am so thrilled that you got back into your workshop.

The books are absolutely beautiful. I love it that you painted them, and then covered them. That lace is exquisite. It makes the book look so antique. What a beauty. Delicate and feminine. I also love all of the little flowers. How pretty they are. I have seen those wooden scrapbooks before and now I am kicking myself, I didn't pick them up. Thank you for sharing with me.

This is the Miracle Weekend makeover. I am one of the hosting sites. For every comment left, Guideposts magazine will pay a dollar, to the next cancer makeover patient. Please stop by and read the story about 9 year old Charlie, and bless me with a comment. Out goal between the 4 or 5 blogs is 5,000. I know we can do it. I would appreciate it, if you pass the word around to as many friends as possible.

Thank you sweetie for a wonderful post. I love it. Have a glorious weekend. Country hugs from Phoenix, Sherry

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Beautiful books. You are inspiring for sure! I am working with a very young mother right now, she loves crafting. I have her altering the tab pages in her workbook with pictures of her son and cool stuff. I want to do something on my lesson binder. I love yours.

hugs
cindy@stitches

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Your books are beautiful Karen and one like these would make a fantastic wedding book.
Judith

art by wendy said...

your notebooks are just beautiful! makes me want to do that to my daughters notebooks she bought for school! I might just have to steal one away from her!

JD/ Jill said...

These are so lovely!

Unknown said...

It's always nice to get back into the studio. I love your creations, they are beautiful.
Karen

Rustique Gal said...

Karen, I love these books! they are so sweet and original. I must ramp up my lace collection and make some for the fall craft fairs. Staples, here I come!
I always love visiting your blog and seeing your lovely art!
Hugs,
Sherry

Fresh Garden said...

Beautiful! Awesome!
Thanks for sharing, Karen! You make my day!

parTea lady said...

Your journals are beautiful. What a joy it will be each time you pick one up to record a special memory or magazine piece.

Louisette said...

There are wonderfull, nice blog also, greeting from Belgium, have a nic e week full sun.

Tea & Chocolate Guy said...

What wonderful creations you have created!! truly beautiful...xo HHL

Miss Gracie's House said...

They are SO pretty! I do have some waiting for me...but first I have to get my other projects finished...thanks for inspiring me to get the move-on so I can get on to other things!
Hope your summer is just peachy!
Rene

Revi said...

What a textural feast for the eyes! Looking forward to seeing more. :)

The Weekend Artist said...

I love them! Thanks for sharing!

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