Well hello there beautiful people.  As you may know, I've been traveling recently - I went to the other side of the world and explored Canada.  This is the journal I took with me and I can't wait to show you how I created this very special mixed media journal cover colored using the new Lindy's Squirts and a whole host of other amazing art supplies.

Now this journal cover actually has multiple purposes, not only did I make it for my travels, but also to test out those Catherine Pooler inks a bit more and as part of the completely amazing 12 month long Nomadic Soul Diaries Instagram hop.  I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful Instagram Hop and the theme for June was completely perfect for me - Travel!

I've created a video that's much longer than usual so you can see all the steps in close to real time (let me know if you like it!).  If you are short on time - then open the clip in YouTube where you can see a list of timestamps in the description box - this way you can go right to the point in the clip you are interested in oxoxo

BASIC STEPS

I'll just briefly cover the main steps needed to make this journal cover.

Step #1 - Remove pages and add layers of paper to cover using matt medium and once dry cover with a layer of watery gesso to unify the color.

Step #2 - Add stamped and stenciled images using the beautiful Catherine Pooler Ink Pads: Midnight and Juniper Mist.  Allow the Midnight ink to dry thoroughly to set - the Juniper Mist will remain water reactive as it's a different ink formula - think yummy runs of color where it meets other waterbased products on the background!  I've also added a little ink through a TCW mini stencil just for a little something extra, I've used Juniper Mist so I know the ink will move as it gets wet and soften the image!

Step #3 - Add texture paste and crackle paste - some through a stencil and some free form using a spatula.  Allow to dry overnight for the best crackle effect.

Step #4 - Color with Lindy's Squirts, drip a little of each color on at a time - it's up to you whether you dry between colors or take a chance and add each color while the others are still wet. Add Schminke Dry Gouache powder in gold to wet areas for a little extra metallic sparkle!

Step #5 - Color embellishments with Lindy’s Squirts & Magicals, then spray with Lindy’s Frozen Jack Frost to mute the colors.

Step #6 - Add Golden Irridescent Deep Fine to some words and edge around the main collaged panel using Golden Carbon Black paint applied with a waterbrush.  Finish by flicking on white sharpie paint marker to add little white splatters.

Step #7 - Edge the cover and each of the embellishments using Catherine Pooler Midnight ink and leave to set overnight - it may not need that long but I wanted to be absolutely certain it was dry!

And the journal cover is finished!

Seriously - the shimmer in the cracks is mesmerizing!

The random color combinations where the paste has soaked up the Squirts is just beautiful - that ombre purple - a total accident!

SUPPLIES

Catherine Pooler

Big thank you to Catherine for sending me these goodies to play with.

• Catherine Pooler Ink Pad: Midnight and Juniper Mist
• Catherine Pooler Stamps: Yay Stripes and Bon Voyage

Lindy's Gang

• Lindy’s Squirts: Loonie Toonie Teal, Polite People Purple, Banff Blue and Poutine Gold 
• Lindy's Magicals: Magnolia Magenta Gold, Glittering Gold, Oom Pah Pah Pink
• Lindy's Spray: Frozen Jack Frost

Other Products

• Schminke Dry Gouache Powder: Rich Gold
• Tim Holtz: Stencil - Wander TSO43
• The Crafter's Workshop Stencil: TCW767S
• Collections Elements: Flash Cards
• Jane Davenport - Gesso
• Finnabair Art Alchemy - Black Micro Beads
• Standard Travelers Notebook (with pages removed during this process) from Yellow Paper House
• Old book pages and old wrapping paper

I truly hope you have enjoyed seeing how I made this as I loved every second of creating it!

Remember to pop over to Instagram and leave a little love and follow the instructions to participate in the Nomadic Soul Diaries Instagram hop.  

oxoxo