My first art journal page

Inspired by Astrid MacLean and France Papillion, and a very timely post from Brenda at Bumblebees and Butterflies.  Week Two can be found here.

The rest here is just for my records - feel free to skip.  But first, a thank you to Brenda!  Great exercise for this newbie!

Background of gesso-coated page created with Silk glaze in Apricot Nectar, Emperor's Gold, and Pink Anthurium with lots of water.

Texture paste applied through Prima stencil and then colored with watered down Silk glaze Wine and Roses, with lots of drips going every which way.  I did the layout on Bristol Vellum, and then put into my journal, an approach I saw on Jennie's blog.  Since I am doing this with a broken hand, thought it would be easier to manipulate the pages, and I think that was a good choice.... plus even with gesso my other sample journal (mixed media it claims) is horribly warped even when dry.  I think I should probably coat both sides, even though just working on one.

Stenciling added with Chalk Ink in Rusty Hinge dabbed on with makeup sponge, using a Donna Downey stencil.  Then toned down with diluted gesso.

Lynne Perella Geisha stamped with Black Archival on clear vellum, edged with fine detail gold embossing powder and attached with brads that are reminiscent of Japanese family crests.

Ginko leaf stamped with Versamark and embossed with Antique Gold powder - love the muscularity of using this thicker power for a delicate stamp.

Felt white spaces needed something, so applied more watered down Wine and Roses mixed with Pink Anthurium.

Not sure I am happy with that effect, but do think it is a marginal improvement.  Makes me wonder what the backstory is here.....broken heart?  Regicide or murder a la Kurasowa movie?  But love the inky effects.  Detailed shots below.

Ended by stamping sentiment and fun script stamp, with some spattered diluted gesso to try to tone down the dramatic purple.  Wrote "Saranoya" with a gold Sharpie.

Very fun!  Can't wait to keep playing along with this great activity offered by Brenda.