Shabby Chic Roses Junk Journal

Happy Thursday Everyone!

***WARNING -- Lots of photos so it may be slow loading***

I hope this post finds you well and cozy.  I know many areas of the country are still experiencing severe effects of Old Man Winter.  So I hope you are bundled up and warm if you're in those areas!

Today's post has been several weeks in the making.  My friends over at the Kraaft Shaak have issued a Design Team Kall.  Against my better judgement, I decided to apply.  As many of you know, I am a paper crafter/rubber stamper at heart.  However, with the wide popularity of mixed media, I've been trying to branch out and learn those techniques.  I decided to combine a bit of each into my project.

I took several empty packaging boxes and covered them with some kraft packing paper that had come in something I ordered online.  It was a bit thin, but when applied with matte medium and/or Mod Podge, I got a nice wrinkly effect.  This is probably the one and only time that I was happy I always have trouble with a Mod Podge application not being smooth for me!  After they dried, I gave them a light coat of gesso inside and out.

These boxes -- now journal/album covers -- sat like this for days.  I simply could not figure out what I wanted to do with them.  It was almost like the prospect of mixed media on them had paralyzed me with fear.  If I were just covering them with pretty paper like I normally do, they would have been done in a flash.  It's funny how stepping out of our comfort zone can impact us.

I finally decided to go with a shabby chic/pink/floral theme since those things are right up my alley!  I wrapped a pink paper doily around the spine, overlapping onto the front and back covers.

I then took Prima Color Bloom Spray in Peony and spritzed the entire cover.  I wiped it all over to give a somewhat even color wash.  This spray is an amazing color with a gorgeous shimmer to it.  The Kraaft Shaak carries this spray in several fantastic colors.

From some of the inspiration papers I had assembled, I tore some beautiful roses and script pieces to adhere to the front and back covers.  I used Liquitex Matte Gel Medium for my "glue."  After drying the paper pieces, I added a light wash of gesso to tone them down and also prepare the surface for other applications.  I added color/shading around each piece with gelatos, blending with my finger.  You'll be able to see this process more clearly in the video below.

To get some more texture and for added detailing, I used Liquitex Light Modeling Paste and the doily stencil from Prima Elementals by Finnabair.  I thought this would be a nice touch to tie into the actual paper doily that I attached across the spine.  I also used this stencil on the inside covers and simply sponged some dye ink with a makeup wedge onto the papers I used to finish the inside.  I did not get a picture of this, but if you watch the video below, you'll see that little detail.  I like how it tied the doily effect all through the covers, inside and out.

I knew I wanted some actual 3D roses on the front, so I purchased a couple of cut files from the Silhouette store.  I selected a cabbage style/old fashioned looking one, as well as a rolled rose that I thought would resemble buds just opening.  Here is how they look on the finished product:

Originally, I had used the Prima Color Blooms sprays in Peony and Gold Foil to dye some white lace that I was going to use along the spine edge on the cover.  However, due to the gelatos I used, the cover actually turned out much more pink and the lace color ended up not being a good match.  So, like any good hoarder of craft supplies, I dug through my stash of ribbon and found a piece of grosgrain ribbon that worked perfectly.  I also added some vintage buttons I got from my grandmother as added detail on the ribbon.

I did spray everything, and especially the paper flowers, with my home made gold shimmer mist.  Unfortunately, the camera had a terrible time picking that up.  Hopefully you'll be able to see a glimpse of it.  I also hand cut some leaves and added veining detail to them with the end of a stylus/scoring tool.  I also inked the edges a bit.  

To dress up the spine and twine binding, I made some beaded dangles with gold plated findings.  I chose gold as a nod to both the shimmer in the Peony spray, and my home made shimmer mist that I sprayed over everything.

This journal contains six signatures.  They are made from a combination of scrapbook papers, tea dyed printer paper and index cards, printables and other fun items.  I added a few tuck spots/pockets for tags and memorabilia.  The journal is held closed with seam binding that I colored using the Prima Color Bloom Spray in Gold Foil.  I also used some of this seam binding on the tags included inside.

I have to admit that when I started this project, I absolutely hated the cover in its beginning stages.  I am happy to report, however, that I am tickled PINK (pun intended) with the finished result!

I hope you'll also take a few minutes to watch the video of the evolution of this project.

Are you interested in being on the Kraaft Shaak design team?  The deadline for submissions is March 9, so there is still plenty of time to apply.  Just head over to the Kraafter Kommunity on Google + and become a member.  Then go to the design team blog post, fill out the application at the bottom, and get your project made.  Even if you don't apply, please come join me in the kommunity.  It's filled with lovely, talented people who will welcome you with open arms!

Thanks for looking at my blog. I appreciate all the wonderful comments everyone leaves. Happy Crafting!