One of my favorite tricks on the cover, was how I altered the key. I used a patina product on just the key part of the embellishment, helping the clock and wings to stand out. I also cleverly lined up the key to mimic the pattern on the paper.
Early on in my creating process, I decided to add lots of embellishments and metal. I love to use jewelry techniques in my mixed media projects, as this is where my creative roots lie.
The orientation of this book also makes it unique. I thought my use of space allowed me to use my papers in a more effective way. I adore the wings I attached here with Tim Holtz's charm clips. It was a happy accident but they move perfectly as you turn the pages.
Here again I used a charm clip to attach my jewelry. On this art charm I have a pendant I made with resin, watch parts and tissue tape. It has been lying around for a while, I was glad to find it a proper home.
Inside of each envelope page has a little something tucked inside. This tag was fashioned from the packaging that the Graphic 45 trims came on. You can see the trims used through out the project too. I love to repurpose things in my art, especially if they were meant for the trash can. A few of these supplies also came from Dillon's Scrapbook Center, another local shop.
Here is another shot of my favorite gal. I just love this sheet of paper. I made a pretty big error on this page, and I will let you in on my secret. The framed butterfly is totally crooked. A little bit of texture from the ribbon and a successful distraction takes the eye away from my mistake. The wings were colored with a bit of acrylic paint and some rub and buff.
I used consistent or complementary background papers on each spread. It helps to unite each set of pages.
I actually also mixed in some other Graphic 45 paper in this project from the Botanicabella line. They are so smart to keep their palates similar as they blend seamlessly.
I love the little vintage "souvenir" metal embellishment. It was given to me by a colleague who picked it up for me after seeing some of my assemblage art.
I love all the butterflies. They were each fussy cut one by one. I used them throughout the book, again bringing in some continuity. Another tiny detail I added for fun, a women peeking out behind the keyhole. I wish you could see the other side of the key, there is the most amazing natural patina on there.
I love the little metal pull tag here. This was done by gluing two of these little metal things back to back. I have no idea what they were for, but they worked for this. The background of this pull out is actually the back of a paper pack.
One of my favorite things about Graphic 45, they include faux postage in every line. I adore all things postal.
I love how all the journal jewelry can be seen on other pages. This last page has to little tags in it. Apparently, I was on a roll!
Another tag with my "gear gal" on it. Oh how I adore her! She looks better with real gears in her hair though. :)
I hope you enjoyed checking out my little exploration in Graphic 45. I had a blast creating this from all those things that are so hard to use.
My original intention for this post was to make a video tour of this book, however it proved difficult given the orientation I chose. That was something I did not think of before assembling! I used a lot of photos to try and assist. My apologies to those with slow computers!
Cheers,
Rhea
