Monday 11 March 2019

Blending a Background round a Napkin Image: Art Journal Calendar Page

Having not worked on an art journal page for my 2019 journal following the prompts on Nina Ribena's Art Journal Friends and More for ages, I then finish two in one day.  I now only have one more page using February's prompt 'Follow Your Heart' to complete.  This is my calendar page for February using the relevant verse from the poem by Sara Coleridge.
I worked on a piece of mixed media card measuring 18.5cm x 19.5cm.  I bought a lovely napkin recently showing stones arranged into shapes.  First I separated out the layers of napkin until the top layer was separate.  I ran my water brush round the area which I wanted to use and teased away the excess.  This would allow me to blend the edges of the napkin in with the background of the page more easily.  I added the napkin image to the mixed media card using Distress Collage medium.
I started by sponging Matt Linen Pebeo DecoCreme paint all over the background around the image.
Next I used a natural sponge to add a mix of Amsterdam Acrylic Warm Grey and DecoCreme Matt Black Stone.
Finally, I used a stipple brush to add a mixture of the Matt Linen and a little Amsterdam Acrylic Natural Grey.
Once I was happy with the balance between the edge of the napkin image and the blending of the background, I added stamping to match my first calendar page of the year.  I spelled out February using the Word Chain Alphabet from Claritystamp, stamped in Versamark ink and heat embossed using detail black EP. 
To finish,  I hand wrote the rest of the February verse from the poem by Sara Coleridge that I am using on my calendar pages this year.  I used a black Posca pen and followed the outline of the napkin image.
Here is my calendar page for January using the same combination of stamping and handwritten journaling (for step by step see HERE).



4 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

This is simply stunning. I adore how you were able to use the napkin and how you blended it so well with the background.

Unknown said...

This is wonderful Sarah 💕

Lynne Bishop said...

The edges of the napkin are blended really well. Thanks for describing how to do this. I might have to go napkin hunting. X X

Sue C said...

Love your calendar pages, there are some lovely serviettes about but I haven't seen them sold as a single item just the packs. Must be looking in the wrong places.