I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Saturday 1 September 2018

A Gentle Journal

Hello all!  After all the excitement of the Get Wrapped Bloghop - thank you to visitors old and new for all your lovely comments on my Wrapped Meadow Journal - I'm back with another exciting post...  Believe it or not, Mini Album Makers is celebrating its first birthday.  Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?!  To celebrate, we are also hosting a bloghop this month, and there's a prize on offer for hopping as well as for participating in this month's challenge.

If you're already hopping, you should have arrived here from the amazing Maria, and I'll point you in the right direction for your next hop at the end of the post.  If you've arrived here mid-hop, you can find the full itinerary at the foot of the post.

As inspiration for you for this month's Mini Album Makers challenge, I've got another version of Eileen Hull's wonderful Wrapped Journal.  What with all this excitement, I was in need of something calm and gentle, so here's the gentle journal I've created for you this month.


I think maybe it's the journal belonging to the woman from yesterday's Thy Sweet Love Remembered tag - another gentle, calming creation.  It's not only the blog-hopping that's left me in need of peace and calm, but also the show I've just been working on.



I'm happy to say that Tamburlaine, which has just opened in the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, has had great reviews (both local and national) but it's nobody's idea of a relaxing night out - an "epic, entrancing bloodbath", according to the Guardian!  Not to mention that tech/dress/previews/press is always a really intense period however light-hearted the show.

(You can see lots of production photos here, if you're interested in what's been keeping me away from you all for so long.)








I arrived back home needing to do some urgent making and blogpost-writing to meet various deadlines, and it wasn't even a conscious decision to reach for the gentle neutrals... it just happened! 











In very quick succession I made this journal and then yesterday's Tag Friday tag, and felt very calm and relaxed, despite being up against those deadlines.

This is really the simplest of makes, and I'm afraid I don't really have any process photos, since it wasn't a difficult process - just cutting and sticking.  If you have Eileen's die or some die-cuts of it (thank you Anne - though I'll confess I've since given in and bought the die!), then you're not far from a special handmade book.











I cut pieces of Tim Holtz paper (I suspect it's from the French Industrial Paper Stash) to cut the main panels of the matboard die-cut, the two front panels and the back... 

















... and used strips of Design Tape on the spines.















This allows the scored spine to stay nice and bendy for when you are wrapping the journal.
















Inside there is some more of the Tim Holtz paper lining the interior...















... and then some of my Canson Mixed Media paper signatures.












Usually I'd have been inking all the edges of everything in sight, but I really just wanted to stay light and airy and bright, so instead I just did some simple sanding and added a couple of swipes of white paint.













Again, the signatures are held in place with some fine twine, and I've left them unstitched so that I can remove pages to work on if I want to.














The holes are cut by the die, of course, but having added the layers of Design Tape I used a hole punch to cut through again in the right places. 














I really kept the decoration to a minimum - I was in a minimalist mood.  So there are some of the lovely Tim Holtz Wildflower Thinlits, but just in plain off-white card, no altering.









And I used a Calico Craft Parts Word Elements piece to create both my focal point and fastening for the journal.

I just rubbed some white paint onto the laser-cut MDF, keeping quite a rough, weathered look...












... and then threaded some crinkle ribbon through it, checking I had the right lengths to tie the bow where I wanted it...














... before gluing down the Word Element, with the ribbon stuck down behind it.  That's the only place where the ribbon is glued - I've left it free-flowing otherwise.










It's plenty to hold everything in place when the ribbon is wrapped and tied.

The ribbon has been distressed with some Pumice Stone Distress Ink and a bit of white paint leftover after all the splattering. 

And that really is it - simple, quick, but oh, it makes me happy!

I hope you enjoy hopping on round to see the rest of our Mini Album Makers birthday creations.  Your next port of call is with the wonderful Inna.










Be sure to leave a comment on every post, and you will be put in the draw for a $25 gift certificate generously donated by Blitsy.  This will go to one lucky reader whose name will be chosen at random from all of the comments on the Design Team blogs.





In addition we have our usual prize for participating in the challenge itself.  Our sponsor this month is Lindy's Stamp Gang, so there's a $25 gift voucher up for grabs for their fabulous products.




I hope, as well as hopping, you're inspired to come and join in with us at Mini Album Makers this month.  As always, any handmade books/albums/journals are welcome, in any style, and remember to add our badge to your post.   Thank you so much for all your amazing contributions over the last year.  We are always completely blown away by the incredible entries each month, and here's to many more! 

Isn't it mysterious to begin a new journal like this? I can run my fingers through the fresh clean pages but I cannot guess what the writing on them will be.
From Betsy in Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace



Mini Album Makers Blogaversary Bloghop

Nancy Wethington - Art-From-The-Heart
Jennie Atkinson - Live the Dream
Anne Redfern - RedAnne
Maria Lillepruun - Magic Attic Design
Alison Bomber - Words and Pictures... you're already here! 
Autumn Clark - SewPaperPaint

40 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful journal, love the natural feel it has. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

This is wonderful Alison, love how you have kept everything so neutral which is not an easy task when we play with so much colour. It's amazing how we can be guided subconsciously when life is so busy and creativity creates it's own calm. Wouldn't it make a marvellous wedding planner for that Bride to be?
Love every inch of this album, Thank you for sharing.
Wishing you all a Happy Blogiversary.
Hugs and creative wishes Tracey xx

Amanda said...

Beautiful journal with stunning neutrality, I love the detail you achieve with such subtle colours.
Love
Amanda x

Redanne said...

Having looked at those pictures of Tamburlaine I can see why you would want to create a gentle journal (although I don't mind watching the odd bloodbath, if it is not real, it goes with the territory with Game of Thrones). It is areal beauty in those soft tones, I love the binding and I am so glad that you have now bought the die, I think you will get lots of use from it. Anne xx

Astrid Maclean said...

It is indeed a very gentle and serene album, beautifully put together, and like Anne says above, no doubt the perfect antidote to the hectic time before.
The show pictures look amazing, and it was good to see your name mentioned in the full list of creatives! I have always had a fascination with Christopher Marlowe, because of the weird theory of him being the author of Shakespeare's plays, and his version of Dr Faustus (don't know Tamburlaine), but the theme seems very appropriate for our day and age. Just too bad Stratford is so far from Scotland...

Nancy Wethington said...

Love your journal with it's soft monochromatic papers and die cuts. The cover is gorgeous and the use of tape on the spine is so clever.

Neet said...

This is so pretty and makes me want to whisper. It is so delicate and pretty and I love the way you have used the meadow flowers on it.
Another beautiful journal from your hands.
Hugs, Neet xx

Annie said...

What a beautiful journal Alison x It is lovely and calming and I could easily visualise love letters and thoughts being stored within the pages. Enjoy a restful weekend if you can xx

TFS and huge hugs
Annie x

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Oh Alison, this is a Calm and Gentle journal and we all need Calm and Gentle these days. Your post is delightful. I like how the signatures are held in place and being able to remove a page or so. Thanks for you time on the step by step, always such inspiration on visiting your blog. Happy 1st birthday to the Mini Album Makers.

Unknown said...

Thank you for such a wonderful project!!

Sue said...

This is really lovely Alsion, it has such a calm, relaxed feel to it. Congratulations on your first anniversary at Mini Album Makers, and have a very happy September, Sue xx

froebelsternchen said...

The natural feel is simply gorgeous! An AMAZING journal dear Alison! Hugs, Susi

Dorthe said...

It is truly a beauty Alison, so very lovely and serene - so very soothing to see and also I think to open up for journaling thoughts and art.
Just what you needed my dear, after having been so busy for long- I will look at the photos, when having more time than today
Hugs, Dorthe

Elena Martynova said...

Very interesting and creative project!

Lys said...

I don't know Tamburlaine but according to the photos, it seems you are part of a strong and impressive performance. No doubt you needed a calm time; your journal is such soft and gentle indeed. I love the way you attached the ribbon. Put that in my notebook...thanks!

Craftyfield said...

If I ever get into album making on a regular basis, I will need that die! Construction is not my forte, I'd rather play with mediums and colours... I love the way you use soft, Vintagey colours and this cover is no exception. xx

Gail said...

Such creative work - a lovely piece of art - I love that cover very much and all the inside as well - TFS

Willy said...

What a beautiful journal!!

rachel said...

Absolute genius wrapped album Alison - I adore the way you have fastened it too - very clever!!!Off to check out what I have missed of late! Big hugs rachel xx

Meggymay said...

An other gorgeous journal. The natural look, soft restful colours are beautiful.
Yvonne xx

Julia Aston said...

This IS a beautiful and very calming journal Alison! in the soft white tones, with the lovely paper you used, the ribbon closure and pretty splatters of white paint - great idea to distress the edges of your pages - what a great look! Julia xx

My name is Erika. said...

It's so romantic Alison. What beautiful journal. White was the perfect color to create such a delicate piece. Hugs-Erika

Kate Yetter said...

A stunning journal, Alison. The muted colors and the white foliage really pull together an elegant look. I just love this!
Kate

Mirabelka said...

Lovely work. So gentle, peaceful and romantic

Cocofolies said...

Simple but exquisite anyway, in this gentle style and colors.
You perfecty feature all the possibilities of this wrapped book die. It looks definitely like a one we need to gain time!
Well, I don't know Tamburlaine!?? Though I have a lot of Shakespeare pieces at home, I think I've never read this one (or can't remember it!). I will take the time to investigate on this particular piece... In your case, happy for you to see that according to the photos and comments, it has been a great success!!!
How exciting - but certainly exhausting at the same time, you're very courageous :)
Big hugs, and Good Night my dear Alison xx

ann barnes said...

Alison, this is such a refreshing journal you have made. I am awed by the beauty the neural offers. The free flowing ribbon is the perfect closure and looks so pretty thread though the calico crafts part. I can definitely see how this would bring you peace. Thank you for sharing your wonderful creativity! Ann xx

Nancy said...

Love the simple, clean look of your journal! Stunning...

sally said...

Oh to have this beautiful a journal on the shelf! And the colours match evening skies outside my living room window tonight too!

Sally xx

Jackie PNeal said...

Okay, I just got back from reading the plot and viewing photos Alison!
It is no wonder this book needed to be light and airy! lol
The play does look like something I would totally love(yea,I know,the battle scenes are gross, but I dig these types of historical drama!)
About the journal, I love the simplicity of the colors and elements added. Again,another amazing make from you!
Bravo!
Hugs,jackie xx
ps hope you had some time to enjoy some of the summer ")


















Michele said...

wow! this journal you've created is absolutely stunning! it is a masterpiece! i'll have to hop on by to see what others are making! thanks for visiting my blog. xo

Cindy Vernon said...

Absolutely stunning album.

Mari said...

Love the choice of those pale colours and the binding technique - it's so simple, why I haven't come to this before? :D

Anonymous said...

So lovely. Just reading your blog post and studying the photos has left me in a relaxed, calm state. After reading others’ comments about the play, I think I’ll forgo checking it out, and hold on to this sense of peace I have now. Many of your creations of late have left me with this same feeling. Thank you!

Margaret Mifsud said...

My,oh my!! This is so gorgeous Alison! I love the neutral tones and, although it may look reasonably simple. it is an absolutely stunning journal!!

sarascloset said...

Isn't it a great feeling to create in a relaxed mood, even with the deadlines looming? I liken it to the perfect golf drive. They don't happen often for me, but when the club connects with the ball in the sweet spot, you just know it's gonna be a good hole. I sometimes get this feeling when I'm creating, and it's pure joy! And speaking of joy, that is your journal! I love the soft, calming palette and the simple closure. I'm sure you're going to be reaching for it time and time again to make some of your awesome art or to jot down a thought. Just lovely!

And I'm super excited to walk in on this blog hop. Saw it on Autumn's blog the other day, picking up a link, but hadn't got back yet. I'm ALWAYS late on the hops! This one's gonna be a good one! Sending hugs!

Nora said...

I love the elegance of your journal!!! Beauty
Thanks for sharing

Jennie Atkinson said...

Such gorgeous use of the neutrals for this stunning journal Alison. It oozes peace and tranquility. I am sure you are going to love using it. Jennie x

SewPaperPaint said...

I know it's a relief for you to finish another successful show and I applaud you for your dedicated work. I couldn't get the photos page to load. :( I love this light, natural journal and your amazing torn edge inserts! The cover looks wonderful with the tissue tape and white die cuts. Truly incredible! <3 Hugs, Autumn

Marci said...

I really like this journal with it's neutral tones, just waiting to be useful.

pearshapedcrafting said...

Glad you had a more gentle time of it creating this gorgeous journal! Chrisx