inspiration monday

i was looking through my journal and came across this poinsettia page from last year, and i started to wonder what would happen if i took that idea a step further.  so i grabbed the same handcarved leaf stamps that i used last year, along with some stamp pads, scrapbook paper, scissors and decorative brads.

the first thing i did was stamp an image of each leaf into a flower pattern on the back of a piece of scrapbook paper.  the nice thing about doing this on scrapbook paper is once they're stamped, both sides are decorated, and it's fun to play with the patterns together.  

then i cut out each flower.

next i added a bit of dimension by rubbing a charcoal stamp pad on the edges of the paper.

then i stamped a round carved stamp onto scrapbook paper and cut it out on the outside edge.

after all the layers were arranged and stacked on top of each other, i punched a hole through everything…..

and inserted a brad to hold it all together.  then i folded and curled up the petals to help bring it to life.

lastly,  i wrapped a piece of baker's twine around the prongs of the brad on the back…...

and attached it to the top of a package for someone special!


time spent looking through your journals
is one of the nicest gifts you can give yourself….
you'll be amazed at all the wonderful inspiration that's waiting to be found!


{supplies:  handcarved stamps, stamp pads, scrapbook paper, scissors, decorative brad, baker's twine}

inspiration monday

here's an easy way to add some holiday inspiration to your art journal!

take your favorite photograph.....

and trace several simple shapes onto tracing paper.

then transfer your drawings to a carving block.....

and carve some stamps!

now stamp the images in your watercolor journal.....

using your favorite stamping technique.

(i used tim holtz distress inks and sprayed a very light amount

of water with a mini mister to give a watercolor effect)

now add all your favorite doodly-touches,
along with a really special message!



i hope your Christmas holidays are merry and bright, 
dear, sweet bloggy friends....
and i'm sending you many holly-jolly-wishes for
a New Year that's filled with joyful, creative days,
and lots and lots of inspiration!!
choco-hugs, xox



{i'll be taking some time off after the holidays.....
see you towards the end of january!  :)) }

{this artwork was created in my watercolor moleskine journal using moo carve,
tracing paper, staedtler carving tools, distress inks, a mini mister, pitt pens, 4B pencil}