I'm so excited to share my latest project featuring the brand new Color Wheel Collection by Eileen Hull for Sizzix — now available! The color wheel theme, along with a gorgeous collaboration with Lindy’s Gang, totally inspired me to dive into creating an art journal. I had so much fun getting inky and experimenting with color while making both the cover and the inside pages.
CREATING THE COVER
I used the Handbound Journal Bigz Die to create the journal cover. I first adhered a piece of patterned paper to a sheet of Sizzix Mat Board with a double-sided adhesive sheet. Then I die-cut it using the Handbound Journal Bigz Die, repeating the process for both the front cover and spine. I trimmed the spine to fit and assembled everything using Super Tape for a sturdy hold.
INSIDE PAGES
Interestingly, I started by making the inside pages first! (Maybe not the traditional way, but it worked out beautifully. You just need to measure a little before you decide on what size to make the pages and you can always trim them down to size if needed. Which is what I ended up doing!) I scored and cut patterned papers and vellum sheets to fit the journal, then added layers of art using stamps, stencils, and dies.
COLOR AND DIE CUTTING DETAIL
For the vibrant colors, I played with the Lindy’s Gang Magicals on Distress Watercolor Paper. These are pigment powders that you add water to and can then used to create a colored medium for painting, adding splatters and more. I am by no means an expert as this is my first time using them, but they sure are I used the Boho Dreams and Gypsy Vibes collections and painted one color per panel. After they dried, I die-cut the panels with the large color wheel from the Rainbow Wheels Die Set.- To keep the interior pieces in place while die cutting, I used Mint Tape.
- I also die cut color wheels from black cardstock, and used the colorful inside pieces to fill in the black wheels for a stunning contrast throughout the journal.
EXTRA EMBELLISHMENTS
I also die-cut butterflies from the painted panels using the Bookmark, Pockets, and Toppers Die Set. For the stems I used patterned paper with the Fine Stems 01 Die Set.
STAMPING AND STENCILING PAGES
For the background designs on the stamped and stenciled pages I used:- Swatch Card Stamp Set
- Fan Favorites Stamp Set
- Bird Song Stamp Set
- Plate and Pattern Stencil
I did some collage stamping directly onto the patterned papers with Black Soot Archival Ink, followed by a coat of clear gesso. This not only protected the paper but also allowed the Lindy's Gang Magicals to beautifully tint the stamped images, creating even more color and texture.
THE REST OF THE JOURNAL
Keep scrolling to take a look at the rest of the pages in the journal. As you will see, I used the same techniques throughout, to make it cohesive while sharing and swatching the various colors of the Lindy's Gang Magicals.
I loved every second of creating this art journal — it’s such a celebration of color, creativity, and Eileen’s new collection!
If you love vibrant colors and mixed media, you’ll definitely want to check out the Color Wheel Collection — available now!
SUPPLIES
Below you can find the supplies I used to create this art journal. When you shop through those links, and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!
