I've been wanting to do Art Journaling for a loooong time! I love looking at other people's work but I've always felt that, somehow, Art Journaling is for "Real Artists." That has stopped me from even attempting to try it! As another birthday approaches, I find myself taking stock and although my life hasn't always been easy, I am blessed in every way that matters. I love my family and I am so proud of who my children have become! I have been honored to be here to raise them and privileged to be their mom. My husband still makes me laugh after thirty years! I have very few regrets. I don't think I can ask for more than that! 
I realize I'm not goin to be around forever so, I thought about it and decided it would be nice to have a place to record all my favorite quotes and techniques. If you asked me, I'd tell you to definitely "Go For It!" So…Here's my first attempt.
This is a Ranger's Small Creative Art Journal that is 5" x 8". These pages are all Tim Holtz Distress Productsl in our favorite colors – brown, brown, brown and more brown!
I started with the Mini Distress Ink Pack #3 (Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain & Black Soot) I "smushed" them onto my Craft Mat and spritzed them with lots of water. Then I smushed the pages into the inks and heat set.
Next, I touched the book "up and down" into the remaining ink and heat set. I inked the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and then Walnut Stain Distress Ink.
I used my favorite TH Stencil – Splatters – and Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to get the "stains" on the pages.
I used the "Rulers" Stencil with Frayed Burlap Ink and the "Dot Fade" Stencil with Antique Bronze Distress Stain.
I used Black Archival Ink to stamp the Fleur De Lis and then "swiped" it across the other stamps to get a "second generation" look.
I used a Black Journaling Marker to write and then a Chocolate Chip Marker to document the products that were used to create the pages.
This is my favorite quote! I stamped it in Stampin' Up! Early Espresso Ink and embossed it in Clear Embossing Powder. The stamp on the top and bottom of it were embossed with Vintage Photo Distress Embossing Powder.
I like the grunge here but I think I'll do more with texture on the next couple of pages. I'll post them when they're done. Thanks for stopping by! 😀
WoW…this is fabulous. A beautiful undertaking and keepsake. You have combined some wonderful elements and I am sure this will be a keepsake.
I’ve always wanted to start an art journal. What you have done here has just re-inspired me to give it a shot soon. I am little late with saying thank you for the kind message you left on my blog. I am on holiday so getting on the net has been limited to a few minutes here and there when there is a connection. It meant a lot to me to read your sweet comments – thank you.
Cathy – this is so stunning. I’m so thrilled you started this – it’s SO you! I’m always in awe of my friends that do this – you all are SUPER artistic and do such wonderful work. Truly a gorgeous artistic expression. Can’t wait to see more from you. 🙂