Monday, December 10, 2012

Growing in Unity Day 1 - Altered Notebook

Good morning! I had a somewhat last minute opportunity to be the Growing in Unity Gal this week - which I jumped on with no hesitation! I have a few new stamps from some of the amazing sales that I have been dying to try out - so this is a great opportunity to get to that! So - make sure and leave a comment everyday this week for a chance to win 2 Unity Itty Bitty's of your choice!

I started off today with something that is a bit different for me - I usually stick to cards and scrapbooking, but I had picked up these plain notebooks a few weeks before, and decided to make a journal for a friend for Christmas. Here is how it came out:
I used this Unity set designed by Angie Blom - isn't it AMAZING?!?!?!

I also decided to try a new technique on this. I stamped the image on watercolor paper, then colored a bit with my Tim Holtz distress markers, before using a water brush to blend the colors. I love the neat watercolor effect it gives!
For the base of the notebook, I used some DCWV script paper, and distressed the edges with my Tim Holtz distress tool. I stamped the sentiment, and colored and water brushed it a bit as well. Cut it out, and used the distress tools on the edge of it as well. 
I tore the edges of the flower panel, then mounted it over a couple of doilies on the background paper. Added the sentiment and some self adhesive pearls above it. 
Finished off by wrapping a bunch of jute twine around the whole thing, adding a PTI button, and then adhering the entire thing to the plain notebook. 
This was kind of fun - because it really wasn't that much harder than making a card - and the notebook only cost $1 - which means it was a great way to make a beautiful handmade gift without breaking the budget! I only have one more notebook, but the next time we drive the 3 hours to the town where I picked it up - I will definitely be grabbing a few more! 

Before you go - make sure and leave a comment for a chance to win 2 Unity Itty Bitty's of your choice! I will draw a winner after this week!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

23 comments:

  1. This is beautiful. The technique you used gave it such an artsy look, which I love.

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  2. This is so beautiful love the layout and colours. Caroline xxx

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  3. LOVE all the torn edges! BEAUTIFUL altered notbook:)

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  4. LOVE the Simplicity & Beauty of this notebook!
    Have a wonderful Monday,
    Migdalia

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  5. Heather ~ this is just so ELEGANT looking! Who would have thought a $1 notebook could turn into this AMAZING one ~ you did! Absoutely GORGEOUS!!!

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  6. I dont know how I missed this yesterday, but WOW I love this. I have seen a few altered notebooks, but I love this one, it is just so perfect for a journal. I think I am going to make one for my mom. Thanks so much for sharing it. Have a great day!

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  7. I love the way you made the stamps look watercolored. GORGEOUS! These stamps are just darling - thanks for sharing!
    Have a blessed day,
    Karen
    www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com

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  8. What a great transformation and I know your friend will love it, its bery beautiful, tfs...Kim (kim.scrapper@yahoo.ca)

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  9. This turned out lovely--I like the watercolor technique.

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  10. Wow, this is just beautiful!! I have that stamp set and you've really inspired me with this project. I love how you used that sweep of color behind the sentiment...such a great addition!

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  11. I love this. The flower, the watercolor effect, the torn edge -- very well done!

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  12. Love this journal. Gorgeous technique. Your friend will love it.

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  13. thanks for sharing
    i love altered notebooks

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  14. What a beautiful gift! Great idea for the holidays!

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  15. So pretty, this would make a lovely little gift for a friend.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Carol B
    ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. This is so pretty! It's beautiful enough to frame!

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  17. Stunning!! Love the watercolor look, it turned out beautifully.

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  18. Sweet altered notebook! Love the colors on your piece!
    DeniseB

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  19. Beautiful coloring of the stamped images! I like this a lot!

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  20. Very pretty..I am sure your friend will love this notebook. You did a great job with your coloring and I love the script paper.

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  21. Wow, very pretty, love the stamp you used, you showcased it really well : )

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  22. That's a great gift idea & turned out like a work of art!

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  23. Beautiful! I can't believe you took a plain notebook and turned it into a piece of art! Love the colors you used. The torn edges are wonderful, too! You have inspired me to try doing my own book! Thank you so much for sharing, hugs, Debra

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