the Undones: an Artful Journal

note: on Thursdays I blog about projects that aren't quite done.  Maybe they need some journaling, or photos or both.  I call them "the Undones" and I have a box full of good intentions. In this series, I pick a project, finish it and share the results. I'd love it if you would play along and share a link to your newly finished project in the comments.

Hey, hey!

A few months ago, I took a class at The Paperie where we made this wonderful mini book with lots of techniques and full of Tim Holtz products.  All it needs is pictures and journaling.



I knew what I wanted to do with this mini book but just never seemed to make time to do it. That is until last week when I planned to work on this album. Unfortunately, I couldn't find my pictures and then I got my new iPhone and I ran out of time.

This week, as I sifted through my pictures I realized that they weren't the right size for what I had in mind. Another roadblock. Another delay.  I'll admit, I thought about putting this project aside again.  But I twiddled and I fiddled and I think I figured out a plan that will work with the pictures I have on hand.

Here's what I have so far...

A cover page...



And some pages about the St. John's Santa Claus Parade.  I loved Gabriel's reaction when he realized that Santa was finally coming.







I'll admit, I haven't done much with this book besides plan and paste pictures but now that I know what I'm doing I hope this project will come together quickly.

Before signing off, I want to say a big thanks to you, dear reader.  Knowing that somebody is checking in to see what I'm working on has been immensely motivating, inspiring and encouraging. Each week I hope to show you that is possible to finish the special projects we have left undone for one reason or another. I want to inspire you to tackle your own pile of Undones. But I know that I would never have a picked a project from my Undone pile (let alone finish it) if it weren't for you. Thank you.

zove

Cathie

Three Cards using Splattered Distress Stains Technique

hey, hey!

So, how was your weekend? We were busy and part of the reason was a birthday party for one of Gabriel's little friends on Saturday. So, I whipped up a quick card using a simple and fun technique, called Splattered Stains, that I picked up from my friend, Sara. I've made 3 cards with this technique so I thought I would share it with you today.

First up, here's the card we made in class.  



For this technique, you need some Tim Holtz Distress Stains.  Any colors will do.  Distress Stains have a felt applicator with a valve.  The valve keeps the Distress Stain under control but for this technique you're going to work against the valve.  To make the "splat", you simply squeeze the sides of bottle as you (forcefully) splat the felt applicator on your paper.  The harder you splat, the bigger your splatters.  It's ridiculously fun and very addictive.

The splatters made this cute monster birthday card...



...and another birthday card.



I have plans to make more of these for Gabriel's preschool teachers.  Something like, "teacher, you're out of this world!"

So, get your Distress Stains out and start splatting. If you come up with some other ideas, I'd love it if you'd share in the comments below.

That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by.

zove 

Cathie