Fears are...

Today I'm sharing a page from my art journal. This particular journal is an old book I found. I love using it to paint and experiment. For this page, I used gesso to prime the pages before applying gelatos to create the bold color block background.

My colors were inspired by this photo

After creating my background I added some stencils from Crafter's Workshop - Abstract Leaves and Silhouette Script. That one is a favorite of mine. 

I love using stencils. Especially with added dimension using modeling paste as I've done here. After it had dried, I added color using Faber-Castell Big Pitt pens and more gelatos. 

Here you can see the 2nd page with all the layers of color, inks and stamps. I used a prima clear stamp (romance collection - discontinued) and some Unity Stamp Co Donna Downey flower stamps. I purged a lot of my stamps but kept all my background and mixed media ones - I'm so glad I did. Doing so has given me more freedom to really explore my own style once I realized I was holding onto product I knew I'd never use again.

Another thing I'm glad I held onto for the most part - my letter stickers...these are great for adding titles to pages or highlighting certain words in my journaling. I created this page prior to attending an adult instruction class at a friend's church this past weekend and something the pastor really struck me: The first commandment says You Shall have no other gods before me ie. no idols...and that which we put BEFORE God be it fear, love, or trust IS an idol. I have been meditating on that this week. It is a pretty powerful statement when you really think about it. I definitely struggle with fear and never thought about how much I have made it into an idol in my life. Something I need to let go. Pray about. Confess. So grateful I am forgiven. When you really think about it...we always fall short. Always. But that's for another journal page..and another post!

What is an idol in your life?

I am entering this in the Design Memory Craft Take the Challenge With Mou July 2014 - create something you usually don't create - I don't usually create with such bright and bold colors as I've used here.

Products Used:

Faber-Castell Gelatos

Faber-Castell Big Pitt Brush Pens

Gesso (white and black)

India Ink

Crafter's Workshop Stencils TCW395 Abstract Leaves & TCW404 Silhouette Script
Dutch Doobadoo A5 Faded Dots Stencil

Unity Stamp Co - Purely Entwined

Letter stickers from Authentique, Cosmo Cricket

Scarlet Lime Permaball Pilot Pen  - black

Christy Tomlinson SheArt Doily Rub Ons
Glitz Design Roller Doodles - Feathers