Faux Beeswax Pages...

In continuing with my Discovery Journal I am making at the expert guidance of Roni...Ink Stains fame this is my faux beeswax attempt.  I used a manila folder and tore it down the middle giving me two pages to work on.  In the future...yes I will be doing this technique again...I will select a sturdier base to work on.  I think I would like this effect on a paper mache store purchased container like a hatbox.  My pages warped and turned out a bit stiff and therefore do not turn easily in my 3-ring binder. This first photo is sort of my layout.  I am using tissue, paper lacy doily and lots of chipboard pieces.   

 On this page I am using the same materials and adding a torn magazine photo.  This photo shows the glue process.  I used a white Elmers glue and it takes quite a while to dry as I really gave everything a good coating to be certain they were adhered.  As my pages warped I would press down the items and apply more glue. 

 Now I have added and glued a layer of dressmaking pattern paper to the page.  This also helps hold down the chipboard objects.  I did also use a foil top off a wine bottle you can barely see in the bottom right corner.  Everything appears cloudy now because the white glue has not dried but will eventually be clear. 

Here is a page all dry and stuck down.  I think the dressmaker pattern tissue gives the pages just the right tone that resembles warm beeswax.  The page is slightly warped but that is not a problem for this piece.  Please remember I am practicing a new technique Roni is teaching us.  I do not expect perfection from myself in this journal as that is what normally keeps me from attempting to make things. 

On this dried page I have added the crowning touch of Perfect Pearls and hand rubbed it in.  I did not have the same color as Roni so I used what I had.  That is part of the fun of this Discovery Journal techniques class.  We are using what we have so we don't have to rush out and pay big bucks on new supplies we might never use again.  I truly appreciate that about Roni and her style.  My art budget is very tight these years and I am thrilled to be able to make art with what I have in my cupboards. 
Thank you once again Roni.  I really like this faux beeswax and can see it used again in my gift giving. 
Now I can begin on the next Discovery technique.  Please stay tuned...
Are you following Roni and making your own Discovery Journal?  I am super glad I am doing this.  It is expanding my skills.
Terrific rest of the week...
September surrenders to Autumn. 

Appreciation Gift...

Many of you have gifts to give at this time of year. Appreciation gifts to teachers is what comes to mind. That can get costly and truthfully what do you give that will be appreciated. This is something that can be done for either male or female. It can be personalized which really adds to the sentiment.
I didn't spend much money as I used mostly what I had on hand.
I did spend a little time to really "speak" to the recipient and let them know how much I truly appreciate who they are and what they do.

The entire little "book" is about 4" x 4". It can stand on a table or desk. It can be folded and put in a drawer or album. I presented this in an organdy bag.
The base is chipboard with holes punched and tied with ribbon to keep them together. I used chipboard alphabet letters to add the name to the front. Lots of stickers and punch outs in the theme of dragonflys which I know Cindy really likes. In fact the scalloped punch is from a card she gave to me so I know she really likes this dragonfly. Some meaningful words printed from my trusty label maker and my project is coming together.
I wrote my personal message to Cindy to tell her how much I appreciate her.
Finished and given. Well received and appreciated.
I hope this gives you some ideas for those numerous gifts that happen at this time of year.
Happy creating...