Every Great Dream...

This morning I sorted through my many Graphic 45 books and selected lots of inspiring pictures that I can add to my journalling pages.
These three were my inspiration which guided today's work.

I began by covering my pages with an assortment of fragile papers and united them with a wash of Burnt Sienna acrylic ink.
Next, I knocked it back slightly with a wash of white gesso.
Some journalling ensued in both black and white pen.
I stencilled some Graphite Texture paste hearts for added texture.
My three images were enhanced by heat embossing some Frantage Aged Gols Embossing Enamel around the edges.
For my stamping, I chose one of Alison Bomber's wonderful quotes from PaperArtsy EAB07 and repeat stamped it in Vintage Sepia Versafine Ink.
To finish, I added an affirmation by Lynne Moncrieff and Added some Wrinkle Free Distress Method Vintage Photo.
To properly conclude my piece, I used Alison's quote around the edges in Black Archival as a border.
I am entering this into the A Vintage Journey challenge, Put a stamp on it.
Their design team have been so inspiring and got me entering challenges again.

Art Therapy!

It feels like confession time. I haven't posted on my blog for almost 3 months.
I seem to have lost the plot lately and then flu over Christmas knocked me for six!
Anyway, today, I got out my much neglected repurposed old annual and set to!

Gosh, it was hard work at first as I applied layer after layer of writing, fragile papers, paint, and stamping.
It was soothing, but it just didn't feel right!
So, I kept going in the style of the wonderful artist that is Laly Mille. it gradually began to speak to me as I gained confidence!
This picture shows some of the layers including some scratching into the paint.

I chose some pictures from one of my favourite magazines and words that just chose themselves.
There are lots of stamps in my background but to finish off I chose some hearts by Emma Godfrey for PaperArtsy.
So, the whole process felt like soothing balm, or therapy, as in my title!

If I can remember how to link this to a challenge then I would like to enter this months' challenge on
A Vintage Journey. The reason that I am joining in again after ages is that I was really inspired by the beautiful work from the Design team, particularly Astrid, Alison and Brenda!