Friday 15 April 2016

Inspired and amazed by...

...the fantastic "Finding Atlantis Steampunk Journal" created by lovely Lisa from Creative Juice (that also made it to our Top5 from the March challenge over at SanDee&amelie's Steampunk Challenges), I knew I had to have Sizzix' Eileen Hull "Passport, Book" die so I could make my own notebooks and journals with it!!

I soon realized that this was easier said than done. Hunting down that die for a reasonable price and shipping costs to my place that didn't almost double that price took me several hours of chasing on the internet...but I succeeded in the end (thanks to "Sir Stampalot"...and my stubbornness) and as soon as the die had arrived I gave it a first go and made this notebook for our

 over at 





It isn't as magical and elaborate as Lisa's wonderful journal that has designed pages with a story in it all the way through...but for a first go I am quite content - so I dare share it with you as my DT piece for our April challenge at SanDee&amelie's Steampunk Challenges.

I used some of the lovely "Madame Payraud" designer papers and a Red Lead collage image alongside some 7 Dots Studio stickers for the covers.



The book's spine was done using DecoArt Media white Crackle Paste that was applied through a flourish stencil.



After the Crackle Paste had dried I added a mix of Carbon Black and Raw Umber DecoArt Media Antiquing Creams. This mix was the brilliant idea of my highly talented friend Laura from Laurart! I am using it a lot as I too found that often the Carbon black is too dark or the Raw Umber isn't dark enough.  So thank you very much for this fantastic hint, Laura!





I made three signatures that I sewed to the spine (with the pre-punched holes) using a rough thread.




I love the particular size and format of this book and I will hopefully find time soon to make some more (and also more elaborate ones) ...




I would love to invite you to hop over to our challenge blog and find out what my wonderful team mates have made for your inspiration! Also make sure to check out the makes of team A if you haven't done so already!

Hope to see you play along with us soon!
Hugs and happy crafting,
Claudia
xxx




12 comments:

  1. Wow Claudia really loving this book and what a clever trick from Laura It never entered my head to mix them together i think i will have to try that out. A very lovely book and very handy for popping in your bag. x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bin begeistert! Sieht richtig toll aus... Steampunk gefällt mir schon lange.
    Mit sonnigen Grüßen, Heidrun

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is sensational Claudia! It's a nightmare tracking down Eileen's dies here in Europe but incredibly well worth it when you do as they make the process of creating books SO MUCH easier. This has been beautifully done and I love how you've treated the spine in particular xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! This is brilliant! The spine is totally fabulous and your focal collage is pure joy! So excited that you were able to get the die and I can't wait to see what else you do with it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I absolutely ADORE this book!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wunderschöne Inspiration!! Schönes Wochenende wünscht Kerstin xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am so honored that I inspired such an awesome little book!! I'm glad you finally found Eileen's Passport Book die Claudia - it was definitely worth it! =) You journal is totally fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a wonderful book just amazing work with such detailed information.

    ReplyDelete
  9. das ist wunderschön geworden!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the look of this book!
    Gr miranda

    ReplyDelete
  11. Claudia! Love this!! It is a gorgeous book and I think there is a story waiting to fill the pages! It really is a lot of fun making a book from scratch! Hugs, Maura

    ReplyDelete
  12. That die is in my wish list as well so it is wonderful to hear about your delight using it. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous design! I now know what a signature is because I have been researching binding techniques. That crackled spine is so yummy! Your images and pages are wowzers! Can't wait to see what else you do to it. Hugz! ~Niki

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your visit and especially for taking the time to leave me a short comment! This is highly appreciated! xxx