Halloween At Anything But A Card. . . .

The challenge at Anything But A Card for the next fortnight covers Halloween, Autumn (Fall) or Earthy Colours.  If you don't like Halloween,  make something to fit one or both of the two alternatives and link up with us over at Anything But A Card. 

I'm not a Halloween follower but I really love the opportunities that it gives to use something a little different. The images really work for me and in particular I like skulls so I've used one in my project for Anything But A Card this time.

You must go over and see what my fellow designers have come up with too - being 'Anything But A Card', you'll find all kinds of things made by the girls.

I'm also going to link my work up with Simon Says Stamp and Show as their challenge this week is 'Rustification' and I hope my project fits that theme.

I've just spotted the challenge at Sunday Stampers too and I'm linking up there with this piece too - hope Hels won't mind! Her theme this week is 'Metal Gods' - mine isn't real but I've tried hard to make it look real!

I decided to make another journal as they are fun and can be given as gifts or used by me! Here's what I made (lots of pictures I'm afraid!):

Front cover of the journal. The frame was created with stamping, distress inks and two part crackle glaze by Decoart. The red layer was made using an Andy Skinner  paint technique called pitted and chipped. I've used the version which looks like pitted and chipped metal. The nails and the Tando skull were rusted again, courtesy of Andy Skinner. Some washers were coloured with a sharpie pen then sanded to age them. The frame is described later in the photo sequence.

Inside the front cover. The design was created using distress stain, masks, stamps, acrylic paint and white gel pen.

Close up to show stamping, acrylic paint work and gel pen. Some areas were 'bleached' with a water brush to add definition.

Back cover of the journal. The centre panel was inked, stamped and flicked with water. The die cut witch and bats were inked with distress then crackle glazed using the Decoart two step method.

Inside the back cover. Tim paper with added stamping and inked edges.

Close up to show stamping and the paper design peeping through. 

The skull was embossed in a chequer plate folder then rusted. The nails were aged using the same technique. The flowers were added for fun and are die cuts which were assembled, stamped, coloured, scrunched up and shaped then dried. You get a peek at the pitted and chipped painted metal here too.

The frame was made using the method described for the front cover. Some black acrylic paint was gently rubbed into the cracks to finish the look.

If you're still with me then thank you for sticking with it! I loved making this journal and want to try more of Andy's amazing techniques in my work. I'd love to hear what you think of my journal.