Jun 26

Art journal #1 and a GIVEAWAY!

Written by: iwona    57 Comments

I mentioned yesterday that I stocked myself with some amazing watercolour products - namely Peerless Water Colors and Derwent Inktense Pencils. I haven’t been quite so happy about a purchase in a long time.
With Peerless I went purely with Jennifer‘s recommendation, after a long personal search for a decent product. Score. They’re THAT good.
As for the Inktense pencils, I tried them before and fell in love with unconditionally. It took me a long time still, to convince myself that I can justify paying so much for them. I knew they’re worth every $$ so it was only a matter of time to break my will 🙂

I’ve been also toying with the idea of using my supplies in the form other than a card (seriously, how much can one possibly fit in the house??) and my choice fell on the art journal. Keep in mind, I’m a devoted self-learner and my knowledge on the matter, including mixed media when applicable, is scarce. I most possibly won’t be wowing anyone with techniques, neither it is my goal. I just want to have some fun because frankly, it all comes down to it 🙂

You would have seen a sneak peek of this page on my Instagram. I’ve been eyeing this stamp (Swallowtail from Stampin’ Up!) for a very long time. I’ve got a thing for butterfly stamps and this one’s I’m smitten with. It’s HUGE and not easy to fit on a card but it’s perfect for a journal page.

I used Peerless Water Colors and an aqua brush to colour it. The saturation of colour is mind-blowing and the paint runs smoothly under the brush, giving a perfect transition from colour to colour. Mind you, I still decided to keep it a bit untidy because that’s how I roll 🙂
For the background around the butterfly, I decided to use Derwent Inktense Pencils, because they give me a better control over the intensity. I added a polka dot texture with a Bo Bunny Distressed Textures stamp and a Distress Ink spritzed with water. I also sprayed the page lightly with Glimmer Mists and smeared them with my fingers before they set.
The hand written quote is from one of my favourite poems from Tomas Tranströmer, who in turn is just about the only poet I’ll ever accept in full (I’m very picky when it comes to poetry) and whose work I’ve been unconditionally in love with for years.


————————————————————————————

Right! One thing down, now on to the giveaway! I’m rearranging stuff in my craft room and I recalled that there are a few things I acquired one way or another and I don’t need.

In the lot:
Penny Black Breezy, Love Flourish and Valentine Dance slapstick stamps
Stampendous vintage stroller cling stamp
The Craft’s Meow Tandem clear stamp (company retired)
Simon Says Stamp Thanks for the Support clear stamp
Want2Scrap Stars Five Nestaboard
Want2Scrap Fancy Tags Two Nestabling
Simon Says Stamp Hello Line stencil
Tattered Angels Tatered Tangles (2) assorted paper packs
I’ll most likely add a few bits & pieces to the lot when packing, at my discretion 🙂

They are free to go to one person (all Internationals welcome) who meets these criteria:

- subscribes to my blog (if you don’t yet, please find the appropriate links on the sidebar)
- follows me on social media, be it Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc. One of them is enough but by any means, feel free to subscribe to more if you’d like. Links can be found in the sidebar.
- leaves a comment on this post, letting me know what kind of posts you enjoy seeing most on this blog. Please don’t leave comments limited to “thx for a giveaway”, they won’t be included in the draw. I appreciate my readers who take time to give me valuable feedback, no prize hunters please.

You have until midnight EST on Friday the 4th to enter. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announce here shortly afterwards. Cheers and good luck! xxx

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57 thoughts on “Art journal #1 and a GIVEAWAY!

  1. Hi, Chupa - WOW - that SU butterfly looks fabulous with those rainbow colours! I love your watercolouring! I don’t think I could pick a particular type of post that I prefer over others - one of the things I love about your style is that you try so many different things, so it is variety that I like 😉 PS You don’t need to include me in your very generous prize draw - I already own a couple of those stamps! Thanks 😀

  2. Art journaling. No better way to be creative. I always say “go for it!” That’s what I love about it…although it’s taken me a long time to “embrace my mistakes.” LOL. Can’t wait to see your pages and hear what inspires them. BTW, I’m a butterfly junkie too!!

  3. I love the butterfly stamp from SU!, too! It is a bit too big for a card, but it still looks great. Your coloring is gorgeous. You asked what I enjoy on the blog — that’s hard to pinpoint. I’ve only recently discovered your blog because of Iron Craft, so I’ve enjoyed looking around! Of course, I immediately started following you via email and on Facebook. I’d love to see more videos of your process. But I like the Design Inspired and CASE studies. I love making cards, but I’m still learning how to design (I’m a bit too self-conscious about my own talent to get into art journaling yet, however). I enjoy seeing how people are inspired and make things their own. Thanks for the inspiration!

  4. This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I always love learning about products loved by amazing artists! I follow via Bloglovin’ and Instagram! Again, I love when you give your feedback on favorite products as well learning about different techniques and styles! 🙂

  5. As I mentioned before I am totally blown away by that butterfly can’t say it enough. You are so talented and besides that you are a great person. How generous of you to do such a huge give-away.
    Following you for a while now, hi,hi. For me it’s also difficult to pick a particular type of post simply by the fact that I love evreything you post. Your talent is so versatile and how great you are going to do art journaling I’m looking forward seeing more………

  6. Hi Iwona… your butterfly is stunning. I too love my Inktense pencils. I’m a follower for here and I follow your FB too. I love when you give such detail on your posts. Your work is always so inspiring.

  7. Wow! Beautiful watercoloring. I’m just starting to use watercolor in cards, though I have a background before during arts school. I need to re-visit watercoloring again as this is a great medium especially in cards. I love how you watercolor the butterfly. I don’t have peerless watercolor & I would like you to show other materials that gives the same watercolor look, like watercolor pencils, regular watercolor that’s available in store (not the expensive ones) but the regular type of watercolors that school kids can also use. I have a 7year old & would like her to explore also the use of watercolors as not just a regular school item but something that she can also use in her cards. She loves to mimic the cards I send her & it makes me happy how she does things differently that I do mine. thanks. I’m following your blog & instagram

    • Thank you, Ria! I have been using store-bought watercolours on my cards for a good couple of months, but I was disappointed with the results and it made me look for other choices. Cheap watercolours are great for kids but they don’t meet the quality standards I’m after. If you’d like your kid to explore painting on cards with you, why not use a higher quality product yourself and let her/him have their own set of store-bought paints alongside you?

  8. You certainly rock the coloring Iwona - you butterfly is divine! I love the Candy - sugar free too! LOL! I am following your Blog, and on facebook along with Pinterest. Thanks for the opportunity to win - and all the inspiration you give us! {{{hugs}}}

  9. I love posts that you make that include the written instructions of your process as well as your use of common (&uncommon) items in unique ways. It encourages me to keep at it, & to be okay with the process of honing my own style as an art journaler.

  10. The butterfly is gorgeous! In general, I love how you’re doing, Iwona, greeting card with flowers and floral motifs. Also like the way you make watercolor cards.

  11. What a gorgeous journal page! I also own the SWallowtail from Stampin Up and just absolutely love it. I follow you through email and facebook. I loved your last interview on Ironcraft. I sat in wonder at how amazing you are. I have been following you for a little while now and truly love everything that you do. I really love and enjoy your posts on Copic coloring as I am really trying to improve on my coloring. Your coloring is absolutely gorgeous!!

  12. Hi Iwona. I love all your cards, especially the ones that involve colouring. Your work with your Copics is amazing!!I remembering being wowed by your talent when we were on the AnnaBelle Stamps team together, and I I especially loved the cards you created for Some Odd Girl! This butterfly image is just gorgeous. I would want to put that work of art in a frame!! I follow you on IG and FB and here of course too 🙂

  13. Wow Chupa! The colours on that beautiful butterfly really jumps out! When I saw your sneak peek, I thought it was the Darkroom Door Collage Butterfly. This one is gorgeous too! I love everything you blog!! Pure talent!

  14. The colors on the butterfly are gorgeous! I am just learning, and I love tutorials, especially video tutorials. Thanks for the chance to win. I follow you on Facebook as well.

  15. I’m following you on bloglovin’ and when I saw this beautifully color butterfly and the words Art Journal I just had to come see what you did. I’m thinking of getting that brand of watercolors and I think you’ve sold me.

  16. Hi Chupa! I miss your tutorials at Stamp Nation, so I would love if you maybe made some tutorials here? You know that I am a big fan, so I follow you on Pinterest, and here…
    Your coloring is awesome! I love the vibrant colors, they really pop, and that stamp is lovely… 🙂

  17. I really enjoy seeing your artistic process. I love when you give instructions on your creative process and what it is that you are using. I would love love love to see more of your art journal!

  18. This is GORGEOUS!!! The watercolor and the pencils…amazing! I must get some! 😉 Thanks for sharing your process! Really, LOVE this! 🙂

    And no need to enter me in your giveaway, i just wanted to leave you some love! 😉 Happy Friday!

  19. Ahhhh! I’ve been trying to talk myself out of buying the peerless, but dang it this just broke me! And my wallet hehehehe! Beautiful! I love when you do tutorial posts with photos… I’m a visual learner so these are best for me! Love receiving your posts in my email and I’m totally a fb stalker… I mean fan hehehe! Thanks so much!

  20. Your choice of colors are always beautiful. I just got a small pack of peerless and now am anxious to use them after seeing your butterfly. Looking forward to continuing to learn from your posts. Thank you

  21. Your artistic talent never ceases to amaze me, Chupa! You can do any style and do it so well. Gorgeous mix of colours on the butterfly and a great page!!

  22. I am a beginner cardmaker. So I love posts describing how the cards were made (love-love-love tutorials). I love your style. It’s not too CAS with so much interest.

  23. Hi Iwona 🙂
    I follow your blog thru email, Facebook AND Instagram! I have enjoyed so many of your posts. Thank you for providing such rich eye candy all the time. 🙂 i most especially have enjoyed seeing cards using Penny Black stamps, and Wplus9 dies. I am not much of a tutorial watcher, but just love being inspired by your aesthetic sense of art. Thank you for offering up goodies!

  24. Your posts and especially this butterfly are wonderful. I’m relatively new at card making and really enjoy learning more. Your comments on the watercolors were really interesting and I’ll remember them when the time comes for me to start using them. I love learning about techniques whether a video or text.

  25. I have been toying with the idea of doing a journal. I love your page I have that swallowtail stamp that I have not inked. Must remedy that very soon. I am headed over to friend you on Facebook.

    • Hi Sharon, please “like” my Facebook page instead (link in the sidebar), in order to receive updates from my blog. I’m keeping my personal account private. Thanks! 🙂

  26. I’ve been following your blog for a while now. I like your clean and simple cards the best but I do love watching how you layer items to create an amazing card! I follow you on Instagram [and now Pinterest] and cannot get enough of your sweet little girls! I’m not much into Facebook. That butterfly is breathtakingly gorgeous!

  27. I can see why you like that butterfly stamp - it’s perfect. I have a friend whose vision is failing and can only see large images. That stamp would be perfect to use on cards I make for her. I’m glad you chose to showcase the Peerless watercolors. It’s a big help when someone we trust reviews a product. The colors look marvelous. I have been wondering about the Inktense pencils too.
    the Journal Illustration looks great. Thanks for sharing these products.

    I have been following you via e-mail and Pinterest for quite some time now. I Liked your Facebook page and followed you via Bloglovin’ as well today.

  28. This is gorgeous - you make it always look so easy. Makes me wonder, if I need those Peerless watercolors…. Please do not include me in your drawing - I have too much schtuff already…..

  29. I am a huge fan of yours Chupa - loved your video interview recently, and seeing your little one beside you in your craft room. I especially like that your ‘style’ can’t be categorised, except as awesome - you display such a range of talent, and I consider you one of the most inspirational artists around at present. No need to include me in your generous giveaway, but I follow you by email and pinterest and will continue to enjoy your posts and talents - they make my day! hugs, Ann

  30. Your art journal page is superb. I’m a sucker for butterflies and this one is really something… so beautiful just by itself, even more with your fantastic watercoloring. I’ve also started my art journal about a month ago (finally), but I haven’t colored yet… just draw with a pencil and then with a black permanent pen.
    Please don’t include me for the prize drawing, but since you asked, I would love to see more of your art journal pages :).

  31. Just started following you and HAPPY to be here!! I love love LOVE that butterfly and CANT WAIT to try it!!! It is truly beeeeyoouuteeeful!!!!!!! THANKS!!!

  32. I started following you recently and I’ m totally in love with your work. You have an eye for color and that butterfly is breathtakingly beautiful!! I totally love your style and wish you could demonstrate more via video tutorials. You make my jaw drop with every creation of yours!

  33. Iwona, I have been a long time follower of your blog although I don’t really comment I really just admire. I love that you make such beautiful cards. My favorites are the one and two layer cards, you create such beauties! I really also enjoy The Case Study challenge, I love being able to be inspired to create without the need of so many supplies! I save some the inspiration photos in my virtual file for future reference. I also love that I get to discover new blogs and more talented people. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

  34. Hello Chupa
    I just wanted to say that I love the variety of style’s and technique’s in your card making and that is what keeps me coming back.

  35. What a stunning butterfly.I love to visit your blog most days to see what ideas you are going to share.Love to see the eclectic mix and read about new products you have researched and tried for us.Well done Chupa you are up there with the best paper crafting people at home and internationally!
    Congratulations.

  36. Hi Chupa - Your blog makes me smile. You share with us your never ending talent that is truly beautiful and inspiring. I would love if would add a video or two, I can learn so much from your style and the products you choose. I have a limited budget and need to make purchases so things need to multitask, I love to see how you use your supplies to create beautiful cards. Your blog is a fav - so again thanks to you!

  37. Echoing others, your colouring, combinations of colours, embellishments are remarkable. I have enjoyed when you provide an extra analysis of how you got from the idea to the final production. A video of the process would be another opportunity for me to learn. Your work is regularly awesome; thanks for sharing.

  38. Wow what a stunning butterfly!
    One of the things I love on your blog is the variety, so I’d rather not pick just one thing!!
    (I already follow you on Pinterest and bloglovin)

  39. I love the same butterfly also. I didn’t buy it, but I bought Stampin’ Ups huge double snowflake stamp several years ago. I have a thing for snowflakes despite living in South Central Texas. (ha,ha) I think your butterfly is bold, beautiful, and vibrant. Nicely done. =) I am subscribed to your blog, but I don’t go further than email. I’ve been tied-up with a major health issue for the past year. I hope I can still be considered. =) Hello from San Antonio, Texas. Go SPURS GO!

  40. I am in love with your butterfly. I have wanted to buy this stamp for ages, but haven’t since I have one that is so similar. I too love butterflies! I worked for the Lupus Foundation for 15 years and butterflies were the symbol of hope. Still love them. I’m getting interested in art journaling and hope to figure it out!

  41. Honestly Chupa, I just love your style. Your art work is gorgeous. I’ve been following you since I joined Stamp Nation, and ever since, have you as one of my favorites to check out and see what you’ve done. Life has been crazy lately and I don’t get to check out things as much as i would like, but when I have time you are one of the few that I follow on a regular basis. I like your honesty as well in your blogs. You really inspire me to be more venturesome with different media. Hated to see you leave SN but doesn’t mean I still can’t follow you!

  42. Iwona I love visiting your blog everything you create is absolutely gorgeous. You have such amazing design skills and wonderful ways with colour. I must admit I’m more than a little jealous of your talent, so I love it when you share the details of your stunning creations. It’s fantastic being able to get some insight into your design and creative processes.

    Your butterfly is gorgeous. I love the intensity of the peerless watercolours. I was amazed by them on Jennifer’s blog a while back. Where you able to source them anywhere here in Oz or did you get them through SSS in the US?

  43. you know I already follow you!! You are my inspirational guru!!! You truly have a gift/talent and I am so glad that you share this with so many of us. Thank you so much!!! OMG… I have intense pencils and I LOVE them!!! Your card is stunning as ALWAYS!!! Big kisses to you and the babies…hope everyone is doing well. Mwah! And thanks for the chance at the goodies too!! Good luck to everyone that enters.

  44. Amazing watercolouring!!! I really~ really love your way of butterfly and Peerless watercolour palette as well 😀 I also bought and waiting for them because I love the intensity of the peerless watercolours. Your cards are truly amazing ALWAYS. They are all work of art!

  45. Wow those colours are beautifully intense! Your style is so artistc compared to mine so i love sseing you creations because it makes me think outside my creative box.

  46. I love art journaling, such a great way to play with all your supplies. You’ve really knocked it out of the park with this page. The coloring is so vibrant and it looks so effortless.

  47. What a great page! I love butterfly stamps, too, and had to have that one when it came out. Totally in love with it. I have followed you for a long time. I love all of your projects, especially ones featuring techniques. I follow your blog, Pinterest & FB. So much inspiration! Keep it coming, please.

  48. LOVING this Journal Page and so GLAD to see your giving it a go!! I disagree with the idea that you won’t be blowing any of us away though as you seem to do it with every project you create!! LOL!! Intended or not!! =) I too LOVE the Inktense Pencils and the Peerless Water Colors!! I look forward to seeing more and I hope you have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =) P.S I’ve been a follower for a LONG time and I think I follow you on all the media sites possible!! =)

  49. Don’t include me in the draw - I have so much stuff I will be doing the same thing soon! However, I just had to let you know how GORGEOUS that butterfly is! I have been on the fence with the Peerless watercolors…this might just push me over the edge! Thanks for sharing!

  50. Love the card you made in your notebook. It would fit, off the edge as you did in the notebook on a 5.5 x 8.5″ card. There are envelopes for that size card fairly easy to find. And cards don’t hang around the house… send them to someone - like me, for instance. I’d love to have that butterfly card.
    Hugs

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