Art Journal with Wire Butterfly by Jenn Engle

Hey everyone! I have a super fun project to share with you today using a classic, the Large Gossimar Butterfly.

Stamps Used:

Large Gossamer Butterfly

I made the journal by just glueing random pages onto a piece of brown paper bag using PVA glue.
To make the cover, I started with one large piece that would fit all across the front, spine and back.

I collaged all kinds of vintage papers, masking tape, brown paper bag, and book text to my piece. Once that was dry, I used a palette knife to scrap gesso all across the piece. This helps to bring things together and tone things down a bit.

Once that was dry, I stamped the Large Gossamer Butterfly using distress ink. Then I used water on a paintbrush to move color around outside of the butterfly. To get a darker brown, I added some Sepia Fluid Acrylic by Golden.

Once I was happy with the way my bitterfly looked, I used some really thin jewelry wire to construct a butterfly. I really just tried to follow the curves of the stamp and then add extra loops.

I used my paper trimmer and just cut out the center of my butterfly. Then, I glued all the pieces to my book, keeping one wing on the front, one wing on the back and the body on the spine. Then, I glued my wire on using Glossy Accents.

My last step was to wrap some leather cord around my journal. For now, it's just for looks but once I started using my book the leather will keep it together.

Stamps Used:

Large Gossamer Butterfly

OTHER SUPPLIES USED:
Vintage Ephemera
PVA Glue
Brown Paper Bags
Blick Gesso
Distress Ink
Golden Fluid Acrylic in Sepia
Jewelry Wire
Glossy Accents

Thanks so much for looking!
~Jenn