Jessica Sporn has a delightful new set of stencils out with StencilGirl, MaryBeth Shaw. I have a great fondness for squares so am attracted to random squares stencils.
Using Jessica's stencil as a prompt, I began with layers of ink and the stencil. You don't need to use the entire stencil, using parts of it with different colors of ink makes them more painterly.
For a bit of pop, I pulled out my gel pens. Nice warm colors on such a cold day cheers me up.
Next came a hand-carved stamp.
How about some gesso?
A picture of seed pods literally fell out of my journal. Oh! That is where I'm going.
And so it goes. Try using a stencil for a journal prompt. Using Jessica's Random Squares stencil lead me in a direction and the process pulled me along for a ride. I'll add some writing and drawing to this page next.
Here are all the blog hoppers in Jessica's hop. Jessica will have a giveaway on her blog as well.
Seth Apter, The Altered Page, http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Dube, A Colorful Journey, http://www.acolorfuljourney.com
Kristin Dudish, Art & Stuff, http://kristindudish.blogspot.com/
Corinne Gilman, Sparkle Days Studios
Love the way you used the stencil along with other shapes and the gesso pop just highlights everything around it on your page. I enjoyed this stencil test too. xox
Posted by: Corrine | 01/24/2013 at 07:11 AM
The mixture of the stencil squares and the rounds on your stamp are so intriguing, visually. Love the fact that those seed pods popped out, which have both a circle and square in them! And adding the gel pens - brilliant! Beautiful page and process. Thank you so much for being on the test drive!
Posted by: Jessica Sporn | 01/24/2013 at 07:26 AM
Love your work!
Posted by: Norina Morris | 01/24/2013 at 08:13 AM
I agree with Jessica ~ I love the way the seed pods mimic the stencil squares! This will make a great journal page. Fun idea to use the gel pens to enhance the squares!
Posted by: Maggie Nemetz | 01/24/2013 at 09:05 AM
Diane.. just love what you did here. Love the contrast of the square and your circle hand made stamp.
Posted by: Judy Shea | 01/24/2013 at 09:08 AM
So fantastic to witness the actual process behind an art journal page. So much goes into a great one! I really love Sakura gel pens myself... (they're my best friends lol). I have seen your carved stamp in your book, and the one used here looks great, too! I can get an exacto knife, yet I don't know where (in person or online) I can find a block to carve into a stamp... any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by: Aloquin | 01/24/2013 at 09:21 AM
It's great to see where your process took you - it turned out to be a wonderful journey of color and texture!
xo
Kristin
Posted by: Kristin Dudish | 01/24/2013 at 09:25 AM
When I look at this I feel relaxed. You let the art guide you- my favorite kind of art journaling! Love how the seed pods just fell out.
Posted by: Carolyn Dube | 01/24/2013 at 10:43 AM
Thanks Corrine! It was such fun. I loved your take on it as well.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:31 AM
and thank YOU for inviting me and your nice comment, Jessica
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:31 AM
I just love when some serendipitous happens in the journal like that, Maggie. This is the juice of journaling for me. Thanks for commenting
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:32 AM
Thanks so much, Norina! I hope you visit often
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:32 AM
Thanks Judy, I had a very fun time with Jessicas stencil. Its very open-ended, which I really like
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:32 AM
Thanks, Kristin. This is why I love art journaling!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:34 AM
Thanks Aloquin. I am using speedy cut for my stamps. I used to use Mastercarve but they stopped making it :(. Just dont use that pink stuff, it crumbles and is frustrating to work with. You can also use an rubber eraser. The white ones that you get in the art supply store. Have fun!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:34 AM
Thanks, Carolyn. It WAS relaxing to do, now that you mention it. Isnt that funny about the seed pod image ... life is full of little bits of magic, I think.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/24/2013 at 11:35 AM
Such a variety of ways to use this cool stencil...clever girl.
Posted by: Jo Murray | 01/24/2013 at 01:11 PM
I always love to see the process..but what I really love is when an idea sparks into my head when I see someone else's process--which happened looking at yours. Fantastic page!
Posted by: Maria McGuire | 01/24/2013 at 02:26 PM
Oh, what a good idea! Stencil and gel pens! Nice colors!
Posted by: Nancy Lee | 01/24/2013 at 05:46 PM
Stencils are my new love. I like how you used the gel pen with some. Cool hand carved stamp.
Posted by: Boo | 01/24/2013 at 08:00 PM
Those colors and the fun stencil is enough inspiration for me to forget about how cold it is and un-wrap myself long enough to grab my journal. :) Thanks for the inspiration. I just love how the seed pods mimic the stencil. You made me happy today - thanks!
Posted by: Jeannie | 01/24/2013 at 10:45 PM
Jeannie, Your comment made ME happy. Thank you!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 01/25/2013 at 06:56 PM
This is another great idea from Diana! I started using stencils a lot more often after taking 21 Secrets 2011, and I just love layering them with spray inks and paints. I just sprayed a few pages in my journal two days ago, so I will use your idea of using them as a journal prompt. Thank you!
Posted by: Jacque | 01/26/2013 at 05:21 PM
Really like the way you doodled within the squares. Looks great!
Posted by: Marjie Kemper | 01/27/2013 at 04:13 PM