I planned to return to the computer when the storm passed, so I didn't want to begin a major project. I decided that decorating the plain chipboard notebook I'd found earlier in the week in the dollar bin at Walgreen's would be a fun afternoon project. This is where I began.
My initial thought was to make something girly, a cute notebook for my purse. After a plain coat of gesso, I decided to add texture and depth with the next coat. An old credit card, punchinello, and plastic mesh were perfect tools.
While I was waiting for the gesso to dry, I ran across a package of beautiful embossed paper napkins that I'd purchased from Tuesday Morning at the outrageous price of $3.49 for the package of twelve. I rationalized that they were from Germany and that I might actually use the leaf embossed napkins for a special lunch. I decided to limit that future luncheon to eleven people as I pulled out one for my project.
My first thought was to add a small piece of the napkin along one side of the front, but the leaf design seemed to be absorbed by the matte medium. I realized that it would take several layers to build a base for the embossed leaves. There went all that great texture that I'd gessoed on the front.
These leaves were elegant, and I still envisioned a delicate notebook. I pulled out the new Sandy Smith owl that I'd bought earlier this week and the "to teach" stamp (Anita's) that I've always found an inspiration. I stamped the images on white tissue with Ranger Jet Black Archival Ink and layered them atop the napkins.
Although I realized that my notebook would no longer have a frilly look to it, I still envisioned an elegant style. That was before I started slobbering on the Ranger Distress Inks. I don't know how it happens. Even when I intend to create a project that is bright and cheery, my projects take a vintage turn. It's not what I intended, but what a great result. My 2/$1.00 notebook has the look of worn, expensive leather.
A couple of things that I should confess: First, I forgot to cover the vinyl-like edging when I sprayed the covers with a matte sealer. My favorite solution for a sticky surface is application of Perfect Pearls. Having used a heavy hand with the Distress Inks, I touched up the saying and the owl with a Faber-Castell Pitt pen.
Back to the title of this post. Where did I go wrong? No matter how hard I try to do cute, I usually end up in the world of grunge. I think it's just my style!
