Today is the tenth Second Floor challenge! Are you ready to take it to the second floor?
The challenge this time around is to use white cardstock. Whatever that means to you or however it inspires you. The prompt is simply meant to get you started. The level of challenge you aim for is entirely internal and up to you.
Click here to see what Nat did.
As for me, I followed the shiny ball. If you're a long time reader of my blog you've heard that phrase before. What it means is to let go of pre-planning and follow the path of whatever is interesting to you at that moment.
Follow the shiny ball with me, will you?
The first thing I did was to mull over the challenge.
Then I decided to grab hold of one idea: paper flowers and start running with it.
I pulled out a punch that I've been wanting to use ever since I bought it, but never got around to. It's the Dahlia Dimensional Flower Punch from EK Success.
As you can see from the photos, it's a border punch that when rolled, creates a flower.
So, I punched and I rolled, but I didn't like it. So I stared at it.
And I started thinking that maybe I'd do a cool textured white-on-white layout or collage. I pulled out some stencils, some white cardstock, a bit of used deli paper, and some Super Heavy Gesso. And I just started adding texture to things.
As a lark, I decided to grab the punched strip that I had abandoned and embed it in some Super Heavy Gesso. Then I started embedding all sorts of stuff — book pages, lace, buttons, flowers, die cuts, glitter, and something interesting started to come together!
I went to bed — the Super Heavy Gesso needs to dry overnight — and in the morning, a super cool white-on-white scrapbook page came together in no time at all.
All the little details on this layout make me swoon with delight.
There's that original cardstock punched strip that started it all!
What I'm taking away from this challenge:
- It's always a good idea to follow the shiny ball. My favorite art work is always the result of a series of random events where I stopped trying to control the outcome and just let it be.
- Texture, baby. I had so much fun trying to see how much variation I could get with one single color. It's all about the texture. I love that the white-on-white action allowed the texture to shine. Sometimes I feel like color can be distracting and color + texture can be overwhelming.
- Super Heavy Gesso is an excellent adhesive. All acrylic paints will work as adhesive in a pinch, but man, this Super Heavy Gesso is like cement. There is nothing on that layout that is going anywhere at all — at least not without a pickaxe.
- Thank goodness I'm an organized pack rat. I dug into my stash to find that crepe paper (saved for almost a year, knowing there would be a "right" moment for it), the buttons, that bit of lace (saved for two years), the pearls, the glitter, the flower, the die cuts, that cool star head pin — all of it came out of my vast color coordinated stash. I organize my supplies by color, so it was easy to grab the drawer of white buttons, the container of white embellishments, the stack of white papers, the ring of white ribbons and start throwing stuff down.
- I pushed myself and yet it felt comfortable. I've never made this kind of layout before, never used Super Heavy Gesso in this manner, never used that punch before…and yet it all felt good and easy. Pushing yourself doesn't have to mean doing something uncomfortable. Sometimes it just means going somewhere you haven't been before. Getting out of a rut. Not every adventure has to be skydiving. Sometimes it's enough to wander into that little shop that you always pass, but never go into.
If you'd like to jump in to the white cardstock challenge, here's the linky list:
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. I'm part of an all-year online art journaling class in 2013, called "Life Book" and registration is now open! The lesson I'm teaching is all about using nature in your art journal.
Please Note: Each of the teachers for Life Book is given an affiliate code for registration. If you purchase the class through my page I will get a percentage of the enrollment fee. That's how we each get paid for teaching. :) So, of course, I would appreciate it if you would use this link if you're planning to register for the class.
Thank you!
I love this! It is so “not you” in that it isn’t full of color, and yet it is “so you” in all of it’s textured deliciousness. Love all the pictures of you as well! As my niece would say, you are such a card! Hope you’re feeling better too.
I love this! It is so “not you” in that it isn’t full of color, and yet it is “so you” in all of it’s textured deliciousness. Love all the pictures of you as well! As my niece would say, you are such a card! Hope you’re feeling better too.
I love this! It is so “not you” in that it isn’t full of color, and yet it is “so you” in all of it’s textured deliciousness. Love all the pictures of you as well! As my niece would say, you are such a card! Hope you’re feeling better too.
I love this! It is so “not you” in that it isn’t full of color, and yet it is “so you” in all of it’s textured deliciousness. Love all the pictures of you as well! As my niece would say, you are such a card! Hope you’re feeling better too.
I love this! It is so “not you” in that it isn’t full of color, and yet it is “so you” in all of it’s textured deliciousness. Love all the pictures of you as well! As my niece would say, you are such a card! Hope you’re feeling better too.
Yes, such a change from the wild and colorful intense stuff you do Julie, but its really striking for that – the simplicity and then the richness with all the texture. love it! lovely change …
Yes, such a change from the wild and colorful intense stuff you do Julie, but its really striking for that – the simplicity and then the richness with all the texture. love it! lovely change …
Yes, such a change from the wild and colorful intense stuff you do Julie, but its really striking for that – the simplicity and then the richness with all the texture. love it! lovely change …
Yes, such a change from the wild and colorful intense stuff you do Julie, but its really striking for that – the simplicity and then the richness with all the texture. love it! lovely change …
Yes, such a change from the wild and colorful intense stuff you do Julie, but its really striking for that – the simplicity and then the richness with all the texture. love it! lovely change …
Love the white on white…so elegant yet striking!
Love the white on white…so elegant yet striking!
Love the white on white…so elegant yet striking!
Love the white on white…so elegant yet striking!
Love the white on white…so elegant yet striking!
LOVE this! I just painted a very colorful canvas bag and am in need of the simplicity of textured white on white in my next project. So inspiring.
LOVE this! I just painted a very colorful canvas bag and am in need of the simplicity of textured white on white in my next project. So inspiring.
LOVE this! I just painted a very colorful canvas bag and am in need of the simplicity of textured white on white in my next project. So inspiring.
LOVE this! I just painted a very colorful canvas bag and am in need of the simplicity of textured white on white in my next project. So inspiring.
LOVE this! I just painted a very colorful canvas bag and am in need of the simplicity of textured white on white in my next project. So inspiring.
Oh My Gosh! I love this white on white on white page. I love the embedded stuff. I love the repurposed stuff. I love it all. Oh my I have to get Busy, Busy, Busy. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh My Gosh! I love this white on white on white page. I love the embedded stuff. I love the repurposed stuff. I love it all. Oh my I have to get Busy, Busy, Busy. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh My Gosh! I love this white on white on white page. I love the embedded stuff. I love the repurposed stuff. I love it all. Oh my I have to get Busy, Busy, Busy. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh My Gosh! I love this white on white on white page. I love the embedded stuff. I love the repurposed stuff. I love it all. Oh my I have to get Busy, Busy, Busy. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh My Gosh! I love this white on white on white page. I love the embedded stuff. I love the repurposed stuff. I love it all. Oh my I have to get Busy, Busy, Busy. Thanks for the inspiration!
So going to lift this one! Love love it!
So going to lift this one! Love love it!
So going to lift this one! Love love it!
So going to lift this one! Love love it!
So going to lift this one! Love love it!
Love love love this! Thanks for the heavy gesso tip….gonna have to give that a try!
Love love love this! Thanks for the heavy gesso tip….gonna have to give that a try!
Love love love this! Thanks for the heavy gesso tip….gonna have to give that a try!
Love love love this! Thanks for the heavy gesso tip….gonna have to give that a try!
Love love love this! Thanks for the heavy gesso tip….gonna have to give that a try!
love it, love the texture and tone on tone. where/brand is super heavy gesso?
love it, love the texture and tone on tone. where/brand is super heavy gesso?
love it, love the texture and tone on tone. where/brand is super heavy gesso?
love it, love the texture and tone on tone. where/brand is super heavy gesso?
love it, love the texture and tone on tone. where/brand is super heavy gesso?
Theres a link in the post. 🙂
Theres a link in the post. 🙂
Theres a link in the post. 🙂
Theres a link in the post. 🙂
Theres a link in the post. 🙂
Hi Jullie,
Love your work, I’ve purchased and downloaded your DVDs, and I can’t wait to get started. I’d love to enter this challenge, I’ve a few ideas using some of the techniques you’ve shared. Is there a deadline?
Hi Jullie,
Love your work, I’ve purchased and downloaded your DVDs, and I can’t wait to get started. I’d love to enter this challenge, I’ve a few ideas using some of the techniques you’ve shared. Is there a deadline?
Hi Jullie,
Love your work, I’ve purchased and downloaded your DVDs, and I can’t wait to get started. I’d love to enter this challenge, I’ve a few ideas using some of the techniques you’ve shared. Is there a deadline?
Hi Jullie,
Love your work, I’ve purchased and downloaded your DVDs, and I can’t wait to get started. I’d love to enter this challenge, I’ve a few ideas using some of the techniques you’ve shared. Is there a deadline?
Hi Jullie,
Love your work, I’ve purchased and downloaded your DVDs, and I can’t wait to get started. I’d love to enter this challenge, I’ve a few ideas using some of the techniques you’ve shared. Is there a deadline?
No deadline. 🙂
No deadline. 🙂
No deadline. 🙂
No deadline. 🙂
No deadline. 🙂
I love this! The texture is fabulouse. My favorite supply is white cardstock —- so very man options!
I love this! The texture is fabulouse. My favorite supply is white cardstock —- so very man options!
I love this! The texture is fabulouse. My favorite supply is white cardstock —- so very man options!
I love this! The texture is fabulouse. My favorite supply is white cardstock —- so very man options!
I love this! The texture is fabulouse. My favorite supply is white cardstock —- so very man options!
I really enjoy your posts, especially this one!
I really enjoy your posts, especially this one!
I really enjoy your posts, especially this one!
I really enjoy your posts, especially this one!
I really enjoy your posts, especially this one!
I think I like that page better than any I’ve seen!! It has an innocence about it that would be great with a picture of a baby or young child! I think I’ll go see what I’ve got laying around the craft room!! LOL.
I think I like that page better than any I’ve seen!! It has an innocence about it that would be great with a picture of a baby or young child! I think I’ll go see what I’ve got laying around the craft room!! LOL.
I think I like that page better than any I’ve seen!! It has an innocence about it that would be great with a picture of a baby or young child! I think I’ll go see what I’ve got laying around the craft room!! LOL.
I think I like that page better than any I’ve seen!! It has an innocence about it that would be great with a picture of a baby or young child! I think I’ll go see what I’ve got laying around the craft room!! LOL.
I think I like that page better than any I’ve seen!! It has an innocence about it that would be great with a picture of a baby or young child! I think I’ll go see what I’ve got laying around the craft room!! LOL.
LOVE white on white…but it is a difficult concept. You, however, have mastered it.
LOVE white on white…but it is a difficult concept. You, however, have mastered it.
LOVE white on white…but it is a difficult concept. You, however, have mastered it.
LOVE white on white…but it is a difficult concept. You, however, have mastered it.
LOVE white on white…but it is a difficult concept. You, however, have mastered it.
This looks and sounds like a lot of fun Julie! I have two other scrapbook challenges I need to wrap up, then I’m going to give this a go! Thanks for the challenge! 🙂
Hugs, Nicole
This looks and sounds like a lot of fun Julie! I have two other scrapbook challenges I need to wrap up, then I’m going to give this a go! Thanks for the challenge! 🙂
Hugs, Nicole
This looks and sounds like a lot of fun Julie! I have two other scrapbook challenges I need to wrap up, then I’m going to give this a go! Thanks for the challenge! 🙂
Hugs, Nicole
This looks and sounds like a lot of fun Julie! I have two other scrapbook challenges I need to wrap up, then I’m going to give this a go! Thanks for the challenge! 🙂
Hugs, Nicole
This looks and sounds like a lot of fun Julie! I have two other scrapbook challenges I need to wrap up, then I’m going to give this a go! Thanks for the challenge! 🙂
Hugs, Nicole
You seem to be feeling better, I hope so!! Love your page, especially the pin. Stars are my favorite!! The white on white is gorgeous and the pop of color is brilliant! That Joyful tag is lovely.
You seem to be feeling better, I hope so!! Love your page, especially the pin. Stars are my favorite!! The white on white is gorgeous and the pop of color is brilliant! That Joyful tag is lovely.
You seem to be feeling better, I hope so!! Love your page, especially the pin. Stars are my favorite!! The white on white is gorgeous and the pop of color is brilliant! That Joyful tag is lovely.
You seem to be feeling better, I hope so!! Love your page, especially the pin. Stars are my favorite!! The white on white is gorgeous and the pop of color is brilliant! That Joyful tag is lovely.
You seem to be feeling better, I hope so!! Love your page, especially the pin. Stars are my favorite!! The white on white is gorgeous and the pop of color is brilliant! That Joyful tag is lovely.
This is awesome, what a great challenge! I love using gesso as an adhesive..I’m in a habit of dumping it on my page and plopping all kinds of stuff into it for a great textured background. Love the white on white, looks awesome!
This is awesome, what a great challenge! I love using gesso as an adhesive..I’m in a habit of dumping it on my page and plopping all kinds of stuff into it for a great textured background. Love the white on white, looks awesome!
This is awesome, what a great challenge! I love using gesso as an adhesive..I’m in a habit of dumping it on my page and plopping all kinds of stuff into it for a great textured background. Love the white on white, looks awesome!
This is awesome, what a great challenge! I love using gesso as an adhesive..I’m in a habit of dumping it on my page and plopping all kinds of stuff into it for a great textured background. Love the white on white, looks awesome!
This is awesome, what a great challenge! I love using gesso as an adhesive..I’m in a habit of dumping it on my page and plopping all kinds of stuff into it for a great textured background. Love the white on white, looks awesome!
What a great challenge and I love your end point!
What a great challenge and I love your end point!
What a great challenge and I love your end point!
What a great challenge and I love your end point!
What a great challenge and I love your end point!
I LOVED what you did in rolling up those strips you made! I wish I could be as talented and as inventive as you Julie. I’m so glad that we have you and your work to look at for inspiration. Thank you so much! 🙂
God bless!
Peggy
I LOVED what you did in rolling up those strips you made! I wish I could be as talented and as inventive as you Julie. I’m so glad that we have you and your work to look at for inspiration. Thank you so much! 🙂
God bless!
Peggy
I LOVED what you did in rolling up those strips you made! I wish I could be as talented and as inventive as you Julie. I’m so glad that we have you and your work to look at for inspiration. Thank you so much! 🙂
God bless!
Peggy
I LOVED what you did in rolling up those strips you made! I wish I could be as talented and as inventive as you Julie. I’m so glad that we have you and your work to look at for inspiration. Thank you so much! 🙂
God bless!
Peggy
I LOVED what you did in rolling up those strips you made! I wish I could be as talented and as inventive as you Julie. I’m so glad that we have you and your work to look at for inspiration. Thank you so much! 🙂
God bless!
Peggy
WOW I love this page. White on white is a challenge. I’ve never tried it but I will! I love the texture of the heavy gesso must go buy it! Thanks for the inspiration!
WOW I love this page. White on white is a challenge. I’ve never tried it but I will! I love the texture of the heavy gesso must go buy it! Thanks for the inspiration!
WOW I love this page. White on white is a challenge. I’ve never tried it but I will! I love the texture of the heavy gesso must go buy it! Thanks for the inspiration!
WOW I love this page. White on white is a challenge. I’ve never tried it but I will! I love the texture of the heavy gesso must go buy it! Thanks for the inspiration!
WOW I love this page. White on white is a challenge. I’ve never tried it but I will! I love the texture of the heavy gesso must go buy it! Thanks for the inspiration!
OMG!!!! I just got in my latest order from Dick Blick today . Care to know what one of my items was? Super Heavy Gesso!!! I have no idea what possessed me to order it. It just looked like something fun to try. I’ve always been a strong advocate of following ones’ intuition…or, maybe, following the shiny ball!
OMG!!!! I just got in my latest order from Dick Blick today . Care to know what one of my items was? Super Heavy Gesso!!! I have no idea what possessed me to order it. It just looked like something fun to try. I’ve always been a strong advocate of following ones’ intuition…or, maybe, following the shiny ball!
OMG!!!! I just got in my latest order from Dick Blick today . Care to know what one of my items was? Super Heavy Gesso!!! I have no idea what possessed me to order it. It just looked like something fun to try. I’ve always been a strong advocate of following ones’ intuition…or, maybe, following the shiny ball!
OMG!!!! I just got in my latest order from Dick Blick today . Care to know what one of my items was? Super Heavy Gesso!!! I have no idea what possessed me to order it. It just looked like something fun to try. I’ve always been a strong advocate of following ones’ intuition…or, maybe, following the shiny ball!
OMG!!!! I just got in my latest order from Dick Blick today . Care to know what one of my items was? Super Heavy Gesso!!! I have no idea what possessed me to order it. It just looked like something fun to try. I’ve always been a strong advocate of following ones’ intuition…or, maybe, following the shiny ball!
I love your layout, and your conclusions are always so interesting! And that punch looks somewhat like feathers 🙂
I love your layout, and your conclusions are always so interesting! And that punch looks somewhat like feathers 🙂
I love your layout, and your conclusions are always so interesting! And that punch looks somewhat like feathers 🙂
I love your layout, and your conclusions are always so interesting! And that punch looks somewhat like feathers 🙂
I love your layout, and your conclusions are always so interesting! And that punch looks somewhat like feathers 🙂
Love the white on white and the texture.
Love the white on white and the texture.
Love the white on white and the texture.
Love the white on white and the texture.
Love the white on white and the texture.
Awesome layout! <3
Awesome layout! <3
Awesome layout! <3
Awesome layout! <3
Awesome layout! <3
What a Whonderful White Whorld… Couldn’t help it. Loved this and plan on taking the challenge. Thanks!
What a Whonderful White Whorld… Couldn’t help it. Loved this and plan on taking the challenge. Thanks!
What a Whonderful White Whorld… Couldn’t help it. Loved this and plan on taking the challenge. Thanks!
What a Whonderful White Whorld… Couldn’t help it. Loved this and plan on taking the challenge. Thanks!
What a Whonderful White Whorld… Couldn’t help it. Loved this and plan on taking the challenge. Thanks!
And swoooon you should !!!!
And swoooon you should !!!!
And swoooon you should !!!!
And swoooon you should !!!!
And swoooon you should !!!!
Ooohhh I absolutely love your page. All that white is simply gorgeous and really draws the eye to all that fabulous texture. (I’ve got to get me some deli paper, lo) oh and I am super excited because I signed up for Lifeclass 2013….. my first time. 🙂
Ooohhh I absolutely love your page. All that white is simply gorgeous and really draws the eye to all that fabulous texture. (I’ve got to get me some deli paper, lo) oh and I am super excited because I signed up for Lifeclass 2013….. my first time. 🙂
Ooohhh I absolutely love your page. All that white is simply gorgeous and really draws the eye to all that fabulous texture. (I’ve got to get me some deli paper, lo) oh and I am super excited because I signed up for Lifeclass 2013….. my first time. 🙂
Ooohhh I absolutely love your page. All that white is simply gorgeous and really draws the eye to all that fabulous texture. (I’ve got to get me some deli paper, lo) oh and I am super excited because I signed up for Lifeclass 2013….. my first time. 🙂
Ooohhh I absolutely love your page. All that white is simply gorgeous and really draws the eye to all that fabulous texture. (I’ve got to get me some deli paper, lo) oh and I am super excited because I signed up for Lifeclass 2013….. my first time. 🙂
Super fun and wonderful layout! Looks easy too! Patsy from HeARTworks
Super fun and wonderful layout! Looks easy too! Patsy from HeARTworks
Super fun and wonderful layout! Looks easy too! Patsy from HeARTworks
Super fun and wonderful layout! Looks easy too! Patsy from HeARTworks
Super fun and wonderful layout! Looks easy too! Patsy from HeARTworks
All that great texture give the white such depth! Makes a person just want to sit and stare at it to catch all the details! Beautiful job!
All that great texture give the white such depth! Makes a person just want to sit and stare at it to catch all the details! Beautiful job!
All that great texture give the white such depth! Makes a person just want to sit and stare at it to catch all the details! Beautiful job!
All that great texture give the white such depth! Makes a person just want to sit and stare at it to catch all the details! Beautiful job!
All that great texture give the white such depth! Makes a person just want to sit and stare at it to catch all the details! Beautiful job!
BTW – I signed up for Life Book with you link. . .
BTW – I signed up for Life Book with you link. . .
BTW – I signed up for Life Book with you link. . .
BTW – I signed up for Life Book with you link. . .
BTW – I signed up for Life Book with you link. . .
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks!