Wednesday, September 5, 2018

affirmation accordion

Life is full of ups and downs and twists and turns; oftentimes, the unknown can lead to doubts and questioning. For my project today, I created a small affirmation accordion journal. Something little that can make a big impact in turning your thoughts around, just by opening it. A friend of mine had sent me a stamped saying a while back that really struck a chord with me. I have had it on the corner of my work table so that I could see it every time I went in to create. It is amazing how such a small reminder can make a difference. This was the inspiration behind my affirmation accordion.
Sometimes journals can be oversized and intimidating, I thought for this piece I would work with Gypsy Soul laser Cuts ATC sized ticket journals. These are a lot of fun to work with and their size is perfect to pop into a pocket or bag and carry with you. I begin with two sets of the ATC ticket journal, knowing that I will be adhering the first and last "tickets" onto my own covers, I want the inside to have more interior pages than the one piece will provide. Each piece contains a strip of five tickets.
To create the cover and back panel that the "tickets" will be attached to, I measure the size of the ticket journal when it is folded up, then add 1/8" all around so that the ticket journal will nestle snugly inside. The exposed side of each of the these cover pieces is faced with faux wood that I created using a 3D embossing folder. I love how it looks like real wood, yet is actually paper that has been embossed, painted and inked. On the interior faces of these pieces, I cut patterned paper to fit and ink around the edges. The first and last "ticket" will be attached onto these papers so I chose something that is appropriate for a background, yet adds interest.
My accordion will be secured by means of a ribbon that wraps around the outside and ties. This ribbon is kept in place by being thread through two eyelet holes in the back cover. The eyelets are set and piece of ribbon is pulled through before I adhere the last ticket to the back cover. When attaching this piece, I make sure to only adhere around the edges so that the ribbon is allowed to move freely.
Once I have prepared the covers, I set about creating the pages that will form the inside. The seasons are changing, the weather may be warm, but fall is in the air. I love the beautiful colors that nature presents to us in this time of change and decide to use this as inspiration for my color choices. I choose some favorite papers from my stash in coordinating patterns, as well as some collage tissue, solid pieces and possible embellishments. The papers are cut to fit each ticket face. This step requires a bit of planning as I want each page to work well with the one it is adjacent to, yet retain its own individual presence with in the accordion. It helps to visualize the interaction of sides by folding the accordion during this planning stage.
When considering interior pages, I decide to incorporate some pieces from the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts honeycomb and bees small set. I think the pieces will complement the paper patterns really well. I cut some areas of the honeycomb apart to fit how I envision them on the tickets. Each of the pieces is coated with vintage beeswax embossing powder. My accordion uses one and a half GSLC ticket journal pieces, the remaining tickets can be set aside for another project. The tickets that will be secured to the covers are coated in gesso, allowed to dry and then collaged with vintage collage medium and floral collage tissue. I also create a couple extra tickets in this same manner to be used throughout.

Before adhering any of the paper pieces, I attach strips of linen binding tape to each external (mountain) fold. This will reinforce the folded edge, which will help prevent tearing. The strips are inked with distress ink so they blend into the design. All of the internal (valley) folds are covered with pieces of coordinating design tape. Since these are the inside edges of the reinforced folds, it is really more for decorative purpose. Most often when I begin to assemble the pieces, I tend to re-arrange a bit, since I have some extra pieces, it is easy to make adjustments to backgrounds. I attach the papers to the ticket bases with double sided adhesive tape. Some of the collage pieces are attached with collage medium. The front cover is attached along with all of the interior pieces; I wait to attach the back cover until the inside pages are complete. This way the ribbon does not get in the way or covered with glue. I color the seam binding ribbon with distress oxide inks to coordinate.
The final step in creating the accordion is embellishing each of the pages. I apologize for the lack of process photos during the assembly, I seem to have gotten caught up in the arrangement of pieces.
 Following are close ups of the finished pages with some description for materials:
The cover contains a quote token that has been colored with alcohol inks and edged with burnt copper leaves embossing powder. Distress crayon is rubbed into the text impressions.
The collage paper covered ticket is attached to the inside of the cover and a few metallic quote stickers are added. The adjacent page is a layering of die cut papers, the central portion cut from worn wallpaper and adorned with a few simple stitches and a rub-on "wish".
Next are a couple of my favorite pages, the inspirational piece (the stamped sentiment on a tea bag) is flanked by two lengths of inked lace trim and another metallic quote sticker. The honeycomb piece is coated with vintage beeswax embossing powder and attached to the stamped paper background. Some of the cells are filled with beeswax embossing powder and melted, remnant rub words complete this page.
Flowers are die cut from text pages and colored with distress ink, then coated with vintage beeswax embossing powder. These are tied together into a bouquet with craft thread and attached to the center of the framed ticket. On the right, a reminder to be true to yourself. It is not always easy to rise above the general flow, but it is what makes each of us important as individuals. The background paper is inked and stenciled. Golden highlights are added around the quote stickers. A hinged ticket reveals the words "be true."
Always seek wisdom, it helps us to learn and grow. The word SEEK is die cut from the base paper revealing colored paper below. Another piece of beeswax-embossed honeycomb contains open cells which include positive thoughts. The embossed bee is from the GSLC set. Another collage paper covered ticket is attached inside the back cover and contains one of my favorite sayings.
Turning the accordion over to reveal the back sides of the interior pages:
A single stem from the bouquet is attached to the ticket with the words "listen to your heart."
A framed piece of worn wallpaper displays a shadowed "love" die cut and a small ticket with a mirrored heart and clippings sticker. When we let our hearts guide us, we are destined for good.
One of the additional collage paper covered tickets is located in the center of the accordion, with a metallic quote sticker. Some craft thread with glass beads creates a page holder.  A collage frame leaves some open space to include future thoughts.
Four brads secure the band which holds tickets made of the various papers used to create the pages. These will be used to include positive thoughts and memorable sayings or events. The last ticket page is simply a beautiful layered composition.
I really enjoyed creating this affirmation accordion with the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts ATC ticket journal pieces. I hope that you are inspired to create something beautiful. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit today. 
A little kindness can make a world of difference.
~Ann 

I am entering this project in:

(my inspiration piece is a stamped image and I have stamped bees throughout the accordion)



Supplies used:
Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts: ATC ticket journalhoneycomb and bees small
Distress collage medium: matte, vintage
Distress ink: black soot, peeled paint, walnut stain, worn lipstick
Distress Oxide ink: aged mahogany, tattered rose, wild honey, worn lipstick
Emerald Creek allure embossing powder: burnt copper leaves
Seth Apter/Emerald Creek vintage beeswax baked texture embossing powder
Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements craft thread
Tim Holtz Ideaology:
clippings stickers, collage paper - floral, crinkle ribbon, fasteners, lace, quotations metallic stickers,
 quote token, remnant rubs,
Tim Holtz/Sizzix 3D Texture Fade: lumber
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Movers and Shapers: ticket
Tim Holtz/Sizzix Thinlits:
celebration words, flower jar, gift tags, stacked label, traveler words
Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous mini stencil THMS075

36 comments:

Nancy Wethington said...

OMG Ann, I adore this! Each detail is amazing.

Freddie Bubblescrap Sleijpen said...

I cannot even express how much I adore this! Absolutely gorgeous xoxox

Tracy Freeman said...

This is amazing, so many different elements, textures and colours to look at...gorgeous !
Thanks for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog.
Have a great day :)

sarascloset said...

Wow, Ann! I'm speechless! From cover to cover, this accordian fold affirmation booklet does nothing but delight my senses! Oh, how I wish I could hold this in my hands! The wood cover is brilliant, and your color choices are so pleasing! The 'beeswaxed' flowers are my favorite bit, but each and every details thrills me to the core! I've not used my colored collage paper, so this is some wonderful inspiration for me to get it out and play! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and your incredible talents with us! Sending big hugs!

Edzellinni aka Linda Edkins Wyatt said...

This is exquisite! I have never seen this kind of ticket album. Wow, you’re giving me so many ideas!

ann barnes said...

Thank you so much Nancy, this was definitely a special one. ~Ann xx

ann barnes said...

You are so kind my friend, thank you so much for stopping by and also for your wonderful comments. ~Ann xx

ann barnes said...

Thank you Tracy! I truly appreciate you stopping by and I am so glad you like it. ~Ann xx

ann barnes said...

Sara Emily, I just want to thank you so much for your continued supportive visits to the blog and your wonderful words. They always are so wonderful to read and knowing that you truly enjoy my work is uplifting. Thank you so very much, this honestly means the world to me. ~Ann xxx

ann barnes said...

Thanks Linda, I loved working with this size for an accordion album. I do hope you create something, I really love your work! Thanks for stopping by, totally appreciated! ~Ann xxx

jenn shurkus said...

I love this so much :) :) every detail is beautiful!

martina said...

Ann, this is so amazing. I always love your work. Your work just touches a place in my heart.

ann barnes said...

I am thrilled you stopped by Jenn, thank you so much! So glad that you like this, I loved making it. ~Ann xx

ann barnes said...

Oh Martina, this warms my heart! Thank you so, so much. hugs to you my friend ~Ann xxx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

An affirmation box is such a great idea for a pick me up, and what a pick me up it is. LOVE the cover and the pages and of course all the quotes!

ann barnes said...

Anita, you are always so kind! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and always being so supportive. This means the world to me. Hugs ~Ann xxx

Jackie PNeal said...

Ann, every page of this mini journal is even more lovely than the last, if that is even possible!
Truly you have a gift for melding the perfect papers with the perfect elements!
I can understand why this affirmation inspired you- it inspires me as well!
sending hugs and hoping all is well
Jackie xoxo

ann barnes said...

Jackie, thank you so much for such kind words, they are truly wonderful to read, especially coming from a talented artist. I am so happy that you like this special make! hugs to you too my friend! ~Ann xxx

Jenny Marples said...

So in love with this Ann! Great concept for staying positive, love the concertina and those Lumber covers are so realistic. Thank you for sharing your process and creativity with us all xx

Meihsia Liu said...

This is such a stunning creation! Love all the beautiful embellishments and details. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

ann barnes said...

Thank you so much Jenny, I am very glad that you like my piece, I really enjoyed creating it and look forward to putting it to use. I really appreciate you stopping by, it truly means a lot to me. ~Ann xx

ann barnes said...

Thank you Meihsia!

Jennie Atkinson said...

Mini Book Perfection Ann ! I absolutely love how you showcased the wonderful sentiment and how beautifully decorated each page is. Thank you for sharing your process and creativity with us at Mini Album Makers for this month's challenge. Jennie x

ann barnes said...

Thank you Jennie, so much, for saying such wonderful things, I am really happy that you stopped by to see my post! I truly appreciate it. ~Ann xx

Redanne said...

Ann, this is such a wonderful idea! Each page is exquisitely decorated and the cover is fabulous. You certainly have packed a lot into this little journal and I can just imagine how, opening it each day, will make you feel - I need to follow your lead and make one of these now! I love this so much!

Whilst I am here, I would just like to say thanks so much for joining in this month at Mini Album Makers. Anne xx

ann barnes said...

Anne, thank you so much, I am thrilled that you have enjoyed this little bit of joy! I do hope that you make one, making it was such a re-affirming experience and I just love looking through it. I am so happy that you stopped by to take a look, it is very much appreciated! xxx

Lorraine A said...

oh WOW!! this is gorgeous Ann!! I have spent ages admiring your step by step pics, what a beautiful project!! Very very lovely :-)
Congratulations you have won the $50 voucher on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Please email us, there is a clickable link on the sidebar of the challenge blog :-)
luv
Lols x x x

ann barnes said...

Oh this is exciting news! Thank you so much for visiting and your lovely comment, it means so much! ~Ann xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Such a fantastic little album Ann, that ticket shape is so effective.... I love each and every little page, so beautifully designed and put together! Great inspiration!!

ann barnes said...

Thank you so much Astrid, I really admire your journal creations and this is such a wonderful complement to receive from you! I really appreciate you stopping by. hugs~Ann xx

sarascloset said...

Oh, my gosh, Ann! I am SO excited to see you won the shopping spree at SSS!!!! Yippee! You are so very deserving! Hugs!

ann barnes said...

Sara Emily, thank you, it certainly helps keep me in supplies. Thanks so much for your kindness! xxx

SewPaperPaint said...

Ann, I've enjoyed this little album again and again and loved finding the time to read your post through and soak up every little detail. <3 We all need those words of affirmation! I'm thankful to see SE comment that you won a prize at SSS too! You really deserved it and I hope you picked up something special. Thanks as always for sharing with us at Mini Album Makers. Hugs, Autumn

Words and Pictures said...

That's always been one of my absolute favourite TH quote stamps, so I'm so happy to see this beautiful accordion book inspired by it. I adore the autumnal feel, and the grungy, quirky individuality of each page. Simply wonderful. Thanks so much for joining us at Mini Album Makers again with your amazing work.
Alison x

ann barnes said...

Autumn, I am so happy that you have enjoyed this affirmation accordion, that means a lot to me. I was indeed very happy to be the lucky winner over at SSS, supplies are always needed but not always easily afforded. I am so happy to have entered the MAM challenge this month; always a pleasure seeing all those wonderful entries. Thanks so much for stopping by, it is truly appreciated. Hugs to you ~Ann. xxx

ann barnes said...

Thank you Alison for taking the time to visit my blog and leave such a heartwarming comment, it is very much appreciated. I loved that quote the moment I received it and am so blessed to have wonderful crafty friends. Thanks again. ~Ann xxx