Tuesday 8 October 2013

Birthday toys (WOYWW)

Well as the title suggests I was given a lot of lovely crafting toys for my birthday this week, as displayed on my desk (and included in my WOYWW entry).  Included are some washi tapes (I only had a few before this), stencils, a book about art journaling, paint brushes and a new art journal. I haven't really got into art journaling before this, but really wanted to give it a go.  Now there are no excuses!
Of course, the first person to play with some of my new toys was Alex who was testing out one of the stencils.
Here is my desk as it was late this evening (I confess I am typing this on Tuesday...I never have time on Wednesday) when I was making a couple of emergency birthday cards for children.  As you can see they were both washi tape cards, hence the collection of tapes and coloured felt tips.  You can also see my first Christmas cards at the back of the desk and a gorgeous Religious card a friend sent me from Toronto.  It is truly stunning and an inspiration hence it sitting there. You can also see my new art journal which has been used already...I have taken the plunge and generated two pages (it is amazing what a day off work, while a small boy is at school, allows you to do!). The only thing missing is my mug of tea as Tim is kindly refilling it for me as I type.
Here are my first two journal pages.  This one had scraps of paper on the background and then layered with gesso and acrylic paints, stencilling and stamping.  For the centre of the page I drew round my hand and masked the relevant area before painting it flesh coloured and adding the lines.  The image in the centre is of me aged about 3.  The writing round the hand is a quote from the Bible 'Behold I have engraved you on the palms of my hands' Isaiah 49:16
The second page is one that is very close to my heart as I love to dance in worship. (I can't draw for toffee so this is definitely interpretative!)  This again was a layer of gesso covered with layers of acrylic paint, finished off with gold stamped swirls, and gold writing on the dress of the figure, and some personal words at the top of the page.  This art journal looks like it is going to be a faith journal!
Finally here are the two quick and simple birthday cards I made.  This one for a little girl who will be 6.
And this more masculine one.  That is all from me for now. Have a great week.
With love
Caro
x

20 comments:

The House of Bears said...

Wonderful journal pages. Your washi tape candles are really inspired, I hope you don't mind but we will be pinching that idea as it's so clever. Happy late birthday, your stash looks lovely.

The bears no.83

Eliza said...

Caro,

Beautiful cards and belated birthday wishes to you. Sounds like you had a great day, you are going to love your journal, well you already are off to a good start filling it. You have mentioned one verse that forever will stick in my mind from my childhood, don't know why.

'Your walls are continually before Me. "Your builders hurry; Your destroyers and devastators Will depart from you'

Well these are the parts that I remember, I might go and google it to see how I went. LOL

Happy crafting and say hi to Alex.

Happy WOYWW
Eliza & Yoda 3

GrĂ¡inne said...

Your goodies look so great, as well as the pages and cards. Love them. Enjoy your presents and happy crafting. Suzanne
#86

Jackie said...

Happy birthday wishes to you!
What a fab lot of birthday crafting gifts you have lucky girl
Jackie 40

Anne said...

Hello Caro I'm not joining in this week but just wanted to say Happy Birthday - sorry it's a little late. Love all your presents and also the pages you have done and the cards. Anne x

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Gosh, those Washi tapes make a quick, effective card, don't they? I like them very much! A fun birthday prezzy - hope you had a fab day...belated Birthday Wishes to you!!
Hugs, LLJ 44 xx

Unknown said...

Your pages are wonderful. I really love the second one. The colors are so vibrant. I'm glad your son is enjoying your crafting supplies. happy crafting #4

Annie said...

Fab new crafty stash Caro. Hope you had a great birthday.
Hugs,
A x # 46

sandra de said...

Great cards and they look so effective with the tape. Lovely goodies on your desk and I think you are getting into the art journal beautifully. Have a lovely week.
Sandra @63

Anonymous said...

So much colour, great! My son is only 2 1/2, but he loves to play with my stuff (I only let him use the distress ink and cuttlebug folders and dies, all under strict supervision ofcourse!) I can imagine that when he is a bit older, he'll go crafting without me and use up my stuff! But it's fun to see your son is enjoying crafting as well :) I love the journal pages and the dancing figure!
Debbie #53

Neet said...

Lovely makes you have done and foremost - Congratulations on your birthday.
Hugs, Neet xx 35

ria gall said...

Hi Caro
Happy birthday how lovely to get all that crafting stash as presents.
You know I love seeing Alex working at your desk he will craft and blog when he is older I am sure of it.
I love your journal pages and the birthday cards
Happy WOYWW and wishing you a great week
Ria #50

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Caro,

Happy Birthday!!!! It looks like you received some nice play things!

Thank you for visiting me!
Happy WOYWW
Kay (19)

The Taming of the Glue said...

Fantastic journaling. Happy belated birthday, mine was earlier this week as well. Looks as though Alex will have hours of fun with your new goodies! Hugs. Pam#37

voodoo vixen said...

Lovely journal pages and I am impressed that you have made a start, all those pristeen white pages all make it a bit difficult to begin!
I am so stealing that washi tape birthday card, you clever girl!! Annette #7

Mrs.D said...

Caro,
Thanks for visiting me, sorry about the delay in getting back.
I love your Praise card, so full of joy and life and His power. Wonderful.
I also love the birthday card with the Washi tape, it is not something I use much, but might just be tempted now.
Bless you
Chris #69

Spyder said...

Popped in on Tuesday but forgot to say hi! Grrreat pictures of Alex , bet he had fun! Love the candles! and happy belated birthday! Happy Very late WoYwW?! ((Lyn)) #36

Twiglet said...

Lovely stuff on show today Caro. x Jo

Twiglet said...

Lovely stuff on show today Caro. x Jo

Belinda said...

Happy Birthday! What great gifts you got there. I love the washi candles on your card. What a great idea. I like all that color on your journal pages.

Thanks for your visit.

Belinda (8)