and the less the artist does the better. ~Andre Gide
Hi Bad Girrrls! Welcome to CHALLENGE #2! We are extremely grateful for the feedback that you appreciated the blog festival information and tutorials for Challenge #1. Many of you told us excitedly that you are new to mixed media. I'll let you in on a secret about me.....I only knew what to do with gesso as of June 2009, but before that, I've been wandering around for the past 3 years wondering what in the world gesso* is used for, my main mixed media mystery. Francesca's Tutorial is one example of a creative use of gesso, and an example that there are no rules in art.
"The rule book that I use has only one page in it and on that page are the words, "There are no rules in art." All one has to do is make it work." William F. Reese
I encourage you to ask away, ask
as many questions as you want about mixed media- because if I or
my team do not have the answer, I will find the answer for you!
Don't wander around for 3 years like me with questions!
Now on to our new challenge....
CHALLENGE #2
Old Text Book Cover (re-purposed, strong, older is better)
* Theme – School (education of
any kind/lessons learned, etc…)
* Required material – Office Supply/s (any office supply store items are game)
WINNER WILL BE OUR NOVEMBER
GUEST DESIGNER!!! ANNOUNCED Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
*see full rules below
Now for inspiration from the Bad Girls Project 52 Design Team's Group 2 (Pam, Jaz, Katie T, Anna, Wendela) and Bonus Projects too:
PAM:
Supply
List:
-Zutter Bind it All
-Older Industrial Clipboard with rings
-Old Dictionary Cover-papers from inside
-12 each of Tags in 2 sizes- walnut
dyed
-Covered Clips
-Fabric
-7Gypsies
closures , overlay and papers
-gesso
-Walnut ink- Glimmer
Mist- Emboss powders- Copper Smootch
-Tim Holtz Grunge Board
-Maya Road- and assorted papers from stash
-Nostalgiques embellishments
-Just a touch of glitter
-Quotable Quotes by famous people on Education
Pam's Tip:
Notable things about this project were:
*I selected the tags and pages in groups of 12, for the
months of the year or the regular school years.
*I can also add more at any time.
*Keep your own plan and custom needs in mind when doing a big
book type project.
Steps
Step 1. I took an exacto knife and carefully cut out the
pages keeping the cover fully intact.
Step 2. I then punched through for the wire rings with first
the front cover and spine then the back cover and spine, so
that the finished project lined up and I could enclose the
rings mostly.
Step 3. I also gessoed the back of the spine to give it more
stability and strength.
JAZ:

Supply list:
-Old story book (im using my childhood "The Children's
Classics - Alice in Wonderland" Storybook dated 1975.)
-MM Paint
"Blush"
-K&Co diecuts
-Mellisa
Francis Frame
-Prima
Flowers
-Webster's
Pages
Pompom blue trim
-Webster's PAges Brown Trim
-Webster's Pages Pattern paper
-Jenni Bowlin
Pattern paper
-Laces and vintage trims & vintage buckle & buttons
(flea market finds)
Misc Office
supply
-Paper clips
-Pencil
-Staple
Jaz's Tips for Altering a Book to Make a Shadowbox: Leave the old book cover as it is . First and foremost, place the MF Frame on the page. Then decorate it with embellishments. Adhere ribbons and laces from one end of the book to the other. At the book opening, tie the vintage buckle in front and back so that when the book closed up, it can be buckled.
For the inside pages, cut out about 8cm x 8cm frame (approx. 3" x 3") ,from about some of the 50 pages so that you can place the photo in the last page.and you'll get a depth to look into the photo.just like a shadow box within the book. Distress and embellish the page.
Use a very old book that you already have. It gives you a
sentimental value too. The older the book the better, less
distressing required. Have fun!
KATIE T:
Supply list:Cover: Houghton-Mifflin literature textbook, circa 1983; rub-ons (American Crafts); green fibers (Basic Grey); thickers alpha (American Crafts); round paper clips (Clipiola); pearls (Kaisercraft); brad (Making Memories); "Learn" tag (Colorbok); Other (purple beads, kraft paper, buttons, pencils, pink lace ribbon, plastic mesh, jute cord for binding). Pages: Patterned paper (TPC Studio, Studio K, Scenic Route, Adornit); labels (Design Sponge, Colorbok, 7Gypsies); buttons (Making Memories); transparency (Basic Grey); rub-ons (American Crafts, K&Co.); stamps (Glitz Design); photo turns (Making Memories); chipboard letters (Making Memories, American Crafts); ribbon (KI Memories); heart stickers (The Paper Studio); flowers (Kaisercraft, Prima); rhinestones (Kaisercraft); flower stickers (Sticko); chipboard accents (Cosmo Cricket, KI Memories); brads (American Crafts); round sequins (Doodlebug Design); letter stickers (Scenic Route).
Katie's Tips for
Re-creating This Project Yourself:
Don't be afraid to use vintage
textbooks and cut them apart! Recycling is huge right now and
you'll amaze yourself with how beautiful your DIY creations
will turn out. As for the inner pages? Don't stress so much
about design or using sketches (although you can if you want
to!). Just let it flow. My scrapbook pages come together by
themselves when I'm feeling inspired, and that's usually
while listening to really good music or watching really good
TV/movies. Just have fun and let go; stop setting high
standards for yourself. Once you do that, the rest will fall
into place.
ANNA:
Supplies:
- an old book taken from the shelf (1954)
- Glimmer Mists by
Tattered Angels: Olive Vine,Hydrangea, Midnight blue,
Patina, Slate.
- Tim Holtz's Masks - Timeworks
- Alcohol inks in shades of green and blue (for example:
Lettuce, Stream, Denim, Pesto)
- found metal objects from my collection - gears, watches'
parts etc. and long metallic brads.
- White acrylic paint
- rub-on by DaisyD's
- laces and ribbons from my collection
- some chipboards -
arrow, wings, and bracket
- a few random Prima
flowers
- Tim Holtz's stamp
- Distress Walut Stain ink
Office
Supplies:
- small metal paper clip
- staples
- transparent adhesive tape (scotch)
When I was preparing to this project I tried to figure out which things in my life are important - which lessons from my family and friends are the most valuable for me. Then I found a photo of my grandparents - one of the last ones they took together before my grandpa died - and I realized that one of the most amazing thing about them was their strong love to each other. They met just after the War, and grandfather fell in love from the first sight... they met only few times before they got married - and they were one of the most happy couples I knew. They had to leave their families and homes to be together, they were starting totally new and totally different life in a new place - but they always were so close and supportive to each other. I think their love is the best lesson to me - that's why this book is dedicated to them both.
Anna's 3-D Technique
Tips: To create this project I used an old book -
about 200 pages - because I wanted to get a really nice 3-D
effect inside. My idea was inspired by my friends creations -
she makes beautiful 3-D altered books but I wanted my book to
be more mixed-media, so I added extra lace, chipboard,
flowers and metal objects. I used lots of Glimmer mist to get
the color and distress ink to distress the papers' edges.
When it comes to the cover - I decorated it using paint,
masks and glimmer mist The title is a rub-on, I put on some
adhesive tape colored with alcohol inks. The last step was
adding chipboard and embellies. Creating it was a great fun -
you should try it by your own!
Step by
step:
Step 1. I started my work with the
projecting the inside part: The first move was cutting the
elements inside the book with a sharp crafting knife -
starting from the back. The whole effect depends on how do we
create the "layers" of the book. Remember tat during cutting
you should put a cutting pad in-between the sheets to avoid
damaging of finished layers. In mine there is one
"background" layer - blue in color, with wings and net, the
"grandpa" layer - with 2 horizontal stripes of paper, a
"grandma" layer, with a vertical stripe of paper, and a
"cover" layer with the quote and embellies. Every layer is
about 30 sheets thick and there are some extra layers
in-between the "grandma and "grandpa" to make the 3d effect
more visible.
Step 2. When
the layers are all cut - it's time for coloring (with glimmer
mists and distress ink) - at that moment I also put the
angel's wings and the net on the background of the
book.
Step 3. Next
step - adding the photos on the right layers and adding extra
embellies like laces, ribbons, gears or flowers - all colored
with glimmer mists or alcohol inks. They are all situated
between the different layers of the project.
Step 4. Now
it's time to finish the "front" of the 3D picture - i did it
by spraying it and distressing and adding the quote - stamped
on the pieces of the papers. The embellies here are flowers
and a bit of lace - all in the matching colors.
WENDELA:
Supply List:
old book cover, from an old Dutch poet
lace
pompom trim
roses ( prima marketing)
vintage buttons
old book pages from a childbook
fabric
graphic 45 patterned paper
sewing machine
Ranger distress ink (peeled paint)
Ranger distress paint (peeled paint)
letter stamp
Office Supplies
envelope ( template )
clip
ruler
I stamped the word "teach"...
teach me dear Lord, to live my life through your eyes..
Wendela's tips for making this at home:Buy an old book on a fleamarket, the older the better. Go there and find more vintage findings, it's really nice to be there!! Use lace fabric, and your sewing machine...and put it all together with some flowers, vintage buttons, and crackle paint!
FRANCESCA (BONUS PROJECT):

*cover of old Canadian Encycolopedia
*gesso
tim holtz white crackle paint
*scrap papers (for the bird collage)
*pearls
*Prima jumbo page pebble
*tiny pom-pom ribbon
*old book page
*7 Gypsey's book binding tape
*Making Memories black glitter alphas
*American Crafts transparent borders
*KI Memories lace paper (to create the alpha mask)
*glimmer mist (created by putting fluid acrylic paint in a spray bottle with some water)
*a black fine point marker
*old typewriter font (from 1001 free fonts dot com)
*a silver book handle (7 Gypsey's)
*Bam Pop pp
Tools Used:
Crop-A-dile, big bite (6")
Office Supplies:
*Hello tag
*staples
*file folder tab
*small needle point tacks (along the top of the ribbon)
Francesca's Notes: This is a book that will store all of Xavier's grade one papers that Xavier brings home from school. Only the important ones that I want him to remember.
JULIE ANN (BONUS PROJECT):
Dance Lessons
Supply List
*vintage sewing pattern
*vintage playing card
*vintage buttons card
*vintage music paper
*vintage
label
*Glimmer Mist in various colors
*Basic Grey rubons
*Prima Large
Flower
*Prima Flirty
Little Secrets rubons
*Making Memories Alpha Stickers
*Prima Stitched
Mulberry Patterned Paper
*Prima White Flowers, Lace (Bad Girls September Kit Enchanted
Hideaway)
*Prima Say It In Crystals Swirls
Black
*Melissa Frances Keyhole
*Golden Pearl
Glaze
*Golden Matte Medium
*Golden Iridescent Gold
*Glitter
*InkEssentials Crackle Accents
*Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
*Fabri-tac Adhesive
Office Supplies:
*Invoice paper (butterfly)
*7gypsies
mini-paperclip
*7gypsies snap
*7gypsies file tab
*ruler
*vintage dictionary
I was so totally inspired by the team this round and whipped
this up on the theme of "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned
In Dance" as I spent my high school years in the dance
studio. I think it helped me survive that in my life! I also
realized I made my very first official scrapbook during that
time too of my pictures, drawings, choreography notes I
wrote, programs, magazine clippings, etc.
Julie Ann's Tips for Making This at Home: I found the Glimmer Mist soaked in quite a bit to the cover so be aware, I sprayed mine without priming it in anyway. I mixed different rubons that didn't go together, the faint brown floral Basic Grey rubons in the upper left corner with the Prima rubons. I love the one-step crackle medium by Ranger, just let it dry overnight for instant aging!!! Check out the forum for more inspiration and tutorials!
ABOUT US: BAD GIRLS PROJECT 52 is an artistic community of 10 artists who share their view of a very poignant challenge that is put forth to them every 2nd and 4th Monday. We welcome everyone to join us on this journey and share their artistry also...it is our hope that by playing with us you will find peace and calm in all areas of art and gain more insight into the wonderful world of mixed media....
It is our mission to provide a place for all artists to not only collaborate, but to join together in a journey that will enable a peaceful soul and a free spirit.....come to learn the true meaning of ART....
(*Gesso is a primer. You use it to make something stiffer, such as art journal pages to hold layers or embellishments, or to prime something before painting it such as wood.)
Now It's Your
Turn
FULL
RULES
CHALLENGE #2
Old Text Book Cover
(re-purposed, strong, older is better)
* Theme – School (education of
any kind/lessons learned, etc…)
* Required material – Office Supply/s (any office supply
store items are game)
It is your challenge to alter an old text book cover, use the theme school,/education and you must incorporate office supplie(s). The deadline is November 7, 2009 Midnight Pacific. Discuss in the Project 52 Forum.- Upload to the Bad Girls Project 52 Gallery.
WINNER WILL BE OUR NOVEMBER GUEST DESIGNER!!! ANNOUNCED Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Instructions:
1. Upload to Your Photoserver Like Photobucket Our Project 52 Blinkie, Then Add It to Your Blog Linking Back To This Blog
2. After Your Blinkie Is Up, Leave Us a Comment On This Blog Post With The Link Where We Can Find It
3. Create
Challenge #2 & Upload It to the Project 52 Gallery before November 7th
Midnight Pacific
4. Come to the Project 52 Forum and Link Us to Your Project in the Gallery
Come say
Hi to the Design Team and View Bonus Tutorials in the Forum
today!
xoxo,
Julie Ann
Shahin, Lead Designer
Awesome challenge and WOW what inspiration!!! Now I am on a quest to find an old book to alter! I have ideas running around in my head already.
I do still plan on doing the last challenge, even though it is too late to enter it. I know exactly what I am doing for it.
Posted by: Julie | 10/25/2009 at 09:19 PM
This sounds like soo much fun :D Here is my link to my blog with the blinkie. It's on my side bar half way down. http://jaylynnscraps.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Jamie Dougherty | 10/25/2009 at 10:23 PM
Awe inspiring! I know exactly what I'd like to do with this. Thank you so much for the motivation and ideas!
Posted by: Cyndi | 10/26/2009 at 02:29 AM
WOW! Again blown away here! So gorgeous...eye candy really! Love all the details in each piece. ANd holy cow, thanks for all lists and how each piece was made...I love that!!! I am up for this challenge! Thanks again ladies, for the inspiration goodness!
Posted by: rani | 10/26/2009 at 07:05 AM
you girls totally rocked this challenge! .. love each and every one!
Posted by: Tania | 10/26/2009 at 07:13 AM
I am so excited to see what our BAD GIRLS do with this!!!!
Very Inspiring Ladies!!...
Personally I am going to find it impossible to walk by an old hard cover book ever again..LMBO
Posted by: Fairyrocks | 10/26/2009 at 03:07 PM
Looks like another fun challenge, again I've had no experience so it will be a learning journey. I am inspired by what the Bad Girls have done with their books!
Posted by: Bonnie | 10/26/2009 at 06:18 PM
I put your blinkie on my blog http://chrisaiton.blogspot.com/
and I have the absolutely perfect old poetry textbook for this project. I plan to turn this into my own personal poetry book with my favorite poems, and add images and embellishments that somehow seem to fit with the poetry.
I so love all of the designers's books and am really excited about this project.
Posted by: Chris A | 10/27/2009 at 12:10 PM
HEY EVERYONE! NOTE: SEE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LINKING BLINKIE
http://www.badgirlskits.com/mb/viewtopic.php?f=136&t=9256&p=147120#p147120
THANKS!
ALL YOU BAD GIRLS RAWK!!!!!
XOXO,
JULIE ANN SHAHIN
Posted by: Julie Ann Shahin | 10/28/2009 at 12:48 PM
HEY EVERYONE! NOTE: SEE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LINKING BLINKIE
http://www.badgirlskits.com/mb/viewtopic.php?f=136&t=9256&p=147120#p147120
THANKS!
ALL YOU BAD GIRLS RAWK!!!!!
XOXO,
JULIE ANN SHAHIN
Posted by: Julie Ann Shahin | 10/28/2009 at 12:49 PM
Got mine done today :) LOVED making it. Hope you like it too :)
http://www.badgirlskits.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12146&cat=771
Posted by: Jamie Dougherty | 10/28/2009 at 03:26 PM
blinkie is up on my blog :) love this challenge... just found the perfect book for creating my project - http://aardvarkandtheaccordion.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kristi | 10/29/2009 at 02:15 PM
Blinkie is up on my blog.. and I'm in the middle of challenge 2. Loving this whole thing!!! here's the blinkie...
www.scrapthatthought.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sandie McCarthy-Roberts | 10/29/2009 at 03:26 PM
hi there it is my first time here and my first mixed media alterd book hope you like it..
here are my links for it..
http://www.badgirlskits.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12149
http://mexx-flowersfreestylescissorsmexx.blogspot.com
http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/portfolio/view_layout.php?layout_id=192668&user_id=5898
have fun and tanks for the great inspirtion thanks you loves karin
Posted by: karin | 10/30/2009 at 05:13 AM
WOW WOW WOW!!!!! These projects have blown me away!!!!!!!
Posted by: Karen Dodson | 10/30/2009 at 12:15 PM
Here is the link to my blog with the Project 52 blinkie!!!
http://creativedivaluisa.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Luisa | 10/30/2009 at 06:06 PM
These are ALL AMAZING!!!
Posted by: Sherry B | 10/31/2009 at 11:50 PM
absolutely inspiring! makes me want to go find an old book tonight!
Posted by: emily pitts | 11/04/2009 at 04:37 PM
AMAZING Projects and brilliant inspiration!
Blinkie and project are here!
[url]http://steph-nerdbird.blogspot.com/2009/11/bad-girls-project-52-challenge-2.html[/url]
Posted by: Steph Block | 11/05/2009 at 09:10 AM
sorry posted link wrong - I'll try again!
http://steph-nerdbird.blogspot.com/2009/11/bad-girls-project-52-challenge-2.html
Posted by: Steph Block | 11/05/2009 at 09:55 AM
I'm blinkied!
http://keepsakescrafts.blogspot.com/
Off to post my finished challenge in the gallery!
~Sarah~
Posted by: Sarah | 11/05/2009 at 01:17 PM
Oh my, my! These are fabulous! Amazing. incredible. Stupendous. W-WOW!
Posted by: Jill Sprott | 11/07/2009 at 01:15 PM
Okie dokie! I have linkied my blinkied! XD (http://bunnykissd.blogspot.com/ on the right side under Miscellanea) However, I think I won't get a chance to create anything. The only textbook left in the house is my old college French book, and when the kids saw me take it out with intent to artify, they screamed bloody murder saying they wanted to learn French and neeeeeeeeded it... :::le sigh::: (We unschool, so it's not like we can say get your own textbooks... LOL!) I guess I'll be passing on this project for now, but I can't wait to see what's next!
Posted by: BunnyKissd | 11/07/2009 at 04:47 PM
Got my book done and uploaded finally!! wooohooo
And here is my blog link with the blinkie uploaded right this time :)
Posted by: Julie | 11/07/2009 at 11:10 PM
opps *L* Helps if I put the link in huh? http://aroundmycrazyworld.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Julie | 11/07/2009 at 11:11 PM