The Pensive Sarod Player: Mixed Media Art Journal
Let your soul stand ajar, always ready to welcome the ecstatic experience. ~ Emily Dickinson
New experiences is something that I don’t often put myself in a position to experience. I am a creature of habit. Just ask my husband. Whenever we go out to eat I have one specific meal that I get off the menu at each restaurant. And usually that meal includes chicken. I have not deviated off this course in the last 20 years. I am not one of those girls that keeps you guessing.
My hubby and I have had many conversations about risk taking but usually in the context of money. There are many instances in my life where I like to think that I have made a decision without regard for the status quo but when it comes down to it I am a follower. I care too much about what people think about me. A flaw that I am still striving to overcome despite my 33 years.
I love this quote because it is a great reminder to welcome new experiences in life with open arms and an adventurous spirit. Even though I struggle with putting this into practice with life, I find it very inspiring and pleasurable when I play it out in my artwork.
Creating the Journal Layout
Inspiration
Lately, as I have been contemplating my next journal theme, I found an amazing artist that embodies everything that intrigues my eye. If I could have her artwork made into pillows, quilts and upholstery fabric I would litter every square inch of my house with them. If you have a minute check out Gwen Lafleur.
I have been so inspired by her beautiful work that I have been practicing my layering of patterns and colors. This background is one of my attempts.

The Background
I started out by stenciling the Art Deco Flower Medallion over the background. I covered everything with gesso and then added some sprays and PaperArtsy infusions. I added a few embossing powder granules into the wet ink. Once everything was dry, I rubbed gold ink onto the medallions and sealed it with clear embossing powder. I added some dots with liquid pearls and a white out pen. The background has been stamped with a Japanese Wave Stamp.
Embellishing
I covered a few die cuts in sprays and embossing powder. The embellishments are stamps from Seth Apter, Clearly Impressed, Red Rubber Designs. The image was a free image from online.
Well, that’s all for today. Thank you for taking the time to look.
Kate
Challenges Entered:
13 Arts: Challenge #60 Moodboard
Moo Mania: Put a Stencil On It
Creative Artiste: #32 Anything Mixed Media Goes
Creative Embellishments: November Challenge (Inspired by Butterfly Wings)
Country View Challenges: November Stencils
Gorgeous journal page, love the beautiful colours and patterns, and the quote from Emily Dickinson fits so well. Have a good weekend, hugs, Valerie
It vaguely reminds me of a stained glass window which I always love to see in churches, a very beautiful page, Kate!
Those spread is a dream and so complex made – it’s unbelievable how much effort you put in your spreads Kate! The E. Dickinson Quote is one I love as well! You are right! It is for sure better to take risks on a page as in real life! If something goes wrong there is much more paper but in life we have to be wise and calm to get the best for us and our beloved ones! You make it exactly the rigth way, keep on this way!
Gwen Lafleur is awesome, I recently got her art known as I won a candy and was able to order some things from her shop. Her style is magnificent and luxurious! Very unique!
I wish you a very happy weekend ahead and say thank you very much for joining Moo Mania & More! This is much appreciated!
oxo Susi
Beautiful pages! They have such a rich and opulent look about them and such wonderful inspiration too 😁. Wishing you a Happy Friday and Weekend! J 😊
Simply stunning. Your use of the stencils and layers brought this together beautifully.
Absolutely gorgeous pages, Kate.
Thank you so much for joining us at MOO MANIA & MORE.
Have a wonderful weekend
You have many more years to expand horizons…you WILL get there-as you get older I find many people don’t care as much what others think and wish we had done that earlier!!! LOL! Your art is very creative–give yourself more credit as you are going out of the box! and Nicely! Thanks for joining us at CREATIVE EMBELLISHMENTS!
What a beautiful quote for your project, this is a gorgeous one. Thanks for playing along with us at Creative Embellishments this month.
Amazing pages with gorgeous textures, colors and collage elements. Great composition. Wow!
Dear Greetings
Sabine
so very pretty! thanks for joining us at Creative Embellishments!
Great textures and colors
Thanks for playing with us at 13arts challenge
Wow!! I really love the colours and patterns on these pages Karen, so rich and lovely!! The quote is one I really love too. Stunning pages!! hugs xx
This is amazing, beautiful rich colours and patterns. Thank you so much for joining in with our challenge at Country View Crafts, and I hope you join us again next month. Sue xx
Hello Kate!
Another Gwen lover! Welcome to the club!
Your spread is beautiful and the stencil of Gwen;s that you used is one of my very favorites!
Thank you so very much for your gracious comments you leave on my blog- they are very special!”)
Jackie
So much beautiful artwork I’ve missed from your creative hands! I’m so pleased to referenced them in your journal cover post, so I could visit each! I’m a terrible blogger, but I always enjoy a good catch up, usually early Sunday morning before church when the house is quiet. Thank you for your amazing inspiration this morning! Hugs!