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Just Be

Welcome to Day 3 of our Anni-VERVE-sary Spotlight Hop series! Hop along with the Divas all week long as we share our first looks at a few of the new products releasing from Verve on Friday night! One lucky commenter along the hop will win today's featured sets and dies.  So be sure and leave a little love as you hop around the Divasphere!  Check the Verve Blog for prize details and deadlines.

Okay, on to the sneaky peeks!!!  Our spotlight for today is shining on a new set called Words of Wisdom, plus the  Notebook and Graph Paper Plain Janes, as well as the coordinating Rounded Rectangle Die.

As many of you who read my blog know, I've recently started doing mixed-media and art journaling.  As I was creating, I realized that I wanted some large meaningful quotes and inspirational sayings to add to my pages.  So I started designing Words of Wisdom with that in mind, and it (and the graphic feel it evokes) became the basis for the entire release of stamps.  And while this is one of the first times I've designed a set based solely on what I wanted and not what I thought others might want, it's near and dear to my heart.  I had art journaling on my mind, but these sentiments are perfect encouraging quotes for cards, scrapbook pages and all types of creations.  I know the Divas will have some fabulous samples to inspire your papercrafting!

This is one of the first journal pages I made with this set.  The background of colors is made with a variety of paints, gelatos and watercolor crayons.  I've been fascinated with birds sitting on a wire or branches lately, and I think it's because they are so content to just be.  They aren't flitting around from thing to thing, just content with where they are in the moment.  Something I would so like to be.  So I designed this page around that thought, sketching in a branch for a chipboard bird that I painted over to sit on.  The simplicity word is part of an old Simplicity pattern and I wrote in the "of heart" to complete the thought.

Next I added the rolled sheet music in the corner with mod podge, adding some distress stain and paint to it, then stamping the "just be" sentiment from Words of Wisdom directly on the rolled paper and doodling a little heart with copic markers.  The flowers in the corner are a Crafter's Workshop Stencil that I used with light molding paste and then painted over once it was dry.  I finished adding some texture with rubons.

I think someone asked last time I posted a journal page what I created my journal pages on.  Here I'm using a spiral bound Strathmore Visual Journal  (Watercolor 140 lb) in the 5.5" x 8" size.  And yes, I do create right in the book.  Here's a look at it with its accompanying page, which uses the you matter sentiment and arrow from Words of Wisdom.


Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Be sure to check out what the rest of the Divas have to share today and leave a little comment love as you hop about for a chance to win!  Next up on the hop is ... Charmaine!


1. Julee8. Sarah {Guest}
2. Charmaine9. Marisa {Guest}
3. Tosha10. Laurie
4. Andrea11. Amy
5. Sankari12. Shannan
6. Teresa13. Betty
7. Jackie14. Maureen

Enabler's Lists:
just be page
Stamps: Words of Wisdom (Verve)
Paper: Visual Journal Notebook (Strathmore), sheet music
Ink: Jet Black Archival, paints, Gelatos and PITT Pens (Faber-Castell), Distress Stains, Copic markers
Accessories: light molding paste, stencils (Crafter's Workshop), vintage pattern (Simplicity), modpodge, chipboard bird, Far East Rubons (SU!)

you matter page
Stamps: Words of Wisdom (Verve)
Paper: Visual Journal Notebook (Strathmore), dictionary paper
Ink: Jet Black Archival, paints, PanPastels, Gelatos, Pitt pens (Faber-Castell), Teal India Ink (Bombay), Distress Stains (Ranger)
Accessories: light molding paste, paper doily , Far East Rubons (SU!)

104 comments

Lynn said...

Stunning Julee!

Crestajune said...

This is fabulous, Julee! I love the idea of larger sentiments... so excited to see more! Have a beautiful day!

Christina said...

Wow! This is truly a work of art! Love your observation about birds on a wire, too!

Andrea Ewen said...

You have a wonderful eye for the mixed media style, Julee...and I love how you incorporate your hopes and wishes in your art. Your heart is right there on your sleeve...and it's beautiful!

Jami said...

Love the notebook! Great detail.

Debbie Carriere said...

Julee, this is gorgeous!!!! You are so artistic and should be so proud of your work!! Love the colors and the bird!! I have a feeling what YOU want will be what lots of others want, too!!!

TannyP said...

A true work of are! That's incredible =) I'm so glad to hear this was what you wanted - because I'm sure everyone will want this set, too!

Vickie Z said...

WOW!!! Glad you designed a set for you....it's fabulous!!!

Tricia T said...

I love your thought about the birds. They are perfect for the "Just Be" saying!!

Luanne said...

I'm so happy to see sentiments relating to your revelations over the last months. I think all of us have been encouraged by them, and will appreciate these sentiments too. I know I have.... Thanks Julee!

Cassie_lu said...

This is amazing and I really like how you stamped the sentiment

Bandon, Oregon said...

Well, my jaw just hit the ground!!! BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL!!

Faith

Steph Herbert said...

I absolutely love this! Fabulous job! :)

Sian Ridley said...

Well, this is just fabulous! I really love those colours and the way the page just seems to come together in a manic perfection. I do miss my art, maybe I should get back into it a bit more :)

The quote 'life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful' has me very interested already - I have a feeling these are going to be the best stamp sets yet :)

Crafty Math Chick said...

What a lovely altered notebook Julee! Very artistic, I like it!

Whimsey said...

Beautiful and brilliant - that rolled sheet music is way beyond incredible; LOVE the bold, strong colors.

This is the MOST excited I've been for a release in quite some time! :D

Wanda Cullen said...

I'm in awe of your mixed media creations...lovely colors and combination of elements!

Unknown said...

Wow! Just amazing journal! Love the art work and the sentiments from Words of Wisdom will be my favorite...I can already tell!

Denisse said...

OH MY! WHAT A BEAUTY!!

Lorie said...

Wow, I am just stunned! That is beautiful!

DonnaJ said...

Beautiful ! Perfect for my scrapbooks !

Gretchen said...

Wow Julee! This is sooo beautiful! I love the rolled music paper on the title!

Unknown said...

Wow! Makes me want to get back into mixed media myself. Lovely work.

Maureen said...

those little rolled papers are da bomb, Julee!! I love how you've showed us the book...what a fabulous collection of art in one sweet little place :) This set has been a dream to work with :) I think everyone will be amazed at how many sentiments are in it!! I see another "sold out" sign going up!

Liz Williams said...

Wow, this is gorgeous, and I am late getting started on this blog hop. It is fun of fabulous new things.

Darlene Gabriel said...

Stunning page - so colourful and cheery. You've really packed a lot in here. I love the rolled music especially. Can't wait to see the rest of this release.

Jen Carter said...

This is really beautiful!! Looking forward to seeing more with these sets!

Laraine R said...

This is gorgeous!!

Charlotte Zweigoron said...

Ah, you have hit on something near and dear to my heart with this journal. Someday I hope to do some collage art. Really liked this.

Judith Tetley said...

oooh I have just started a workshop on Mixed Media and am loving it. Love your inspirational work!
Kind REgards
Judith from Australia
http://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

Becky Carafa said...

Just stunning!

Basslady said...

this is a real masterpiece!

absolutely stunning!

hugs and kisses from germany,
silvi xoxo

Laurie said...

Great project. Cant wait to see the other samples with these new releases!

Tosha Leyendekker said...

Stunning doesn't even begin to touch how fabulous your journal covers are Julee!! I'm in awe of your creative skills!! From the colors to all the variety of medias and textures. You are a true artist!!

Louise Brown said...

WOW!!! Your project is gorgeous....love the mixed media!!!
TFS

Melisa Hunter said...

What a gorgeous art page, Julee! You've inspired me to try something like this. This stamp set looks amazing by the way! I love what I've seen!

Teresa said...

I MUST try this on a notebook soon!

Lisa M. (aka. Lisa @ Farm Fresh) said...

Wow! this is just stunning! You are clearly a fabulous artist and designer! Love the idea of nice larger quotes!

suzieq23 said...

Wow? I am really excited about the new sets from Verve! I too have just recently started art journaling and it has also helped me to dig into my innards and see who i am. The words of wisdom will be just perfect.
thanks.

Marisa said...

Fabulously done. I love the Just Be sentiment! Reminds me of one of my favorite verses "to be still and know that I am God" and it is also a great reminder to just be who you are. Fabulous pages and I love how you incorporate your feelings in the art (((Hugs))).

Wendy said...

I am so taken with your journal. It doesn't seem like you just started. Your journal is FANTASTIC. I love stenciling and I usually use Dreamweaver Embossing paste. I will give molding cream a try. Thanks for the inspiration. Have a great day!!!

loretta said...

Rerally pretty! Well done!

Sheila Davis said...

JUST BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Such a wonderful creation.

Teresa Kline said...

luv this fun journal Julee....you have such a great style!

enjoy *~*

irishgalkelly said...

Love it Julee! This is a bright and cheery project. I love the rolled music too.

Ravengirl said...

This is a gorgeous creation Julee! So glad to read that you designed this release around what you liked and wanted. I'm sure it will be an amazing hit!

Jen Shults said...

I wish you could have heard the SQUEEEEE I just did, lol. I've been wanting some larger sentiment stamps for journaling and I can't WAIT to see the rest of this set!! YEEHAW!!! I hope there are more to come!!!

Loralei said...

What an inspiration! Great page. I am so in awe of people that just know what they want to do and then just do it. I struggle for hours over paper and color and then 9 times out of 10, end up with something that bears no resemblence to what I started out doing!

renee said...

love the freedom and the creative you are showing in your work...super job! thanks for sharing your art!

Anonymous said...

Both pages are absolutely stunning!!! Love the colors, layers and sentiments!! W.O.W!

Nazeema Calypso Thompson said...

Oh my word....this is absolutely stunning and beautiful. The colors...the dimensions...Oh my goodness...this is a true creation of marvelous art. Very inspirational!!!

sharon g said...

Gorgeous! I love birds.

Unknown said...

Absolutely gorgeous, Julee! Your creativity and art journal are just amazing!

Tanya said...

OH Julee! this is jaw dropping gorgeous! I love this, and the colors are amazing, the little bird is so sweet.I love the texture with the paste and stencil, so many fun details!

Julia M said...

So glad you showcased your mixed media style with this release. Your journal is absolutely stunning....Thanks for sharing your creativity!

Nicole said...

Oh Julee, how inspiring. I love the freedom and true art you put into this. Cannot wait to see these sets in their entirety!

Susan said...

Beautiful work. Can't wait to see more of this set.

Moosisk said...

Spectacular! Love your attention to detail. Thanks for sharing with us today during the day 3 hop. :D

Rhonda said...

Oh WOW! This is so pretty Julee. Bright colors and inspiring words.

jill said...

Just stunning, love everything about this number

Anonymous said...

Wow this is so colorful and fun! I love the flowers :)
Lisa

Colorado Crafter said...

Beautiful work!! I love the colors.

KathyE said...

WOW, that is stunning. You do beautiful work. Thank you for sharing it with us.

KathyE

Janelle Stollfus said...

*sigh* This is the best! So much to say about the quality and richness of it all but can't find the right words. Thanks for sharing your journal pieces with us and your dialogue on this one makes it complete.

Beth Ann said...

Love this. Thanks for sharing.

Barb Turpin said...

Love this set! So many wonderful sentiments!

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

Love the fabulous card and journal, this is so beautiful

Amy Sheffer said...

Fabulous art journaling, Julee! Love these pages!

Barbara said...

Hi Julee, this is so stunning. I am inspired. Thanks for sharing with us.

Cindy Lou said...

Very awesome Journal page/cover! I love working with journals so this one really hits the spot! Great Job!

Sue D said...

Very cool journal page--love the bird.

Tracey said...

LOVE this!!! I am too just getting into mixed media art :)

riggy said...

WOW, this is just beautiful, Julee

Ally said...

Awesome, Julee. ;-) I love hearing about your creative process, and creative desires. It's so refreshing. Love your page! And I'm excited to see all of the new products at the release. ;-) Thanks for sharing!

Heather said...

What a vibrant, fun project! You have definitely changed up some of your stamping style (somethings I like more, some not as much) but you still create amazing projects. Your artistic vision is amazing and is definitely shown off today.

Jolene Bebich said...

Just beautiful! The colors are so striking together. Love it!

craftymom205 said...

Lovely project.

craftymom205 at yahoo dot com

Maryleva said...

You are a great artist. Love this project.

scrappingnana said...

Wow, what a great work of art. Thanks for sharing.

Vicki said...

Wow! Mixed media is so freeing to work with. Great job.

kksb said...

Love the phrase "Just be". I have used it before on ATCs having had to alter the word because to get the be that I wanted. Wondered when a creator of stamps would present it.

Indy's Designs said...

This is stunning!!

Anonymous said...

fabulous creation Julee! I love the colors - I think you have found your niche in mixed media.

Jillisgram said...

Such a lovely journal. I'm seeing more of this mixed media everyday and thinking I must try it.

Dawn Easton said...

Wow....amazing piece of art work Julee! LOVE it!

Michelle said...

Fabulous! Just stunning.

Jackie Pedro said...

I. AM. SPEECHLESS. Well, not really (grin), but this is TRULY a work of HEART! The rolled sentiment in the corner is so beautiful and interesting! I just want to reach out and feel all the texture! AMAZING, Julee!!

Dori Shelton said...

I missed hopping around yesterday,(day 3) and now I have today's hop to do as well. Needless to say, I'm going to be hopping for a while! That's OK though, cause if I get to to look at breathtaking creations like this, I don't care if it takes ALL day!!
Gorgeous!!

Sankari W. said...

What an absolute work of {he}art! I adore your mixed media project Julee - so stunning and beautiful and vibrant and gorgeous!!! I am simply in awe how you brought this stamp set to life!! Awe-mazing!
Big hugs,
Sankari :)

Jen Cuthbertson said...

Love this, Julee! I've been enjoying following along your mixed media journey and this is so inspiring!

Karen said...

Great journal pages.

Heidi said...

I am loving the lines/notepad stamps... so versatile and a stamp that will be used for a long time.

jennifer mitten said...

This is just gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

I love that paste technique, it's so pretty! And, adding that sheet music with modpodge is such a unique idea. Very artfully done!

Sarah Gough said...

oh wow this is GORGEOUS! I love it!

KanataNewf said...

What a beautiful art journal!

Betty Wright said...

Amazing details and technique! Stunning project and design! Beautiful journal, Julee!

Vicki Dutcher said...

I ordered my AJ book and can't WAIT to get started on it!! The most freeing stamping I have done -- love your AJ pages!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

I just love the artsy look of this, Julee! gorgeous!

Paulette S said...

Julee I love how you mixed different medias! This is so cool. I'm a total nut for bird dies. LOL

Renate said...

WOW, this is stunning! So many beautiful details! Love it!! :-)

Charlene said...

Oh my!! This is fantastic and going to be on my "gotta create" (with my own twist of course) list, its beautiful and I know a teen that would just love it.

Jessie/knightrone said...

SO pretty!! Love it!

Lynne Phelps said...

Your art journal pages are so beautiful! I was wondering what kind of paints you like to use on paper? I have just started an art journal after being a card maker for a long time. Your move in this direction has been one of my inspirations! :-)