Hi Everyone,
Creating a handmade gift is a tangible way to show appreciation for someone you care about. And since the overwhelming majority of those who voted on what I should blog about this week wanted a new technique, I thought I’d share what I call my ‘Blessing Books’. I call them Blessing Books because I often write something that starts “May you be blessed with…”
Since there were a number of votes for a piece on gratitude, I chose gratitude as the theme for some of the books I made tonight.
These are really easy to make. I start with a long strip of soft watercolor paper, on which I draw, paint and write what’s in my heart. Then I fold it and sometimes letter additional text on the reverse. I took step-by-step photos of the process.
STEP 1: Using Sakura’s Koi coloring brush pens I put color on the paper.
STEP 2: I squeezed water from my water brush onto the page where I had applied the color.
STEP 3: I ‘blend’ water into the color, ‘smush’ it around until the area is filled with color, then move to the next part of the design, squeeze more water onto it, and continue the process.
STEP 4: While the blue piece was drying I added text to a piece I painted earlier in the day. I used Sakura’s medium black gelly roll to do the lettering on the piece above, and an 01 Micron to do the lettering on the piece below.
STEP 5: I folded the paper in half, and then in half again, and again until it was totally folded. I wanted this book to be an accordion format, and had to change direction of a couple of the folds to get it to work.
STEP 6: Using Sakura’s Koi coloring brush markers, alternating between green and blue, I wrote the word “THANKS” on the reverse side. Then using my 01 Micron I wrote a message on the ‘front’ of the book.
I added lettering to the other pieces, and then folded them in different ways.
I’m still trying to decide if I want to write anything on the front of the gate-fold books above and below. The inside of the book below says “Fill Your Heart with LOVE”.
STEP 7: Flatten the book by putting underneath something heavy.
Here is a photo of the four books I made tonight…
Hope you have fun trying this technique. I LOVE using the Koi Brush markers, and never leave home without them. I’ve actually filmed a few videos showing how to use them, and if you’d like to see this technique ‘in action’ I’d recommend watching two of my YouTube videos: Easy Ombre: A Gradient Tutorial by Joanne Fink and Koi Watercolor Creative Coloring Techniques with Joanne Fink of Zenspirations.
I’d really appreciate your comments on the Blessing Books, and would love to see photos of the ones you create.
Although it’s not in a book, I’d like to share a blessing in honor of Thanksgiving: May you and your family be blessed with peace & plenty, health & happiness, laughter & love.
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
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I think I'm going to try this technique for a couple of special Christmas cards/gifts, based on a reminder of what Christmas is about – not presents but Presence. This is such a lovely idea, I can see it working in all sorts of ways. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this lovely idea !
Joanne – these are beautiful! I wish I could write as perfectly as you, but I think I can do the watercolour technique. I know what pens I am going to ask for for Christmas! 🙂 Thank you for all the sharing you do.
Joanne, Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours. I love these little books and will definitely make some. I might just keep some on hand to give out at random.
xox
So beautiful, Joanne! You never cease to amaze me…..
I'm thankful for you and your heart to share your lovely talent!
Elisa Malo
Thank you SO MUCH for this great idea. I've been looking for a quick and easy something to
give some of my friends for Christmas. This is perfect!
These are wonderful ! I love how they're so simple to make and the end results are beautiful !! I always … Always … ALWAYS go for handmade greeting cards over store bought mass printed ones that you'd buy from like Hallmark or your local gift shop. These would make lovely greeting cards that can later be framed and used as a banner to be hung above your headboard or doorway. Thank you again for sharing such a wonderful project !!
Your Blessing Books are phenomenal…. The meaning that goes into each project is phenomenal. I hope you have a truly wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving. Much love to you!
STEP 7: wouldn't you put some thing heavy on top of the book?
What a lovely idea! I'm still practising the letters from your 'Letters and Patterning' and when I've mastered it I'll be trying this.
You never cease to inspire me.
Sue
Just great….definitely want to try this…..always THANKFUL that you share you gifts
Oh what FUN! I am going to make one of these for a friend who just lost someone very close to her. This is a great way to send someone you love a hug. Thank you, Joanne! ~Wendy
This is a wonderful idea, Joanne. I love your books. Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm going to try this as soon as I can. I pray that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for sharing so much of your heart in every project you do…….Linda E.
Love this idea. Feel inspired to make one based on "For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)". Thanks for continuing to inspire us all!! …… Fiona H.
You've done it again!! Inspired and uplifted to create something practical yet filled with beauty and meaning. Your generosity in sharing is a gift you give the world 😉 ~Susan