Braving The Elements-Michelle Ward's Crusade #36

Michelle Ward's Crusade #36 is very cool. What do I like about it? For starters, she's given the players 60 minutes to accomplish this journal page!! For me that is a HUGE challenge. Luckily for this one, I had a prepared journal page ready to go. The page is already covered with a gesso stamped background.

In Michelle's Words:


I call this crusade Braving the Elements because what I want you to do is make some tools - cut paper snowflakes - and use them to create textures, then actually apply the tool to your page. You will be making your own collage elements!

Ok, I deviated, cuz that's what I do!! I am not into snowflakes at all! I chose to make a cross stencil instead of cutting snowflakes. First we are instructed to gather our tools:
Above you see the prepared journal page, heart doilies, paint, magazine words, glitter that I ended up not using, and a page from an old calendar. Instead of making paper snowflakes I cut a stencil from the calendar page. I love this idea, inspired my Michelle.

You end up with a stencil and mask, or a cool collage element. The next step is a combo of drybrushing and dirty brushing, techniques Michelle explains in this Crusade.
You can start to see some of the texture created by the gesso stamping show through. Next, I used gesso and the cross stencil:
Don't forget to use both sides of the stencil to get your image going in opposite directions:

Most of the crosses got covered up by the end of the hour, but that's ok. Next was using the doilies as stencils:
Part of the directions for this crusade are to use the "hand cut" elements on your page. I didn't cut my own, but I do add the doilies I used to stencil onto the page.
I made the cross in red as a focal point. See my brush is still dirty!! Next I added some words ripped from a magazine:
I journaled using a black Stabilo pencil. I rubbed the edge of the pencil on top of the red cross and the texture below really pops. Oh and BTW, please forgive my use of red, turquoise and black YET AGAIN. I just love them so. Here is a scan of the finished page, which probably came just a little over the 60 minute rule:

So in Michelle's words:
The purpose of this crusade is to get you to realize all the skills you already have, and that you have all the materials you need within reach to make cool pages.

I love "Using What I Have On Hand" and this Crusade is another perfect way to do just that! The subject of my page "Your Cold, Cold Heart", is something I fear I am destined to struggle with my entire life. My thoughts came out in "I am sick and tired of selling my heart to the lowest bidder". Yeah, I'm a genius, I know. A sad, dark genius with a way with words. Sorry Mom, I did it again! teehee.

My Inspiration is taken from the song, "Your Cold Cold Heart" written by Hank Willims, Sr. You've probably heard Norah Jones' version. But, sniff, Hank's is way better. Just says the Music Snob. teehee.

I've tried so hard, my dear, to show that you're my every dream
Yet you're afraid each thing I do is just some evil scheme
A memory from your lonesome past keeps us so far apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart?

Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And so my heart is payin' for things I didn't do
In anger, unkind words I say that make the teardrops start
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart?

Another love before my time made your heart sad and blue
And now I know your heart is shackled to a memory
The more I learn to care for you, the more we drift apart
Why can't I free your doubtful mind and melt your cold cold heart?

Why Indeed?? xoSusan