Saturday, May 24, 2014

Journal 52, Week 21: Making a Mandala for Mandala Monday


I've been offline for three days and nights.  I'm NEVER offline that long.  But my internet has been whacky for days, and I'm just now able to get back online, with the help of the people at AT&T, my internet provider.  And now it's time to catch up, or at least try.

This week at Journal 52, Chelle's prompt was Making a Mandala, and I'm also making it for Mandala Monday where Dawn is Girl Unwinding and our host.

I recently created a background using distress reinkers and 91% Isopropyl alcohol.  This week I'm using Staz-on (solvent) reinkers.  As I've explained before, I keep all my reinkers separate, these being Staz-on only.  I'm not much of a stamper, but I love these reinkers for backgrounds.  Each type (dye, distress, solvent, and pigment) has its usefulness, and Staz-on reinkers are great with this alcohol.  In essence, you are making alcohol inks.

As I poured the ink into the cup, I remembered that every time I show this technique, my friend Julia of WOYWW fame reminds me this alcohol can't be purchased over the counter in the UK.  I go through at least two, sometimes three of these bottles of 91% alcohol a year, so I can't imagine not being able to buy them without a sworn statement of use or need.

Back to the present, I started by adding the darkest areas around the outside, then added more alcohol to the mix, and finished the center.  I love this technique because it is quick and dries faster than you can say 91% Isopropyl Alcohol three times!  Your substrate also dries completely flat.  There's never any buckling, due to the alcohol.

The one disadvantage is, even though my file folder substrate is quite heavy and thick, much thicker in fact, than card stock, the ink seeps through to the back.  I hope next week's prompt works with this background.  Otherwise, I'll have to cover the substrate with paper.

Since the prompt was "Making a Mandala," and I'm no good at doodling, I decided to make one from nature's bounty.  These are last year's bounty that had been pressed into a book and waiting for me to use the flowers and leaves.

I used a few tear drops and faceted circles as embellishments for the 21st prompt.  I can't believe we are almost half way through the year!  Seems like only yesterday we were starting this project, and here it is the UNOFFICIAL start of summer weekend, at least here in the States.

A few close-up photos,

even a bit closer,

and up close enough to see the veins in the leaves.




The center has two circles, one plain, one faceted.

One final view, and it's time to share with both Dawn at Girl Unwinding, and those of you who visit from Journal 52 (since I only post here and not on Facebook or Flickr).

17 thoughtful remarks:

Nan G said...

Darn ol' Internet. Good see you're okay. I love your mandala! And thanks for the step by in the reinkers and alcohol. I'll have to see if I have them. Have a wonderful Memorial Day. Hugs from all the Girls in FL. :)

Krisha said...

OOOOOOH This is a beautiful Mandala!!

Was wondering where you were. I answered your e-mail just moments ago.

Wacky ole intranet.

Have a good one, give Bluebeard a squeeze for me.......

Anonymous said...

Love your use of what's at hand. Always a clever solution from you. xox

Karla B said...

Elizabeth, I missed you!This mandala is a gorgeous piece of art. Hope your internet doesn't let you down again, my friend!

Halle said...

I'm glad you made it back online. We've had some router issues as well. Have to do the unplug it routine then it works.
LOVE Love your page. Stunning!!!!

Lindart said...

Beautiful nature mandala! Great way to use the treasured pressed flowers and leaves.

~*~Patty S said...

Well this turned out beautifully E...pretty enough to frame and hang up!!!
Your alcohol ink background is wonderful too...
Your photographs sure are sharp and lovely...I can see the hairs on one of the leaves along with the veins as you pointed out!
You must be pleased with this mandala masterpiece!
oxo

Jo Murray said...

How pretty! Thanks for the tip about alcohol and inks. I've never tried it, but will now.

Eliza said...

We get our Alcohol in the pharmacy section in the supermarket here and we don't have to sign any forms, gosh that sounds harsh not being able to do that. I for some reason thought you were in the UK for heavens reason I don't know but I did, maybe it is my blonde seeping though LOL This has to be the best Mandala I have ever seen mainly because it is your version and I don't like those Mandala stamps. Sad to hear about the internet issues at least you got some crafting done and didn't waste time on the net surfing the world.

Hugs Eliza

Rita said...

Sorry you were having internet issues. I hope they are all fixed now. So frustrating to lose that connection.
Love your mandala! :)

Janet said...

I have rarely used inks, and when I have it's been in a spray form...I need to try this!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Glad you got your internet sorted out again. I can hear your frustration in your words!

Your mandala is gorgeous--maybe my favorite so far of your nature ones.

Thanks for stopping by to lament with me about that awful move-out day--glad it is over! I enjoy visiting the city, just not driving there!

Anonymous said...

Being without an internet connection is soooooo frustrating but glad you were able to get back on again.

This is a beautiful piece, love how you used the pressed leaves and flowers and a gorgeous background too. No we can't get the alcohol over here in the UK, we are considered too incompetent to use it properly :) Not sure what we can use as an alternative either.
Lynn x

Anonymous said...

Well that is just about as lovely as it gets! don't you think?
I totally love the color of the background with those pressed flowers. Really ties it all together nicely.
Thank you as always for your ultra kind words regarding my mandalas. I am so happy to see this nature inspired beauty as a part of Mandala Monday.
~Peace
Dawn

Vicki Miller said...

This is really gorgeous. And I love the sparkly additions

TwinkleToes2day said...

That is a VERY beautiful mandala :o)

thassos456 said...

Wow, this is gorgeous. Love it. What a great idea to use presses flowers and leaves. Awesome :)