Art Journal Page Using Distress Embossing Glazes

Today I want to share with an art journal page using Distress Embossing Glazes and pastes called “In the Darkness.” Over the last few weeks, I have been processing the events in the United States with the death of George Floyd. It has brought up some strong emotions for me. Social justice is important to me, and to see what is happening in the US is breaking my heart.

I Believe

I do not want to talk about politics, but I do feel that I should say something about what has happened. I believe that every life is precious and valuable. I believe that we need to love mercy and demand justice for those who are marginalized. I believe that our beliefs should line up with our actions, that words are not enough.

I also believe that we all are called to action in different ways. Some of us will protest, which I totally agree with as long as it is done in a peaceful manner. Some of us will talk with others and perhaps seek to understand the underlying issues. I do not believe that we all need to process it the same way.

My Reaction to These Events

My reaction to these events has been mixed. I’m heartbroken for George Floyd and his family. I am heartbroken over the fact that people can murder and feel like their actions are justified. The more I read, the more horror and heartbreak I feel.  The more I educate myself on the history of Canada and the United States, I am realizing that dehumanizing people that are different has been part of that history. I have had to challenge my understanding of history over the years and to understand where my biases are.

The Art Journal Project “In the Darkness”

The Art Journal Project “In the Darkness” has been one of the ways I am processing what has happened. The phrase “Even in the Darkness, the Light Shines Through” has been on my mind all week. The last few weeks have not been easy. Not only is there so much still going on with COVID-19, now we have people being murdered by police in the street. It feels like a dark time and it can sometimes feel impossible to break out of the darkness.

But I was thinking about my faith, how Jesus came to be the light in the darkness. It made me think that even in these times of darkness, there is always light. By standing up for the marginalized, we can be the light. By finding ways to change our beliefs on these issues can be a light in our own lives and the lives of others. We do not have to stay in the darkness, we can find our way to the light. For me, it is the mercy and love of Jesus that is the light in my life.

The Art Journal Project

In this art journal project, I wanted to find different ways to use Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Glazes. I love these Distress Embossing Glazes and like to find practical ways to use them in my books. In this art journal project, I have combined the Distress Embossing Glazes with embossing pastes to get some interesting results. To see the full video of this project, please click here or view below.

Project Supply List

• Strathmore Visual Journal Smooth Bristol
• Dreamweaver Embossing Pastes Metallic Gold and Metallic Copper
• Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Glaze: Tattered Rose, Fossilized Amber, Cracked Pistachio, Fired Brick
• Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Pens: Brush and Bullet
• Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink
• Ranger Mini Round Ink Blending Tool and Foams
• Paint: Holbein Artist’s Gouache Ivory Black and Ultramarine Blue, Golden Artist’s Colors Iridescent Gold (Fine)
• Paint Brushes: Holbein Size 10 Watercolor Brush, Acrylic Paint Brush
• Sakura Gelli Pen White Size 10
• Other Materials: Heidi Swapp Translucent Letters, Unknown Letters, Water Container, Distress Sprayer, Palette Knife
• The Crafter’s Workshop Party Lights Stencil

Questions?

If you have any questions on this technique or would like me to explore other techniques, please let me know. You can leave a comment below or contact me directly.