Love Is has arrived in the Vera Lane Studio shop and she is a cutie!  I knew I wanted to practice some watercolor with her.  I am taking a Danielle Donaldson class and am using her book to practice some 'homework'.  I loved combining my homework with this little love!
She's such a cutie!  For this journal layout I actually printed her at 75% opacity ... meaning I wanted a touch more grayscale vs. solid black.
If you're familiar with Danielle Donaldson ... you already know that her colors are SUPER pastel and/or muted.  The HARDEST thing in the world for me to try and do!  I just stinking LOVE color!  {smiles}
I tried not to veer too far away from the task at hand ... so ... tried to do some fancy lettering with my saying.  Of course, I wanted a sentiment that spoke to me, and 'he loves me' was perfect!
My finished piece looks NOTHING like it should ... God bless me! I shall keep practicing!  It's been so long since I've watercolored with real watercolors and a paintbrush ... I really enjoyed this.  And now ... I see all kinds of things I could have/should have done.  LOL! 

I can say that this page is a bright, happy spot in my journal ... so glad I pulled out my watercolors.
My Fisherwoman journal layout was my first after stepping back into my studio after a year off.  As soon as I saw this image I knew that I HAD to create with it.
I adore her so much ... she is PERFECT combined with Matthew 4:19!  This is the first page in my 2019 journal.  It sets the tone of what I want to follow.
I colored the images with Copic markers ... I'm rusty for sure ... but it's coming back!  {smiles}
I adore these fish ... which is something I would have never imagined myself saying.  I used one of my favorite paper collections from DCWV ... that blue is SOOOOO gorgeous!  That being said ... I really, really struggled putting this together!
I tried to use some 'Janet' techniques to color my Fisherwoman.  (Janet is the owner/illustrator of Vera Lane Studio) ... perhaps ... I should have focused on getting reacquainted with my supplies first!  LOL!
I added some pencil markings and black pen markings in the background ... trying to add interest.  (It doesn't always work).  I used a white Posca marker for the white highlights and marks.
I added gold metallic thread for interest and for a 3d feel ... it needed something that didn't lay completely flat and moved ... thread is always a great solution!

I always like to include my own penmanship in every layout.  I don't always love it when I do ... but I find it incredibly important.  My dad passed in 1995 and now I treasure those things written by him ... to me, especially.  Reading something in his hand instantaneously brings him into that moment with me ... it's huge.  Do this ... write in your journals!

Have a BLESSED weekend,
Mischelle