I like my bible colorful. I use my bible in a way that allows me to study the word and create art based on the reading. The more I created on the inside, I realized its external appearance lacked the same colorfully creative expression. The outside was very discouraging and blah. I wanted be able to discuss my art, as well as my bible studies. I don't believe anyone is ever going to know the beauty contained inside my bible besides tabs, if all you see is the the plain black cover. So I did this...
The items used in this project are:
- Helmar Crystal Kote Fixative Spray
- Helmar Crystal Kote Matte Varnish
- Sandee Setliff SG Stencil- Music Geek
- Deco Art Media Gesso- White
- spray bottle with water
- Paint Pens
- Jane Davenport Mermaid Markers
- Baby wipes
I neglected to take a picture of the plain black cover before and after gesso, Im sorry.
After the gesso was dry, I scribbled across the covers, front and back, with mermaid markers. The markings are sprayed with a little water from the bottle. This allows the coll to allow the colors to flow into each other for more of a watercolor look. I aslo covered the bible info on the spine with a piece of washi tape, to act as a mask, during this process.
If I was thinking, before I designed ontop of the book cover I would sprayed my first few coats of the Helmar Crystal Kote Fixative. I did the notice the difference as I used it later in this post after other steps. I did some art using the new stencils from a former Helmar DT sister-friend Sandee Setliff who now creates designs for Stencil Girl. I used her Music Girl Geek stencil and paint pencils to decorate the front cover. I sprayed the fixative a few short quick sprays and allowed to air dry.
It wasn't enough, haha I had to add even more art. I could feel the difference in the use of the fixative spray. It seemed as though I was creating on top of a clean art surface and when I made an error, I was able to safely wipe away the paint without disturbing the previous watercolor layer. I took some black paint and I stenciled the image yet again. Did a little fine line pen-work.
I let that dry a few days, then on a rare 90plus degree day in Chicagoland area (haha its FINALLY looking like Spring), I took the bible out for a final spraying. I used the Helmar Crystal Kote Matte spray as my final layer. Min you the sealant comes in Matte and Gloss
I hope you enjoy how I altered my bible cover. Its a book I am even more proud to carry and not only share in discussion of the word, but also in the beauty I see because of it. Don't stop at a bible. Take any of the Helmar products that can be found worldwide and ALTER SOMETHING!!! (smile)
