Category Archives: #Art

Mini Junk Journal: Part II

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How to make pretty journals made out of trash and leftover materials around your home.

Welcome to Layered Page and thank you to those who follow my blog. Today is part two of my mini junk journal series where you will discover ways to use recycled materials to make pretty journals without breaking the bank. It is possible to make pretty journals with junk!

My objective when creating junk journals is to use old ephemera AKA recycled materials, packaging, scraps of paper that I would otherwise throw out.

This junk journals cover is covered with old dictionary pages, scraps of scrapbook paper and a baby wipe I used during painting. The scrapbook paper I used has been cut down so many times for other projects, I decided it was time to either use the leftovers or to throw it away.

I hope you enjoyed this second part of my new series and if you have any questions about my process, please do not hesitate to ask below in the comment area.

Part III in this series, I will be using a cracker jack box and scraps of fabric. Stay tuned!

Be sure to take a look at my Mini Junk Journal: Part I. This post will give you more details in my process of constructing a journal. One thing I did change this time was to start on the outside of the spine to bind the signatures.

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

-Stephanie Hopkins

A Week of Regrouping

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“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” — Mary Lou Cook

I am taking the week off of blogging and to work on bringing you more creative content for future posts. Please be sure to check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages! I will continue to post new pictures on those media platforms. My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged. Have a beautiful week!

Stephanie Hopkins

Art in Motion: This and That

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As you all know, this past weekend was Mother’s Day and it was lovely to see so many pictures on Instagram of people celebrating their mother’s. Over the weekend, I was able to read a whole book, create lots of arts, crafts and relax with the family.

Art by Stephanie Hopkins

I’ve started a bookmark swap in the United States and I’m gaining good response out of the announcement. For more information about the swap: Steph’s LP Bookmark Swap Announcement! I hope you join! It is going to be a lot of fun and it’s always exciting to receive happy mail in the post.

Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

(Images are subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie Hopkins.)

Steph’s LP Bookmark Swap Announcement!

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I’m creating a unique bookmark swap this summer! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to receive bookmarks from crafters and artists? These swaps will be held three times a year and the first one is on June 15th. As you know, bookmarks are used for holding the place of your page in books, but did you know that they are great for your journals and notebooks as well? The design ideas are endless and what fun it is to create them. I’ve been making them for years and have collected many and I treasure each and every one of them. Recently, I’ve been making these bookmarks in the shape of tag, sizes of 2”x 5” and they have held up great! Another fun idea for them is to write your favorite book quotes on the back of them.

This swap group is for USA Residents only. If you are interested in participating, DM me on Instagram for more information. The Instagram hashtag for this swap: #StephsLPBookmarkswa Instagram handle: @stephsartjourney

I would love to have you join!

Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

(Images are subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie Hopkins.)

Art in Motion: What is an ATC?

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ATC (Artist Trading Cards)

I’m pretty sure I’ve blogged about the meaning of ATC (Artist Trading Cards) already but one can use a refresher and I have so many new followers on Layered Pages.

ATC’s are mini art cards 2 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄2 inches (64 mm × 89 mm) in size, that crafters and artists trade. They are usually created by using themes and series. They are handmade and working with such tiny measurements’ spark inspiration and creativity. Not only that, but they are fun to collect. Definity google the history of ATCs. The subject is highly captivating.

I recently joined an international ATC swap and I wanted to share the pictures of the cards. I was absolutely thrilled to receive them in the mail. There are five hundred artists that participate in this swap! I do believe the group is growing and the lady who host the group is amazing! She created and organizes it all on her own. The next swap is in June and is held every other month. Each artist gives and receives five cards. Which makes thirty trading cards total for the year. We send them to the hostess and she then mails them out to everyone with a special message included. She makes sure that we get a card from a different person each time.

ATC & Ephemera

I’ve meant so many wonderful people through this group and one of the artists reached out to me in private message to do a trade on our own. The picture to the left is the cards she sent me from Canada. She also made me a mini journal and included the cutest ephemera! We will swap again in July. Can’t wait!

Are you a crafter or artists? Do you participate in swaps? Do share! -Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

(Images are subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie Hopkins.)

Art in Motion: Flower Vase Paintings

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Original Panting by Stephanie Hopkins

Impressionism flowers are up there with my favorite art subjects to paint. Its emphasis on movement with small brush strokes fascinate me on several levels.  Claude Monet’s art work comes to mind when I think of Impressionism. In short, his use of color, movement and perception of nature is extraordinary.

Since abstraction painting is my main study, I like to infuse abstract with impressionism when creating flowers. I’m always amazed where the journey takes me and the discoveries I make along the way. Each piece I create gives me inspiration beyond anything I thought possible for me. Not only that, but the results give one confidence and assurance that creating art does matter for one’s growth and well-being in life.

These cards represent abstraction, impressionism and realism. – Stephanie Hopkins

Original Panting by Stephanie Hopkins

Be sure to check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

Original Artwork by Stephanie Hopkins

(Images are subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie Hopkins.)

Art in Motion: Spring Abundance

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Abstract Painting by Stephanie Hopkins

“If people did not love one another, I really don’t see what use there would be in having any spring.” – Victor Hugo

Be sure to check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

Weekend Musings

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Floral Painting (ATC) by Stephanie Hopkins

This morning I woke up feeling the coolness of the morning air and sounds of rain and wind. My first thought was to stay snuggled under the covers for a bit longer. As my thoughts wondered to holding a hot cup of coffee while looking out the window, and my morning painting, I got out of bed with anticipation of starting my day.

Lately, I haven’t thought much about the weekend during the week. The days seem to blur together while time continues to pass. I have to admit, I don’t mind it so much. But today is different. Last night, I looked forward to Saturday. Why, I asked myself. I couldn’t explain it really. It was just a feeling. Then this morning it came to me. I haven’t spent a lot of time reading as I had been and I wanted to finish my current book and read at least one more book before the month is up. The weekend allows for such opportunities.

Saturday Morning Abstract Painting by Stephanie Hopkins

I’m currently reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and want to start Heart of the Frontier by Brittany Larsen, Jen Geigle Johnson, Jennie Hansen and Carolyn Twede Frank. The Four Winds is absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend it. I will share more of my thoughts about the story in the near future.

I hope you have a beautiful weekend and God bless. -Stephanie

Be sure to check out my Mixed Media Art Gallery and Instagram to see more of my art journey!

Original Artwork by Stephanie Hopkins

(Images are subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie Hopkins.)

May Your Garden Grow

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May Your Garden Grow Abstract Painting by Stephanie Hopkins

“Flowers… are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities in the world.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have a panting I’m currently working on that I can’t wait to share with you all! So far, it has become one of my favorites! Spring and Summer really inspires my creativity and I find that my best work comes from these seasons. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this little abstract on a 4”x 6” index card. They are so much fun to doodle and craft with and a great way to explore new ideas for other art projects. Happy Wednesday and God bless! – Stephanie Hopkins

Be sure to check out my Mixed Media Art Gallery and Instagram to see more of my art journey!

Art in Motion: Depth of Nature

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Abstract Painting by Stephanie Hopkins

“The beautiful, which is perhaps inseparable from art, is not after all tied to the subject, but to the pictorial representation. In this way and in no other does art overcome the ugly without avoiding it.” – Paul Klee

Be sure to check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.