Day 2 of my October art journal. Today I'm trying out new techniques, specifically trying out a scrapping style that Maureen (Cooking My Life) calls 'fantasy layouts,' where a photo is extracted and then pasted into a fanciful scene. Very apt description, Maureen! I'm going to steal--er, lift--that phrase!

It seems to me that fantasy layouts always have "glows" in them--glows on the photo extraction, glows on the background, and the extractions always appear to have some sort of painterly effect so that they never look quite real. I started a thread yesterday called "Lighting Techniques?" in which I asked for advice on how to achieve such effects, and I got so many responses! You guys are all awesome! I think that 'filter>render>lighting effects' is going to be my best friend for a while, and if you haven't done so, you simply must check out frani's (frani_54) tutorial on how to achieve a painterly effect http://franslittlebitofeverything.blogspot.com/. It also helps to start with a kit that already has some built-in glows, such as Lotta Designs 'Happy Halloween!'

Still working on what one actually does with an art journal. I think I'm just a bit too structured to really let go and do one of these (I can too be spontaneous! Just tell me when and where and what to do!), but I'm having fun playing.

That's me in the photo, at last year's annual pumpkin carving party that DH and I host. I have no idea why I have such a goofy look on my face, but it sure makes a wonderful extraction for a Halloween layout!

Credits
Lotta Designs(here at the O)
Happy Halloween http://www.oscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=25696&cat=0&page=1

Font: Chiller

Thanks for stopping by!