Stamped Journal Pockets and Tags

How charming are these new stamps by Gwen Lafluer for PaperArtsy? She just released three new sets, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on EGL49, which has four oversized faux postage stamps and some smaller elements to coordinate with them.

I have been saving canceled postage stamps from my many trades with other artists, and also recently purchased a little paper punch that is shaped just like a postage stamp, right down to the serrated edges. Lately I have been smitten with making journal pockets, so I thought the stamped postage frames would look amazing on the pockets--and I was right! I tried them with an assortment of colored papers and inks and used the two I liked best for the pocket adornment.

For the journal page on the right, I used my punched papers and old stamps to create a background. 

Next, I used white embossing powder with the "POSTE VATICANE" stamp on black paper for the front of the pocket template. 

I stamped the sweet bird on watercolor paper and carefully added color with a fine brush dipped in watercolor. Then I cut it to the shape of the opening and glued the bird in place.

The journal page on the left has a background of sari silk from Gwen's website. I stamped a leafy floral from an older (but still fabulous!) set, EGL40, for the pocket background to coordinate with the sari silk. In the center of the pocket, I used the "INDIA POSTAGE" stamp in black on white cardstock. I carefully painted in the details with watercolor and Derwent watercolor pencils. The small figure in a festive hat was added separately and cut to fit the opening. At the very top I added some Japanese faux stamps and postal-inspired washi tape.

But, what good is a pocket unless you fill it? I decided some tags would fit nicely in the pockets, and experimented with the other stamps in set EGL49. You can find all kinds of gorgeous embellishments on Gwen's website to add to your tags or pockets. Check out the vintage embroidered Hmong star I used on the center of the yellow tag. 

I hope you enjoy using Gwen's new stamps as much as I did! If you want to try making your own journal pocket, below are some templates that can be printed on 8.5" x 11" paper. Have fun creating!