Journal Cover......and Gifts!

I decided to have a play with my Luana painting, so I printed out a small version of it and used it as part of a collage for a book cover. I used a variety of paints, plus thick gesso though a stencil, a bronze cross, torn papers and a gold pen.
I want to thank everyone who sent me such kind comments about my painting; this is all new to me so I really appreciate every single one.

My original painting is 8" x 8"....this book cover is quite small - 5 1/2" square.
If you've got a spare minute, I thought I'd show you some of my lovely birthday presents.......

.......a beautiful gold necklace with a freshwater pearl from my daughter and her boyfriend, a stunning chunky pearl necklace from my mum, a bead for my bracelet from my sister (its almost full now!), and a book (one of the presents from DH)..................some gorgeous fabrics, buttons and beads from my lovely friend Dot including 2 hand-made bird beads - just look at that cute little owl! (She also sent me my fabric book back from its trip around the world - I'll show you that tomorrow)

....and last, but not least, yet more luscious fabrics, a bracelet and a delightful hand-made doll from sweet Sesga in Wales.
I am so lucky to have such lovely gifts...and wonderful friends.

Luana

This is my first attempt at a portrait/journal page. It almost ended up in the bin a few times....but I got there. (Thank goodness for gesso.)
She started off just as a face without much character but gradually developed into my alter-ego. She is Luana...warrior queen.... lol!!! (I found the name that was the most like mine - and it actually means warrior.)
Luana is strong, independent, daring, brave....all the things I'd like to be.

At the bottom it says.... Alter-ego: second self, a part of a person's personality which is in marked contrast with his or her regular personality.
(Please click on the pictures)
I used ....... pencil crayons, acrylic paint, Lumiere paint, gold lace, German scrap, black (Pitt) pen, a gemstone, gold pen, sequin scrap, leaf stamps, gel medium and gilding flakes.
Maybe I'll go and start another one whilst I'm in the mood.......