Washi Hot Air Balloon

My head is often in the clouds dreaming, planning and deep in thought. Ironic really considering I’m scared of heights.

It was a gorgeous day, Noah was in school and Florence was down for her afternoon nap. I seized the opportunity to sit in the garden and have some me time. I grabbed my Rose Platinum Webster’s pages traveller’s notebook (wow that’s a mouthful) the cheapest set of watercolours as I am not an expert and I don’t know how to paint and some washi tapes from my huge collection.

I wanted to design one of my notebook covers but wasn’t sure what I wanted so I sat had a think and then it came to me. My heads are always in the clouds so why not a hot air balloon? Fantastic I thought not having a clear vision of how I was going to execute this.

I started by painting the hot air balloon but then quickly became apparent I can’t paint! Oh no I thought what am I going to do? Washi tape to the rescue. I started cutting odd shapes and sizes and put these through the middle of the balloon and I really liked the effect. The washi tapes complimented each other as they were pastel colours with hints of red to match the paint I started to use.

Once I had finished with the washi I carried on painting the bottom to match the top. It was so therapeutic and something I really want to do more of. I’m rubbish at painting but I like the look and after all an art journal is your personal thoughts and images. As long as I like it should I care others might criticise?

I finished off the balloon with a black pen and really couldn’t be happier with it. In fact I even made a YouTube video as I was so proud. You can watch it here.

Be creative and let your imagination take you on a journey. Show me what you create if you are inspired.

Thanks