Nature Collected — Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

A tiny collection of art, paper, nature, and found beauty tucked inside an altered tin.

Nature Collected is a one-of-a-kind miniature mixed-media art journal featuring eight individual original watercolor paintings, naturally dyed papers, selected decorative papers and coffee-dyed cotton connections.

One side includes eight individual original watercolor paintings—not prints or reproductions. The reverse sides feature a mixture of my naturally dyed papers and selected scrapbook papers, creating an ever-changing collection of color, texture and pattern as the journal is opened.

The journal is housed inside an upcycled Tiger Balm tin that I transformed by hand. I sanded and scratched the original surface before adding rust effects, layers of paint and an intentionally aged and weathered finish. The finished surface was sealed to help protect it while retaining all of the irregularities and character of an old, well-loved object.

The lid became another little mixed-media artwork of its own. Resin roses, beads and a butterfly were attached with UV resin, then antiqued and selectively highlighted with touches of gold paint. I finished the piece with a small metal file plate holding a coffee-dyed paper label simply marked “Journal.”

An important part of its handmade character

Because the original metal tin has been altered with multiple layers of paint and finishing materials, the lid fits snugly but does not sit perfectly even around the entire edge. This is visible in the photographs and is not damage or a manufacturing defect. I think the slight irregularity feels completely at home with the deliberately weathered, timeworn character of the piece, but I want the buyer to know exactly what to expect.

Each mark, uneven surface, bit of antiquing and variation is part of this object's handmade nature.

One of a kind. Once this particular journal is gone, there will not be another exactly like it.

Key details

• One-of-a-kind mixed-media miniature art journal
• 8 original watercolor paintings
• Circular accordion-style/junk-journal construction
• Coffee-dyed cotton strip connections
• Naturally dyed handmade papers
• Selected scrapbook papers
• Upcycled metal Tiger Balm tin
• Hand-sanded, distressed, rusted, painted, antiqued and sealed exterior
• UV-resin embellishments
• Resin flowers, beads and butterfly
• Hand-painted gold highlights
• Metal file-label holder with coffee-dyed “Journal” insert
• Created and assembled by hand

Please Note: The upcycled metal tin has been intentionally distressed, rusted, painted and aged as part of the artwork. Because of these hand-applied finishes, the lid fits snugly but does not sit perfectly even around the entire edge. This is part of the handmade, rustic character of this one-of-a-kind piece and can be seen in the product photographs.