Doctor Watson's memoirs, mixed media book by Kat Hazelton

The first 'Sherlock Holmes' novel 'A Study in Scarlet' was published in July 1888 by Ward, Lock & Co. In this novel we get a highly detailed introduction into the world of Sherlock Holmes from the view point of Doctor Watson. In it he describes about himself, his first meeting with Sherlock Holmes and his first visit to 221B Baker Street in London. He describes 221B as an apartment that consisted of two comfortable bedrooms and a single large airy sitting room. Watson states that's its cheerfully furnished and illuminated by two broad windows. Doctor John Watson is presented in the first novel and throughout the series of Doyle's books as the biographer of Sherlocks cases writing down all of their adventures in his memoirs. Sherlock mentions Doctor Watson's memoirs on many occasions, sometimes scoffing Dr Watson interpretations! In 'The Adventures of Silver Blaze' Sherlock confesses to making a blunder quoting that it was a more common occurrence than anyone would think. Basically hinting that Watson memoirs rarely mentioned Sherlock's mistakes! 

Even though Sherlock Holmes is the main character but it's through the clever writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle that Doctor Watson's character becomes an essential partner to Holmes. Watson is the one that asks the questions on behalf of the reader. It's through Dr Watson's questions that we get to understand the unfolding of the stories and Holmes's clever methods of deductions. 

To make your own Doctor Watson 'memoirs' book you will need:

https://www.calicocraftparts.co.uk/door-mdf-wood-shape-style-4.html

https://www.calicocraftparts.co.uk/decorative-post-fence-panel-mdf-wood-shape-style-9.html

https://www.calicocraftparts.co.uk/sheet-of-mini-mdf-street-lamps.html

https://www.calicocraftparts.co.uk/window-mdf-wood-shape-style-5.html

https://www.calicocraftparts.co.uk/christmas-carol-singers-group-1-mdf-wood-shape.html

https://www.calicocraftparts.co.uk/sheet-of-mini-mdf-steampunk-motifs-style-4.html

A book to decorate. I used a sketch book so I can use the book for scrapbook and journaling. You could create your own book using MDF mixed media boards, available from Calico Craft Parts, and scrap paper. 

Assorted paper for backgrounds. 

A mixture of paper dolls, cut out shapes, Victorian Ephemera. 

Bits and Bobs. I used beads and jewellery findings in my creation. 

Acrylic paints, gloss varnish and inks. 

Old Paintbrushes to stipple paint. 

Assorted glitters. 

White highlighter pen. 

To start off my project I painted my MDF shapes and paper die cuts with black acrylic paints. Once dry I added extra details such as windows above the door. I used gloss varnish to give it a glass look. 

I then started decorating the front cover of my 'Adventure' book. Gluing down a mixture of printed and brick embossed papers. To glue down the paper I used PVA glue. I also positioned and glued the front door this time using superglue. 

To make my portrait of a Victorian lady I used a paper doll, brooch finding and glossy varnish which went clear when dry. You could use resin or a clear acrylic sheet. 

I added some gold paint to bring out the details on the frame and also added colour to my bricks. 

The real fun bit! Adding all my bits and bobs. I positioned and glued down the railings, my Victorian people, including a paper doll which I thought made a perfect Doctor Watson! 

Grunging! 

To make my book feel more like a foggy cold Victorian London I used a mixture of white and brown acrylic paint which I dorbed with an old paint brush to dirty down the bricks, people and adornments. I also added assorted various glitters to add a touch of frost. I added a little watered down brown ink to dirty this down. I also added some coloured glitter and gloss to the lamps to give the appearance they are lit. 

 

Using a white highlighter pen I added little extra details on the characters and around the lamp. 

To give Watson one last finishing touch I added a walking stick. This was made from a cocktail stick painted with brown ink and gold metallic paint. 

Adventure Awaits! 

My Doctor Watson's Memoirs book is now finished and ready to journal my future adventures! 

I hope you enjoyed another 'Kat Make'. 
If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I will be happy to help if I can. 
I shall be back again soon with another make. 
Until then 'enjoy crafting' 
Kat 😊