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    Words to live by

    June 1, 2019 - By 

    I’m super excited to announce that I have the honor of hosting over at Art Journal Journey this month.

    Art Journal Journey

    I have chosen the theme of Words to live by.

    An art journal page just doesn’t seem complete without at least one word on it if you ask me. I’d say that I’m a stickler for the rules and true definition of a journal but that would be a big fat lie. I’m more of a rules are meant to be broken sort of gal…just don’t tell my kids at home or school. However, the gals over at Art Journal Journey do have some rules to adhere to if you want to play along so be sure to check them out.

    For my first journal page of the June theme, I began with an abandoned piece of painted watercolor paper. I think Mini-me was attempting a night sky perhaps. Or maybe it was even me…who knows…who cares. It became the base as I began to stack layers of papers and fabric until I found a pleasing arrangement.

    I used my sewing machine to loosely stitch the background layers together while I still contemplated where my page was headed. I rarely have an end goal in mind when I sit down to create. It really tends to stifle my creative process.

    After a time, I decided on an image I know I have used at least once…but I’m thinking perhaps twice in the past as my focal point. I slipped a piece of dictionary page and scrap of vellum under the image before attaching it with brads. 

    The page was really coming together now. I added a few extras such as washi tape, a punched medallion and vintage button before searching out words for my page.

    In general the words are my last but critical step in my journal process. As I said before, I cannot seem to create a page with words. Found text is really my favorite way of adding words. The challenge to find something relevant that speaks my mind is so much fun!

    When I noticed this phrase I thought it very fitting for the crew in the photo. What is up with this group anyway? Siblings, co-workers, man and his many wives, school chums, glee club…what’s their story? I bet it could start with the phrase “Strangest thing happened…”

    Won’t you join me for Words to live by over at Art Journal Journey?

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    Brave wings

    May 2, 2019 - By 

    This journal page started as something so completely different…even the color scheme took a sharp left from pinks and greens to blue, brown and yellow. So strange when that happens. I try not to over think it…just let it happen. Besides…my indecision created some very wonderful background texture and interest. So yeah…I totally meant to do that! 

    Freehand cut both the tree and bird from book page. The tree worked out ok but the bird needed a little something more. I glued my little bird to a scrap of handmade paper Elizabeth gifted me. Now she looked a bit more substantial but was still missing that pop I was looking for.

    So I decided to cut a tiny wing for my tiny bird. Now she really is ready to fly!!

    Linking up with Art Journal Journey today for In the Air.

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    All I really need to know

    April 28, 2019 - By 

    Easter Sunday I was up bright and early like usual. The strange part was I had absolutely nothing to prepare or even get ready to bring along for our family meal. My mother-in-law told me to take a break and that she had it all handled. (which she did)

    For once I had both the drive to be creative and the time to do it.  Thank goodness I had gotten my hair done and makeup on early because I got totally lost in art journaling right up until having to change my clothes to leave home. 

    This was the first piece I created. Warm colors celebrating the warmth outside.

    I really love all the texture in this journal page.

    Next I completely changed my color palette for more seasonal pastel Easter egg colors.

    Layering bits of this and that has definitely been my style of choice lately.  Also creating loose leaf style pages that will be adhered to my Creative Memories scrapbook pages…cause you know I’m not going to actually use those for the intended purpose.

    I had to add stitching to this piece. I love how simply I can create texture and movement through textiles and trim.

    I even zig-zag stitched over baker’s twine as a quasi frame for the quote I chose. I tried a tiny key to the corner for a final touch.

    I wonder how many more pages I might have created had it not been Easter Sunday. Although other Sundays I’d have been worried about cooking for our family.

    Linking up today with Art Journal Journey for Having Fun.

    Art Journal Journey