• Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: The book

    July 10, 2026 - By 

    I’m stretching it with this one.  There is just one small piece of fabric on here but it actually helped shape the page. The use of all the dark colors came directly from this tiny scrap.

    Once again I used a many layers to create a focal point.

    I didn’t care for the stark dictionary page in the background so I used a bit of napkin backing to tone things down. There were also some words I didn’t care for that remained seen…nothing a bit of acrylic paint can’t handle. Layered on top is a piece of digital art I created long ago. The Book seemed fitting because of the dictionary page. I probably could have done without words but that is very difficult for me…but I’m trying.

    The bottom could have used a bit more paint had I noticed but oh well. It just makes me laugh.

    Won’t you join in on my Art Journal Journey July challenge theme of Fabric, lace and trims…oh my!

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    Fabric, lace and trims…oh my!

    July 1, 2026 - By 

    I’m happy to be hosting over on Art Journal Journey once again. I believe this is the 5th time I have joined in this capacity. It’s very kind of our hosts to save a summer month for me, as I am currently off work for the season—one of the perks of working in K-12 education. Enough about me… I want to introduce our theme this month:

    Fabric, lace and trims…oh my!

    I have a passion for sewing as well as paper arts, and I couldn’t help but pick a theme that would join the two. I hope you have as much fun playing along as I have making my first page.

    Before I get into the details, I wanted to mention that I’m making all of my pages this month in a very custom size to fit in a ledger with a 4 ring binding.

    It’s been in my stash for far too long not to be used. 

    I really love working with loose leaf type pages, so this seemed absolutely a perfect pairing for my project.

    My pages measure 5in x 8in. Not your typical sizing but when you are working with a vintage item, you just have to roll with it.

    I started with an 8×8 sheet of scrapbook paper that I trimmed to 5×8. The paper itself had a lot of character but I didn’t let that stop me from putting down lots of layers.

    I used a script stamp and distress ink for some background interest. Then began layering a scrap of vintage wallpaper…using the back side because it had that gorgeous aged color. The horse photo has been in my stash as long as I’ve had a stash. I’m pretty sure it was one of the farm horses from my mom’s youth. The photo happened to be torn…tearing the man that was holding the horse in half. Not to worry…I covered him up with a bit of fabric. You’d never have know if I didn’t tell you.

    I was actually inspired to use the photo after all this time because of one of the fabric scraps. It was an off-cut with a horse theme…you can see the tail above the lace medallion.

    Making collages like this, layering up paper and textiles is one of my favorite things to do. Whether is on a journal page, an embellishment for a card or just a quick scrap busting project without an immediate use.

    The words for my page came from my tiny drawer of found text. I never know if I’m going to find something that speaks to me but this phrase certainly did. I love horses but have had a couple bad experiences while riding. I have learned that the trust with a horse goes both ways…they need to trust you as well.

    Typically I wouldn’t add a back to my loose leaf pages but this flyleaf with library pocket was just too perfect. I might add a tag or something into the pocket at some point but for now its just empty.

    I hope you’ll play along this month for my theme of Fabric, lace and trims…oh my! over at Art Journal Journey.

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    Journaling through the emotions

    June 27, 2021 - By 

    Whoa…that sounds deeper than intended. I did find myself sitting down to create today and without even realizing it I uncovered something I hadn’t been thinking about…or at least admitting to thinking about.

    I only intended to do the end of the first signature but there was too much and it spilled onto the next. Honestly I really like how it looks.

    I’m thrilled with how this part turned out. It has a soft, vintage quality. I used my middle finger to paint the teal butterfly wings. Not too shabby for that occasionally naughty digit.

    I used a bit of French grammar text to partially cover the Behr paint brochure then continued with the layers until I finally was happy and had said my piece.

     

     

    Overlapping fold-outs are new for me but I really felt I wanted to add a bit of found text.

    It about sums up my emotions. I know that this is the way of things…the next step…and I am so incredibly happy for both kids. But at the same time, I am mourning my time as a parent of “kids”.  I guess empty nester syndrome was sneaking on in while I wasn’t looking.

    EDIT: Linking up with AJJ for the Butterfly theme…thanks for the heads up Erika!

    Art Journal Journey