• Art - Blog - Creativity

    I knew where

    Time is ticking away so quickly for June. My Words to live by challenge on Art Journal Journey is almost over. I figured I’d add a page…and maybe more…before the month comes to an end.

    I got a little carried away with texture on this one. I just kept layering it on. The background got so wrinkled and wonky that I had decided to tear the sides in and stitch it to a piece of kraft card stock.

    I’ve been really into orange this month I’ve noticed. It definitely is one of my favorite colors.

    Stacking layers of fabric and paper is also big on my list lately. I just love the look of it.

    And of course the found text. It was the perfect phrase. I could really go for a relaxing warm day at the beach…staying all day to watch the sunset.

    I know you can’t join me at the beach but won’t you join me for Words to live by at Art Journal Journey.

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    T Tuesday: AJJ edition

    Since I’m guest hosting over at Art Journal Journey this month I thought I’d make this a twofer post.

    The journal page I created for my theme of Words to live by completely fits the bill.

    I wish I could remember exactly who gave me the stamped handmade paper piece but I’m not sure.

    I have an idea but maybe if she recognizes it she can speak up and I’ll know for sure.

    I have quite a bit of coffee themed items that were collected and traded for long ago to create an altered book. With that book complete, I now have lots of fun items to use in other creative ways.

    The background for the page was layered with random papers from my scrap bucket. Over the top I spread red, turquoise and cream with my fingers in a loose fashion…almost giving the appearance of peeling paint. The colors were a bit to bright so I first used some distress paint then glimmer mist to tone it down. Now I was at the color I was searching for.

    I added washi tape with my sentiment boldly across the page then softened it with some torn washi in a complementary color. I then added a stacked button flower embellishment from my stash for a bit more interest.

    This is another loose leaf journal page sized for a new art journal I’m working on. I love working in loose leaf. Being able to add stitching, eyelets or brads simply anywhere frees my creative process. Of course this page is not an example of that.

    My new journal is an old recipe binder. I cut pages to fit out of black card stock and will adhere each completed journal page to the card stock.

    The binder is yet undecorated as I’m not sure what I want to do with it. I was thinking about giving it some gorgeous texture but now I’m leaning more towards a fabric slipcover. Indecision at its best.

    I’m not even worried that the journal pages I create are an exact fit for the pages.

    This page from my previous post will leave a bit of black page showing on both sides. I almost prefer this look to the fit of my coffee page.

    This week has a college visit tied into a mini-vacation for Mini-me and I. We are both super excited for a little time at the lake. Hopefully the weather cooperates with us!

    What are you doing today?
    Art Journal Journey
  • Around home - Blog - Crafts - Creativity - Outdoors

    T Tuesday: the last day and then some edition

    At my school the last day is grade level field trips. I went with 7th grade to Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America. Nothing like setting 6 bus loads of kids free at the mall (and that was just from our school).

    We walked in under this beautiful and interactive art installation.

    There was a rope attached with a sign that read “Pull rope to help her fly“.  The kids had fun helping her flap her wings. Here’s a little news clip about it if you’d like to see more including a video of it in motion.

    I went on 3 rides during our time at the mall. The first was the worst…hard on the body…very jerky, spinny and not for the feint of heart. The second was also pretty scary but not so hard on the body.

    All those teal twists and turns made me scream a few times much the the glee of the students.

    This was the view from the Ferris wheel…nice and slow with a great view of the park.

    Over the weekend I did some outdoor sprucing up. I stitched up some new buntings for my gardens…

    FYI…My glass of water is just out of frame on the step in adherence with T stands for Tuesday.

    And refreshed some metal garden art…

    I used several cans of spray paint to brighten up the flower. I’m not sure I love it but it’s so much better than before!

    This little sign really needed help and a 3D element. I had two of these metal flowers. They have a metal pin out from the back. I used a tie tack back and a washer to hold it on the sign. IT hangs from a shepherds hook along the front walk.

    Today I took Mini-me to take her drivers test…and she passed!! Then I sent her to Target on an errand.

    Woot! She did great. She is so happy…so am I! Now she can drive herself to work and school and volleyball and well you get the picture…

    Tuesday morning we are getting a new roof put on the house. I know…super exciting. I’ve got all kinds of busy work to do in the house while the nail guns are hammering.

    What are you doing today?