• Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Better Luck

    July 29, 2026 - By 

    Sometimes things just fall into place. I began with a distressed black piece of scrapbook paper. Then looked about my desk for inspiration.

    I had a couple scraps of Tim Holtz tissue paper, gluing them down overlapping each other. Next a grabbed a scrap of shorthand book. Those pages have come in so handy. Next I layered a scraps of various paper. I had lots of straight lines so it screamed for something round. This clock face ephemera piece was a great way to break up all those lines.

    Out of the corner of my eye I saw a spool of trim that I picked up at a garage sale recently. I paired it with a little bit of black and gold washi tape.

    I didn’t love the stark black on the corner so I used a bit of gelato and my finger to spread it around.

    I did the same thing to balance out the opposite corner. Next I grabbed my found text mini drawer and began sifting through… 

    I couldn’t have been happier when this gem appeared at my finger tips. Some might say I have a quirky sense of humor.

    I hope you’ll stop by Art Journal Journey and check out my July theme of Fabric, lace and trims…oh my!

    Art Journal Journey
  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Sail away

    July 26, 2026 - By 

    This page was inspired by a desk clean up. I was sorting through a drawer of a desktop organizer when I spotted the map and ship pieces of ephemera.

    The blue scrapbook paper seemed perfect for an ocean and a bit of white mulberry paper provided the white cap wave idea.

    I imagined this ship to be sailing to different areas of the world trading goods along the way such as the fancy trim I included. Perhaps some lucky soul was able to book a passage for this adventure.

    I once again turned to my tiny drawer of found text for just the right words. I also added a side tab with some fun fibers strung through. I couldn’t stop myself from adding a couple of beads that reminded me of glass fishing floats.

    There’s still a bit of time left to join in for my July theme of Fabric, lace and trims…oh my! over at Art Journal Journey.

    Art Journal Journey
  • 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