Discovery & Autumn Decor...

 Continuing in my Discovery Journal with Roni of Ink Stains I am pleased with these two pages.  This time I did not concentrate on some new undiscovered technique.  I merely selected two pieces of cardstock.  This top photo is really poor as it does not show the cloud themed blues in the paper. 

 This blue cardstock is just a great shade of true blue.  I added some direct inking from the stamp pad.  Both of these pages really take me more into the "discovery" angle of this journal.  I discovered it is very difficult for me to focus.  I am always doing too many things at once and these pages really brought that forth.  I "discovered" some old stamps I forgot I owned so I used them and that was fun...mouse and butterfly and dragonfly.  I used a playing card to represent my favorite number...5.  Mostly this exercise got me to thinking and I do believe that is a huge part of my "Discovery Journal" that I am making.  As the days fly past so quickly what is it that truly makes me happy and what is it that I still wish to do?  Ahhh...discovery...

 I am not one for decorating my home even though I love how others go all out.  Mr. C is a year round Bah Humbug and does not enjoy any holidays so I keep it to a minimum.  Many years I don't put out anything.  This year I wanted to visit with my little treasures I keep in a box.  So many of my things have a very sentimental value to me and I treasure them.  The black with orange cat is something my Grandma crocheted and made decades ago and I just keep it because she made it.  There is a skull ring that Mr. C found in the desert many years ago when he took me for a dirt bike ride to an old abandoned talc mine.  We both laugh every time we see this ring.  It brings back memories of a great weekend together...and he almost bounced me off that darned motorcyle (I was much younger and lighter back in the day).  :o)

Here are my Halloween treasures...some old some not.  Many of these are just small momentos of years past but I like them and they each have a wonderful memory for me.  When I keep my treasures small and in one area it isn't so bad for Mr. C and that way I can still enjoy them too. 
I think this is why I truly love to see and enjoy all the fabulous decorating so many of you do and then share through blogging.  I never really cared much for Halloween as it was SCARY to me.  Now I see that it is so many more things...glamorous, funny, glittery, themed i.e. fairies or wonderful witches.  I am entranced just looking at all the amazing things you each make and decorate with.  Thank you for sharing such wonder.
Our weather is gorgeous...some sunshine, some cooler temperatures, some refreshing rain, some glorious colors emerging on shrubs, vines and trees...all giving infinite inspiration and I am truly grateful.
May you each enjoy much creativity in this the Autumn of the year...

Black Magic Journal Pages...

 Working on my Discovery Journal with Roni of Ink Stains here are some photos of the "Black Magic" technique.  This post is photo heavy as I needed to show different stages.  These are my acrylic blocks for use with clear stamps.  I only own a 1" square and two 1" x 3" pieces.  However my stamp for this technique is larger than these.  Maybe 4" x 6" and I went shopping only to discover I cannot afford an acrylic block to fit.  Our little town does not offer 40% off coupons and I will not be "down the hill" any time soon.

This is a clear stamp set I won from Roni several months ago.  I just knew I wanted to use these in my page.  Hmmm...what could I use to hold the stamp? Part of the allure of Roni's class is the idea of using what we have and not rushing out to buy the latest and greatest whatever.

Aha!  I have an old 5" x 7" acrylic table frame and thought it might work as it even has a handle to hold while postitioning the stamp.  Lets see...

 Here is my clear stamp stuck to the frame.  I have also inked it with white acrylic paint for this technique.

 Positioned on the black paper. Pressed it down and...

Perfect stamped image.  I love the white acrylic stamped on the black paper.  This looks like damask fabric.

 Now to use my colored pencils.  I love colored pencils and have lots of them.  These are just my basic ones.

Here is the fun of the stamped image.  By using white acrylic paint you can now color over it with pencils or lots of other mediums which you will read about over at Roni's blog.

 Here is the one I colored.

Here is the stamped image without the coloring. 
My pages are not done.  I didn't have full size black paper as mine were all cut into half sheets.  Hmmm???  Use what I have.  I still have to mount these and include my two lists...(l) What I am good at, (2) What I'd like to learn.  This was an interesting challenge to write out the lists. 
I love the Black Magic technique and definitely will be doing this again.  I can see cards made with this technique. 
Once again thank you Roni for helping me to explore and learn new art techniques.  My colored pencils are so very happy to get used and not just sit there looking pretty. 
Are you working on your very own Discovery Journal? 
Our weather has changed and we are expecting rain.  The clouds are moving in and I for one am looking forward to rain.  We haven't had any in many months and it would be so nice for some refreshing moisture.  Our Fall colors are really beginning to show their early stages. 
Wonderful Week to all...

Faux Beeswax Pages...

In continuing with my Discovery Journal I am making at the expert guidance of Roni...Ink Stains fame this is my faux beeswax attempt.  I used a manila folder and tore it down the middle giving me two pages to work on.  In the future...yes I will be doing this technique again...I will select a sturdier base to work on.  I think I would like this effect on a paper mache store purchased container like a hatbox.  My pages warped and turned out a bit stiff and therefore do not turn easily in my 3-ring binder. This first photo is sort of my layout.  I am using tissue, paper lacy doily and lots of chipboard pieces.   

 On this page I am using the same materials and adding a torn magazine photo.  This photo shows the glue process.  I used a white Elmers glue and it takes quite a while to dry as I really gave everything a good coating to be certain they were adhered.  As my pages warped I would press down the items and apply more glue. 

 Now I have added and glued a layer of dressmaking pattern paper to the page.  This also helps hold down the chipboard objects.  I did also use a foil top off a wine bottle you can barely see in the bottom right corner.  Everything appears cloudy now because the white glue has not dried but will eventually be clear. 

Here is a page all dry and stuck down.  I think the dressmaker pattern tissue gives the pages just the right tone that resembles warm beeswax.  The page is slightly warped but that is not a problem for this piece.  Please remember I am practicing a new technique Roni is teaching us.  I do not expect perfection from myself in this journal as that is what normally keeps me from attempting to make things. 

On this dried page I have added the crowning touch of Perfect Pearls and hand rubbed it in.  I did not have the same color as Roni so I used what I had.  That is part of the fun of this Discovery Journal techniques class.  We are using what we have so we don't have to rush out and pay big bucks on new supplies we might never use again.  I truly appreciate that about Roni and her style.  My art budget is very tight these years and I am thrilled to be able to make art with what I have in my cupboards. 
Thank you once again Roni.  I really like this faux beeswax and can see it used again in my gift giving. 
Now I can begin on the next Discovery technique.  Please stay tuned...
Are you following Roni and making your own Discovery Journal?  I am super glad I am doing this.  It is expanding my skills.
Terrific rest of the week...
September surrenders to Autumn. 

Art Journal Class...

I have never been very artsy with the traditional painting themed supplies.  I don't draw.  I don't paint.  I don't consider myself an artist in the truest sense of the word.  I do however love to try all mediums and I always hope something miraculous will come from my hands. 
Along comes Miss Roni of Ink Stains.  I have blogged about her before but this time she is my teacher.   Roni is actually giving tons of lessons for making an art journal.  We have no idea what we will be doing or what supplies we will be using.  This is part of the fun for me.  I have lots of supplies, especially since I won Roni's grand giveaway.  This will be the perfect opportunity for me to use these art mediums I own.  I have always thought that if I purchase and own something I will automatically become adept/skilled...like the time I bought a brand new piano and paid for it for years.  Did I ever really learn to play that piano?  No.  Same for lots of other things through the years.  Osmosis just does not work with me.  :o)

Usually I save everything.  Never opening or using just in case I need it later.  Well...I opened and inked and brushed and spread and used my supplies.  I followed Roni's technique and had a great time.  This photo above is my initial template but I had so much fun that I ended up inking it and trying different looks. 

I haven't journaled on my pages yet but this one is my how to sampler.  The embossing, the white rubbing and the inking that results in "faux rubbing".  This is really super fun and even I didn't mind making a bit of a mess...not too much mind you as I am known as Miss Prissy my entire life.  Get my hands dirty?  Ewww!

This page will be my art journal cover.  I absolutely love how it turned out.  I may add something more however not so far.  It has an ethereal look and feel and yet it was so easy to make. 
Thank you Roni for offering your expertise and sharing with us.  I am looking forward to our next lesson. 
I will be using individual sheets of papers so that I may put them into a 3-ring binder.  That will allow me to utilize lots of sizes and thicknesses and not be limited by any one type of pre-purchased journal.   I have been collecting (all my life I have been collecting!) some pertinent ephemera for this journal too as I want it to reflect me and my likes and dislikes. 
After all this is MY ART JOURNAL...

Zentangled Stencil...

This is from my little pocket journal. I used my stencils and filled my journal with some blank forms.
This camera looked like a fun item to tangle.
Because I am still learning how to tangle this is done very simply. I am hoping with practice that I can become much better. For now I am happy with the designs that appear here.
Zentangle is a rather calming activity. Once you begin to draw, your mind really does get in a calm zone. However at the same time this is an activity that is easily dropped and then picked up again when interruptions happen. That is why my little pocket journal is a great option to carry in my bag for those times when waiting is a must. My journal also holds the requisite micron pen. This is quiet and simple to do.
Have you tried Zentangle? If you quilt then you already tangle. If you doodle then you tangle.
I really enjoy seeing the fabulous designs others are doing with this artform.
Happy week to all...

Oops almost forgot...

Yes, I raised my hand once again. Mr. C has told me to just sit on my hands but I never listen and I am always volunteering no matter how little time I have to squeeze in more things that take time.
I usually do not share this on my blog, however, it is important to me and that is what counts. I attend a weekly Weight Watchers meeting and like it very much. Through the years I have become quite fond of food and therefore eat way too much and guess what has happened to me?!! Oh yeah...the scale does not lie. My weight has gone up and up as I age. Now I know all about the hormones and how our bodies really do change shape and even that we gain weight for the sake of aging. However, I also know when my clothes stop fitting and my joints begin to ache and I just am ought of sorts that I need to eat less and eat healthier. So that is what I am doing.

Meanwhile I keep track in a little booklet so that I can really be certain I am not overeating. This brings me to how I came to raise my hand. My group is doing a "traveling journal" for the next 90 days and I brought it home to keep track for the week. Yes, it will be shared with the entire group. Am I worried? No! We are all in the same need and it is a really great group of folks. So I just had to get some felt and make a simple cover for the little journal. Then I thought a nice felt heart would be cheery. And a place to put a pencil for ease of keeping track. And this is what I have to turn in and share with the others. I kept it simple and basic since it will work for women and men.

I love working with wool felt as it needs no hemming or lining. It is durable and easy to work with. The grey I used will not show handling dirt as quickly. And the heathered red heart...well that represents the goal we all have of being healthy!

Happy Heart to each of you...

Paper Scraps, Notebook or Journal???

My desk is always a mess with scraps of paper and notes and cards and rips out of magazines. Everytime I make a note on a scrap of paper or anyplace likely to get lost or cause clutter I tell myself I should be making said note in my journal.
Do I have a journal? Why yes I do, in fact a number of journals. Some of my journals are for specific purposes and they are even labeled but do I ever use them for their intended purpose? Not usually as they are not handy to me at the time. I never sit in one place to write or tear out inspirations. Am I complaining? Not really. I am merely being honest that I am not the most organized person.

From time to time I go through my numerous journals and find interesting ideas. Things I like that I have saved. Quotes that are inspiring to me. Thoughts I have had and are still timely. As I review pages of my books I find it amusing at what I thought was important to write down or tear out.

I am certainly never without a writing pencil or pen as I keep them with each journal or notebook. You can see an example of this in the pockets I added to my journal cover.

This fabric was just too girly for me to pass up. It even has glitter and sparkle which doesn't show up in the photo. I find this totally girly fabric to be very inspiring and realize I should have purchased much more than just enough to cover this notebook.

So are you a paper scraps, notebook or journal kind of person?

I would love to hear how you control your ideas and thoughts before they slip away to never never land.

Journal of papers...

Journal of papers is just that. I selected some random papers and cut them to approximately 5" x 7". Here you see some lined paper and some vintage Wilson Jones ledger paper.

This page is 1/4" graph paper on the left. The blue is an envelope to tuck in receipts or ticket stubs or candy wrappers (yes I am known to save everything!).

Some watercolor paper on the left and some vintage Vernon McMillan columnar paper which is now sideways.

The right is some note paper from a tablet. The left is some more vintage Wilson Jones ledger paper now sideways.

After cutting the paper to size I then punched holes in them with my vintage punch which is perfect spacing for old fashioned Acco fasteners.

For anyone who worked in an office or bookkeeping world I am certain you recognize all of this.

Two covers cut from some glossy paper in my favorite blue colors. Hole punched and then I tied fun ribbon through the holes. I left it loose so the pages will lie flat for journaling and gluing.
At first I put metal rings in the holes but felt they were too large and stiff. I much prefer the ribbon as it is flexible.

This is merely a journal of papers right now.

Ahhh...but in the future it shall hold many memories of a trip I shall take.

Happy journaling...

Mary Jane Shoes...

Remember last month when I joined an April challenge for Letter Writing Month? We were assigned one special Blog Pal to correspond with. Well, I was super lucky and my special Blog Pal was exactly that...SPECIAL. I still have yet to meet this wonderful lady but I am thrilled to call her friend just from our correspondence. This Mary Jane Shoes scrappy book is something she made and sent to me on the final days of April.

I actually had tears when I opened the package and look through this wonderful handmade book. For someone I have yet to meet to take the time to view my entire blog and realize I am infatuated with Mary Jane shoes and then to honor me with this treasure is quite overwhelming. She took the time to print out the numerous photos I had posted showing Mary Jane shoes. I didn't even realize how many I had shown. These are my green suede ones.

This photo on the left is my newest black pair. The little red Mary Jane is my daughter's from when she was little and I still have this shoe. My grandma had the other one and it sadly has gotten lost through the passage of time and lives.

These two pages of the book show my Mary Jane stamp I am in love with. My wonderful Blog Pal took the time to embellish each page with so many happy and cheerful things like hearts, flowers, lace and buttons. I love them all.

She even took the time to research the history of Mary Jane shoes and include that with the photos. I am truly amazed at how much effort, time and care she put into this book of mine.

Fortunately my wonderful Blog Pal signed this treasure and I shall keep it close to me forever.

Hopefully we will get to meet in person as she does not live too far from me.

Thank you so much for your time and talents and thoughtfulness Miss Blog Pal. I am eternally grateful.