Monday, July 26, 2010

Happy Java

The last time I embroidered was at least a decade ago... using a combination of the cutesy iron on patterns and my own designs. As I moved around a lot those days my embroidery supplies were packed and forgotten.

I've been keeping busy since the online art journal class with Red Velvet Art has ended. One neat thing I tried this summer was entering three pieces of my original works in the Stevens Point, WI Riverfront Art Center 2010 Visions show. They chose my Sushi Hat for the show, which was very cool and I was so happy I was bouncing off the walls for several days.The place was so packed I couldn't get a photo of opening night, but it was fun. It was a milestone for me as it was the first time I've ever shown my work! I was very nervous but I got lots of positive feedback. 

One item I tried entering in the show was Happy Java, an embroidered piece. Even though it was not accepted to the show I wanted to share it with you all here, because I am rather fond of it. This embroidery was the first I've created in over a decade! When dreaming it up I knew I wanted to create something that was a familiar topic for the medium but simple enough so I could reacquaint myself with the skill. After looking over an embroidery stitch book I felt I could master the simple stitches required for my simple design.

First I chose this lovely fabric which reminds me of blue sky days. (I also made a cloud pillow, for my niece, from the same fabric.) I knew I wanted to have a rainbow but rather than having the rainbow over a landscape I chose to anchor the image with one of my favorite things: coffee, complete with a marbled fabric cuff. I balanced the design out at the last minute with a cute cloud.... what do you think?




Rediscovering embroidery has been fun and I do think I may need to make many more... I must say there is something very captivating about creating something stitch by stitch. Maybe it's the infinite possibility of design and color combinations, maybe it's the taught fabric between two circular hoops or perhaps it is the meditative quality of embroidery itself... whatever it is I hope to develop it further to see where I can take it.

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Monday, June 14, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 28, 2010 - My Favorite Memory

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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My Favorite Memory... Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...


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My favorite memory is of my dad...

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Ingredients: orange acrylic paint, green floral vintage cotton fabric, black & white photo that I took on my trip to NY that summer, lined paper, pen, glues

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue 

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 27, 2010 - I'm Afraid

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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I'm Afraid... Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...


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says: I'm afraid... (you know just a little...) loss, failure, rejection, limits, bullies, intolerance, illness, pain, letting people down, being selfish, never getting to travel...

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Ingredients: catalog page, torn practice paper, page 42 torn from a book, markers, highlighters, pen, ink, my hand carved leaf stamp, silver doily, paint chip, torn security envelope

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paint chip colors: Oak Bay, Ocean Falls, Mellow Mood, Smoky Lake, Saxton, Bethel, Cascade.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 26, 2010 - My Own Advice

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...
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My Own Advice... will soon be uploaded to Flickr... I am currently getting my lap top fixed. Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...



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Says: My Own Advice... take the sour with the sweet. Know the path & walk the path. Love. Appreciate. Empathize. Know. Learn. Share. Be there. Listen. Hug. Help. Observe & participate. Create. Enjoy. Explore. Experience. Adore. Be open but lock your door. Don't trust if your gut tells you its not safe... Know your limits. Respect others' limits. Carry on traditions & create new ones. Always have art, music, & science in your world.

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Ingredients: acrylic paint, magazine page, doily, store bought rubber stamp, hand carved stamps, ribbon, page of a book, lined paper, pen, tissue paper, tracing paper, glues

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Please look but don't copy.

All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue

Friday, June 4, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 25, 2010 - A Happy Time

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...
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A Happy Time... will soon be uploaded to Flickr... I am currently getting my lap top fixed. Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...


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Says: A Happy Time... my first ever winter - dog sledding - camping trip!!! 1997 - Hovland, MN with Bill, Gus, Madge & Nik. Snow covered pups upon waking & oatmeal in the road... Lovely sounds & smells <3 <3 <3

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Ingredients: fabric, thread, photo, ribbon, paper, pen, glue

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Please look but don't copy.

All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 24, 2010 - Today I Feel

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...
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Today I Feel... will soon be uploaded to Flickr... I am currently getting my lap top fixed. Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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For this page I chose not to use words to express how I feel. I believe the image that I found of a couple, sitting outside, in the back of a pick up, next to the water, under a canopy of trees, hugging under a blanket says it all.

The colors of the paint chip are Lemon Cream, Dipped in Honey, Saffron, Yellow Brick Road, Downy Chick, Sunnyside Up and Golden Path. I added a few doodles around the image, on it and on the paint chip to tie them all together.

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Ingredients: catalog page, paint chip, pen, marker, gold leaf pen

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Please look but don't copy.

All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 23, 2010 - Party

"Tell Your Story"


I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Party... will soon be uploaded to Flickr... I am currently getting my lap top fixed. Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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Says: camp-out, cook-out, movies, dance, music, surprise, kites, friends, sushi, cake, pinata, fun, cookies, balloons, family, dress-up

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Ingredients: magazine pages, pen, vinyl, ribbon, staples, double stick tape

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Please look but don't copy.


All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 22, 2010 - Monday

"Tell Your Story"


I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.
This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Monday... will soon be uploaded to Flickr... I am currently getting my lap top fixed. Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...


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In the speech bubble there is some scribbling which is meant to look like its writing in another language... follow the dotted line for 'translation' = Monday & Tuesday did not prepare me for the hell that was Wednesday.

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Ingredients: catalog page, fabric, burlap, embroidery floss, security envelope, feather, vinyl, sticker, pen, marker, glue, anguish...

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Please look but don't copy.


All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!


xoxo,
Blue

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 21 2010 - Hidden Message

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.
This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...
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Hidden Message... will soon be uploaded to Flickr... I am currently getting my lap top fixed. Can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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First I filled the page with text, written backwards, in black sharpie.
Which I feel is definately in line with the theme. Something to decode...
Then I painted over it in several colors, from dark to light.
I intentionally covered nearly all the text so it wasn't visible...

Lasty I wrote in black sharpie then finger painted, n white, the word Nevermind.

I wanted to write it backwards to further reinforce the hidden message theme...
I also added one of my fingerprints in the three of the corners, in white paint.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!
xoxo,
Blue

Friday, May 28, 2010

Tell Your Story - Art Journal Page - May 20, 2010 - Change is Good

"Tell Your Story"


I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.


This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...


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Change is Good... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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change is good...


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ingredients: tissue paper, magazine pages, art deco pen, pen, glue

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I chose to leave this journal page blank...

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Please look but don't copy.

All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blue

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 19, 2010 - BFF


"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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BFF... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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Says: BFF. Bill & Stephie. My BFF is my husband Bill. Which is handy because he's literally always there for me. Supportive & sweet. Fun to be with & funny. We have lots of the same interests & lots of our own interests too. * dogs * museums * spicy food * same taste in music * same taste in TV shows * Different taste in (some) movies * different past-times * but he likes my art, for example, & I enjoy his sports. I never would have watched cycling or biathlons but I do now. If it weren't for Bill I'd never have tried dog mushing, winter camping or chopping my own fire wood... we have lots of great memories together.

the top left hover over note (on flickr) says:
these houses say Mpls, MN 1996; Isabella, MN 1997; Grand Marais, MN 1998; Hovland, MN 2000; Oxdrift, ONT 2003; Wakefield, MI 2004; Chicago, IL 2004.... (all the places we've lived together)  
&
the bottom right hover over note (on flickr) says: 
this little house says "Wisconsin" (where we are now)


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ingredients: color pens, pen, photograph, photo corners, glue

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome! 

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xoxo,
Blueberry

Monday, May 24, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 18, 2010 - Today

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Today... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members... 

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Says: Today: it's my b-day. wow... I went out side this morning & Tapio said "mmmmmoooooooo" to me. Which is neat because he's a dog. I asked for a leather punch for my birthday & Bill got me one, so I spent a couple hours learning how to use it & made a bracelet that says "Sew What" out of red vinyl, black polka dot cotton & blue print of sewing supplies ruffled along the top & bottom edge. CUTE! We went out for dinner to 2510 and I'm going to bake a cake this weekend... carrot? <3<3<3<3<3<3<3 HAPPY

I also added a hover over note (on flickr). It says: this is one of my favorite fabrics & it's only a scrap...it's always been just a scrap of fabric.... and it keeps shrinking because I keep cutting bits off to use for small projects... I will be sad when I can no longer use it.

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ingredients: tissue paper, paper, fabric, magazine page, pen, glue, marker

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!


xoxo,

PS: I ended up making a 5 star rhubarb / strawberry birthday pie, look!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 17, 2010 - My Weekend

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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This is a self portrait...
Today's assignment was to use only three mediums...
I tried to stick to it using only three, to create this, but ended up using a bit more.
But for me keeping it this minimalistic is pretty impressive.... =)

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says: This weekend I accomplished baking 2 loaves of bread. Kept up with my blog & journal assignments. Helped Bill with chores so he could focus on writing. Gave back rubs. Maade grocery list. Plans with Toni and brushed the dogs... busy but productive.

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ingredients: page of book, acrylic paint, water color, pen, glitter, Art Deco white pen.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 16, 2010 - Happy Day - Bad Day

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Says: (regarding the day this photo was taken - which was in the late 90's) 
This was a happy day. I spent the day at the MN State Fair with my family. My brother & his wife & kids. Plus my niece, my sister & mum. We did way too much walking. Plenty of resting. Endless amounts of sight seeing. We ate and went on some rides. I took pictures. My favorite place at the State Fair is the Midway. I love watching people play games & win prizes. I love all the rides. I usually ride the Ferris Wheel because it is a great way to see for along distance & I try to get some photos, too... My favorite food to eat at the State Fair is Pizzelles. Once I spent an hour traveling from one side of the fir grounds to the complete opposite side just to eat ONE! I was worth it. =) I also enjoy the indoor exhibits. I try to see the art if any... One day at the fair is great, but if you stay long enough (until after dark)  all the beautiful lights go on & a whole new world to explore opens up.... even my photos become more interesting as well as more challenging to take... I guess every time I've been to the fair is my favorite...
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ingredients: glitter, tickets, collage papers, glues, craft mesh, pen, tissue paper, photo, photo corners, gold embroidery floss, four clear post its, gold trim, rubber cement resist, blue acrylic wash, embroidery needle

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

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Here's page two: Sad Day...

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says: I've had my share of Bad Days. They come / they go. I live & learn. Anne of Green Gables says "Today is a new day with no mistakes in it yet." And I believe that is true. We are always getting another chance... What is important is how we choose to take it. Ticket to opportunity. Memories worth enduring.

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ingredients: acrylic paint, collage papers, magazine page, pen, dragon stamp (on cheek) chalk, ticket, cupcake shape, felt, skull trim, glues, jumbo raindots (by cloud 9 design), blue netting, hounds-tooth, packing tape trim, canceled postage.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Friday, May 21, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 15, 2010 - Past Three Years

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Says: The past three years have been difficult... the most challenging years of my life (our lives). I want to move forward. (I also drew an infinity symbol)

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Ingredients: dark purple tissue paper torn into strips; light, floral, purple tissue paper; wrapping paper; photograph of a leafy statue I took at the MN Renaissance Fest in 2000; painting by Jose Bedia 2010 called (Caminemos Juntos) Lets Walk Together; lined note paper, pen and glues.

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The past three years have been the most difficult. When I saw Jose Bedia's painting I knew it would help me express my emotions during this time. 
 
While the painting itself may have different meaning to Mr.Bedia, I chose to use it represent an emotional landscape. For me this time was filled with sadness, fear, doubt, worry, grief, sorrow, pain...
 
When I looked at the painting I saw this couple and they appeared so tiny compared to the landscape. It looks as if they may be leaving something negative behind and heading towards something positive. The wisp in the sky seems to be guiding them. In retrospect that is how it was. I added the leafy figure to reinforce this.
 
I'd rather not discuss what was actually going on, as it is too personal to discuss here in public forum. If you are concerned please, take comfort in knowing that that time has passed and life is much improved. We are stronger now and life, once again, is wonderful.

We can choose our path in life but we don't always get a choice in what happens along the way. What we can choose is our reactions to those happenings. Surrounding one's self with those you love & trust will be one more tool we can use to get us through life's up's and down's. Life always has ups and downs. Be prepared.

I want to thank everyone who was there for us during this time. You know who you are, so thanks. Your love and support was much needed and of great comfort to us both.
 
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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 14, 2010 - I Feel Safe

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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This says: summer, winter, spring, fall, I feel safe
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The second image is a close up of a photo I took in Sunshine, ONT, CA. There is a loose puppy running in front of the team, that's Abe. Then leading the team is Acorn & Collie Boy. Behind them is Dan and Chuck. The wheel dogs are Veronica and Dove. Driving the team is my husband Bill.

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Ingredients: Vogue magazine page, my own photographs of various places - one was taken in Minnesota, the other two were taken in Sunshine ONT, CA. Mary Englebert Scottie dog ribbon, glow in the dark marker, glues.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!


xoxo, 
Blueberry

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 13, 2010 - Small Steps

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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this says: Small Steps get it done a bit at a time... Bake more, sew, keep organized, connect, dress up! Journal, go garage sailing.

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ingredients: floral fabric, Elvis fabric, machine stitching, floppy drive sticker and torn white stickers and glues.

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 Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Live Chat w/me in the Etsy Forums Today


Good Morning! 
Today I am a featured artistis in the Etsy forums.
It's a live interview with me all day (until 10 pm CST) 

Please come visit, read the Q&A and join in!


Hope to see you there,

Blueberry

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 12, 2010 - Pretty Soon

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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says: PRETTY SOON new job, birthday, sushi party, more hat making, enter juried art show, donate clothes, daily yoga, make a loaf of bread, enjoy more daily walks, pretty soon the spinach & lettuce I started will need transplanting, pretty soon I will be teaching my niece to sew, I will be driving to Mpls., a good friend will graduate! (Shelly), our anniversary!, garage sale season!, apples will grow!, rhubarb will be ready for harvest!, more inventory for Etsy shop!
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Ingredients: wrapping papers, ribbon, glues, felt, spotty cotton fabric, pink plaid, neon pink netting, pen.
 
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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

PS: Today's my birthday! I went to down town Stevens Point to meet my friend Toni Starr, yesterday. I helped her dress two windows, at The Dive Shop, with her watercolors, paintings and a wall hanging. Which was a first for me & it was really easy and fun to do. It's for the art walk that's going on this week. Afterward we had pizza & beer. Good times.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 11, 2010 - Dream Homes

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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says: Dream Home(s)...
NOW: little red brick farmstead w/lots of animals & gardens.
FUTURE? The Fowlerton *open porch * cupola * lots of light * (spiral) stairwell *pass through in kitchen * fireplace. Level 1 1,100 square feet. Level 2 1,075 square feet. * needs a bsmt!

funky shape, apothecary storage, funky lamps, art studio w/360 degree view, also: sauna, bees, workshop for Bill, 3 babies, hearth, posh rugs, spiral staircase, grow fruit & veg, raise chickens, a bath is a must have! RELAX! novel bar (for fun). A place to put down roots and grow a family.
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Other thoughts:
I'm living in my dream home! It is a cute red brick farmstead.

When I was looking through my old journals I had many pages of home furnishings and blueprints cut out already...

The Fowlerton house is one I had really dreamed about before getting married and finding the wonderful red brick place we currently live in. Follow this link to check out my blog post all about my red brick house!

I just really liked the funky shape of the Fowlerton and in turn all the odd shaped rooms. The house has so many windows that it would be a bright space for living in. There's a fire place which I love.

I miss having a wood stove / fire place... when we did have one, one of my favorite chores was splitting fire wood =) I'm actually kind of good at wielding an axe! I'm pretty good at starting a fire too... that is a skill worth learning, especially if you're cold. One could say you learn faster when there is need.

The front porch, of the Fowlerton, looked nice and seemed, to me, like it has the possibility of wrapping all the way around. I imagined our kids practicing tricycle on it and chasing each other around and around...

The part I really liked and would claim as my own, would be the cupola. With its 360 degree view! I really wanted a bright art studio and with the added height I could really see a ways off for inspiration. 
From there I could star gaze or prolong sun sets...

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ingredients: variety of cut / torn magazine pages - some are over 10 years old, paper, pen, silver sharpie, staples, glue, ribbon.
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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo, 
Blueberry Blonde

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 10, 2010 - My Thoughts Are Full

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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My Thoughts Are Full... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...
 
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says:
My thoughts are full of right now

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When I saw the title for today's theme, My Thoughts Are Full, I instantly thought of meditation.

Being present in the NOW.

Also keeping my AJ pages simple & uncluttered is a goal of mine. I feel I've succeeded in integrating form and reducing complexity to achieve minimalism for this page.

I was really lucky to find the meditating woman and blending her with an active woman helps to convey the idea of fleeting moments.  

Happiness comes from within. It's a state you can live in from moment to brief moment. Build meaningful social relationships to sustain you. Change is the only constant in this crazy world. Meditating can help focus you.

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ingredients: pen, random bits of paper, magazine pages, tissue papers, purple tulle, green lace, silver trim, heart shaped brad, mirror.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 9, 2010 - I Adore Animals

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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I Adore Animals... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...
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It says: I adore animals! Dogs especially. Here are some random bits of dyed paper towel. I thought they kind of resembled a cat & two dogs. So, instead of making a journal from an existing book I did this... when I find the right book I will make one...
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You're probably wondering what I mean by that odd journal entry....

I'm talking about this day's assignment, of making a journal from an existing book.

In all honesty I'm not that crazy about the idea.

I guess I just do not feel the need to destroy a book just to make a journal out of it.

I get it that the page is already 'started' for me and all I'd have to do is doodle and add thoughts. I even went to the good will looking for a book to destroy, as it were. I came close to getting one, but I just couldn't do it.

A magazine or catalog fine, but not a picture book. I think it may have something to do with the established brand or identity that already exists with the book. I even opened a few books and tried to imagine drawing on their pages...

Don't get me wrong, I do write in my text books and make little notes or even doodles. I've even gutted a book just for it's hard shell to make purses from... so I know I can do it. I choose not to.

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If you're interested. 

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Ingredients: acrylic paint, paper towel, netting, random bits of paper, pen & glue.
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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Friday, May 14, 2010

Tell Your Story - Journal Page - May 8, 2010 - Summer

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Summer... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...
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yellow and doodles and tape! oh, my!

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I love color, don't get me wrong, but I hardly ever use or wear yellow... but it really works for a summer themed page. Plus I'm learning to get out of my comfort zone and expand my artistic horizions...


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I had to resist the urge to continue adding elements until the page was full... (I'm learning...)
I think I was successful in keeping elements and text to minimalism.

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Ingredients: Pens, papers, glue, star shaped hole punch.

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How I made this:

First I doodled, then I irregularly tore and glued a piece of plain, yellow, paper near the bottom, then glued tissue paper over the whole page.

I added another piece of torn, yellow paper, this time legal pad paper over the previous torn page, slightly askew from the first.

I tore the face from a Dr.Pepper ad in Vogue. The girl in the swimsuit is from an Alloy catalog.

I hand made an envelope from gold gift wrapping paper and glued a map inside for the lining which also helps with stability/strength of wrapping paper. I have glued it open & in place, so the envelope does not close.

I used purple masking tape for the lettering and the stripes.

I used the same yellow, legal pad paper to write a two sided list of things to do this summer...

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 7, 2010 - Noted

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Noted... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...
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Says: There are many good things in my life right now... I'm thankful that I am able to own a home with my husband; our health; that I can work with my hands making lots of art & fresh food! I'm lucky to have a craft room (that I am organizing...) Fresh eggs! Also I am growing my hair long; reconnecting with old friends & with my family.

Other random text says:
all the single ladies...
don't go to bed with a frown in your pocket...
make more art!
hello
oy! ooooh, sassy...
ooh I gotta get a pair of pajama-alls...
DANCE!
SING!
4 INSPIRATION...
I'm waiting....

(these are just various phrases that were floating through my home (30 Rock & John Stewart) or my mind (Madonna) at the time of making this page)
 
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Ingredients: white doily, black paper, 3 kinds of lined paper, acrylic paint washes, glue, stamps, silver  leafing pen, regular pens in black & red
 
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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde
 
PS: I am currently reorganizing my craft studio... here's a sneak peek of my beginning efforts. Can also be seen here on flickr.
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 6, 2010 - Visual Texture

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Visual Texture... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...
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Visual Texture

For this AJ page I instantly went to my clothing catalogs that were set aside for recycling. Where else can I find a huge variety of color and texture?

I found one page of a model standing next to a wonderfully textured brick wall so I ripped it out and used the wall. I love brick. My house is brick!

Then I found the line up of blue jeans and had to include them!

While making this page I was listening to the soundtrack for a show called Misfits - which I love! love! love! (the show and the music) So, I included lyrics that were playing in the background: "There's no secret to living" and "Sun goes down temperature drops"

I also included a to do list for the day:
  • Post to blog (done). 
  • Reorganize craft room (mostly done). 
  • Cut fabric (did some of that) 
  • Put on a fake tattoo (glow in the dark no less! - see second photo)
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My thoughts: This is my first attempt at this... so I used a similar format as the sample page. Plus I like clouds and raindrops... But after viewing other class members AJ pages I was very impressed with how everyone else interpreted this theme. I think there are many possibilities with this technique that I have not yet explored and will definitely try it again.

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Ingredients: bits of various magazines, acrylic wash, marker, photos, song lyrics, a to do list for today... including images of Woodstock being hugged by Snoopy, Goonies Never Say Die, Grateful Dead, Hello Kitty "I Love Nerds", George Rodrigue's Blue Dog, various clothing and shoes, as well as a photo of me & Bill on our wedding day...

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 5, 2010 - My Thoughts On Being A Domestic Goddess

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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My Thoughts On Being A Domestic Goddess... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...
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says: My thoughts on being a domestic goddess (Hestia)
kind, open, nurturing... cooking brings great joy. Love being around others. Cozy furniture... Small homey touches to bring out my inner Earth Goddess. Warm color palette = lots of earth tones, russets & oranges. Sometimes I forget the world needs exploring & must call on Artemis to awaken sense of adventure...

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Ingredients: one Austrian rhinestone 1/2mm, orange acrylic paint, blue craft mesh, two sizes of yellow ric-rac, glue, deco fabric pen, a page from better homes & gardens, for the wall hanging (center) I used a decorative border from a note pad to cover the magazine text.

For the content of this page I took this quiz on ivillage so can you! ~ quiz.ivillage.com/home/tests/goddess.htm

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blond

Monday, May 10, 2010

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 4, 2010 - A Closer Look

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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A Closer Look... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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With this art journal page I'm taking A Closer Look at my best friend of 14 years & my husband of 7 years, Bill.One of the nicest guys I've ever met. He has a great sense of humor, an amazing sense of direction and really knows a lot about history. He's traveled to places like Canada, Italy, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland & Spain. Someday we hope to travel together.

He's a pretty cool guy and he dresses really nice. Sometimes he shops on Ebay for nice suits and finds great stuff for good deals.When I go thrift store shopping I like to buy him brand name ties. Recently I found him a brand new, with tags, Brooks Brothers tie. He found a new Ralph Lauren purple label suit in his size! We use a garment steamer to freshen them up rather than dry cleaning. Combine steaming with hanging them on the line, for a day or so, it makes clothes smell better, too.

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How I made this AJ page: I have lots of maps and old text books but didn't want to cut them up... so I scanned in the page I wanted to use. I printed the map directly onto watercolor paper. Then antiqued it with acrylic washes. I printed the text book page onto plain paper and gave it a blue wash (Bill's favorite color).


I used a yellow paint chip to hand write a poem Bill wrote me (with his permission). This photo is from our wedding day. The flowers in my bouquet were fresh cut from our garden the night before our wedding.

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Ingredients: printer, page from a chemistry text book, scrapbook paper, doily, drink umbrella, acrylic paint, magazine page, 'deco fabric' pens, marker, pen, stamp & ink, silver leaf pen, glue.

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!


xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 3, 2010 - When My Mind Wanders

"Tell Your Story"

I will be posting a journal page a day! While I'm taking an online class, through Red Velvet Art (RVA), called Tell Your Story. (registration is closed) It is a 6 week class so, I'll be posting one page a day to my blog for the six weeks.

This will be a visual journey of self reflection via mixed media collage and a personal challenge...

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Says: When my mind wanders my thoughts are fragmented. Silly. I desire to create. Nap, Dream. Play. Be.

Random phrases say: Miranda. This awesome skull. shadows author. shout out. July Winnie Cooper. a secret retro stewardesses day. hoodies history of Debbie. DIY actor. craft tip. fall auteur tigra. Harry up. fly girls. dark sparkly lady doo-wop coctail do.

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I received this vintage-y fabric in the mail today via a fabric swap (I'll be blogging about the fabric swap soon) and right when I saw it knew that I'd use it in my AJ today!

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I used a cover of BUST magazine for this entire page.
Back issues are here: www.bustboobtique.com/product_info.php?cPath=25&produ...

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More information on the creating of this work of art:

I used the cut up method for getting the randomized groups of text. I discovered this technique years ago when I read Minutes to Go by Brion Gysin (I looked for a link to a copy of this book, but can't find one to share with you, sorry). I have used the technique years ago and was inspired to use the technique for this project on the wanderings of the mind.

Briefly explained: I limited myself to using only text that appeared on the front cover of BUST magazine. I cut each word out. Put them in a container, and prior to pulling word or pinched a few words I'd shake it. Then arrange them on the page.

For more detailed information on the cut up method check out UBU Web and Wiki

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Other elements: tape, silver pen, pen, glue, ric-rac, stamp

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I love the bright colors!

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Please look but don't copy.
All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde