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

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

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

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

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,

Blueberry

PS: This is a link to & a picture of - the SEW WHAT cuff bracelet! 

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

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

 

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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

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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Today's assignment was for a two page spread...

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

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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

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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Past Three Years... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members... 

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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

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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I Feel Safe... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members... 

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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

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

 

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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

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

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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.

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

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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

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

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. 

Click this link for my tutorial demonstrating how to make art from paper toweling - technique.

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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

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

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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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

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

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

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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When My Mind Wanders... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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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

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 2, 2010 - Dream List

"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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Dream List... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

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I chose a simple background. I hand stamped with a 'dream' stamp over and over and embossed those in white. Then mixed a pistachio green from acrylic paint & washed it over the text. The foreground has few elements and is interactive.

I have lots of great fabrics it was difficult to choose only 9! I used my own handwriting style for the lettering. I outlined each several times in white Deco Fabric marker.

I chose to use a white paper doily for the trim around the circle of polka-dot, collage paper.

I have cut up two different paint chips, 12 chips in all, and rounded all the corners. They are held together by a silver, square, brad and swivel freely.

I glued in a Jonathan Meader book mark - which I always thought of as dreamy, since it always falls out of my books... now, I hope, it stays in place!

The paint chips briefly state things I actually dream: I dream in colour. I can fly at will. I solve mysteries. I travel the globe. Dance & sing. Invent. Love eternally. Get lost. Make art with Andy Warhol. Talk to animals & they talk to me. Have babies. Dream.

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

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Tell Your Story Journal Page - May 1, 2010 - Handbag Journal

"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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Handbag Journal... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

 

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Saturday! Today I made a mini journal that (hopefully) fits inside a handbag. Hence the term "handbag journal". I only have two photos to share...

I used lots of different sizes and types of paper. I also hand stamped each page with (mostly) hand carved stamps. Added a Blueberry Blonde noggin sticker and mailed it to my BFF Rachel! Shhh... it's a surprise!


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What I did:

I used a tiny gift bag for the cover and lined it with colorful polka-dot scrap book paper.

I removed the cord handles and added an extra hole so there are three across the top instead of two (on both the front & back).

There are lots and lots of papers for the pages with of all colors, sizes and designs. (apple, strawberry, grid, white lined, brown lined, yellow lined & black...)

I made two envelopes that fit inside, one for each inner cover, from legal pad paper. I took a bit of ribbon and glued the ends of it under the side edges of the envelopes. So the ribbon goes across the envelope in order to secure the flap (you can kind of see it in the photo). To secure the flap you simply tuck the it under the ribbon. I also added three hole punches to the flap of the envelope for design continuity.

I (machine) used a narrow length of swirly mocha colored fabric for the elastic closure on front. I used at least twice the length of the elastic. Pinned it to the elastic. Set the machine for zig-zag stitch. Then pulled really hard on the elastic while sewing it so that it bunched up nicely and go that ruffled look.

(TIP: if you're going to try this: hold elastic from both ends so it doesn't dislodge from under the presser foot)

There is an extra flap that goes over the front. The elastic holder goes over it, for extra security of keeping any loose pages in while in your bag. I hand stitched the elastic to the outside back cover.

(TIP: If you're going to try this: I used embroidery thread, an embroidery needle & a thimble - to sew through that many layers... and remember you're just securing each end of the elastic, so you'll have to move the elastic that goes across it in front out of the way or it won't lay flat.)

Floral elements are held with a floral brad and glue.

Front decoration: I used a stencil of a bird I made (in Junior High) for both covers in black acrylic paint. That poor stencil has seen better days... After the stencil nearly dried I quickly went over it in black with a paint brush to cover up the 'mistakes'...

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my hubby took these pics for me!

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

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Tell Your Story Journal Page - April 30, 2010 - Deep Down

 "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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Deep Down... can also be viewed on flickr, along with comments from other class members...

 

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Text says:

Deep Down

I love symbolism.
I need my family.
I don't want to be alone.
I'm easy to please & slow to anger.
I want to be pain free.
I love cuddles.
I want to be remembered.
I doubt myself.
I want to be a prolific artist.
I can be impulsive.
I want children.
I love the country & crave city life.

Book title says:
I love asymmetry.

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For today's art journal page  I started with the doodles then I added the other elements around it.

The tentacle is emerging from somewhere "Deep Down" .... Am I caught in its grasp? or am I becoming free from it? It holds onto potential growth, health, mortality and is grasping a key.

What does it open? "Hope"; I think...

The baby, the bird cage and the little girl are planted in the ground just like the carrots & mushrooms. They lie dormant but ready for growth...

The other elements float above like in a dream. Connected to me by a golden thread... hope, support, knowledge, home...


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I have decided that the general interpretation is all I will do. I will not be interpreting the detailed meaning of each symbol in this work of art on the interweb, for that is far too personal. If I describe it, I believe, the mystery of the symbol is taken away and the piece ceases to be intriguing and simply becomes hearsay. I think what is wonderful about symbolism is the hidden meaning, the personal attributes one places on them and the variety of interpretations from others. It lends some level of privacy to the artist even though it is available for all to see. That is the same reason I'm also enjoying creating an art journal. I can share without going into detail and still feel the catharsis of expression within a community of peers. If you have any thoughts or feelings the symbols stir in you you're welcome to share those thoughts with me if you so choose.

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Ingredients: embossing pen and chalk, gold and silver leafing pens, markers, all stamped images are my own designs hand carved by me, various cut and torn papers, paint chip (color: Goddess Green), blue and gold embroidery threads, ribbon, glue.

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

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

Tell Your Story Journal Page - April 29, 2010 - Wishes Three

"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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Wishes Three... can also be seen on my flickr page along with comments from other class members....

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Here's what it says:

Wait!?!?!?!
What is this I have caught in my net? Could it be a mermaid?
Oh NO! I am a water Nixie. If you release me into the sea I will grant you wishes three...
so I put her back into the cool water.
I wish to build a sauna, an art studio & a healthy life; please...

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I used today's journal prompt 'three wishes' for my creation "Wishes Three" and I based it on an Andy Warhol dream I had a few years ago while camping...

In my dream I was walking somewhere, down a corridor of a gym. I passed some paintings that seemed too cool to be in a gym, so I had to stop & see (I actually can control my dreams sometimes!). So, I changed the course of my dream in order to get a better look!

The paintings were of these Andy Warholesque women, just their heads, and I loved it! I even woke up to jot it down and make a sketch! I love Andy Warhol! Ummm... I guess you had to be there....? Anyways, I've remembered the dream and when this journal prompt came along I just knew what I'd make...

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I did not use the recommended style for today's prompt. Because for me "it is a jumping off point for negotiations" (hee-hee that line is from Clueless, and I love it). I will however put the proper journal prompt in my idea jar. I really like going in my own direction sometimes. I like to try different ways of interpreting a theme. For this one I felt that Grimm's Fairy tales would be at the heart of my theme... so I chose to make a Water Nixie. Although rather wicked in Grimm's world she would be kind in mine.

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I'm working on simplifying my style and learning to use minimalist design and text to express my mood and get across an idea. I started with a monotone palate and as I went along I realized that I could safely use three colors (white, blue, green). I think this page is a huge success for me both in setting limitations and sticking to them!

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Ingredients: scrap book papers, glue, glitter, silver doily, white out marker, pens, markers, silver foil pen...

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While I am pushing myself to try new things I feel I need to stay true to my own artistic callings.

Once I knew I was joining this class I made a bunch of random backgrounds not knowing exactly what I would do with them and this one was calling me today! Can you feel it too?

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

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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

PS: A May 15, 2010 update...
I've recently framed & hung this journal page up!
Click here to see it on my flickr page with comments from other class members.

Tell Your Story Journal Page - April 28, 2010 - I Want

"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 Want... can be seen on my flickr page along with comments from other class members... 

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I chose to use three views on this page as the envelope element can be flipped back & forth.

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Here's what I've written:

• I want to travel (top left: over the earth)
• I want to look at the moon forever (top right: over the image of the moon)
• I want to learn to illustrate (under the moon image)
• I want to make beautiful things from hounds tooth (far right edge)
• I want to doodle... (bottom right: I made a doodle in MS Paint then printed it on to the page. I built the rest of the page around it)
• I want to love and to be loved (center right: speech bubble)
• I wan to create art that inspires (center: speech bubble)
• I want to love myself more (center left: speech bubble)
• I want to remember the loved ones I have lost... (center & just below the face of the winged leopard baby wearing a crown of silver & leaves)
• grand ma, grand pa, dad, aunt, grand ma, Andy W, Paul D (bottom right: inside the hearts)
• I want to write more (across the bottom: next to the stamped envelope shapes)
• I want to write myself a message today for "future me" to read (left hand side next to striped envelope)
• I want to become the woman I am destined to be! (left hand side next to striped envelope)
• The front of the envelope detail says: From yourself in the year 2010
• The the front of the envelope detail also says: To: Future me. Don't open until 2024
• The back of the envelope detail says:
   TOPSE
   CRETS

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* I've made a note regarding this last element (on the envelope back) that says:  I just had to write in gold leaf pen... and use red for the background... hmmmm. I may change it to light yellow like the front ....or maybe I'll write over it in black marker... dunno (yes it's a reference to the movie 23)

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Ingredients: magazine pages, acrylic wash, pen, ink, store bought & hand carved stamps, gold leaf pen, MS Paint doodle printed with printer ink, cut and torn scrap book paper, heart shaped punch, hole puncher, paper reinforcements.

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Thanks for stopping by.

xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

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

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