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.