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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Tell Your Story Journal Page - April 27, 2010 - Today Felt

"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 Felt... can also be seen on my flickr page (and comments from other class members can be seen there)

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Here's what it says:
Today Felt interesting yet somehow mundane in a good way...

Took my pup to the vet for his rabies shot.

Met with the pest control guy.

Spent the day with my niece, we made art & a cloud pillow.

Clouds are my new happy place.

Also took care of Bill ~ he's got strep throat...

I also listed a new item on my Etsy page a cute yellow bird. I renewed a doll - the Red Haired Fairy doll.

Wrote Emails. Did dishes.

I wanted to add 'cogs' to my cloud so we can 'see' how lightening is made... well, how *I* imagine it's made.

The two kids are from a Ntnl Geographic article on Han's Christen Anderson   ooops... hee-hee! Grimm's Fairy tales.

Someday I'd like to visit Germany & tour the "Trail of the Brothers Grimm". Should be fun! Creepy, good, fun!

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Cool tones... Blues! Purples! This my attempt at a monochromatic background... not easy for me!

I felt there wasn't enough space for text so my solution was to use practice paper in the shape of a rain cloud. Of course then I needed raindrops and some lightening...

Then I imagined how lightening is made...
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Details about what you're seeing:
The big juicy droplets of water (they look nicer here than in RL) are scrapbook paper & the white reflection part is made with correction fluid pen! (best tool EVER!)






The lightening is yellow marker outlined in gold sparkle pen

I added 'stitching' all around the triangles and around the cloud (really it is just done with permanent marker)

I went over the whole thing with very watered down blue acrylic paint on a paper towel! it gave it a great effect!

I love rain! I love clouds! I even like them when I'm out camping!

I know I'm weird... but I just love the sound of rain on my tent or our tin roof! And the smell and the fresh air!

I also love when the sun shines after a rain. It fills me with wonder and I feel like a kid again! Our planet is an amazing place to live...

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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 26, 2010 - A New Season

"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 New Season... can also be viewed on my flickr page (which has comments from other class members).

While making this journal page I kept thinking, "this is a lot of stuff on here... I gotta stop before it gets muddy looking." So it became clear to me that one thing I will attempt to conquer during my six weeks in this class is to make a cohesive piece of art that is not over worked or overwhelmed with elements. I think I don't like seeing 'white space' in my art right now, but eventually I will get to a place I feel comfortable using minimalism and white space effectively and feel that I've been able to express myself clearly. I guess today's page reflects all the stuff in my head - cluttered! Ha ha...

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With this page I was experimenting with torn paper, pens, oil pastels, acrylic, dyed paper toweling, stamp and stencil. I layered lots of torn paper and dyed paper toweling.  I also used canceled postage. The curly braces and lines are from a stencil I cut and subsequently destroyed while making this page....

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Here is what it says:

Teach how to make: spring rolls, sushi, cut work / stamps, applique, book binding and hats


Make more dolls, bracelets, hats, journals. Post regularly to Etsy & blog!

Learn: design elements for journaling, LESS is MORE, how to work my blog!


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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 for April 25 - Introduction

This is the start of something new for me...

"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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One goal I have is to create a series of loose pages, for several reasons. One important reason is so they scan well for good documentation.


Another reason is to use my skill of book binding to put the journal pages together in one book.


I hope to someday be able to pass it along to my children so they can remember me when I'm gone. I also want to share it with family whom I don't often see as we live all over from NY to Japan to Seattle...


While I may mention how I did a technique here and there. I will not breech RVA copyright to say anything regarding class content.


Maybe I will be inspired to continue a daily post to my blog...? Time will tell.

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So, here's my introduction page! It can also be seen on flickr.

And  this is what the page says:
Hello! My name is Stephie! I love dogs. I've never broken a bone. I'm trained as an LPN. I helped a loved one through cancer. I love to carve stamps, make dolls, hats & journals.

I can write backwards pretty well. (and below it I switched hands to write) & lefty  (because I can write with my left  if I concentrate really hard.)

I've been known to raise chickens, bunnys & bees

Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Tank Girl
Favorite artist: Andy Warhol

(other phrases I wrote:) I love espresso! I love fabric! Ribbon! Swirls! Eyes! Learning always learning!

(there is also a description of the shoes I was wearing it says:) Inside: there is a pirate skull. Outside: my shoes are red plaid & black fabric with silver buckles.

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Note: The photo was digitally added added after page was scanned in... it's me in 2002 in Sunshine, Ontario, Canada amongst the luscious Lupines!
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Note: There are several hand carved stamps in this piece.

I designed & carved them myself.

One is of human heart: I made a print onto paper then covered that in tape. I soaked the tape in water & scrubbed the paper away. The ink that was left on the tape was a lighter version of the original imprint...

There is also a dog stamp, birds and a bird house...
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Internal dialog: this intro page was a challenge for me because I don't usually collage. I wanted to take the Tell Your Story class to challenge myself in new creative ways... Doing it I realized that I don't really know how to describe myself... I ended up tearing up the page I wrote the stream of consciousness onto and using the best bits...
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Please look but don't copy.

All comments, thoughts and constructive criticisms welcome!
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xoxo,
Blueberry Blonde

A bird cage themed treasury on Etsy Treasury East

Please visit my first Etsy treasury!

This is only a screen shot. Please visit the treasury to click on individual artworks for more information.



I do hope you enjoy this! Please leave me a note with your thoughts either here or on the treasury message board.

xoxo
Blueberry Blonde