So, now that the journal is finished...

And I have a favorite page from it to share in the big reveal coming up for the March Creativity Invitation prompt... And, since everyone has had the chance to follow the journey of creating the journal and realize what a journey it was, I think I'll give it away. So, who among you would like to continue to embellish it, journal in it, add to it... maybe decorate the cover of it?



Now, let me add a disclaimer here... there are a few vintage nudes in this journal, if that offends you please either 1. do not enter the drawing, or 2. if you are the recipient of the journal, do something to cover them.


So, here are the rules of the give away...

1. You must be a follower of this blog. If you aren't currently, feel free to join.

2. You must leave a comment on this blog post (I will only be selecting from the comments left here) between 5:00 am March 31, 2011 (when the post is published) and 11:59 pm Saturday, April 16, 2011.

3. Want a second entry? You blog, spread the word, tweet... whatever you do, and let me know where I can find the post or tweet... and you can have a second entry. You must leave me a separate comment (a second one).

I will use Random.org to choose a winner on April 17th. That winner will be posted here, and will need to get in touch with me no later than midnight Wednesday April 20, 2011. I reserve the right to choose a different winner if that does not happen.

Good luck everyone and thanks for following through the creation process!

Oh, and for everyone who created their own journal pages for the March prompt... don't forget to email me your blog links... I can't wait to see what everyone has done!

The finished journal...

So... this has taken most of the month... we've gone from very large paint chips...









to paint chips that had been embellished for backgrounds...












to decorated pages...









to pages finished and waiting to be bound into a journal...











all the way to the completion of a cover... now it's time to finish it all up... I chose to use binder rings to put it all together. That way the pages can be moved around, changed, further embellished, added to and written on.





So it was pretty simple. After I lined up the pages the way I wanted them, I just used a standard size hole punch to punch holes in each of the pages and the cover, then threaded the 1" ring binders through the holes (from the back to the front).






And here we have it, and entire journal created from start to finish.





I hope it's made sense, and that you've enjoyed the journey with me... It's been quite the learning experience for me, and I hope you've gained something from it too.

A heads up here... everyone who is following (and those who might follow), be sure to check tomorrow's blog... there may be a give away involved...

And now, the cover...

So, the pages are finally finished and waiting to be bound, and now I need a cover. This is going to be a simple cover that will allow for more embellishment later.






The pages are 3" x 5", and I want the cover to be only slightly larger, so I cut two light weight pieces of cardboard 3.5" x 5.5". I've also got two larger pieces of plain brown craft paper, one I will paint, the other simply trim to the correct size for the interior.



What will become the outer cover is painted and set aside to dry. This is one of those instances when it is really important to let it dry completely. Once it is, trim it to .5" larger than the cover. Paint a thin coat of glue on the cardboard you are using for the cover and adhere it to the back of the painted cover paper.



When that has dried a bit, fold the corners over as shown in the photo to the right. Unfold your corners and put glue on them. Fold them back toward the cover and squish them down really well.






When all four corners are adhered, fold the unglued edges over to create a really good crease.







Add glue, paying special attention to get it where the edge of the cover cardboard is... that is a really important spot that you want to adhere very well. And, even though it isn't pictured here, be sure to add glue to the other edge too, you want it to stick well to the cardboard that is your cover. Smooth the paper using a credit card or Formica chip or a brayer. Let it dry.







When it's dry spread a light layer of glue over the inner cover (mine are cut of the craft paper and measure 3" x 5"), being sure to get the glue on the edges.












Gently place the inside cover and smooth down well so that it will adhere completely. Again, set it aside and let dry completely.


All that's left is to do the final finishing...

Putting the pages together...

Now that I have my pages, and the painted doodles, and everything is dry... how shall I put them together? Gluing is one option, but the back of the paint chips are glossy, so I'd have to sand them a bit... and I really don't want to do that.





But, I do really like the look of stitching on pages like this. In my opinion it adds just the right touch, and almost a "frame" around the page that works just great. So that's just what I did. Using black thread I stitched the "wrong sides" of the paint chip page and the doodle page together. If you want to do the same, just use a sharp needle, and a rather long stitch. I also used zig zag stitches in various places on the pages.





Because the stitching was done in black it almost adds the effect of doodling around the edges. I did the stitching using the right side of the paint chip since it was the smaller of the two pages.







Once I was finished stitching all of the pages together I noticed that on the doodle side of the page, where the needle had punctured the paper, I had some white to deal with. Always something, isn't it?






I decided that, at least in this instance, the most simple way to rid the page of the white spots of paper was to just use colored pencils to go over it. It worked great, and added just an extra element of shading that I liked.







The final issue to deal with was the difference in size between the paint chip and the doodle. With the image side (paint chip) up, I just laid a ruler at the edge to help keep the line somewhat straight, and I tore the excess off. You'll notice that it left a rather ragged white edge. While the holes with the stitching bothered me, I like this... go figure?






And now I have these great pages all ready to be put together in a journal... I'll be working on that next.

How to deal with the backs of those pages...

You know, when I started this I really wasn't thinking all the steps ahead. I really just thought the huge paint chips were a great place to start something. I mean the color was already there, and all I had to do was begin with the layering... how easy was that? I'm pleased with how they have turned out.





But... there is a small downside. The paint chips have advertising on the back. Seems reasonable since that's what they are meant to do. Now the challenge is to do something that can creatively cover the back. Piece of cake...







To the rescue... some doodles. I scan and save a copy of each of the ones I create, so it was easy enough to pick a few out and make copies. The paint chip measures 3" x 5", so to be sure the doodle was large enough they are 4" x 6". Since I really didn't want all that stark black and white in the journal, I simply painted them... that Formica chip is an amazing tool!







In no time I have ten paint chips layered with paint and images and ten pages of doodles that have been layered with paint as well. Next step... putting them together.

And now, back to the journal...

So, it's time to get back to this journal process we are walking through. Just before our discussion about paper that could be used for the process we had left the journal with the backgrounds finished, and images added. Now, I'm going to add some shading and a few bits of doodling and scribbling on them.

To add more color and shading to the pages use what you are most comfortable with (although, remember that stepping out of your comfort zone is a good thing too). In this particular group of pages I used colored pencils, watercolor pencils and even some markers.


You're going to find that some things work better than others, and a lot of that will depend on what you used to adhere your images with, as well as the sort of pages your images are... if the paper is slick, as in some magazines, or the laser printer surface, you might find it more difficult to use the colored pencils, but watercolors or watered down acrylics may work very well. Don't be afraid to experiment, that's how you are going to learn what works for you.

Then, if you want to continue to embellish, add some doodles or scribbles. I wanted to share with you my amazingly technical "doodle kit". I'm sure you've noticed I like to use a great deal of round shapes in my doodling. While I have a really good technical drawing kit with several really good drafting compasses in it, these things are what I use to draw around for the shapes. Lots of various round lids that I've saved from several cooking/baking items.



Add the doodles and/or scribbles that you want, if you want them. I use several different sorts of permanent markers. I find that I like the new Sharpie ultra fine and the Sharpie pens a great deal. They work well on most surfaces, and their tip width is very manageable for me. I tend to prefer tips a bit on the thin side, but not too thin, and I haven't noticed any bleeding with them.





All of the pages have been painted, images added, and then some doodling and shading added to each. Now, I have only one problem to deal with...







All of the backs have the Glidden paint information on them. But, I have plans (you know that I do)... and I'll be sharing that with you next...

In the mean time, I want to leave everyone with the ArtsyBlogger links for the week. Y'all go visit and enjoy!





Made By Nicole
If you like Sticky Toffee Pudding, you're going to love this easy recipe for Arabian Date Cake!

Kim- Flowers and Art
A Shot of Spring-Kim dresses up her window with a little springtime crafting .

Canvas Paper House
Step one of a journaling house Cherie is making, using canvas paper and collage.

Barbara Moore-Gourd Art
Look how close I'm getting!!!

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Eileen reviews Chapter 4 of Cyndi Lavin’s eBook, “Every Bead Has a Story”.

Lamb Craft
This spring lamb craft would be perfect for March or Easter

A thank you to Julia...

So, I got a comment on Sunday from one of the followers of my blog... Julia, from Julia's Sew Sweet and Special. She's awarded me a "Stylish Blogger Award". Is that fun or what?

Wow... it's been a while since I was handed an award, thank you so much Julia! Of course, with every award there come a few rules...

Rules of this Award

1. Thank and link back to the person giving the award

2. Share 7 things about me.

3. Pass this award to other bloggers I have recently discovered and think are fantastic.

4. Contact these bloggers to tell them I have awarded them.

Ok, let's see... number 1... check, and again, thank you Julia... I love validation!

Number 2... share seven things about me... Well, let's see... that is by far more difficult, I never really feel that I have many things about me that are so interesting people would want to know... but here we go...

1. I'm a frustrated writer... but you all know that already, don't you? What you don't know yet, is that I've been asked to write my very first article to be published in a for real and true magazine! I'm excited, and more details will be coming... I promise.

2. In 1997 I was asked to design and stitch an ornament for the White House Christmas tree. The thank you letter is framed and in my living room.

3. I find it very shocking when someone calls me an "artist". Not sure why, even though I have made a living creating a form of art, I just feel like that title isn't something I am entitled to wear. Artists are so passionate and amazingly creative... I tend to think of myself as more of a "creator of things"... makes me feel more goddess like.




4. I am beyond fascinated with cemeteries. Yup... cemeteries (like you guys haven't figured that out already, right?). Why am I fascinated by them? They are an incredible historic record. Not just of lives and births, but of the practice of how we bury and honor our dead. The irony in that... I prefer that I be cremated. Go figure, huh?





5. I'm pretty fascinated by storms too. They seem to remind me of what a tiny piece of the puzzle I am floating around out here in the midst of all of that fire and fury. How can you not be inspired by all of that? The ocean makes me feel the same way... and a storm while I am near the ocean... whew.


6. I have been finding bird feathers in my path. It started with one on my doorstep when I got home from work one day. Next there was one on the dash of my car... then while I was taking a walk... they show up randomly in my path pretty frequently. It seems, according to lore, that when you find feathers in your path you are on a higher spiritual path. I sort of like that...





7. My newest attempt, and hopefully not my next failure... orchids. Current count... four. Pray for them... they are going to need all the help they can get to survive.

Now, I am off to bestow a few awards myself... thank you again Julia... and thank you all for continuing to read... you have no idea how much I appreciate you!!

Got nothin'...

You know, some evenings just don't get a whole lot of artistic sorta things accomplished... last night was one of them, and I didn't get done what I wanted to post about for today...

Sooooo, I thought I'd just share some interesting links I've found the last few days. They all have to do with art/creative/visual journaling, and should give you even more ideas (from people who really do know what they are doing) for this journaling adventure we're on.

First... some easy eye candy. The Flickr groups:

Art Journals:

Just Art Journals
A Year in the Life of an Art Journal
Art Journal en Espanol
Composition Book Art Journals

Visual Journals:

Visual Journals
Journal Junk
Art Journal Banners




Creative Journals:

Junque Journal
What's in your journal?
The Mid Life Journal


And how about some really interesting blogs about journaling?

Creative **ART** Journal
Art Journal Caravan
Art Journal-A Creative Journey
Angelina's Art Journals (It's a blog hop!)

And now... for you guys... if you have found any interesting links, photos, or inspiration out there in blog-land, let me know... share what you have found, or what you are doing... leave a comment and share what you have found with all of us!

Let's talk paper...

So... yesterday, in the comments to the blog post, Deb asked a really good question that many may be wondering about, so I thought I'd take a minute to talk about what you can use for the background if you cannot find those humongous paint chips. The short and long of it... anything. Yup... pretty much anything.

Now, I know that leaves a whole lot of options on the table, so let me explain that a bit more.

First, let me give y'all a disclaimer here... I come from a loooong line of very creative people, but I don't have a background in art. I am not one who has ever been all that great at following "the rules" when it comes to creating, I'm far more the... "what if....." type. My brain is constantly humming along while I go about my daily life, and every now and again some little voice pops up saying... "hey, you know that piece of paper over there, what would happen if... (add whatever wacky and insane idea it comes up with here)?" This has led to some amazingly stupendous disasters... and some really interesting results. So far, the interesting results way out number the disasters, so I keep playing. Feel free to follow what I do, feel free to try it for yourself... tweak it, expand on it, play with it... and share your results so we can all "ohhhhh" and "ahhhhhh"... but be ready to have a few disasters too. They really just add to the fun you know.

Now, back to the background options. Deb, honestly, I have used pretty much anything as a background. My preference is paper that is somewhere between a 90 lb weight (pictured to the right) and a 120 lb weight. That's a bit heavier than the card stock you generally find in a craft store (which is about a 60 lb)...


... and thinner than a 140 lb watercolor paper (pictured over there on the left), but I do use paper both thinner and much thicker. It really sort of depends a great deal on what sort of plans you have for the paper and what you feel comfortable using. If I am going to use lots and lots of layers, toss in some stitching, add more layers, etc... I go with the thinner. Mostly because it is darned difficult to stitch through 140 lb cold press watercolor paper that has lots of layers added.

But, what if you want to use some really cool old pages from a vintage book? And, what if those pages are pretty thin? Simple enough... just glue them to a stiffer sheet of paper. Should you choose to do that, use a brush to cover the heavier paper with glue, then carefully place your page on it, and use something (the Formica chip) to "squeegee" out the excess glue. Let it dry completely before you use it. There will be wrinkles... embrace them, work with them... incorporate them (sort of like I am trying to do with the ones on my face).


And, oh my goodness, had I know that Gesso would become one of my best friends, I'd have bought stock... You can add "tooth" to any paper with Gesso. You can also layer it to thicken the paper. Paint on a layer, let it dry completely, and gently sand it, repeat until you like what you see. Or... add layer and layer without sanding to smooth... embrace those lines...

You'll also notice, I'm sure, that I do a lot of loose pages. I'm not sure why, but I don't seem to be as good at doing an already bound book. (Although, I do have an altered book journal started that I'll share with everyone later.) I find I like to be able to move my pages a great deal, I tend to work on them from all sorts of angles. And, if I want to add some sewing on them, it definitely makes it much easier to feed under the sewing foot. Of course, that leads to the inevitable question of how to bind them, but we'll get to that later too. I will say I have developed a particular fondness for these ring binders though...

So, here's what it boils down to when it comes to using papers to create your backgrounds. Use something that has enough thickness to offer the support you will need to create your pages. Don't be afraid of trying anything... and everything. Being creative and creating a visual journal isn't about making something "right", it's about the act of creating itself. Be like a little kid, have you ever noticed how uninhibited they are when it comes to creating things artistically? Have faith in yourself, and don't be afraid to make a mistake. I've always told my kids that a mistake is nothing more than a learning experience, and we have to make them to learn. And if you need permission to let go of all your preconceived notions about what is good or what is worthy about what you create... I'll strike a bargain with you... if you let go of yours, I'll let go of mine...