APPROACHING 2013

As I approach 2013, I am thinking there are some things that happened in 2012 that I would just like to leave behind.  It is that thought that prompted me to create the oh-so-simple journal page entitled MOVE ON!

The blue diamonds in the background were created when I removed ink from a stencil that I used on a previous project.  I applied a coat of Gesso over the top to "dull" the color just a bit.  Next, I used rub-ons the create the foreground.  Even the title was created using alphabet rub-ons!  It's that simple!

Thanks for stopping by, and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR to each of you!

Cheers!

LINCOLN, MY HERO

I vividly remember my first trip to Washington, D.C., for two reasons.  First, and the purpose of the trip, was to be present when my brother was awarded the Silver Star for meritorious action in the face of danger in Vietnam.  It was thrilling to be present at such a proud moment in our own family history.  Second, I was able to visit the Lincoln Memorial, where I stood and wept.  You see, as well as my brother, Abraham Lincoln is a hero to me.  He is a man who stood for what he believed was right, in the face of those who were sure he was wrong.  Today, thanks to President Lincoln, these United States are indeed "united."

Another technically simple page, but, this time I began with a coat of black Gesso!

Next, I used a stencil (called "chicken wire") and applied white paint on a sponge through the stencil.

The unique photo was cut from an old magazine found in a "swap shop" on Cape Cod!  I just love it--maybe because it is both black and white.  The circles were cut from a card.  I added them because of the bit of orange on the right side of the face.

Lastly, I took a background stamp and a bit of orange paint to add a bit of texture.  And that was it!  Another KISS page!

Thanks again for stopping by my art journaling blog.  Please take a moment to leave a message so that I will know you were here.

Cheers!

THE KISS PRINCIPLE

Most times, art journaling is all about layering--in fact, the more, the merrier!  There are times, however, when what one has to say is important, using the "KISS principle" is the better plan.  In this art journal entry, I am sharing a quote by Abraham Lincoln advising us to make good use of our days--and I want this quote to be the highlight of the page.

For the background, I chose a scrap of paper from the scrapbooking side of my studio.  I brightened the burlap pattern a bit by adding a bit of gold paint.  Next, a floral stamp and my quote.  To frame the quote and add a touch of color, I used a self-adhesive border strip cut into four pieces.  I then added a bit of washi tape with numbers.  The white frosting was created by painting white paint onto a small square of bubble wrap and using that as a stamp.  Here are the details:

Thanks for stopping by.  Please leave a message so I will know you were here.  THAT makes me happy!

Cheers!

DOCUMENTING YOUR WISHES

As art journalists, we need to remember to base some of our creations on ourselves.  Today (at almost 69 years of age), I was remembering that my father discouraged me from traveling as a young single woman--adding that it would be so much more worthwhile to one day travel with my husband.  Although my father was a smart man, I think his advice long ago was a disservice to me.  Although I eventually traveled, even internationally, I wish I had done it as a much younger person.  Here is my journal page about this lament:

It was an easy page to create technically.  Following a coat of Gesso, I began by tearing into pieces those maps that sometimes come with your pocket calendar.  I adhered the pieces with ModPodge.

The title TRAVEL was added by using alphabet stickers.  Then I added a few of my background stamps using black ink.

I don't use the "drip" technique often, but decided to try it on the page.  After using distress ink and allowing it to drip down my page, I blotted it with a sheet of paper towel.  I then used one of my homemade Perfect Pearl spray misters to age my background papers.

Lastly, I added a sticker with one of my favorite quotes about travel:

Thanks for stopping by today.  Please leave a message so that I know you were here!

Cheers!

A DIVERSION FROM WORRIES

It seems during the holidays, for most of us, our worries come in numbers.  We ponder the number of calories in those traditional sweet treats.  We dread the resultant weight gain.  We try to budget our gift purchases.  And then, in the end, we worry about having enough time to get everything done.

I have found that getting your worries down on paper, whether in the written word or a more "artsy" form, helps get those worries under control.  Here is my attempt to find some relief.

Again, this is a very simple art journal page.  One layer of acrylic paint lightened a bit using a baby wipe. A numbers stamp upon a face cut from a magazine.  The face was then framed by adding a bit of white Gesso.  Then stickers and a Sharpie pen to create the "worries."

Thanks for stopping by and Happy holidays!

"CREATIVITY TAKES COURAGE"

I ran across the title quote today by Henri Matisse and was inspired to create an art journal page.  It is simple, mostly paper, ink and stamping, but I just love the message!  Enjoy!  Be inspired!

Cheers!