Still At It...

Some of the portraits from my journal.  I'm back and forth between digital journalling and drawing in my journal.  These portraits are drawn using pencil and water soluble crayons.  They are completely made up - no models for me!

The portrait on the left (below) was unsatisfactory.  I added gesso over top - I like the serendipity of the ghost figure beneath!

Visit Pink Saturday for more inspiration. 

Digital Journal

I'm journalling digitally!  This is a great way for me to learn more Photoshop Elements.  Layering is so much easier than using an eraser on my "real" journal.

Here's what I did on Sunday...

Just a little drama to spice things up...

Amazing how quickly things change.  Last week I was singing the blues.  Today I'm as happy as can be.  Here's what happened.  As some of you know, I had an exhibit of my art quilts at the Carl Schurz Haus in Freiburg, Germany.  The show closed December 13, 2010.  The staff very carefully packed up my quilts. The shipping agent picked up the box on December 15.  That's where the story gets scary.  The quilts were "missing" until Monday, January 10, 2011.  The shipping agent could not trace the box and I was told to inform my insurance company.  I was very upset.  The thought of losing one quilt would be bad enough, but 15 was unthinkable!  Everyone went into action mode trying to locate the shipment.  The box turned up in Frankfurt, Germany and are now going through customs in Miami, Florida.  I should have them back within the next few days.  Going to Freiburg for the exhibition opening, working with the students, touring Germany and Switzerland - the whole trip was fantastic.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  The bit of drama at the end only adds to the experience.

Entry in my journal
(card stock, book text, water soluble crayons, acrylic paint, molding past, gel pens, felt markers)

Thank you to all who wrote to me concerned and wishing me well.  Your positive energy worked!

Visit Pink Saturday!

Opportunity Knocks!

Here it is - 2011!  A new year without a blemish on it.  I made a resolution to journal more often (daily - I doubt it) and to lose 5 lbs.!  It's out with the old and in with the new.  Here are my first efforts in my journal endeavor.

An original drawing on journal page

Inkjet print of one of my drawings glued to journal page

The most unexpected and awful news just arrived.  I can't share yet - too painful.  I'm hoping by the time I post next, the news will be good and I will be happy again!  Right now I'm singing the blues and feel really low...

and I'm still working on the 5lbs!!

For more inspiration, go to Pink Saturday.

Endless Possibilities...

I wanted to make a special card for my husband.  We'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in January.  The time has flown by!

There are a lot of different ways to make an endless card.  This is what I did.  140 lb. cold press water color paper cut into 4 pieces each measuring 3 x 6 inches.  Each piece was scored with bone folder 1-1/2 inches in from the long side.  (Bend on these score lines going back to front for ease in handling later.)  On two of these pieces, the center point was marked (left drawing) and butted up to each other.  Glue was put on each of the four outer corners.  The remaining two pieces (right side) were placed over top of the glued pieces - in the opposite directions - keep all edges even.  Let dry.

Now the fun begins.  Using water soluble paint sticks, each side of the card was painted; stamped with acrylic ink and/or paint

First side

Card opened - then painted

Card opened - then painted

Card closed - then flipped over and painted

(Keep opening and/or flipping card until all sides are painted)

Embellish the card as much as you like.  You'll be amazed at the final results.  It's like magic!  

A few sides of my finished card (I can't show you everything - much too personal!!)

Now, I've got to make an envelope!

Go to Pink Saturday for more inspiration!