What's in a Collage?

I recently joined a study group and one of the first assignments was to pick a journal and personalize it. The journal I picked was one that I have had for a few years - the cover is really pretty all on it's own, so I decided to combine that task with another collage assignment and collaged the end pages both at the front:

and the back:

I have already completed my first journal prompt, but thought I would hit you all up ... so, what do these two collages tell you about me? Inquiring minds want to know, so if you are up for it ... humor me & share your thoughts

Anyone curious?

About whatever happened to the umbrella painting for the Red Art Project?

Did you think I forgot?

... I did set it aside for a time, but there was that looming deadline, sooooo

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TADA!

... and here's a detail ...

and don't forget about:

If you are seeing this piece for the first time and are interested in seeing the progress, click HERE, HERE and HERE.

the Red Art Project 2008 - a WIP

Last weekend I when I visited Sabii Wabii (a.k.a. Tarisa) at Running with Scissors, she had posted about the Red Art Project.

Don't ask me why I didn't stop and think first, but I signed up to submit something that fits within the following guidelines:

The Theme is RED...somewhere there needs to be the color red.
Other themes need to be encompassing any area of the arts and/or the image of an umbrella somewhere in the piece.
Create a piece of art: Textile, fine, doll, sculpture, jewelry, etc.
It can be two or three dimensional work.
The size needs to be no larger than 18"x18".

So, what did I end up deciding to do? A canvas that's 18"x18" ... seriously, WHAT was I THINKING?!? My brain pictured something that I hoped my hands could reproduce ... it starts with a collage of some fine art pieces, a little music, some ballet slippers here and there (printed on 30 lb high gloss paper) all modge podged to the canvas:

Next I added some textile (simple way of saying bits and pieces of random fabric & a bitty crocheted piece). I really like the different textures that are starting to happen with the piece:

Last night I cut out the shape of an umbrella and used it as a reverse stencil sponging around the image in cadmium red - with the exception of the almost central umbrella, the umbrellas spiral outward:

That's where I am at ... next up I have some copper and bronze paint that I am thinking I'd like to sponge over the red paint (I am just not 100% sure, yet) - part of me want to keep the backgound images somewhat visible through the paint & part of me wants only to let the background show through within the umbrella shapes ... decisions, decisions ... and then there's this overthinking me that's been rearing it's silly little head ... it's wondering if my literal take on the guidelines is going to be seen as just too literal. It's a good thing there's a deadline to contend with or my second guessing nature would surely get the best of me!

OH! and if you are wondering, YOU can be a part of this project. Click on the picture at the top of this post for more details (or right HERE).

Also, you can click on any of my project photo's to see larger versions.

Soul Journal - Days 2 thru 6

Sadie and I have been spending the last few nights working on our Soul Journals. Once we had finished our writing (today I feel ... ) we covered all the writing in a fairly thick coat of Gesso. Some of the words were still visible, but it didn't matter ... the next step was Claiming Our Journals. On the first page we wrote "This Book Belongs To" and our full names over and over and over ... I can't say that I am pleased with mine (makes me feel like I have a muddy mess of a soul ...), but I'm taking one of those brave steps and sharing it just the same ...

(it helps to remember that the pages are not set in stone. I can revisit, rework, add, modify, and/or change the pages anytime I feel like it ... I seriously think it needs some sparkle and at least a little less random kindergarten scribble).

After marking our territory, we built some Soul Armor. I like the direction this one is going. I do want to add some color ... fear seaps in (ok, completely soaks me to the marrow) ... step away from the book! I added words, written a whole bunch of "I choose" statements, added a touch of pink ... more color can wait (anyone want to give me a crash course in color?!?)

Here's the 2 page spread:

Sadie was ready for the next step, so on we went. Sarah provided a list of 24 things (a smile, a hand, an eye the same color as our own, etc.) that we were to find in magazines. We spent some time pouring through a bunch and called it a night. The next day we painted a dark wash over two pages (previously collaged and Gessoed - is Gessoed a word?). Once this step was done we cut our pictures into 1" squares and attached them in grid patterns ... eyeballed. Sadie opted to do a modified design; her pages look great! I added six more images (30 total) so I could have five rows of the pretty little pictures.

Here's where we are:

and a couple of details to check out:

Click on any image to see a larger view

For more information or to get the actual promts we are following, please visit Caspiana - she starts talking about the Soul Journal project on July 13th in a post titled "S. Journaling".

Karla & Beth's Vintage Workshop Birds & Bonnets Exchange

When I decided to take part in Karla & Beth's Vintage Workshop Birds & Bonnets Swap, I really had no idea what I was signing up for. This was the very first time I tried my hand at working with vintage papers and collage type things are definitely not my forte - I am a true novice in this arena ... I was pleased with myself that I even finished (chech here to see what I did). What I didn't expect was to be so blown away by the creativity and talent that soooo many people put into their gorgeous creations.

Take a look at the gems I received:

Above you'll find the front and back of one panel done by the incredible artist, Kathy L. Kathy has definitely inspired me to try my hand at using some different textures and layering with a little more height ... so lovely! You can find Kathy at her blog: Country Chintz.

This panel (front and back) was created by the very talented Nancy R from My Crafty Little Page. I really love how she used the fabric trim (so sweet!) and that feather is brilliant! I don't think the photo's do justice to the fine details Nancy made.

Above it the two-sided panel created by the amazing Brenda S. at Dragon Lady. I'll be honest - I don't know how she accomplished the one on the left. It looks like a collage and has a ghosted quality to it, but other than the ribbon at top and bottom, the piece is completely flush ... seamless. It's really lovely. I really like the gorgeous details that went into the side on the right.

The above panel is by the gifted Heidi N. from Liquorish. The two flower buttons are most impressive - the papers are really pretty and I especially love the sparkly centers.

These two (above and below) show the complete piece with all four panels attached. Feel free to click on any of the photo's to take a closer look.

Many, many thanks to both Karla and Beth for hosting such a wonderful event. They made this such a great experience; I would not hesitate to participate in another event like this ... and after all the amazing pieces I've seen, I have soooo many new things that I just HAVE to try my hand at.

Birds & Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap

Here are the last two panels for Karla & Beths Birds & Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap

:

I think I like the first two a little better. When I finished them I had the idea to use birds as bonnets ... I think the idea (or my image of it) was a little better than the execution ... I have to admit that the thought still amuses me. All I need to do now is the backs and then I can ship them out. :)

I have some work stuff that I need to do, but if I get that done early enough, I plan on working on the charms ... painting the edges silver. I really like the effect - I'm using silver airplane paint, so it looks great when it's done.

Birds & Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap

Last night I finally took some time to work on the panels for Karla & Beth's Birds & Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap. I had myself a bit of performance anxiety and decided just to throw those thoughts right out of my head ... I sometimes forget that the best creations tend to come when you are creating simply for the joy of creating. I won't pretend that all I make will one day be masterpieces, but I can promise that what I make will come from a place of love and happiness. Here's what I came up with last night:

Question ... the one on the left ... do you think it needs legs? I kind of like that the legs aren't there, but if it throws things off, it won't be hard to add ...

I'm thinking that I'll do two more designs and will copy the four on the backs (using different designs than whats on the front). At the rate I am going, I'll have them submitted well before the deadline. Phew!

What else ... OH!! I just treated myself (with the blessing of uber-spouse) to two lovely little treats ... first, I bought one of Monica's doll forms from her Etsy shop ... check it out:

Aren't they just FABULOUS?!? I only bought one of them, so there is still one available in her shop. I was telling my honey that if it's half as great as I think it will be, I'm going to have serious struggles altering it!

And second ... from A Fanciful Twist's delightful Etsy store I am running away with these amazing post cards:

Oh happy MAY!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

OK, not really quite yet - the official day is the 29th, but about 9 years ago I decided that it would be fun to celebrate for the entire month of May.

*big cheesy grin*

Lucky for me, my family and friends are really good sports ... it's a lot of fun and I highly recommend that everyone adopt this method of celebration. This morning I woke to a little package ... uber-spouse & awesome-critter gave me a set of rechargable batteries (with a charger) - woohooooo! AND they brought me some sushi for lunch ... just a pack from the grocery store, but it was a FABULOUS treat just the same. No, I don't get prezzies every day till the 29th, but I do get random treats between now and the big day ... and this year it really is a big day ... I'm turning

++++ 40 ++++

hehe - pretty cool

I also got an email letting me know that I could participate in Karla & Beth's Birds & Bonnets Vintage Workshop Swap. The deadline to sign up had passed (I didn't ask to be let in on the swap; just shared that I was a little bummed to learn about it after the deadline), so it was a really lovely and unexpected surprise receiving the email saying that I could join the swap ... how cool is that?!? I've never worked with vintage images and don't have a lot of collage experience. Just the same, I am REALLY looking forward to playing around with these fun little treasures ... I just checked out the images and they are super fabulous!

No updates on the Hub's challenge (my brain is trying, but hasn't quite wrapped itself around it ... I have ideas, but they are barely formed at this point). ... for some reason I keep seeing something like a gods eye ... hopefully I'll get it all together before the Sunday deadline.

I did work on the charms for the Black and White Charm Exchange last night. All the little plaques are sanded and one side has been painted black:

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely not the neatest paintress on the block (I admit it ... I LOVE getting my hands dirty when I paint). Tonight I'll be painting the flip side white. It won't take very long, so I'll probably get the chance to work on the panels for the Vintage Workshop Swap.

life sure is good. ~M~

5/1 before I hit the pillows update ... I did work on the charms again tonight. U-S was kind enough to take a couple more snaps for me. I think he's tired - they aren't as good as last nights shots ... ah well, they'll work:

I do like the reflection of my water dish - kind of looks like carnival glass.

Goodnight & thanks for all the fish! (tell me where I paraphrased that one from & I'll like you even better than I do right at this moment ...)

4X4 Friday - Doorways

4X4 Friday - "Doorways"

(closed)

(Open)

I really love the idea of 4X4 Friday - brilliant, really. What a great way to keep the inspiration bank full. :) I'm really going to try to participate in as many 4X4 Friday themes as I can make myself do. It should be noted that I am great at starting things ... I tend to lack the follow through / stick-to-it gene ... I'm hoping to cultivate it, though.

This is my submission to the 4X4 Friday challenge (my first ever). The theme for February 15th was "doorways". Love, love love this theme!

Originally I had pictured a three dimensional doorway (similar to the doorway of a bedroom) with a beaded curtain ... that whole funky 60's-ish beaded curtain vibe. When you pull the curtain aside, it would reveal a girl riding a goldfish in the sky. I found the perfect goldfish, but not the perfect girl (and didn't feel comfortable creating her from scratch ... this time, at least) & my doorway looked a little pathetic. Scrap that attempt. Then I did this whole door opening to another door to another ... (we're talking 11 of the same door - I know, I know ... how original - doh!), so I got all of the doors attatched with good spacing etc., but then I just couldn't see where to go with it ... scrap idea #2 (I did save it; there is something cool about it, so I am hoping that I can use it at some point). What is pictured above is my third attempt. For a girl that has issues with collage in the first place, I ended up pretty pleased with the result.

I would love to hear what others think & am happy to answer any questions. Please feel free to leave feedback.

Modified 2/22 ... can you name all five artists included in this piece (ok, ok, I admit it ... one is me (the elephant on the left), but the other four are well known ... uh, and deceased ...

Paper airplanes, lunar eclipses and other such things

As happens every so often, I ought to be hitting the pillows, but have a brain that refuses to settle (the spouse would ask if it has anything to do with the coffee I drank tonight ... lol ... honestly, I think not). I got into a project that had been causing me serious (minor) stresses - ideas that lived better in the head than actually on paper - for some reason, this last attempt actually appeals to me. I have to wait till morning to take photo's, but in the meantime, I kind of feel like rambling ...

1) for Valentine's day I had told another homeschool mom that yes, Sadie would be bringing something to exchange with the other kids ... did I ask Sadie? uh, no. I'm pretty sure I was on auto reply (besides, I love an excuse for artsy stuff ... and hearts ... forget about it!) Anyway, slacker that I am I forgot about it till just a few days prior to V-day. When I asked Sadie what she thought, she said she didn't want to exchange anything ... she's not into pink, hearts, girly stuff at this particular junction in life ... eek. It took some creative thinking (and a lot of shot down ideas) before I came up with the perfect solution ... drumroll, please .... paper airplanes! She totally dug the idea. We made them from sheets of origami paper (satisfied my need for something on the sweet/pretty side & was cool compared to hearts, so appealed to the critter, too). It turned out that 32 kids were coming - let me tell you, you can make 32 paper airplanes in nearly no time at all ... I had to work the day of the Valentine's gathering, but from all reports, the planes were a success. It sounds like the kids actually enjoyed the "races", too. Next year, I promise to ask her before committing to doing something for happy heart day ... but I will remind her how much fun the airplanes were!

2) I have been playing around with participating in the 4x4 Friday challenge. This weeks challenge is doorways. It should be noted that (like many) I am drawn to doorways ... blue, red, coverd in vines, stone, arched, heavy wooden doorways, doorways that make you think of hidden treasures, etc., etc., etc. ... so, I thought this would be a great one to try. I told Don and Sadie about them and asked if they'd like to do a 4x4, too. Both did. Both finished theirs before mine ... and both are terrific. I struggled. Then I struggled a little more. Tonight I just started doing (without much thought) and I did get something accomplished. It's definitely a bit rough & isn't completely balanced, but as far as an novice collage project goes, it shows a little potential - gives me that little bit of hope I need to try this media again. Nice. I ought to be able to take photos of the results for all three doors sometime after work tomorrow, so will probably get them posted in the evening.

3) Tonight there was a lunar eclipse. I almost forgot about it, but Sadie reminded me to wake her up when it happens. I would have forgotten all about it if Don hadn't had to run up to the store & noticed it. All the clouds (it was really overcast earlier this evening) had gone away and the sky was clear. Don broke out the binoculars and one scope. We all got to watch the lunar eclipse ... ok, so I didn't stay for the whole thing, but it was pretty cool just the same. I am amazed at the difference just a simple pair of binoculars can make - the moon actually looked 3 dimensional and not like a flat round disk ... makes me want to go up to Edison's observatory - I've heard that it's pretty phenomenal.

A little brain draining and I'm actually feeling sleepy ... time to seek out those pillows.

Sweet dreams! ~M~

Sadie Art

I had a bunch of art supplies out on the coffee table & Sadie (daughter - she's 9) asked if she could try to make a collage or two. Here's what she came up with:

I'm just thrilled that she asked to use the supplies ... much better seeing her want to make something rather than be entrenched in Nintendo DS while Cartoon Network plays re-runs that she's already watched 10 billion times. :)