Lately I've been making an art journal out of a mail order catalog because I can't seem to resist any new idea that comes along and this one looked like fun. It's actually turned out to be quite an undertaking!
At the same time, I've been reading Pam Carriker's book, Art at the Speed of Life. What I love about her book are the practical strategies for making art a part of everyday life. One of the projects of the book is a 7-day journal project, which breaks the process of making a mixed media journal page down into steps. I am more of an all or nothing gal who hates to stop a project once it's started, but it's been nice to try a more methodical approach and learn some new techniques at the same time.
Slowing down and only doing one or two steps a day has helped me to relax a bit, rather than feeling I have to frantically get something done while I have a chance. One day I did background painting, then on another day I added some image transfer and collage elements, and on a third day I added texture, and so on. It feels good to have a specific plan for how to work. Taking a break in between steps also gives me time think a little more about what I'm doing and come up with new ideas. I've also been using this idea with various other in-progress projects as a way to hopefully get some fresh inspiration, move past my mental blocks and finish them.
.jpg)
I didn't really start the journal with a theme, but the change of season and beautiful leaves starting to turn are taking center stage. The lovely words here are from Emily Dickinson. If you're interested, you can read more about this page along with the complete poem in my earlier post.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I always appreciate your comments.
the change of season - sigh, it is here, can't be avoided - is a great topic for any art and I love what you did here! The look of many layers and the blues and yellows are wonderful. I early on learned that one cannot always finish iin one sitting though at times one really wants to!
ReplyDeleteI love the texture in your journal. Happy PPf!
ReplyDeleteRinda
This is beautiful! Love the blues contrasting with the yellows
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea using a mail order catalogue for your art and to such great effect.
ReplyDeleteThis looks wonderful! I was eying that book. Have no idea why I haven't bought it yet. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your color! Those of us in the warmer climes can only imagine (or remember) the color of impending change. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteLove your journal pages - awesome textures and colors! HPPF!
ReplyDeleteTerrific pages and a great idea. Happy PPF, Annette x
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good idea to slow down and take one step at a time. I can imagine it's much more relaxed working that way. I'll have to try it myself, since I'm like you: frantically trying to finish things and getting frustrated when it doesn't work ... ☺
ReplyDeleteThese pages are wonderful. The blue and yellow one especially feels very peaceful and meditative.
ReplyDeleteI always love looking at other people's art journals that are such involved pages with lots of layers. I think I find them so fascinating because I could never work that way myself.
Your journal pages are so colorful and creative and the processing is evolving you and that is so wonderful to hear ~ (A Creative Harbor)
ReplyDeleteI think your idea of using a mail order catalog is brilliant. Your pages are really outstanding. Slowing down and enjoying the process is such an important part of creating beautiful art. Lovely. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteGreat texture in your journal and great idea to use an order catalog out of it. In fact it really is a great idea. I have a few order catalogs....You are doing a wonderful job with your creations. Thanks. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your journal pages are delightful. I love the color of the leaves and the background. Your portrait is gorgeous.
ReplyDeletethis piece turned out wonderful. i enjoyed reading the steps you took to create this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful autumn art, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteLoving all those greens and blues!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
You are using some of my favorite colors here. I enjoy how you let it grow and also enjoy the quotes. Fall color is something we saw alotof out west. We will ave to wait some to see it at home in California.
ReplyDeletePretty use of it here.
I like your journal pages with the autumn theme. They're beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteI love your paintings! All the Fall colors and wonderful details make it so fun to look at....great job! HPPF!
ReplyDeletelovely pages, and colours.
ReplyDeleteFantastic pages! Love your color choices, all the textures and details...love the whole layout!
ReplyDeleteGaby xo
What wonderful pages! I enjoyed that book too. Lots of good ideas in it.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your fall journal pages. The colors, the leaves the texture and words so beautiful!! Good job!! Thanks for sharing and again inspiring me!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Such wonderful work! You've inspired me to start working on my art journal!! Your work looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteReally wonderful pages. Check out Balzer Designs:Art Journal Every day. I have to do it, yes, tomorrow! I must start Step One!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colours!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your art journal is awesome. Such gorgeous colors.
ReplyDeleteTheeeeeese colors drag me in!!! I love the leaves and the sewing ♥...brings you a new follower ;)
ReplyDelete