Tuesday, December 8, 2015

New 4x6" art journal project: December 2015 Sharing the process (1) - Secret Thoughts

Up for discussion on thought processes, techniques, aims and outcome for artists.

AIM & CREATIVE ASPIRATION:
To create a journal 'page' (pocket) to insert into an art journal, to hold 'secrets', without being too obvious about it (even though I was going to create a sign, 'Secret Thoughts' to go on the front of the page, on the diagonal slant!).
Strangely enough, the first thing was to create a page behind it. I wanted something to entice someone to turn the pocket to discover what is underneath, and what would view, or photograph well. It had to reflect the diagonal format of the pocket, so that it was a good mate for the pocket. It needed to be simple, but interesting.



ART JOURNAL, PAGE 2: 
Diagonal, beauty, simple, but interesting. I like using old papers so the background paper is a page from a 1930s botany book. I chose one with floral illustrations. The top is purely a piece of scrapbooking-type paper, but with a glistening gold upon a floral background. Giving a pretty interest and incentive to turn the page.
I cut it to size, on the diagonal, and adhered it with Yes! glue - I love that it is not a wet glue, and stays flat. I then used a continuous border punch to punch out the right side of the page. So simple, but this did what I wanted. For the journalist, I envision either cutting out phrases or sayings or words in strips, and pasting them upon the surface, or shaping some lined or plain paper in a random shape, with torn edge on the lower portion of the page, trying not to cover too much of the illustration.


ART JOURNAL, PAGE 1:
My original idea was to provide a 'secret pocket' with a 'secret thoughts' graphic that could be coloured with pencils, pens or paint. I did not do the graphic, as it worked out. But have provided the graphic at the end of this blog entry to be downloaded (.pdf) if you'd like to use it.
I folded a piece of regular vellum paper in half (portrait orientation - fold bottom half up to cover top half) and cut it at journal width. This then seals the bottom of the 'pocket'. I then added washi tape to the open edge on the right, overlapping the edge, to close the side up. I thought of sewing up this side. I also thought of using hand-stitching, doing blanket stitch with beads on the edging, but wanted this to be a page that a viewer might turn, without worrying too much about what it contained. For the 'secrets' to be added.
I made a tag from brown cardstock that mimics a cardboard finish. Again, the shape was made in simple form, to that It doesn't seem too complex. I carefully lined up the same washi tape for the pocket edge and filled most of the surface of the tag. But I didn't want it to reach the edge of the tag. It was a bit fiddly to do, but I did it! I found a piece of striped bakers' twine to top off the tag. I recently bought 3 old cigarette cards for the princely sum of $1.50, and had one of them in mind, but had forgotten about the hollyhock one. Once I saw it there, I knew that was the one! I haven't glued it on as yet, but will. I love that it shows through the vellum, letting the journalist know there is something important in the pocket, but no so obvious to a visiting viewer. Because of the diagonals, then the tag needs to be placed nearest the binding edge (left). The tag back is then used for writing thoughts on the back of it!
I then added a vintage paper from 1898, and folded it to size, in 3 portions (2 folds). I cut it to the height and almost the width of the pocket. Again, this is simple, and not 'too' interesting - the vintage handwriting giving some sign of life, but not 'advertising' what might be inside once unfolded. So, this piece of paper, with writing on the outside is meant to be opened to the journalist's secret writings, photo, or treasures. CAUTION: If using a pen to write your 'secrets', first make sure it doesn't bleed through to the outside - or you can write on a different piece of paper, and just place it inside for safe keeping. The open edge is to the right, and placed to the right of the pocket.
What I'm outlining aren't 'rules' but just part of my own creative process and reasoning. Why do people even think that we just slap paint and paper around, with no thought behind it? True, our original ideas might not be what eventually comes out, but being able to process and act upon what 'works' and what doesn't is a big part of the artistic process. Here is the final result:

If you'd like the graphic that I was going to put on the diagonal on this page it's here. To download click on the image, then right click and select to save - it's .png format, Enjoy! ~Jillian

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Kit #002 - musician, music lover art journal KIT! 4x6"


Find this kit here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/234075864/kit-002-music-theme-art-journal-4x6?  - price reduced! There are 7 altogether - 1 sold. - so check my shop.

 Making the world lovelier, one image at a time ...

Kit for making a music journal - using pages from a vintage book on Beethoven. Perfect for any music lover. Be inspired by this wonderful musician. I started it - you finish it! 4x6" (handy size!) Unique, OOAK. There will only be 7 kits offered in this series.
I usually make almost complete journals, but this is one to work on, and make your own. FREE SHIPPING IN U.S.A.

The kit (#2) includes:
* Two 6" x 4.5" chipboard (acid-free) covers (paste favorite images or music pages, or paint on these to finish).
* One of my favorite images - female violinist on music background - printed high quality photo matte paper for cover (if desired).
* 38 pages sized 6" x 4" - cut by hand (I like a hand-made look, so imperfections exist, to add character) - from pages of a vintage (1970s) book on Beethoven. NOTE: the images are partial papers, so they do NOT 'stand alone' they are meant for inspiration and feature some of Beethoven's music, handwriting, etc. They are meant to be used for altering, not read. Decorate, add stickers, add your own text, to make the journal 'yours'.
* 15 pages (approx.) from book, as above - but with added elements - musical or romantic roses or images to 'alter' the look of these pages, for inspiration, and for you to add your own decoration or writing. Some images are not on book pages, but on plain paper, or vintage paper.
* 2 'letter' size sheets of musical and romantic (roses) clip art images - to be used to decorate your journal how you wish (19 images) printed high quality, on matte photo paper.
* 6 .png files - text/journal writing pages, with lines. 5 with images, one with just lines. For printing onto 6" x 4" blank index cards - print as many as you wish, so that you can have writing pages in your journal. These files will either be sent on CD, or emailed to you.

Please allow for miscounting. You will get extras which will more than make up if I'm short on my count. :)

I'll include suggestions on how to complete your journal - it's simple enough. You just need a hole punch and circular binder rings - but also other suggestions.

A lot of time went into disassembling the Beethoven book, selecting images, printing them, creating the graphics, and choosing the images, and content, as well as putting it all together. And while this is one of 7 I have put together, each is totally different and unique. Made even more unique by your personal touches and assembly.

... so ... sketch, paint, write, enjoy and be inspired by the pages to your heart's content.

4x6" art journal kits available in my Etsy DreamyPapers shop - NEW! SALE!

Find this kit here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232955989/kit-art-journal-4x6-beethoven-music?  - price reduced! There are 7 altogether - 1 sold. - so check my shop.

Making the world lovelier, one image at a time ...

Kit for making a music journal - using pages from a vintage book on Beethoven. Perfect for any music lover. Be inspired by this wonderful musician. I started it - you finish it! 4x6" (handy size!) Unique, OOAK. There will only be 7 kits offered in this series.
I usually make almost complete journals, but this is one to work on, and make your own. FREE SHIPPING IN U.S.A.

The kit (#1) includes:
* Two 6" x 4.5" chipboard (acid-free) covers (paste favorite images or music pages, or paint on these to finish).
* One of my favorite images - female violinist on music background - printed high quality photo matte paper for cover (if desired).
* 38 pages sized 6" x 4" - cut by hand (I like a hand-made look, so imperfections exist, to add character) - from pages of a vintage (1970s) book on Beethoven. NOTE: the images are partial papers, so they do NOT 'stand alone' they are meant for inspiration and feature some of Beethoven's music, handwriting, etc. They are meant to be used for altering, not read. Decorate, add stickers, add your own text, to make the journal 'yours'.
* 19 pages (approx.) from book, as above - but with added elements - musical or romantic roses or images to 'alter' the look of these pages, for inspiration, and for you to add your own decoration or writing. Some images are not on book pages, but on plain paper, or vintage paper.
* 2 'letter' size sheets of musical and romantic (roses) clip art images - to be used to decorate your journal how you wish (19 images) printed high quality, on matte photo paper.
* 6 .png files - text/journal writing pages, with lines. 5 with images, one with just lines. For printing onto 6" x 4" blank index cards - print as many as you wish, so that you can have writing pages in your journal. These files will either be sent on CD, or emailed to you.

Please allow for miscounting. You will get extras which will more than make up if I'm short on my count. :)

I'll include suggestions on how to complete your journal - it's simple enough. You just need a hole punch and circular binder rings - but also other suggestions.

A lot of time went into disassembling the Beethoven book, selecting images, printing them, creating the graphics, and choosing the images, and content, as well as putting it all together. And while this is one of 7 I have put together, each is totally different and unique. Made even more unique by your personal touches and assembly.

... so ... sketch, paint, write, enjoy and be inspired by the pages to your heart's content. 



Sunday, February 1, 2015

Digital backing paper FREEBIE - sign up for my newsletter, that will have more ...

FREEBIE ... Sign up for my newsletter (one that will have freebies on a regular basis for arting and crafting) - on http://www.DreamyPapers.com - and get this freebie for signing up.

This backing paper would also work for art journal pages or covers.

Valid until 30th April 2015. But get in early so that you can start getting my newsletter with freebies and lots of fab stuff!

NOTE: There is a 2-part sign up, you're not signed up until you confirm through your email account. It is easy to unsubscribe at any time.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Don't miss out. Join up now for my newsletters. If you love art journals, you'll love this!

ANNOUNCEMENT: January 2015 - SIGN UP for my MAILING LIST. I have exciting plans for this coming new year. It's a BIG secret, but by signing up, you'll be first to know, as well as getting some 'freebies' along the way for art and craft projects.

Sign up on this website home page: http://www.DreamyPapers.com 
Thank you.

Don't forget to confirm your subscriptions.