Letter Love Alphabet Practice



Alphabet Practice with Copics, Identipen,
Sharpie Pen and Pitt Pens

Lesson one in Letter Love, with Joanne Sharpe was to make a journal cover for a composition book practice book using duct tape and basic lettering.  Lesson 2 was to practice upper and lower case letters and experiment with different kinds of pens.  The big thing I discovered was that a shadow on the letter makes any alphabet look good.  I remembered that Teesha Moore said to choose a light source direction for your whole journal.  I like the idea of a light source from the right which I associate with the future.  Just tickles me to have that light coming into my journal from the future.  Optimistic!  

Joanne Sharpe's Letter Love



Composition book with duct tape: Duck Red,
"Fancy That" patterned tape, Gelly Roll "stardust"
clear gel pen (Sakura), Identipen black, Martha
Stewart dual-tip marker "Love Bird"

I am so psyched!  I just started Joanne Sharpe's lettering class "Letter Love" http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/p/online-classes.html and just started the day one homework.  We were asked to decorate a simple composition book with duck tape and some sort of lettering.  The duct tape strengthens the book since it will be getting a workout with the course exercises.  I have lacked confidence in my lettering skill--which has kept me for putting words and pictures together the way I really want to.  I am so excited to finally get some artsy and professional training.  Also interesting to see how an online class like this is run.  Website, Videos, Flicker, Yahoo Group, Facebook Group, emails.  Very cool.  I'll keep you posted as I make my journal into more confident lettering. 

Make a Mess--Self Express!



Make a Mess! Self Express! Journal Cover


Metallic markers (Office Max), Liquid Embossing (Plaid),
Sharpie Pen, Metallic Watercolors (Yasutomo), Dual Tipped
Pigment Ink Markers (Martha Stewart).

I really like this journal cover created for my Canson journal because it looks like a chalkboard with doddles on it.  Who can resist brights with black?  I came up with the phrase "Make a Mess! Self Express" for a summer program for kids that I am developing.  I hope to teach art basics and visual journaling to 7 - 18 year olds 2 days a week at an Arts Center called "A Child's Song".

Flower Mandalas and Paisley Background



Flower Mandalas and Paisleys (R)



Flower Mandalas and Paisleys (L)

Tried a new way to make a background.  Looks like ink spray and stencils, but its not.  Started out as absently using the waste from a die-cut from the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die to trace flower shapes onto a page spread.  Used Derwent's Inktense Watercolor Pencils to make them more elaborate and to scribble and brush in the yellow-green background.  Finally used foam paisley stamps with a green Marvy Brush Marker to add some interest and finished (for now) with the red-orange foam flower stamps with a orange-read Marvy Brush Marker. 

See the funny yellow triangles in the foam stamped flower image?  That's where my cat chewed into these stamps.  Something about the texture or smell of them--he would not leave them alone.  gives me an idea to add texture to store-bought foam stamps, though.  Thanks for the idea Sammy!

Be Brave Revisited



Be Brave! Absolutely Final Version

Bead tape, gold microbeads, Yasutomo iridescent watercolors,

metallic marker, Sharpie pen, tissue paper petals and white Jelly Roll gel pen.

Yikes, tried to update the picture (I changed the page again after I posted) and deleted the whole post. Frustrating. Just not used to the new Blogger configuration. Anyway, made the flowers brighter, added the gold beaded centers, added journaling. This page initially had the Serentity Prayer glued to it, but I removed it. When I finally journaled on the blank page part of the prayer returned. It is the courage to change that I need help with--serenity to accept is easier. But then, that's the way it is--easier to make the change in mind, not so much the behavior/action.

Be Brave! With Texture



Be Brave!

Border texture: Tim Holtz Texture Fades "Pattern and Stitches",
copy of Ryder-Waite "Strength" card.  Studio G ink, patterned scrapbook paper,
 Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (Wheatfields), Tsukineko Walnut Ink.
  Sharpie brown marker, Galeria Iridescent Medium 

Be Brave! Detail

One thing I LOVE about Visual Journal pages is that, in some ways, they are never done.  This page is still "blank" but it is complete for now.  At some point I might journal all over it but for now I am happy with the yummy textures.  I've used the texture folders for artist cards but never for a journal page before.  I just got Tim Holtz "Pattern and Stitches Set" embossing folders and made those wonderful embossed stitches on music sheet patterned scrapbook paper for the border strips.  I distressed a copy of the Strength tarot card with markers and double sided tape.  I altered it a bit with metallic markers.  I used Glimmer Mist to make the parchment looking background as well as Walnut Ink.  I used a die cut flower for a mask. 

The Art Therapy angle: I love the Strength card because it reminds me that strength does not have to overpower but can be gentle.  I am a naturally introverted person (although I am an extrovert, for the most part, at work) and sometimes my sensitivity to the noise and stress of the large world is just too much.  I feel like my life is held together by last minute stitches in addition to the proverbial "stitch in time".  This page is weathered because I feel "worn" today.  I need to remind myself to Be Brave! which means moving forward when I want to retreat.  Bravery can be represented by persistence in the face of challenges, it does not have to be brave like an action hero.  So, this page is weathered, stitched together, like me--but it is interesting and beautiful.  Yes!

Art Making Opens the Window of My Heart

Window (Envelope) of My Heart pg1

Window (Envelope) of My Heart pg2

This is how my journal pages turned out using the recycled window envelopes colored with alcohol inks. I used acrylic paint, metallic markers, stamps, Iridescent Medium,
a picture of the 5 of Coins and a cut paper border.

In my Visual Journal spread the idea of the heart opened through creative activity is in contrast to the attitude of fear (poverty and scarcity) represented by the 5 of Coins Tarot card.   This is something I struggle with sometimes.  The artist must suffer and starve--isn't that what goes with the title?  I must say that I far prefer the idea of the playful artist creating with a joyful and open heart.  The difference?  Although there are rough patches in everyone's life I think it is, for the most part, a spiritual attitude.