I used this particular Dylusions journal for 2 years of calendar journaling. I thought I would use it again so I ordered another. Then I changed my system ... again. So I have the journal.
I’m going to try it as an art journal (it’s original intended use). The challenge with it is that I can’t just tear out bad pages. The pages are stitched. This is why I like a spiral bound journal. I can discard bad art pages.
So I began altering the cover. I found some text gift wrap tissue to glue over the existing cover. (Sorry Dyan Revealey)
Then I stopped. I realized I didn’t want to put the time in to put art on the cover if the inside pages might not work out. My personal challenge with this is all double page art spreads. There will be 24 page spreads. They all have to be keepers. That’s the scary part for me. My art pages are not always keepers. They don’t need to be perfect, just keepable.
One down, 23 to go!
The inside covers need to be used and they are not designed. They are an off-white color. First challenge was to figure out how to blend it with the existing color and design. I used Distress Spray Stains. Good enough (keepable). So I did some stamping and stenciling.
Next I wanted to use this guy. I stamped him on the rough side of tracing paper. Then cut him out. I like the transparency of the tracing paper when it is glued down. I used spray glue.
I then added some ephemera. These pieces are all from a Tim Holtz spiral bound stickers booklet. The stickers are quite thick. I wanted them quite thin so I peeled the design layer away from the sticker layer.
And a little more ephemera.
I wanted some words but didn’t know what. I searched the internet for man quotes or sayings.
I finally came upon this quote by Luvvie Ajayi and knew right away it was the one. It has meaning for me. The words in black are die cut and in white they are handwritten.
I now have my first keepable page spread! I’m so happy. But will I be able to do this 23 more times??? I will certainly try!
I’m linking this mixed media art page to Creative Artiste Mixed Media Challenge Blog
Annie, I have no doubt that you can fill this journal with beautiful keepers of art! I know the feeling of approaching doom and can often chase it away. I'm sure you can too! Your "man quote" rings so well with me too. I've never heard or read that quote before, and it's certainly one worth remembering....or art journaling about! Bravo on your first page spread!
ReplyDeletegreat page - love the colors, the "dynamics" of the page -- AND the sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI love reading you like a spiral journal so you can discard bad pages. That is refreshing to read. I just paint over mine (which seems to always be a stitched journal). I'll be curious to read how you like this format. And I love this latest spread. It is a keeper Annie, for certain. Have a great weekend. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful pages! I think we all have pages that go wrong, if it happens to me I just cover everything up with white gesso, it's my best friend ...lol 😉. Loving the Distress Stains, stamping and stencilling, and I like how you stamped on the tracing paper - it all came together so beautifully! Thanks again for joining us at Creative Artiste! Happy Friday and weekend! Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDeleteIn extremis you can always glue two pages together to hide something dodgy! Otherwise gesso and start again. Have fun. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in the actual journal, why it is so good. I know what you mean about non-spiral bound sketchbooks as I have some with parts of pages cut out.
ReplyDeleteIt's great again to see you making the page as you go. The stern man is waiting patiently to be pasted in and I see he is going to a show with his ticket. It's a rather moralistic page and the man definitely approves. The small butterfly in the corner looks as if he is more flighty and is about to fly off.
You're off to great start on this art journal. I too bought one of these several years ago but with the date spaces. You've inspired me to challenge myself to using it.
ReplyDeleteI'm really sure that you can do it. A good start is half the result.
ReplyDeletebeautiful work on your art journal, I never make those but i sure love to see all kind of works sweet people make.
ReplyDeleteA fabulous journal spread. The variegated background adds real depth to the pages and the vintage ephemera is perfect for the worn look of the tracing paper man.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining in with our July challenge "Anything Mixed Media Goes" at Creative Artiste Mixed Media. Good luck x
:) Great spread, and I love the quote.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you decided to link up to Creative Artiste Mixed Media also Annie. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am having trouble leaving comments. In fact, for nearly two days, even though I kept refreshing, there was no comment box at all. This was especially true for embedded comment boxes like yours. It must have been a Blogger glitch.
ReplyDeleteThis turned out so beautiful. I like it all, from the sentiment to the man to the ephemera you used. I would definitely say this one is a keeper and a gem, too.
I know what you mean about bound journal pages Annie but there's always something you can paste or paint over to start a fresh, this is another marvellous creation. Like rice paper tracing paper is a grand way of disguising those edges. The man quote are perfect, great choice of stamps too.. I love it. Thanks again for playing along @ Creative Artiste and joining our Anything Mixed Media Challenge.
ReplyDeleteCreative wishes Tracey (DT) x
I love my Dylusions journals but I do prefer spiral bound as I can fold them back to just work on one page! This looks fabulous Annie - definitely a keeper! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteA fabulous spread Annie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for the background! Beautiful page!
ReplyDeleteEeek!!!!! Love love love this cover too!!! Wow, I apparently have missed everything! This last month has been insane. Hopefully things settle out soon. One of my kitties has been having major health issues for the last 4 weeks. But hopefully soon she'll be better
ReplyDelete