Mikel Ann's Melange

My Current Art Travel Kit

2010-05-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

This is the box closed and the mat is for scale.

At left is the box opened as is. At right is said box with cutting mat, waxed paper & bag containing sandpaper, napkin & scraper removed.

Up close of the two sides.

The container is a Vaultz pencil box, approx. 8.25 x 5 x 2.75 inches. It even has a tiny key!

Contents are:

* UHU glue stick-small

* Fiskars fingertip exacto knife

* Small Making Memories cutting mat

* Winsor & Newton Watercolor Bijoux box

* Kuretake wide waterbrush

* Small travel container of Golden's Matte Medium

* Colour Shaper-one end is a brush the other a Colour Shaper tool

* Logan Graphic 4-in-1 Embossing Stylus

* Kuretake small waterbrush filled with black India ink

* 2 Retractable Sharpie markers-fine & ultra fine

* 1 Silver Sharpie marker

* 1 Signo Uniball pen - white

* 1 Galaxy Marker - white

* 1 .5 Mechanical pencil w/extra leads

* 1 Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil

* 1 General's Woodless Graphite pencil

* 1 General's Sketch & Wash

* 1 General's Charcoal pencil 4B

* 1 General's Charcoal pencil - white

* 1 Blending stump

* 1 Kneaded eraser

* 1 Erasing shield

* A small piece of sandpaper, waxed paper & a napkin

With a bit of room to spare for ephemera I might pick up along the path...believe it or not, lol.

The Bijoux box is perfect because of its small size. There is a travel brush in the tin also which is handy. The right photo shows the embossing stylus. It unscrews at the center blue thingy where two more tips are stored. Handy for embossing, debossing, scratching & manipulating/distressing paper. This particular Colour Shaper is sold for use with masking fluid but can be utilized in a number of different ways.

This is called the Perfect Pencil by Faber Castell. The top as you can see on the right comes apart to reveal a sharpener. Having the cap keeps the graphite from getting all over. I have enjoyed this tool.

The Fiskars fingertip razor knife along with a cutting mat is better for me because I have severe numbness in my hands frequently and seem to be able to manage to do the intricate work I prefer easier with this tool than with typical scissors.

And lastly, everyone needs one of these. This is a nephew. (Overlook the swollen left eye. Not all models come with this flaw. This particular nephew has older brothers and one of them blackened his eye the night before while wrestling.) Our little Jaime graduated from preschool a couple of days ago and is hanging out with his Aunt Mikey until his regular sitter is also out of school for the summer. We had a grand time taking these photos and discussing in depth what all that "junk in that box" is for. I hope this is helpful.

Love to All!

Catching Up...

2009-10-27T21:29:00.001-05:00

In one of the Yahoo! groups that I am a member of some of us are participating in a monthly journal swap with a partner. Above you can see some of the entries I have shared in both of our journals. The group is Blissfully Art Journaling and my partners' name is Stacy. This has got to be one of the most delightful groups of people I have ever had the pleasure to be associated with and Stacy is absolutely the best journal partner ever!!! Circumstances have kept me from joining in the discussions on the board recently, but I faithfully read every post and learn so much from the precious souls who are there. It is a caring community of like-minded individuals, (where art journals are concerned at least), who make a concerted effort to lift one another up. I like that. The photos below are from a tip-in swap also done monthly on the same group. I have ceased to participate for the time being due to overwhelming family obligations but plan to get right back at it as soon as possible. The art I have received from others has been fantastic. Out of respect for their privacy I will not share their creations here. You'll have to be satisfied with the schtuff I've come up with, lol.

I hope you have enjoyed perusing my blog. It has been my pleasure to share with you a while.

Love to all...

My Unexpected & Most Welcome Visitors

2009-10-27T20:35:00.001-05:00

Bright and early yesterday morning I was sitting in my studio, checking my email, when a movement to my right made me stop and pay attention. I was absolutely thrilled to realize that I had visitors. Three beautiful deer were contentedly munching grass in our side yard. Thankfully I had my camera close by and got a few photos. I just had to share them. These gorgeous creatures touch my heart with their graceful and elegant movements. I felt so blessed to witness their interaction for just a little while. After a long few moments something spooked the trio and I thought it was me until I realized our 'yard dog', Willa had been sleeping right beneath my window and had just taken notice of the deer. The photos below make clear what became of my nature viewing at that point.

It was a most serene moment while it lasted. By the way, Willa is quite harmless, she simply finds pleasure in making a fuss about strangers of any sort. Obviously she did not make much of an impression on my new found friends because two of them showed up again this afternoon. This pair is a momma doe with her fawn. She is quite large for a female and the most amazing thing to watch. I am planning to get them some feed to put out to help them along. We can make sure they are not shot at while here with us but there are no guarantees once they leave our property so I plan to try to keep them close.

Just gorgeous!

I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. Sending love to y'all.

Until next time...

Good Schtuff for Sale

2009-09-22T15:05:00.001-05:00

I have been attempting to scale back my crafting 'things' due to the crowded nature of my studio. When my Grandaddy moved in with us last year I gave up the larger space on his behalf and some of this schtuff has just got to find a home with a bit more space. Luckily for some dear soul I am forced to release a number of great items at terrific prices. If you see something you are interested in just email me at jinxiegoforth@yahoo.com. All these items have been lovingly used and treasured.

This item is the Clip It Up! by Simply Renee'. All the extra clips, tags/dividers and such are included, many were never used. There is also a cover that was never used. This thing holds a huge amount of stuff! Retail is approximately $100.00. I am requesting $25.00 plus actual shipping.

This is the Tag-A-Long by Ellison. I do not recall what we paid but I am requesting $10.00 plus actual shipping.

This is the Revolution by Quickutz. It is currently on sale @ our local Hobby Lobby for $99.00. I am asking $40.00 plus actual shipping.

If you have any questions, (or would like to make me an offer, or have something you would like to trade or barter with) - just ask. I have sold numerous items on Ebay with 100% positive feedback. My username is jinxiegoforth. I have simply become disenchanted with all the fees and issues related to Ebay recently.

Say you are short on money right now, and who isn't? I am willing to trade these items for items I can use that have an equivalent value or part cash and part trade. Email me - I bet we can strike up a deal.

Some things I can always use include but are not limited to: Watercolor Paints and Accessories, Journals - Moleskine Large or Pocket w/Lined Paper or Moleskine Large w/Watercolor Paper or Handbound w/Watercolor Paper, Fountain Pens, 140 lb. Cold Press Watercolor Paper, Handmade Items, Your Unique Art, Unique Actual Ephemera and Olde Stuff in general, etc.

Let me know what you think...

Seven Months Ago...

2009-09-22T14:35:00.001-05:00

This is one of the major reasons for my obvious lack in the blogging department...I returned to the work force in February of this year and it took quite some time for Wayne and I to adjust. Of course there has been many other things taking place during that time that have demanded my attention but this one has been a "biggie". Considering the fact that this job should be quite simple, and it technically is, personalities and corporate decisions seem to keep this little place in turmoil. Truly, I enjoy this job but remain confused by how some manage to complicate matters seemingly without cause.

All nonsense aside, I am practically in heaven being surrounded by books all day long and people who appreciate them too. Certainly all employees do not share my passion but some do and many customers are just great. For the most part, when there is not some silliness going on internally, I really enjoy the interaction and atmosphere.

For now I am 'giving it a go' having to cut my hours to a minimum due to the illness of a beloved family member. BUT I thought some of you who make an effort to keep track of my whereabouts might be interested to know where all my free time has gone.

Until next time...

New Family Members

2009-02-08T15:41:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago we were delighted to receive into the Goforth fold six new family members. Just wanted to share a photo of the cuties before they find new homes.

Isn't this just too adorable?!

My favorite

On the left is Wayne's pick. The little guy on the right looks like his daddy...

Hail, hail the gang's all here! We've enjoyed these sweeties but will be glad to see them off to happy homes very soon. (Especially before the chewing stage begins, lol!)

Photos for Franny

2009-02-04T06:45:00.001-06:00

Not much by way of an introduction here. The lady this is posted for will know what it is all about. The rest of you can just wonder. *smile*

Franny, this plain old binder is about 9 x 5.5 inches, (outside dimensions). It was a cast-off that someone else could not find any use for. This journal has no completed pages yet. I will also decorate the exterior at some point. I have another similar journal of the same size but it is currently traveling about in a Round Robin so I can't give you photos, sorry.

Here you can see the variety of sizes and shapes my pages wind up in. A lot is determined by the size and shape of the original packaging. I use anything and everything from cereal boxes to macaroni & cheese boxes to ends and pieces of some boxes. I don't mind the odd sizes and shapes, (as a matter of fact it really appeals to me), so uniformity is not an issue. You may feel differently. Some 'pages' I cut freehand and others I use a stencil on the edges. Once I have them cut to shape I apply a thin coat of gesso. My reason for the gesso is that many of the boxes have a slick coating on the outside and this allows my paints and such to stick without a problem. This step is a personal preference and not absolutely necessary. You could probably give the shiny side a good sanding to make sure the paint adheres. It is up to you-it's your journal! Once the gesso is dry I apply anything I would like, usually beginning with a coat or wash of acrylic paint, and voila', instant and interesting journal pages! Practically free too!

Just to give you an idea - this is a page made from a microwave popcorn box that I did not cut apart completely. I simply folded it up and cut out the shape of a castle, unfolded the bottom third and cut it to imitate a draw bridge, (Sorry about the wonky fourth photo). I could journal on the interior and when the finished page is folded shut and inserted into the binder my journaling would remain private. Just put your imagination to work and the world is your oyster.

I hope this helps!

Love.

A Clean Studio...for now.

2009-02-03T23:25:00.001-06:00

I had to remove practically everything from my studio yesterday since my hubby decided to work on my storage closet. I thought it might be a good time to straighten up while I replaced things today. The end result was much more conducive to productivity.

This is my desk. Please note the fact that there is a flat surface here. Normally you would be hard pressed to prove it due to the mountains of schtuff I manage to pull out while working on any project.

The view from the doorway. Imagine that, there is a floor. I can actually get to my chair without having to hop over anything. This borders on amazing.

The view from the other direction. My bookcase which holds all my recent and current reads as well as products I regularly use and my dear little muse Blossom, bless her heart.

My precious little muse. Isn't she just adorable? Miss Blossom and I have been together for more than a decade. She is quite a dear, my constant companion while I create and dream up more ways of spending my hubby's paycheck. Never criticizing, always encouraging, giving me much inspiration along the way and a most agreeable co-conspirator, when a conspiracy is what is called for. I just adore her!

Yes, I know you've already seen my wonderful, new, refurbished closet but I thought someone might be interested to know about the huge thingy on this wall. This is not actually one big thingy but lots of little thingies all connected and attached to the wall with screws. Each little compartment is a tilt-out drawer in which I store embellishments of all sorts. I find that if I can't see it, I won't use it. (Out of sight, out of mind, you know!) So I ran across this set a number of years ago, on QVC I believe, and it was the answer to my problem. These little drawers can be stuck together in any configuration you might choose. I've found no better storage for embellishments!

I certainly hope you've enjoyed the short tour of my studio and meeting the most delightful Miss Blossom. Stay tuned for a more in depth tour of my bookshelf and a meet & greet with our newest members of the family...until then...

Love.

Studio Improvements

2009-02-03T22:43:00.001-06:00

Yesterday my dear husband surprised me twice. Once by showing up early from work and secondly by informing me of his intention to upgrade the closet in my studio. This is a project that I have been requesting for nearly six months now. We did it! I am so thrilled to have shelves instead of the plastic storage drawers I was using.

Here is a view showing the plastic drawers. BEFORE.

And AFTER. New shelving, complete with my junque installed. Keep in mind that it is my responsibility to caulk, putty and paint said closet but not having any warning that we were about to get this little project underway I was unprepared and lacking in material. So, the finishing touches will have to wait a bit but as far as functionality is concerned - I have a wonderful and useful new closet. YES! Being able to see what is available makes it much more likely that I will use all the things I had stored in the drawers. And there was plenty stored there! I am attempting to purge as I go but sometimes it is so hard to just let go of these things I've purchased. Now I need to invoke my word for the year - RELEASE. For the time being I am installing a curtain. Thank you, Wayne. You sure know how to put a smile on a girls' face. *wink*

Love to ya'll!

My Latest Find...

2009-01-30T07:07:00.001-06:00

Good Morning! Today I am up early making pies that have been promised to a dear lady we attend worship with. Today is her birthday and she and my hubby both are diabetic so I volunteered to happy them up by making them each one of my soon-to-be-famous diabetic pies. They're not too shabby, if I may say so myself. Sugar-free foods have come a long way in the past twenty years.

While I'm up I figured it would be a great time to share with you my new find...My much loved, (yes, already!), Art Journal Bag. Drum roll please...

Taa Daa!!! Front view.

And equally delightful rear view.

I found this little beauty made by ArtBin at our local art supply house. It was on sale AND I had a coupon. I practically stole it from them. Since I am always a sucker for organizational finds, this one really just took the cake! It was love at first sight. Being the diva I frequently am I ran this thing up to my local embroidery shop and took up way too much of the dear shop owner's time trying to decide how to personalize it. What you see here is the end result. I chose a cutesy/artsy 'G', (the initial of my surname) and she convinced me to add something to the back. I requested dandelions and she came up what you see in photo numero dos. There is some black stitching that doesn't show up too well but overall I am pleased with the end result. I just love this little bag. And it does so much more. Look:

It came with the two plastic containers you see pictured here.

The smaller of the two fits neatly into the front compartment of the bag. I have my pens, pencil, glue stick, markers, water brush, etc. tucked neatly inside. But wait, that's not all...

There is a zippered compartment in the back side of the bag where I have things like my Colour shapers, scissors, dry adhesive, scraper, eraser, etc. stashed - with room for lots more. And there is more...

My journal fits perfectly in the larger container that came with this bag. Now there is no worry about it being banged about in my purse and there is room for growth when my journal swells from all the schtuff I typically cram it with. And I made an addition of my own...

There is also a small slit pocket on the back of the bag and being the organizational guru I am - it looked lonely. I got it a friend.

This gadget was originally intended to house photos.

Instead of photos I stuck a number of alphabet stencils in it and left room for things like magazine images or a photo or two or maybe even some ephemera I might just happen upon. (You just never know - we have to be prepared for these sort of occurrences!)

And this slips neatly into aforementioned little slit pocket.

Top view. What a terrific find! These come in lots of different sizes, (I purchased the smallest version), and were on sale online, (by half!), at JoAnn's.com when I last looked. Now I feel as though I can take my art journaling anywhere, anytime. I'm big on that ya' know?!

Also, depending on what I am currently working on I can always remove a few markers and make room for my watercolor pencils or water-soluble oil pastels or just whatever suits my fancy at the time. Note: I typically do my backgrounds and add images, (mostly), while at home. This is why it works for me to carry mostly just writing/drawing tools with me - the other is done ahead of time. Using this setup I have even worked on my journal while out shopping or yard sale-ing, (never fear - I had hubby doing the driving!). Go ahead - take your journaling on the road - I told you you were gonna love this! (For those of you who are less enthused, please note, I did warn you of how it is the simple things that really bring me pleasure.)

Love...

Get Your Thing-A-Ma-Bob Here

2009-01-29T21:05:00.001-06:00

Just thought I would share with all you dear folks in Blog Land my latest brain storm. Some may consider this to be just a light Spring drizzle, but don't tell me. I am easily pleased and this little idea thrilled me when it occurred.

While visiting one of my sisters recently she was planning to throw a few things out that she had tired of shuffling around her house. I treat a visit to this particular sis as a shopping trip to the local Goodwill, minus the dust, smell & cost. Well, to be honest sometimes there is dust, sorry Loni. But the fact is just because she has decided to part with something in no way speaks to the value of said item(s).

Case in point:

This little gem was destined for the garbage bin when I arrived. I could not allow that to occur. When I rescued this sweet, pink photo holder thingy it was still in the original box with its ribbons and tags intact as well as wrapped in a cellophane like envelope. Brand new I tell you and free! I just knew it had possibility.

So I thunk & I thunk and then the illumination finally made it over the horizon. This unassuming photo holder has now morphed into my very own handy dandy Portable Anytime Anywhere Enlightener/Reminder/Encourager Thing-A-Ma-Bob.

An explanation is in order here, I think. I take my journal everywhere with me and because of the bulk of it I have a carrier especially for this purpose. It stays in my car while I am out, ready for some impromptu journaling when I can squeeze it in. (See my next post-you're gonna love this! Keep in mind however the 'easily pleased' clause that applies to me.) I also have set a goal for myself this year for which I sometimes need a reminder or two or three. Some of the most helpful reminders available to me are entries in my journal.

Now we're getting somewhere:

So I began by photographing some of my journal entries - just the ones that applied directly to the goals I am currently striving toward. I sent them to the Local WalMart photo lab for processing. I also included on the same side of my thingy my Anyway poem (see previous blog entry), my current contract with myself which clarifies why my goal is important, my Vision Board, my journal entry pertaining to my word for the year, a couple of encouraging images from the internet & my Daily Commandments.

I can carry this everywhere I go and always have my reminders at the ready when I am feeling weak or needy or just want a pick-me-up, (one that doesn't involve the word 'cappuccino').

On the flip side I have photographic evidence of many of the reasons my goals matter, my life is worthwhile, and I am grateful to God.

My most recent Karley photos, (being a Grammy is the best!), my dear husband Wayne & my precious daughter Jessie w/her hubby and my favorite son-in-law, William.

Now can you imagine anyone wanting to throw such a magnificent gadget into the trash? Not as long as I'm around and have an empty WalMart bag to carry it away in! Need some on the go inspiration? Go get you one! Fill it up with the encouragement you need to reach your goals. I've seen these things everywhere - I just didn't know I needed one at the time.

OOH, OOH more ideas - I can also see me including in this handy thingy a 4x6 of the current months calendar, my work schedule - maybe on the calendar, duh!, blank 4x6 index cards to write on for any reason that may present itself, OR I could journal on the index cards while on a lunch break and either include the cards in my bound journal later or store them separately in a file box, the cards could also be used as my daily food journal and stored in a file box later. Oh just take it and run with it...this was fun and useful. Maybe it will work for you too.

Until next time...Love.

ANYWAY

2009-01-28T23:14:00.001-06:00

Today I located a copy of a poem that I had carried with me for many years and used as a teaching tool on numerous occasions. Yeah! I thought it lost or thrown out never to be found again until recently. Perusing one of our local Goodwill shops for books and magazines about two weeks ago I happened upon a book that immediately grabbed my attention. This book was written based on my poem! The poem I found approximately 10-12 years prior was considered anonymously written and I accepted that to be the case, until now. And then tonight I stumbled upon a copy I had stashed in my studio and long ago forgotten. Serendipity!!! Granted, the poem is somewhat different than the information contained in the book but it is too close to be mere coincidence. I would like to share with you this poem that has remained close to my heart for a quarter of my life...

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical & self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends & some true enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest & frank, people may cheat you. Be honest & frank anyway.

What you spend years building someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.

If you find serenity & happiness they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have & it may never be enough. Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis it is between you & God. It never was between you & them Anyway.

This is my motto, mantra, walking orders - whatever label you place on it - this is what I live by. Always give your best & love. I am directly answerable to God for my behavior and being good just plain feels good.

Should you be interested in reading the book for yourself it is entitled "Anyway - The Paradoxical Commandments" by Kent M. Keith.

Good Night and Love to All...

I've been tagged...

2009-01-28T09:44:00.001-06:00

Amy Long "tagged" me on Facebook but I am having terrible issues trying to get Facebook to cooperate recently. So in the spirit of keeping this going I gave up on Facebook and decided to respond here to Amy's tagging...

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. (Part of the original instructions have been removed because they so not apply here in Blog Land.)

Here goes:

25 Random Things About Mikel Ann Goforth: (there's a good chance this could get real boring before I am through!) Read on oh faithful pilgrim, read on...

1. I LOVE people. Any people, weird people, fancy people, rich people, poor people, backward and country people, it matters not. In my heart I believe we are all very much alike and all need love. I almost never get through a store or outing without striking up a conversation with some soul just because...they might just need me and I might just need them.

2. Pink is my favorite color. Not hot, flamingo pink, (though that's a fun one, too), but baby girl, soft and beautiful pink. Something about this color reaches deep inside me.

3. My daughter and granddaughter have my heart in their hands. I love these girls beyond measure and beyond any measure of reason. They are my gifts directly from God.

4. My favorite beverage is tea. Hot Irish Breakfast tea in the morning with Splenda & cream, sipped from a fine china cup w/saucer. Iced tea any other time of day. In a tall glass, (no plastic, thank you), with lemon and Splenda.

5. I am a bibliophile. I have books everywhere. I read constantly. Nearly any topic, a lot of self-help, (I need all the help I can get!), fiction and anything in between.

6. I despise, (because my mother said we should never use the word 'hate'), television. It is beyond me to sit in front of a box and have someone, anyone instruct me on how or what I should think or even think about. Even when Hubby coerces me to watch a movie with him-I bring my current project or book into the room and work/read it while he pretends we are watching television together.

7. Art journaling is my new drug. It gives me a vent and fulfills a need to express myself that no other medium has come close to reaching.

8. I want to learn to draw. This is a lifelong quest. Until recently I believed it was an impossibility. My mind has been changed but I still lack the nerve to share my art with others-but I'm getting there-be on the look out, it's just a matter of time.

9. My weight has been a lifelong struggle that continues to this very day. A struggle that will end this year. I have a plan and am taking action to see it to fruition. This year I will reach and begin to maintain my healthy goal weight. Just wait and see.

10. I have a passion for words and their etymologies. You would be surprised at how our language has evolved and continues to evolve daily. Many of the words we use today hardly have the same meaning they did just a few years back. It intrigues me.

11. I enjoy photography but refuse to learn Photoshopping or any such program. I want it raw just as I saw it. Cropping is fine but altering just isn't for me. Call me a purist.

12. Nature always makes me happy. The beauty is everywhere-just look.

13. I have been blessed to be a missionary, in country, to the people of Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana in South America, twice. It was a life altering experience and I plan to go back. Soon.

14. I never wear polish on my fingernails. I normally keep them trimmed short to keep them out of my way but I love having pedicures and leaving with hot pink, (remember the aforementioned flamingo color?) toenails. All is right with the world when the toenails are polished.

15. I am of German and Native American Indian descent and my bone structure makes this quite evident. There is no chance that I will ever resemble Twiggy or Barbie. It literally is not in my genes.

16. I have never colored my hair. This does not appeal to me.

17. I have a green thumb. I can grow nearly anything I set my mind to.

18. Organization thrills me though I never seem to quite get "there".

19. The telephone is a nightmare for me. For one, I 'talk' with my hands-try getting your point across over the phone, (or just holding on to the phone, for that matter), when you know they can't possibly understand you without seeing you. Secondly, I am a very visual person and not being able to see the face of the person with whom I am speaking, in effect, limits my ability to comprehend their meaning fully. Horror!

20. I enjoy planning and organizing and preparing to do projects more than the actual doing of it. I am process oriented, not so much outcome oriented.

21. My husband and I are both quite quirky and quaint. (And yes, these words have actually been used to describe us along with weird a time or three.) We don't mind. We like ourselves and our simple little life just fine. It's O.K. if you don't 'get' us - just love us!

22. Politics is beyond me. I am certain that our system made sense at one time but I fear we have strayed completely off course.

23. I dislike, (see Mother's admonition in #6 above), rainy, cold & overcast days. My soul needs sunshine-regularly. Winter is an awful time for me emotionally. I can conquer the world during the Spring and Summer months, though!

24. I spend too much time on the computer. No, really...

25. I know God is in control and all things happen for a reason. It matters not that I usually cannot readily see the reasoning. God does and he is handling it.

Thank you Amy for a way to distract myself from housework for a time today and if anyone actually reads this, have a bit of mercy on me. Saying this was a struggle is an understatement - but it is what it is. Thanks for your support, lol! Until next time...Love.

From the Soul

2009-01-28T08:22:00.001-06:00

On our Soul Journaling group dearest Kathryn Antyr keeps us supplied weekly with the most thought provoking prompts. First, let me admit to never being "caught up". I pick and choose and skip all over her great prompts intermingling them with my own stuff. Applying them to my life and specific situations. Secondly, let me add that I always seem to re-interpret her wonderful ideas and interject my own - it's just my way.

Recently she has mentioned Vision Boards. This is a concept I began reading up on a few months ago but had yet to act on it. Kathryn and I were not reading the same books just books on the same subject matter. This is not a new concept-my book was printed nearly ten years ago. I cannot give an in depth view of the concept having not read the entire book but basically the idea is a matter of positive thinking combined with living with intent. (That is what I got from the portion of the book I actually read.)

You begin making your vision board by perusing magazines and such collecting images that speak to the future you would like to create for yourself. Once collected, you collage these images together and place the collage somewhere that you will view it often. If the law of attraction is on your side, you, by intentionally thinking about your goals and entertaining positive thinking toward that end draw into your life the stuff necessary to make your dreams come true.

I do believe our thoughts have a tremendous impact on our daily lives. The Bible states, "As a man thinketh, so is he." Phillipians 4:8 says, "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, any virtue, any praise...think on these things." I shortened this verse for the sake of time but the essence is there. God also expects us to plan well. He declares this principle in the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7 and in Matthew 25 in the parable of the ten virgins. Prepare and plan.

My reason for making clear my reasoning behind what I do is simple. I am a Christian and while many of the teachings of the day can steer us down the New Age/Metaphysical path, if you are willing to take the good and leave that which does not coincide with your beliefs - then you may learn a bit along the way. The key is to be certain of what it is you have put your faith in and remain true to that. We obviously will not get to heaven by accident so living intentionally makes perfect sense as well. Plan the work and work the plan. Tried and true.

Here is my Vision Board:

I sealed these pages and glittered them up so the glare made photographing these pages nearly impossible-sorry about how dark they turned out. I chose to put this into my journal, rather than on a separate board, so that I could have it with me regularly. In case you cannot read them, my goals on my vision board are thus: 1. See the beauty in the ordinary. 2. Grow closer everyday-to my mate. 3. Become my best self. Naturally. 4. Move toward mission work with God's help. 5. Appreciate nature. It is God's handiwork. 6. Strengthen female relationships. I wilt without them. 7. Create art. Now. And to do all this in such a way that it is elevated from the mundane to the sacred.

A recent prompt, also from Kathryn, with my 'spin' on it:

I had to renew my driver's license earlier this month and was mildly shocked when I compared the two photos taken just four years apart. I did not like the changes. The extra weight I now carry changes my appearance so drastically that I do not even look like myself. Therefore, that has become the focus of this prompt for me. My journaling reads as follows:

RELEASE: I hereby release myself from the bondage of overeating, fast food, diet gimmicks, diet soda, inactivity, food as solace and negative thinking. These can no longer hold me back.

RECEIVE: I hereby receive unto myself authenticity, health, objective thinking, natural foods, daily exercise, food as sustenance, joy, peace and love. These shall make me the person I want to be.

More journal pages:

An unfinished entry:

Just needs some journaling.

If you've made it this far...Thank you. My art is not always pretty and is sometimes too heavy for most but it is what is in my heart. My honesty, authenticity & love are really all I have to offer. It just doesn't fit into the mainstream of our society today, unfortunately. Until next time...Love.

Sharing the Karley Love

2009-01-23T06:53:00.001-06:00

Yesterday after running a few errands I decided to drive to the home of my daughter & son-in-law. They have been going through some big and exciting changes recently as well as making big plans for the future. Therefore hubby & I, haven't seen as much of them as we would like lately. I simply cannot go for very long without my Karley Anne fix! This child has a smile that absolutely lights up a room!!! Yes, without doubt I am as proud as a Grammy can get! Just thought I would share my beautiful little chickie...

Karley is now walking very well and in constant motion, chattering happily all the while. Good, clear, posed photos are a thing of the past. But she is the most adorable, happy and loving child ever! She has our hearts wrapped tightly around her little fingers and chances are that will only worsen with time. Oh how we love this child! Isn't she beautiful?!

Another Journal Entry

2009-01-21T12:00:00.001-06:00

January 20th, 2009 Inauguration Day for our new president...he has a tremendous job ahead of him!

A layout to remind me of the affirmation I have chosen for this year. LOve, LovE, LoVe...always & in all ways, Love.

My New Glue Examples

2009-01-21T08:40:00.001-06:00

So excited was I with the attributes of my new found glue, (see previous post), that I put together a few pages to share with you how wonderful it works. The top two photos are pages covered with napkins that were torn apart and glued down. The third is parts of a Bible I recovered from the Goodwill, tea stained and use in my art. The fourth is done using tissue paper and the fifth using an old sewing pattern. How cool is that? None of these pages show any signs of stickiness once dried and that makes for perfect glue in my humble opinion!

Note: It is also a breeze to write over the glued pages. I tend to prefer permanent markers for their good writing quality and availability. They all write perfectly over my wonderful Elmer's Washable Clear School Glue.

More Art-In-A-Carton

2009-01-21T08:26:00.001-06:00

This is simply a teaser for Betsy, the dear lady who has sweetly agreed to be the recipient of my final Art-In-A-Carton box. I have recently completed the carton decoration. It was painted, decoupaged and then rubber stamped. Colored with markers for a bit of 'umph'. Very soon I will fill this carton and send it on with lots of love to Pennsylvania. Look out, Betsy!

Recent Journal Pages

2009-01-21T08:06:00.001-06:00

January 1st and 2nd

Pages dealing with current topics. Usually located somewhere rambling around in my head. I just have to work it out in my own twisted sort of way.

Figuratively removing a couple of toxic individuals from my life. Names are hidden to protect the not-so-innocent.

My chosen word for the year. A number of us were prompted to chose a word that spoke to our soul that we could utilize to encourage us to make positive changes in the coming/current year. Release was mine and here I define the areas of my life to which I want to apply this word.

There's more to come...

I have a new favorite product

2009-01-21T07:50:00.001-06:00

Glue. You heard me correctly, glue. Not just any run-of-the-mill, namby pamby, generic old glue but a fantastic answer-to-a-prayer & fairly cheap kind of glue! I found it at WalMart of all places and bought a bottle on a hunch.

A little background is necessary here, I think. I have been art journaling for quite some time now. Before art journaling I crafted since childhood. Scrapbooking was a passion for nearly fifteen years. I have tried ALL the glues and adhesives known to man; from the expensive & budget-breaking to practically free. Art journaling presented its own unique challenges: A lot of glue/adhesive is needed = cheap is necessary. Buckling of magazine papers is an issue. The current options; i.e. gel medium, Mod Podge, spray adhesive, etc., all have a tendency to cause facing pages to stick together which makes it necessary to purchase a clear acrylic sealer = added expense.

The answer, for me, has arrived!

TAA DAA!!! Presented here by the lovely Babs, (one of my Muses), is the one, the only...(drumroll, please)...Elmer's Washable CLEAR School Glue. I am in love! I brush this on just as I do gel medium, adhere and seal my images. There has been a minimal amount of buckling, (I just rub out the ripples while still wet.), and the finish is perfect! If I apply a thin coat of glue and brush until nearly dry I achieve a matte finish. By applying a thicker coat and allowing, (with my handy-dandy-yard-sale-find hair dryer, of course), the glue to dry I can achieve a finish that is glass-like. YEAH!!! And the greatest test of all is no matter how I apply this glue, once dry the pages DO NOT stick together in any shape, form or fashion! It is quite a miraculous thing. I have had some very ugly moments with gel medium...until recently I was unaware that even once dried and cured - if you heat gel medium, (remember my handy-dandy hair dryer?), it melts and re-adheres. (I learned this by hands on experience. I did not enjoy the lesson.)

Added bonus - this glue comes in a handy squeeze dispenser. No need to stick my hand or brushes into a sticky container. No mess, no muss, no fuss. The price is not too bad either, I paid $1.70 for this container and it has managed to cover quite a number of journal pages and is still going strong.

In the interest of keeping it real, the packaging does not state that it is archivally safe. So for all you archivers out there - this may not be the thing for you. For me, this is THE STUFF! I journal for me, & me alone. It restores my sanity, (and believe me this is in rather short supply to begin with!). So, this is the ideal product for my brand of art journaling. If you think it could be for you - don't just sit there - go get you some!

Preparing the Journal

2009-01-21T07:13:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my little pink studio! Some have questioned how I journal and here the mysteries are unveiled. Photo 1 is taken from the doorway of my studio on the day I have set aside to prep pages. Sure I should have straightened up a bit before photographing but where's the truth in advertising in that? My desk is littered with things like stencils, gesso and gel medium. You can see all this in Photo 2 as well as magazine images and crayons and watersoluble paint crayons, etc. None of these things are pertinent to our discussion today except the journal, gesso and a bit of acrylic paint. Photo 3 shows my easel set up as a work surface. The height is perfect for me to stand and work.

On my work surface I have my journal laid out. My current journal happens to be leather bound so I secure the front and back covers beneath waxed paper with masking tape - I'm messy.

Just so you'll know...This journal came bound with handmade Saa paper, which is lovely to look at and beautiful to feel but absorbs pens and paints as though it is extremely thirsty. A thin coat of gesso allows me to enjoy journaling in this book. I nearly threw in the towel to begin with because no matter what type pen I tried there seemed to be no way to prevent the inks bleeding and smudging. I was stressed and distressed over this - I love this journal and did not want to give it up.

Gesso fixes lots of things. It is cheap and readily available and you simply cannot purchase this stuff with out feeling quite "arty", a definite bonus! Here in Mobile it sells for $4.99 at the local craft and hobby store. With a coupon I pay about half that amount. Excellent value. (Always use those coupons!)

1. The blank page with waxed paper sandwiched in the pages before and after the ones I am working on. 2. Spreading the magic gesso. 3. Impatiently drying the pages with my trusty yard sale find hair dryer. 4. Finished, gessoed and dried pages, ready for me to apply paints and other goodies.

Voila'! I do that about 20-30 times or more and then Dixie and I are ready to enjoy our art journaling without interruption, (or bleeding inks and such). Most seem to prefer only doing 5-10 pages at a time but I want to get past this step as quickly and painlessly as possible without having to return for more. So, I choose to seem obsessive/compulsive rather than just doing a few pages at a time. Love to All! Keep journaling!!!

Journaling Stuff

2009-01-04T11:29:00.001-06:00

A couple of ladies from the Soul Journaling group were interested in my method for organizing the images and such used in art journaling. Here is my preferred sorting system:

This is my shoe box used to house all the IMAGES I find that I may someday choose to use in my visual journal. Until recently these were stored in a plain old brown cardboard box - but I got this one for Christmas - and isn't it SO MUCH cooler!! I likely already have more images than I will ever use BUT there is room for many, many more. I dislike the messiness of having lots of magazines and such lying around waiting for me to use them so this allows me to immediately remove what I want from them, (I calling it mining, lol!) and throw away the excess. BUT THERE'S MORE...

I use this clear pouch, a leftover from my scrapbooking days, to hold EPHEMERA. Little tidbits from my daily life that I find any and everywhere! There are receipts, tickets, fortune cookie fortunes, the sticker from my favorite coffee, tags, pieces and parts from mail, photo negatives, interesting pieces cut from gift bags, etcetera, etc. I'm like a crow. I just collect whatever catches my fancy. AND THERE'S EVEN MORE...

Also making use of those wonderful magazines, I located this great little item to store and organize all the LETTERS I can use in my journal. This gem has 28 perfectly sized compartments that lock, (which is terrific for someone as naturally clumsy as I!). I assigned one compartment to each letter of the alphabet except I combined W & X as well as Y & Z. Doing this gave me four spare compartments for things such as punctuation and small words. There is pocket on the left hand side into which I deposit very large letters, and interesting words and phrases as I see fit.

So, all my images, ephemera and lettering are sorted and contained in these three, relatively small, containers. Having perfected this system of mine allows me more time to create and work in my journal since less time is spent on gathering the necessary materials when I am ready to journal.

I hope this is of some small assistance. If it is please let me know and should I be able to answer any questions or be of encouragement to any of you just getting started or just interested in how I work it would be my pleasure to do so.

BTW, this is just my personal method. Should you be aware of a better way or a way to tweak this please inform me...I need all the help I can get!!!

My first real 2009 post!

2009-01-01T02:38:00.001-06:00

I began this year right by treating myself to a journal I have had my eye on for about a year now. Made by RogueJournals.com, this book is totally decadent! The leather is butter soft and the inner pages are handmade paper with a deckled edge. I had my initials stamped into the front cover. I further personalized it by adding a stamped image that is one of my favorites. I also added a key - keys being one of my personal icons.

Tamarind leaves were added during the paper making process. Isn't this just gorgeous?!

Getting ready for the new year!

My preparation to see my one resolution come to fruition. I attached a pre-made card and library pocket in order to record my weight loss each month. My goal date, October 9th - this date coincides with a journaling prompt from last year entitled 1 Year, 1 Month & 1 Day. My word of choice for the year is also recorded here to help me recall. My word is RELEASE.

My final New Year addition to this new journal is a quote found in a book I finished a day or so ago. The book was entitled, "The Thirteenth Tale". A good read by Diane Setterfield. This particular quote was my favorite passage from the entire book! It struck a nerve in me and made me think - hard!

With my new journal all set up and ready for my pen, (and whatever else I might toss in), I feel very prepared to face the new year. Good thing I suppose since the new year made it here about 2.5 hours ago. Ha!

Good Night All and The Happiest of New Years to Y'all!!!

2008 Is Officially Over! My last late post!

2009-01-01T02:13:00.001-06:00

My sister Loni is always a big spender but especially so at Christmas time. We always ask that she refrain from making these big expenditures on our behalf since we simply cannot reciprocate-we have too many gifts to give so we must keep costs down. She does not listen. Truth be told Wayne and I are so very truly blessed; there is nothing in this world we NEED. God has provided all that and so very much more! This point gets right past my dear sister-she WILL shop, it's her thing. I typically go with her to help make choices for her family gifts and this year was no exception. She was determined that while out I was going to pick out my own gift from her. Well, that is easy if you have a need. I did/do not, so making that sort of choice is nigh on to impossible. BUT, I happened upon these shoes while shopping for the teens in the family and it was love at first sight! I have never heard of Ed Hardy and a lot of his art did not overly impress me but these shoes just did me in! They are so NOT my style, well kinda, my style tends to lean toward the eccentric and anything pink, so maybe I'm not as far off base here as I would like to be. But I fell in love with these shoes! They are mine now and I have no earthly idea what occasion I will have to sport these babies but one is bound to come up at some point, dontcha think? I could not end the year without mention of these beauties!

A very special gift

2009-01-01T01:56:00.001-06:00

This was an unexpected delight given to me by a dear lady with whom we attend worship. Wayne and I had made a number of small purchases for those of our church congregation who we felt a special closeness to. The week following our gift "distribution" Cindy Williams approached me with this gorgeous watercolor painting she made for me. Neither of us was aware that the other was an artist and I cannot express to you how delighted I was that she chose to share this part of herself with me! I was so deeply touched for I know first hand the chance she took at possible rejection or disappointment at opening herself up to me - I have been in this position myself on numerous occasions. Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your special gift with me, it will always be among my treasured possessions!

Wrapping up 2008

2009-01-01T01:47:00.001-06:00

This was such a busy year. I loved a lot and learned a lot. Nothing was wasted and that is enough for me to begin this new year happy. I hope the same is true for each of you!

2008 Journal Entries-Final

2009-01-01T01:18:00.001-06:00

The pages I have posted on this blog are just a representation of some of the pages I have entered in my journal. Many of the pages in my journal are simply handwritten entries with no adornment. Some are very elaborate but too personal to post publicly. I incorporate photos and just about any other thing that strikes my fancy. As you can see in the final photo here, the page is made up of labels from my shipment of Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints...it doesn't take much to get me excited!

The Journal Revisited

2009-01-01T01:05:00.001-06:00

All of these pages are completed except the one with the KUPCAKE tag. It has since been completed. It is simply a rant about the idiocy, IMHO, of naming a fat ladies clothing line after food, especially bakery items, lol. Should you have any questions concerning these or any of my art journal pages, just ask.

Art In A Carton Revealed

2009-01-01T00:53:00.001-06:00

I nearly forgot to post the contents of the cartons I sent out in November 2008. The spoon and fork sets were made form silverware my Grandma received on her wedding day approximately 65 years or so ago. The books are accented with tokens found washed up on the beach in Biloxi, MS, (my hometown), after hurricane Katrina devastated the shoreline and much of the town. The final photo is the decorated containers ready for mailing. I forgot to photograph the packets of ephemera I included for the recipients to use in making their own art.

Adorable x 2

2009-01-01T00:39:00.001-06:00

This photo is one of my favorite from 2008. We, (Wayne, William, Jessie, Karley & I), visited a park downtown one Sunday afternoon in September . This park is a squirrel sanctuary. You can feed them, they will come right up and eat from your hand. Wayne & I took the kids because they had never been and Karley just loved it! She enjoys being out of doors anyway. We held her little hands and let her run her legs off. She was one happy camper that day! That marvelous smile says it all, doesn't it?!

More Journal Pages

2009-01-01T00:28:00.001-06:00

Weight is a constant issue for me. My goal is to change that in 2009.

My thick chick. My slinky Jinx.

OZ My version.

Opening the new year with old news.

2009-01-01T00:21:00.001-06:00

My dedication page.

I promised info about my 2008 journal. I will complete that promise in a post or two, please be patient. I'm obviously behind...

A conversation that took place between my daughter and me that touched me.

Where I am compared to where I would like to be.

A prompt from the Soul Journaling group entitled Instant Gratification because of the ease with which this page can be accomplished.

A prompt from somewhere in cyberspace. TODAY. Simple enough.

In Closing...

2009-01-01T00:11:00.001-06:00

2008 was a wonderful year. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing love with those who came into my life during this past 365 and one-fourth days. Some accepted that love and some rejected it but in all cases I learned and grew and feel as though I treated all with due respect.

Soul Journaling turned a page for me and struck a chord that continues to resound. Journaling has replaced most previous hobbies for me and elicits passion and joy deep within my person. I am thankful to have been exposed to the concept. I've had a number of people question me concerning my art journal, so I will now describe some of my entries by way of explanation. I purchased a journal with a leather cover depicting Raphael's La Primavera. I punched a hole through the entire book to insert a beaded chain for privacy sake. I then named my journal, "Embracing Imperfection". Next I claimed my journal using stamps, my own handwriting, gesso and colored pencils.

Art In A Carton Has Flown From Alabama

2008-12-07T15:12:00.001-06:00

I recently mailed three Art In A Carton boxes to Susan Letham in Germany, Jill Sullivan in England and Shakti Genaine in Spain. It is my sincere hope that the contents of these cartons bring much joy to the recipients! A bit of explanation is in order so that the recipients have some understanding of the contents of their packages. I enjoy using "things" in my art that have a history or some innate meaning to me. This will seem quite confusing for all until the contents of the cartons can be completely revealed but I will try to make sense as much as is possible.

I am a native of Biloxi, MS. The devastation of hurricane Katrina was a sight to behold, heart wrenching. The casinos that once lined the beaches there were literally obliterated-nothing left. Tokens washed up on the sand days later. For me they were a sign of hope. If these tiny tokens were able to survive the storm, albeit slightly damaged, it seemed to me that the area might find a way to overcome this destruction and once again flourish.

My grandma died when I was but eight years old. We grew up next door to her and my granddaddy. My mother was very young, divorced with three small children and trying to find her own way in this world. The love my grandma showered on me was the only love I recall from that time in my life. She was my world. There was a bond between us that is inexplicable. She was very ill in the last few years of her life. My granddaddy remarried quickly after her death. Most of my grandma's things were disposed of then. I, of course, was too young to make a request for something to remember her by. Recently, I was made aware of a large amount of her silverware, given to her as a wedding gift, that had been stored in a barn for many years. I asked for it and was granted my wish.

I am a bibliophile and an art journaler. I collect ladybugs. Keys are one of my personal icons, old, rusty keys with many hidden secrets.

Hopefully, this all isn't too very "Sherlock Holmes" for you guys. Just trust that it should make sense once your cartons arrive. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed sharing.

New Blogging Program

2008-12-01T14:16:00.001-06:00

Art In A Carton Has Arrived in Alabama!

2008-11-25T13:33:00.003-06:00

How cool is that!?! Some time ago I signed up to participate in Susan Letham's art swap project she dubbed Art In A Carton. I was number 48 out of 52 openings. On November 8th I received my package from her. (I apologize for the delay in the posting of it.) Needless to say, because a picture is worth a thousand words!, she sent me some very lovely items. There is a matchbox shrine as well as a beautifully constructed triangular-shaped shrine complete with a buddha figurine, an adorable little star-shaped book and some very pretty fibers. I was most impressed with the star-shaped book but there is no doubt about the huge amount of time and effort that went into the construction of all the delightful items I received. Thank you, Susan!!!
Added this photo for the viewing pleasure of the ladies who shall be receiving cartons from me...They are finished and full and will be on their way to you dear souls very soon! I am not posting the things I've made, yet, for what fun would that be to take the surprise out of it for you?! I hope the things included bring you joy!

Thank you Susan for the opportunity to participate in this swap. It has been a complete pleasure! And again I apologize for my delayed blogging...I make time for art but my blogging suffers terribly, lol. Hopefully, the creations you receive from me will make up for my lack in the blogging department.

Another more recent project

2008-07-15T23:46:00.007-05:00

My husband dismantled an old, discarded dining room table quite some time ago and salvaged parts form it to create this side table. He had requested that I "decorate" it for him. His only specifics were that I use some of his favorite scriptures in the collage.

I rescued an old paperback Bible from the local Goodwill, tea dyed it and spent a day or two making certain it dried as quickly as possible.

Ordered these great dried flowers from a nice lady in New York, (ebay). Used my woodburning tool to burn the edges on certain passages from an old Bible that had larger type-these are the scriptures Wayne requested. Chose to use rub-ons and skeleton leaves to complete the piece.

Decoupaging the collage was time consuming but not very complicated. The uneveness of the tea dyeing process contributed to the look. A few of the flowers changed color under the decoupage medium but none turned out horrid, just slightly different. Wayne and I chose words related to our biblical theme to add to the painted section, decoupaged his chosen scriptures, adhered the skeleton leaves and gave the entire piece a few coats of finish.

Dear hubby is as proud as a peacock when he sits in his recliner to rest and watch his Netflix selections. Top view is the finished product.

Found some of those promised photos

2008-07-15T23:25:00.004-05:00

These are a few photos of the work in progress...the front and back covers as well as my title page once again. Last photo is the book disassembled and having decoupage applied.

A year ago

2008-07-15T22:55:00.004-05:00

I never took the time to post any of these photos and I just ran across them again. Last year I wrote a fairy tale for my husband for his birthday. I began with an 8x8 craft paper album, painted it using green, gold and purple. On top of that I pieced together a mosaic from a children's book about fairies that had a gnome or two and other fae creatures. I then applied skeleton leaves for visual interest. To top things off I cut out pictures of a fairy knight and his noble steed as well as a fairy princess. I entitled my book "While Faeries Watch" and the entire thing was decoupaged repeatedly and I added some sparkle and a final coat of acrylic spray to seal everything.

The first photo is my title page using ribbons and beads and bling.

For now that will have to do I am not able to locate the rest of the photos currently...sorry.

BUT the book was a hit and everyone really enjoyed it, especially my husband!

Just a few more

2008-07-15T22:29:00.004-05:00

I couldn't resist just a few more photos of our darling little ones. My hubby is doing his best to help out when he can - these kittens get hungry regularly and patience is not a virtue they possess!

For my next trick...

2008-07-15T22:04:00.004-05:00

Trying to catch up here...still. In May we had a mother cat who panicked and abandoned two of her kittens. Guess who was then elected to nurse these two cuties. You win the prize; it was me. My dear husband dashed to the local grocer and came back with all the necessaries to keep these little ones on the right track. Can you tell we've done this before? We have one boy and one girl and a long road ahead of us because they must be nursed every two hours for quite a while. But aren't those little faces just absolutely worth it?!

AND VOILA'

2008-07-11T14:19:00.002-05:00

A nearly, (but not quite), finished product. Here you have views of the front and both sides of my Faerie Chest. Everything is glued down, rubbed on and properly decoupaged. It will need a few more coats of Mod Podge and a final coat of Royal Coat as well as some hardware to be considered complete. But I am very pleased with the current results. Let me know what you think.

PROGRESS

2008-07-11T13:59:00.002-05:00

The first photo shows the front of the chest with all collage components in place.
The second photo shows the right side of the chest in progress and the third is the same side with most all the components in place. Ready to decoupage.
The fourth photo is the back of said chest with components taped in place and the fifth is the completed decoupaged back of my Faerie Chest!

The in-between works like this: once I have all the components taped in place I use my digital camera to take a photo for reference. Then I choose a manageable section and remove the pieces. Here I make a concerted effort to take note of what things overlap each other and where and which should be applied first. From here I am just playing by ear-the key, I suppose, is simply to keep your creation balanced. Nothing to it!

Collage Elements

2008-07-11T13:48:00.001-05:00

This is the lid of the chest. I am still arranging and rearranging collage elements in order to get them to suit me. Everything is coming together quite nicely thus far.

Bottom Nearly Complete & Interlude

2008-07-11T10:07:00.007-05:00

The uppermost photo is a better view of my "signature" for this piece. Took a day to gather my wits and in that time had an interface with a most beautiful butterfly. I took many photos-this little creature had no fear and actually lit upon my arm a time or two. The other two photos are where we spent the major part of our "interlude". My Ladybug and I walked down to the creek and took a dip. She just loves running to the creek and jumping in. We say she is our fish with fur, smile. Will get back to the Faerie Chest in the next post...

More Going With What I Know...

2008-07-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

Since the collage had slowed me down I moved on to the elements whose placement I was certain of and began adhering and decoupaging them on.

The lid of the chest got my favorite faerie image. Next photo is the lid interior-collage part (left) unfinished but faeries are decoupaged on.

Next two photos show the tray/insert that sits inside the trunk. So far they have both been decoupaged, had rub-ons added and even some gold leafing.

And the interior of the chest with holes drilled for attaching feet, almost ready to decoupage.

Go With What You Know!

2008-07-11T09:26:00.003-05:00

At this point the collage placement has come together quite well though it is a tedious process. In order to decoupage the chest you must envision how each piece will fit together and work from the bottom out. An overlap or gap in the wrong place could change the entire look of the piece. Everything is still being held together with low tack tape until I am completely satisfied with the results. This sometimes causes work to come to a standstill.

My method at that point is to "Go with what you know!". That means leave those frustrating little details alone for now and make progress where you can and are certain of what to do next. So, I left the collage work awhile to address the bottom of my chest. It had already occurred to me how I wanted this section to look. I applied one of my faerie/goblins as well as some rub-ons. This is how I signed this particular creation. There is a rub-on nametag that reads, "My name is... Mikel"(Mikel is my given name and I wrote it in my own handwriting.). More rub-ons stating "I am...an artist" (again, my handwriting). Further it reads, "I call this creation...Pieces of Me(a rub-on). Covered the whole mess with Mod Podge and there you have my signature in this heirloom trunk. (I hope my granddaughter appreciates the effort thirty years from now, lol!)

Working Out the Kinks

2008-07-11T09:02:00.002-05:00

I have moved my Faerie Chest project back indoors and these photos show the process of placing my collage elements in a way that is visually pleasing.

To begin I chose the personal ephemera that was on my "must include" mental list. The pieces just kind of sorted themselves into categories like; the lid of the chest reflects me as a mother, the front-me & my soulmate/husband, Wayne, the side-me as a friend, the back-me as a realtor, businesswoman and sister. The insert that sits inside the chest shows me as a part of a family unit on the outside and me as a free spirit inside. The interior bottom shows some of my wicked sense of humor and the very bottom of the chest reflects me as an artist. This all just took a bit of feeling my way through and will be easier for you to visualize as I get a bit further along in the construction of things. I found rub-ons that helped to implement my blossoming theme as you shall see.

Even More and a Suprise or two!

2008-07-11T08:30:00.004-05:00

Ran across this very pretty paper lace at ornametea.com and it was just the ticket!!! I decided to paint a golden stripe underneath the paper lace just to add a touch of spunk to the piece. While in my studio today I was visited by a darling ladybug who simply insisted that she stay on the chest while I worked. Nothing but luck-a sure sign this project was meant to be AND I located our latest batch of babies. This little fellow with the stripe on his nose had gotten away from mom and was pitching an awful fit. He completely gave away their hiding spot! It was a delight to finally see the new additions. Too cute!

Back to Business

2008-07-11T07:11:00.003-05:00

The heat has driven me inside. But I valiantly labor on...At this point I have added a squiggly stamp pattern to the chest. It was applied in clusters of three using the colors purple, blue & berry-all present in the faerie prints. The animal print ribbon is just to hold the space for now. I have something in mind but have not located just the right product for the task. I have removed the excess paper from the faerie book pages and have used walnut ink to stain and age the torn edges. I have also incorporated Perfect Pearls (does not show in photos) to highlight the faeries bodies and to give them an ethereal glow, hopefully.Using low tack tape I am working on the placement of said faeries. (Aren't they absolutley gorgeous?! I adore this artwork.)

Sweet Distractions

2008-07-11T06:57:00.003-05:00

Next step...SPRING!!! Karley is growing and shining! Wayne & I found this beautiful, precious, little nest while traipsing around in our woods. (He always knows when I need a break-even when I don't have the sense to know it myself!) What a wonderful life! And the view is fantabulous!!!

The Process Continues

2008-07-11T06:46:00.003-05:00

The following steps just sort of came to me. This is not something I have attempted previously. My thinking is, at this stage, try it-if it doesn't work just paint over it, so anything goes! Using my fingers I began smearing a tan color in a "splattered" pattern across all the surfaces where I intended to place my faeries. The tan is a couple of shades darker than the cream base coat. Feeling it needed more depth and interest I used the same 'technique' to add a complimentary green to the mix.

So far, so good.

Getting the Feel of Things

2008-07-11T06:30:00.003-05:00

Next I gathered all the things I thought I might like to see plastered to the sides of a box and sifted through until some things just "jumped" right out at me. This is part of the process for me. It matters not how much planning and diagram drawing I do at the beginning of a project, (and believe me I do!), it always seems to evolve into what it was meant to be anyway. I try not to fight it. The faeries were a definite inclusion and I took cues for the color palette from them. I also had quite a bit of personal ephemera I wanted to include since this was a creation especially for me and therefore bound to be frought with hidden meaning!

And So Goes It...

2008-07-11T06:23:00.002-05:00

Planning to leave said chest grey turned out to be an issue. I began mixing paints and came up with a manageable and pleasing cream color. Repainted all components of chest. Much better!

Things Just Sort of Snowballed...

2008-07-11T06:12:00.004-05:00

As you see I began the aforementioned project in April. It and a few others took over my life. I have no idea how this happens-but it most assuredly does. I will attempt to bring all up to date.

I began by painting the chest with a base coat of grey. It didn't satisfy me.

My Latest Obsession

2008-04-09T06:17:00.005-05:00

As I have likely stated previously in our brief time together my creative passions tend to run to the extreme. When inspiration strikes for a project it is as though I move into a parallel universe where everything except this ongoing creation is secondary. Well, inspiration recently struck, and I have been a busy girl, (hence the lack of posts!).

Approximately twelve years ago I commissioned my brother-in-law to build a small chest for me. At the time I had found the American Girl Dolls and wanted my daughter to have one for Christmas of that year. Being slightly frugal, I bought a number of things from the company but chose to make quite a few myself. Not being much of a handyman, but absolutely determined that my daughter would have a perfect gift, my dear brother-in-law was requisitioned to build a chest the equivalent of what AG had to offer. Needless to say, at a fraction of the cost!

I chose the Samantha doll. Those familiar will know that this doll's story takes place in Victorian times. So, once the chest was completed I began the process of painting and decoupaging the interior with colors and papers typical of the era. The exterior was left simply stained wood with some wood burning to give it character and personalization. The interior wound up being a purplish color and a deep green. The characters decoupaged inside were girls and women dressed in period clothing as well as the obligatory female cherubs and angels, all quite overdressed.

Here let's make a "Matrix-like" jump to present day. My daughter is grown with a new little one of her own. She is not now, (nor was she then), a 'doll person' nor is she sentimental, (as far as "things" are concerned), in the least. Samantha and all her belongings has gone the Ebay Way and the trunk is still abiding with me. Being who I am I saw this little box as raw material and perfectly alterable. This trunk has set beside my bed for about a year now collecting all manner of dust and the inevitable cobweb or two just waiting for inspiration to strike...it has!

On a recent evening at home in the woods it came to me that I should either 1) get rid of the chest or 2) find some use for it. You guessed it! I decided my journals should have a special place to be stored since they are something I want to pass to my daughter and granddaughter when my soul flees this world. So the process began. I am now in create mode and shall remain so, I am afraid, until this little trunk is a reflection of me and who I am. Sound like a daunting task? Not really. This is more like a life-long obssession, this allowing (or is it demanding?) people to view a part of my soul through the things I create. Either way this box is gonna be Killer! (I think that term probably dates me but so be it.)

I began by pulling out images and searching for a color palette that would thrill me. This process winds up making a mess of your work space but it is the only way that works for me. I have to get things out of the boxes and off the shelves and shuffle them around to see what comes to me.

While in super-housecleaning mode my daughter recently returned to my possession another gift purchased for her - though this one was much more recent - a copy of Brian Froud's 'Pressed Fairy Book'. I bought this for her during a period when we were both exploring fantasy. The watercolor illustrations were an instant favorite for me! And that brings us back to the box...

The first thing necessary for me to see what this trunk could become was to do away with what it had been. I began by disassembling the box and removing all the hardware. This left me with three pieces, the body of the box, the lid and the tray that sits inside. I then used spackling paste to get rid of all the woodburning marks on the exterior. Once dried I began sanding the box inside and out to prepare the surface for painting. This was quite a task! Those little orange and yellow labeled jars of Mod Podge may look unassuming but let me assure you - once there it will stay, whether you want it to or not! I sanded my wrists sore before finally willing to pronounce my box ready for priming.

GRAMMY'S GIRL

2008-03-26T12:02:00.006-05:00

I finally got around to uploading our Easter photos and noticed this one that was just screaming to be posted. This is our little Karley Anne in her pink bonnet. Is she gorgeous or what?! I cannot describe to you the feelings involved when a grandchild enters your life. It is truly overwhelming, this delightful little bundle of love that you simply can't get enough of. Having and rearing my daughter has been the highlight of my life but there is an entirely new universe of emotions involved in having a grandchild!

Try it - you'll love it!

Memoirs of a Housewife: New Camera#links

2008-03-26T10:58:00.002-05:00

Today I added a list of links I like. The first to make the list belongs to my lovely daughter. She is the mother of the gorgeous grandbaby that keeps showing up here. Enjoy! She is bright and quite witty. You will just love her - I know I do! And has there ever been a prettier baby?! Of course there has not!!!
Memoirs of a Housewife: New Camera#links

I also enjoy participating in the fun at bookcrossing.com, releasing books for someone else to find, enjoy and release again. A recent discovery is paperbackswap.com where you can trade your books with others who enjoy the same. And then there's my Amazon.com Wish List: Have you seen the new KINDLE??!!! an avid reader's dream! I absolutely must have one of these little beauties-just as soon as I can afford it, lol. Check this stuff out if you have a notion and I will add more in the future.

New Day, New Thought

2008-03-25T23:39:00.002-05:00

Today I spent some time working on an exercise called 'free writing' in which one simply writes for a period of time without pausing . Simply recording whatever comes to mind. While a bit difficult at first for someone like me who tends to be quite particular about spelling, punctuation & such, once I began it sort of took on a life of its own. I limited this session to ten minutes and by minute two was in tears and the words just kept pouring out of me. I couldn't write fast enough. It was shocking to find such turbulent emotion lurking scarcely under the surface of my usually placid exterior. Recent events, which I handled with a cool head are obviously still very raw near my heart. This was an eye-opening experience for me as well as cleansing to my soul. When my timer rang signifying the end of this session I was almost disappointed. Before beginning this exercise I thought I would struggle to fill the minutes. This was not the case at all. In the end this simple exercise had the effect of a refreshing rain after a prolonged dry spell. My mood lightened and my heart felt comforted. We shall see how this progresses as time passes. Wish me luck...there's bound to be a writer in this body somewhere just dying to be heard, or read...

My first blog entry

2008-03-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

My passion ebbs and flows between a few hobbies. My current obsession is writing. In an effort to become a better writer I am reading "poemcrazy" by Susan Wooldridge and simultaneously Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones". They are both extremely interesting, informative and helpful. Hopefully they will make enough of an impact for me to wind up a better writer in the end. It is my wish to become proficient enough at the craft before I die to be able to impart to my progeny and theirs a reasonably good sense of our heritage as well as a more complete picture of who I am. As I progress I shall share with you all. I'll be including some of my photos as well - photography has been at the top of my well-loved hobby list for many years.

Recently I have been focusing on writing poetry. As a young adult this came easily to me. When I make time to relax and focus on nothing but the 'being' of the process snatches of the poet in me surface. Time without the distractions of life is a bit hard to come by but I am working on simplifying my life and tomorrow I plan to walk to the creek and spend some time on the bank and in the woods - that should help. I'll keep you posted.