Green Glass

Friday Digressions VI

 It's friday.  I digress.

I've been having fun in this salvaged book.  I call it different names, and inside the pages I am a mess of tangents and ellipticals and probably a few ellipses.

Recently, I've been using some of my expensive but oh so wonderful gouache (Schminke and some M Graham)  Roz Stendahl recommended it and I've bought tubes (just because - so there) but really don't know nothin' bout paint so I keep just experimenting.  I've realized that I can lay it on thick.  Which I kinda sorta knew from reading Roz but apparently just in one box in my head and not connected to my hand or eye in any way, so finally some synapses fired and - plop - I'm laying it on thick.

That's one tangent.

I do find it amusing that although this is an old ripped apart book, I love working on this paper.  It has taken a fair amount of abuse, doesn't buckle, lets me work and rework some paint and has an interesting texture.  Not smooth but a little draggy.

Maybe because it's older paper.  Maybe I also like the text on the page which makes it not blank.

I'm going to try to get copies of the pages unto my flicker site in a folder so I can flip through it on-line.  Maybe that will be a project for this weekend during some down time.  If there is some down time.  I'm hoping for some down time.

Now it's off to physical therapy, again.

I was there

 There's a place I get to go sometimes, one of my favorite places of all.  I sit on a dock and watch people paddle around.  Last year I couldn't paddle myself because of my shoulder, but hey, it isn't hardly frozen at all anymore.  

 I've drawn this view many times.  Sometimes with lines, sometimes with color.

Can't say I'm getting any better but I still love it.  Isn't that what a visual journal is all about?  Bringing myself back to this place and time?

 

 

 

Little boys should always wear googles

I still love ponytails.  I just can't resist.

I also can't resist someone on an floating tube.

 

A big tube that shifts with the wind so you only have a ridiculously short time to get some lines down.

And well, he doesn't actually look like this, but I couldn't resist him either.

LIttle boys should always wear googles.

Sometimes it just happens

I went away.  I try not to do that, but sometimes it just happens.

(a la Tammy at Daisy Yellow, neocolor II crayons)

I wasn't prepared.  I didn't have any entries prepped.  

(TowBow markers and Neocolor II crayons)

I did, however, get to play.  I brought too many supplies, as usual, but they came in handy.  I did a little of this and a little of that.

(gouache paint)

When I can get to my scanner, I'll do some pages, but until then, here are little glimpses.

(micron pen)

In my next life, I will not drool when I sleep

 

And when I snore, people will think it's delightful and smile.

Mix up Tuesday

 

 

 

Phants and Howls

Still creating things from Carla Sonheim's Scrap Animals class

Phants 2 together

Phant foot

Stitching

Howl #5

Where I am

I'm out of town doing the kid soccer thing.  I love doing the kid soccer thing.

However I had to leave this at home.

(supplies for sewing scrap animals)

I have piles of potential fodder.

This may become a peacock.  Maybe.

I bring too many craft supplies to these things.  But I don't know what whim will strike me.  I brought my knitting this time because I have yarn to knit up.

Once upon a time, this was going to be a kid sweater.  But then I realized my little people didn't wear the sweaters I knit, so I've been making blankets.  They actually use the blankets more.  Strange little people.  (Not so little anymore)

I also brought my fake journal.  I have a few pages to finish up, and my character, Dodo, thought she would have time to work a little.  Which was nice, because we arrived last night at our hotel with some time to settle down.

Not from then, but just a sampling.

page spread from IFJM 2013

page spread from IFJM 2013

I am posting about my fake journal over at my "sub-blog" Paint by Numbers, lower right sidebar.  Fake journal month has ended, but I have continued because, well, it is just not done yet, I guess.  

I haven't been sketching, so that is also on my agenda.  We'll see.

Happy weekend and thanks, Lee for the Link Love!

My LinkLove: Jane Davies - I've taken her on-line classes and admire her work. Very practical and practice oriented.  Lots of just doing it, which is important for me.

Friday digressions V

 

LinkLove:  Sarah Ahearn Bellemare

Some nights I dream I can fly, too

Mix up Tuesday

 

 

 

Link Love: Geninne  - Her images are so clearly her own.  And they are rooted in her environment and her experience.  She has a big following, and for good reason.  Every month she posts a desktop screen image for free downloading.  I use it often.

 

I express myself in metaphors

 

 

 visual metaphors

 

 Like sometimes when you hear yourself talk and you wonder what you're saying.

LinkLove:  Diana Trout  - A big reason that the world of journaling openned to me.  She has several on-line classes that I've taken that were very accessible and helpful.  Plus I just adore her use of color and the freedom of her creations.  Plus plus she's very honest and open about being a person being creative.  I just keep going back for more. 

Scrap animals abound

This week I've done a overview of my current journaling.  All twelve or so of them.

But that's not all I'm doing. 

Clearly, I haven't curbed my impulse to start new projects. However, in the vein of making my pathologies work for me, the foray into stuffed animals actually served a secret purpose.  My overarching theme this year is to get my hoard of materials under control.  And gathering all my "scrap" material together actually forced me along that line.

I pulled all sorts of bits and scraps and remnants from every corner of my house (literally, every corner - no kidding).  I kept diving into closets and under piles and in corners because didn't I recently cut up t-shirts and keep the ribbing and seams (why?) and don't I have a basket of yarn snippets (why?) and what about the clothing remnants from my mother's sewing that I keep moving from pile to pile (why?).  And the felted sweaters and the ribbons from packaging, and...

So I have collected and sorted and all while making little scrap animals.

 

LinkLove: Carla Sonheim   Imaginary Creatures.  Scrap Animals. Silliness.  Need I say more?

How do you eat an elephant?

As part of the wrap up of IFJM, I wrote a wrap up of my experience from the month (and as it continues) and what I might or might not take away from that.

That set me to thinking.  Which is both dangerous and wildly boring.  Be warned.

My IFJM journal on my messy desk

I did a little review this week of all the journals I'm currently working in here and here.  And yes, I forgot one or two.  

What does all this show me?

It shows me that I am a happier person when I am having fun.  It shows me that waiting for my kids to finish playing, lets me do this (below) instead of hurrying.

two views at a local environmental education center

It shows me that forcing myself to learn how to print and edit photos was as important as learning how to use a water brush pen and make a watercolor travel set.  Doing these things pushed me out of my comfort zone.  They reminded me that to learn to do a lot, I only need to learn to do one thing at a time.  I say to my kids, "Do what you can do, don't do what you can't do." and I repeat that to remind them that they shouldn't get overwhelmed when confronted with a big project.  Start where you are, with what you know Then look for the next thing you might be able to do.  Then the next. Looking at the variety of journals I'm working with reminds me how much I've learned in the last two years. I'm eating the elephant one bite at a time.

photos used as pages and taped into my handmade pamphlet journal

One of the impulses that led me to start journaling was needing to be more present in my own life.  Two years ago when I was sick and on prednisone for months, I felt removed  from my own sensations.  Journaling helped me in the middle of the night.  Playing with color and pattern revived and connected me.

loving how gouache works in this journal

Now, I have several journals that are helping me organize and prioritize the mound of unfinished and scattered projects.  

 

But another purpose I've discovered is that while I sort through mounds and mounds of papers (and I mean that) from years of "just too much to do to deal with that now", I've been able to create a place to include scraps and memorabilia, from both my past years and from life as I know it right now. I love that.  Often, that helps me let go of some things, because I know that they are represented by others and will be immortalized.  Because, you know, my journals will be immortal.

scraps incorporated with photos into a pamphlet journal

I have a lot of journals because they serve a lot of purposes.  And since I'm trying to free myself from habits that hinder me into habits that help me, I can feel good about going in all these directions because, well, that's what I'm doing in my life.

The danger of looking at other people's beautiful blogs with other people's beautiful art is - for me- envy.  It's easy to see what works for them.  But what I need is what works for me.  In my little scrap journal and my little scrap animals.  (More on that tomorrow.)

Now that I have solved the world's problems (did you not follow how I did that?) I'm going to retire to my chair and ... maybe make an owl.

LinkLove : Defining Me     Yes, she's also in my sidebar, but I have to give a shout out to Lee, because she consistently leaves encouraging comments that mean SO MUCH.  It's a habit I am trying to cultivate.  I also love the personality of her posts.  They are a bright spot in my day.  Thanks Lee

 

Friday digressions IV

 

 

 

 

Journal overview part 2

With the end, or winding down, or just the techincal end but really not so much for me end, of IFJM, I've been thinking of the number of journals I'm working in.  I think about this because I'm often envious of people who keep one, and just plug away in that.  I like the order, both in terms of chronology and in terms of neatness.  But if you look at any of my photos of my room, you can see that although I admire order and neatness, there's not a lot going on around here.

What I've found as I go along, is that different journals really give me a chance to focus in different directions.  

This is a smallish (it's 6" by 6") Bee journal

When I know I might be waiting I bring this one.  Actually, I keep it in the car most of the time becasue I'm not always sure when I'm going to be waiting.  Usually I do line drawings.  Lots of waiting rooms, soccer fields.

I do a little paint also, but not so often since this paper doesn't really work well.

I also work in a big Bee journal.  It's probably 9" by 12".  

I have tried a lot of different techniques in this one.  The paper works for mixed media, at least in the way I use it.

I've really enjoyed all the different things I've been able to try.

A second journal I use is a Strathmore Visual Journal Mixed-Media.  You would think I'd do more mixed media in this one, but actually it's become a family journal.  I spray painted the front last year when I was in a spray painting frenzy.  If it wasn't stapled down (or closed) it got spray painted.

Sometimes I ask my semi-little people to draw me something.

I'm sure if I poke around, I'll find more.  What I am discovering as I continue my journaling practice, is well.. lots of stuff.  And I guess that's what I find interesting.  I've crafted all my life, but doing jouranls have pushed me in all sorts of different directions and served lots of different purposes.  Sometimes I come face to face with some mental block.  Like being afraid of "ruining" something.  Being afraid of putting a bad line down.  

I sometimes tell my kids that sports or acting, although really fun in themselves, gives us a chance to risk and face our fears.  That if you approach it with an open mind and heart, you can learn more about yourself.  The play or game is a great product, but's it's as much about how you go from one to the next, how you grow, how you develop. 

It's obvious to me that although I say those words, it's harder to practice them myself.  So visual journaling has done that for me.  Let me risk and practice skills that don't come naturally or easily.  It's a safe place to make mistakes or try something awkward.

I need that in my life.  I like that. 

And now for something completely different.  Over at Daisy Yellow, Tammy is encouraging people to Share the Link Love.  I've been pathetic.  I hang my head.  I blush in shame.  Because I LOVE looking at other people's blogs.  But I find gathering the links ponderous.  I don't know why.  I've been blocked.  

So I'm doing one a day, when I can.

Today's is one that I found from a comment on this blog.  PaperHelen is  mostly photographs, and I really enjoy the freshness of them.  Enjoy.

 

Journal overview part 1

Time to step back and consider.  

 I'm working in a variety of journals for a variety of purposes.

I'm continuing to work in my fake journal -or I should say Dodo, the character, continues to work.  I am just so pleased with this experiment.  Read more about it over at my other blog Paint By Numbers (bottom right sidebar)

IFJM Journal 2013 by Dodo

IFJM page spread 15, acrylic and micron pen

In bursts, I am also enjoying painting with gauche in my ripped and reconstructed journal.  This is the journal that travels with me in the car and so it's pretty disjointed.

ripped journal

gouache détail

Every week, I'm trying to keep Uno updated with my other craft projects.  This helps my brain get organized and lets me see what I've done and where I am.  I often have too many projects going and get lost jumping around.  Having something I enjoy leafing through keeps me better focused.

uno pamphlet - craft projects

creatures in process from Carla Sonheim's Ragamuffin Scrap Animal class

In little bigs, I'm staring to work on my next pamphlet journal, #7.  I'm exploring how to print photos on my printer and how I like to incorporate them.

pamphlet journal #7

detail of pamphlet journal #7

I'm stopping there, even though I actually have a couple more journals that are getting used. I realize I have left out both my mix ups and the Bee journals I'm using.  Maybe I can include them this weekend.  

What do you think about how you use journals?

Would I mind.

Sometimes unexpected pleasures pop up.

This weekend someone asked me if I would mind making a little journal for her for a spanish assignment.  She needs to write sentences, illustrate them and hand in a little booklet.

Really.  Would I mind.

Of course the number of questions I asked (how big, what kind of paper, cover?, thread color, opinion on design) far exceeded the amount she needs to write.

I had so much fun.  If I'd had more time, I would have gotten a little crazy with it, so it's probably good that I only had an hour or so.  Plus she's going to glue the drawings in so it doesn't need to be too sturdy.

Thank you my lovely Bean.

the lesser known pirate snail

 Inspired by the mere thought of Carla Sonhiem's Scrap Animals class, I went ahead and made this little guy.  First I asked a little boy I live with to give me an idea.

His question, "Could it be a pirate snail?"

Which, as it turns out, it could.

 I had no idea I was missing a pirate snail, but now I wonder how I got along without one.

Luckily, now I don't have to.

Saturday round up of Scrap Animals

Well, I actually "finished" a class in the allotted time.  No joke about that.

These are from Carla Sonhiem's  "Scrap Animals" class. And let's just say that the words scrap appealed to me.  First the finished creatures.

Three owls.

Yup, got them done on the second day (the day the owl was presented)

Third day saw the arrival of Mr Horse.  WIth some editorial help from my best Bear.

He looks pretty plain, but he's comfy cozy.

My favorite so far.  Elefant took two days (as he was presented in the class in two parts).  But that let me do all the other things I do.  Wait, what other things do I do?

This what I needed this week - a great distraction and fun time.

I said scrap appeals to me because I'm a little compulsive that way.

a small randomized selection

just the yarn bits

a small sampling of felted sweater bits (and a couple scraps)

embroidery floss left overs

a few of the buttons

a cacophony of remnants

Of course, having as much fun as I did does nothing but reinforce this particular pathology, but hey, that works for me.

Hope you are having a great weekend.  What are you up to?

 

Friday digressions III

I just want to take a moment and mention the stupendously good idea that Tammy at Daisy Yellow is promoting, and that is what she calls Link Love.  I've added the link where she explains for herself, but the basic idea is to add a post on Friday's helping people to find new inspiring blogs.  I LOVE this idea.  And I have NOT participated, not because I don't think it is WONDERFUL but mostly because I am on a blog diet at the moment.  I'm trying, somewhat successfully, to limit the amount of blog hopping I do, and really concentrate on DOING -either journaling or creating or well, actually cleaning up the many many piles of mess that I have generated over the last too many too hectic years of my life.  So although I'm not linking with love, I do suggest you hop over to her blog and see where that leads you.  Plus I have the blogs I love on my little side bar.  Which I have not updated in a while mostly because I keep forgetting how to do that.  

I just wanted to say that.  Because I am REALLY grateful to all the ladies out there who post their creativity and allow us to share in it and have really openned up this wonderful area of expression and creativity and positive energy in my life.

I really am grateful.

And now back to the regulary scheduled program which is, my salvaged book which I am slowly slathering with random acts of artiness.

This is some paint testing.  Because I am addicted to paint palettes.  I can't help it, I just love love love the little squares of liquid wonder.  But, sadly, I'm still a rank novice beginner when it comes to what to do with them in any organized way.  But that's okay, because this book/journal is all aobut disorganization and impulse. 

Here, I took one color (on each page) and just combined it with different colors to see how it mixed.  On the left, I think it was cerelean blue, and the right was a yellow that I haven't really used much and don't have the tin in front of me so I can't check (I think it's some kind of Titanium gold ochre - is there such a color?).

This really is what I love about watercolor.

I really loved doing those pages, although as a whole I thought they looked sort of flat and unappealing, but when I look closely, my knees get weak.

Don't even ask what this is.  I have no idea.

Poor dear

Someone has been feeling neglected.

I've been a little obsessive about this.

I think she's trying to stake a claim.  I like that about cats.

I'm just glad she's not trying to do that on this.

 

Making my pathologies work for me

It's Wednesday.  I must be distracted.

And so I will digress again.

I'm taking a little creative sewing class with Carla Sonheim.  I've done her Silliness class (just once) and a couple others (Junk Mail and Faces and something else, I can't think of right now).  I am a fan of her classes - lots of prompts and clear explanations.  I do worry that what I produce is completely and wholly derivative.  But I don't worry too much.

Slowly slowly I find if I blog hop less and do more, I am coming to terms with my own creative impulses.  Then when I need a boost or a rest, I can hop again.

This is the second creature I've made prompted by her class.  I'll show the other another time since I actually made it BEFORE the class and it was inspired rather than derived.  Very proud of myself.  But I love this little fella too.

Can you tell it's an owl?

Oh, and what's that about your pathologies? you ask, because you're pushy that way.

Well, right now the one that is surfacing is PROCRASTINATION.  And what I've learned is that the way to make progress on one thing is to find something you (I) want to do even LESS and put that at the top of your (my) to-do list.  

It works!  For me.  Maybe for you too?

So right now I'm very productively procrastinating.  Which can only work for so long until I really have to do the thing at the top of the list, but maybe my head will explode before that.  Maybe.  There's that hopeful possibility.  Maybe I can just switch over to another pathology - distraction.  Maybe.