Full Tilt Boogie-Exposed Spine Journal

I spent yesterday engrossed in Mary Ann Moss' latest online class called Full Tilt Boogie.  I didn't think I'd finish a book, but I ended up staying up really late to complete it.  I was totally enthralled in the whole process.  My neck and back were hurting from being at the table all day and night.  I'd take a few stretch breaks here and there, and that seemed to help.  I am happy with how the book turned out.  It isn't perfect, but Mary Ann says that's okay.  
In case you didn't notice, I used A TON of tape to piece my pages together.  This process was soooooo fun.  I loved using tape, scrapbook paper, and ephemera to create the pages.  
I've had all of these supplies around for a long time, and never have I used them quite in this way. Life is fun!  Art is fun!  Online classes are fun!  Yay!  Yay!  Yay!

Recent Journal Pages

I have been using and loving the new Strathmore Visual Journal series of blank books lately.  The one I am currently using is the 9-inch x 12-inch Bristol version.  The paper has a smooth finish and is 100 lb.  The description on the cover says the following,

“Bristol-Vellum Surface 

Vellum finish is great for any dry media including pencil, charcoal and pastel.  Also good for pen and ink, marker and collage.  Acid free.”

As for the pages I created, the first one contains printed photographs, stencils, a taped in flower, and journal writing.  The page is about my sister’s graduation from college at the University of Minnesota.  The stencils are from the Stencil 101 Ed Roth stationery kit.  To spray them onto the page, I used copic markers and the copic airbrush system. I really enjoyed how the copic markers worked as a spray medium.  The thing I had trouble with was the air can getting really cold.  I feared that it might explode.  The air can states the angle to properly hold the can and to not use it for an extended period of time.  I found this a bit annoying, since the angle I was using, was the angle I could achieve the results I was looking for.  Apparently the can getting cold is completely normal, and is just one of the drawbacks of compressed air cans.

The next set of pages makes use of a variety of tape, copic markers, and a Photoshopped “stencil” photo of my sister.  I liked this photo because it sort of looks like both my sister and me.  This was my first attempt at using tape to create a shirt.  I also was experimenting with outlining shapes, which is something that I didn’t do until I learned about this technique through online mentors.  I give credit to Teesha Moore, Misty Mawn, and Mary Ann Moss.  By the way, Mary Ann Moss is teaching a new online class beginning Friday, June 17^th called Full Tilt Boogie.  You can find out all of the gorgeous details by clicking on the class title. 

 

Finally the last page spread I have to share includes a spray-painted pocket page on the left.  The right side of the page is a bunch of shredded security envelopes and other paper ephemera that was used as padding in a box I received.  I just loved the tiny shapes, colors, and bits of security envelope.  I used glossy Mod-Podge to glue the pieces to the journal page. 

Self-Reflection

Ah, my cat is studying my artwork.  Isn't he sweet?

Just for fun, here are the Wet Ones used during my art making process.  The first two sets are in regular colors, then they are photographed using the "vivid" setting.

Scroll down to read the full post.  

I did a lot of self-reflection today.  It is a practice I used to be more on top of than I have been lately.  I believe strongly in the power of self-reflection as a means to stay connected to your inner self.  I love to create process-oriented art, then journal write about my process and what things came up for me.  Today, however, I sort of did things in reverse.  I did the journal writing, then the artwork.  The funny thing is, the messages were the same in each exercise.  The final message that came through in my artwork was “Truth resides on the inside”.  My journal writing revealed that I needed to look inward to find my truth.  Interesting, don’t you think?  This kind of insight is not surprising to me, however.  I firmly believe that these types of writing or art making exercises reveal great wisdom.  You just have to stay open enough for the messages to come through.  Do you agree?  Has this happened for you, too?  I’d love to hear your story, or if you’ve posted about this sort of thing on your blog, please leave a link to the post.  

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Yesterday, my Mom and I went to visit one of our beloved local art museums.  We went to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, also known as the MIA.  We were taken by so many lovely pieces of art.  I got a little excited and photographed a few, but forgot to photograph who created the pieces. I will share them with you anyway.  (Note: it is very important to me to give the artist credit for their work, so please forgive my lack of knowledge with these pieces.)
Have a great Monday!

A Butterfly Wing

I have been really noticing butterflies this past year.  I am drawn to them for their color, their "lightness" and "flitting" about, as well as their natural beauty.  

Yesterday, my husband and I took another hike at Wild River State Park.  He spotted a butterfly wing on the ground next to the path where we were walking.  Even though the mosquitoes were CRAZY, we stopped to take this picture.  I am so glad we did.
  
Sending you light, beauty, and fits of inspiration.

Camping Weekend Photos

It was a camping weekend.  My Sweety and two friends camped, canoed, and hiked at Wild River State Park.  The weather ended up being perfect, aside from Friday.  We lucked out with sunny, breezy, and beautiful on Saturday!  Woo hoo!  Hello summer!

Do you camp?  Where have you been lately?