There's been a bit of a lull in my sewing room lately. A big quilt is in the works, but not ready for viewing just yet. So I like to fill in the time between sewing projects with my dabbling attempts at art journaling. Fun resources for that include classes by artist Alisa Burke. I gave her 30-day technique class "Earth Inspired" a try. I previously enjoyed her class on hand-drawn mandalas, so I jumped right into this project that incorporates one as part of the activity.
It gave me a chance to work with acrylic paints and to try my hand at hand-lettering. What I found that I really liked though, was the idea of using flaps and fold-outs to hide or reveal parts of the journal spread. On this one, the mandala opens out to show a solar system and to reveal some written thoughts about the sun.
So in the same vein, I loved making this project. Again, the big shade tree opens up to show more of the forest.
And it, too, has some space for journal writing. I do like the "more" aspect of using folds and flaps in journals. Lots of fun to do.
Meanwhile, I used some scraps to dress up some plain lined journals. Adding snippets of fabric and stitching them down adds a color accent and makes me want to use these journals.
I've developed the good habit of taking notes on a variety of topics, but a bad habit of writing them on post-it notes, scraps of paper, or whatever is handy. So my notes are pretty disorganized which makes it hard to go back to find information. Maybe with these colorful journals I'll grow into a better practice of keeping notes in one place! I found the idea for these in a book titled "Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson.
I set aside the scraps trimmed from the big quilt I'm working on by stuffing them into the empty tissue box seen in the upper right. Then I sewed an old t-shirt into a pillow shape, stuffed it with the scraps, and added a fabric cover to make a pet beds- actually there were enough scraps for two of them. The soft beds go to the local humane society via our quilt guild's community service coordinator. I have a few other small projects going on, so I'll be back soon with more!
6 comments:
I really like the flaps in the journal idea! Always a little secret you can put in! The scraps look so cool on the journals too! I like that idea!! Pups will enjoy the beds! What a nice gesture and good way to use up scraps.
Nice to see the variety. I love Alisa's classes. Really love your stitched fabric on your notebook covers. There's something special about paper and stitch
I love that idea of flaps in the journal and will need to remember it to use in the future. I have a small spiral notebook journal that I keep at my desk to write any and all notes into, instead of writing on small scraps of paper, or if I do write on a scrap, and it is important enough, I put it in this journal. It is fun to look back in to be reminded of things I had forgotten. Also good use of fabric scraps to aid the animal shelter.
I apologize for being so late visiting. You may have read that my computer died after being hit by a lightening strike, Nancy. I am finally back online.
I am in awe of the journal pages with the added flaps. Very clever and very nicely painted. You do so much for the animal shelter and it was really sweet of you to make these beds.
I really enjoyed reading about your art journaling……and so admire anyone who can commit to this type of project long term!
Kuddos….
Thanks so much for your kind comment on my fabric journal and writing journal...I love your idea using scraps to dress up your journals...
hugs, Julierose
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