"Some things are more precious" art journal page

I've taken the plunge and am working in a larger journal now.  I thought this would be a bit intimidating, but I actually love it!  It's 23cm x 30cm (46cm x 30cm double page) and just gives me more freedom; more space to add elements and play with texture without it feeling crowded.

This is the page I did on Saturday,,,

And a few close ups...

I saw this video of Donna Downey's and just had to buy some pouring medium and have a play!  Loving the result.  It's very tactile, because even with layers of pouring medium making it shiny and beautiful, the stenciled molding paste and other elements can still be felt easily.

There is quite a bit I want to journal about the inspiration for this page (the quote), but I'll include it on the reverse of the right hand page then probably stitch the next page to it in a couple of places so if need be I can un-stitch and read it, but for the most part it will become hidden journaling.

Accepting it

So I've been learning, or shall I say accepting, that I start lots of things and don't finish them. Project Life is behind, my journal has a number of partly done pages, a lot of my scrap-booking pages are also awaiting the finishing touches. Partly this annoys me, but I also am learning to reduce the stresses I put on myself, and this is just one area I can give myself a break.  After all, as long as the creating is fun, does it really matter if things are totally finished?  And, I continue to be successful with taking lots of photos, lol!

These are a few of my finished journal pages from the past few months. Looking forward to a day with my inspiring art girlfriends this weekend :-)

What month is it?

I can't believe half the year has gone by already!  And I haven't posted anything since the beginning of the year.... what???  Must be time to take some photos of my projects and get them on there.  See you soon...

Project life - week 2

The last couple of weeks have been pretty full on, so I've just finished up my week two pages.  Um, does that mean I'm officially behind already?!  lol

I decided this year not commit myself to a two page spread each week.  Rather, I'll do one and add inserts or a second page if needed.  The important thing is to not set 'rules' for myself.  This spread happens to be a two pager.

The collage on the top right of the right hand page is some of my recent favourite images from Pinterest; oh how I love Pinterest! That and the 'Retrospace' tag set my colour scheme for these pages.  The 'Retrospace' is actually from a business card / bookmark which I have cut around as it was too long to fit in any of the pockets.

 Now on to week three and four :-) 

Back into my art journal

I love my current art journal, and am determined to spend more time creating in it this year.  Here's a peek of a page I worked on yesterday :-)

Project life - week 1

Yay, week 1 completed!  I did get rid of a couple of 'filler' photos because they didn't end up being needed, and the details are still included in the journalling so I'm happy.  I like the look of having a card or two which are there just for colour or because they are pretty (after all, who doesn't like all the pretty product!) and this week that is the 'family' card. 

 I love stitching on my layouts and project life cards, but because I'm trying not to over-complicate the process, I'm choosing a couple of little details to do, like zigzag stitching the wood veneer arrows. Very happy with that tiny detail :-)

Today I'm planning to take a photo or two of myself with my kids to include on (and finish) my title page.  I'm also working on the reverse side of my title page which will include pieces of my personal manifesto for this year (a work in progress).  I've not written one before but I love the idea, and I'm really keen to have it included within my project life album.  I like this sentence from Zach Sumner: "When you're going through something tough, isn't it difficult to have and hold a steady, objective mind?  With a manifesto, it's like you always have access to a calmer, more rational you".  I liked how he defines what a manifesto is and the benefits of having one.  There's LOTS of information out there about manifestos and I'll post more links as I progress in case you're interested.

I hope you're having a fabulous weekend! x

Project life

To kick-start my project life habits for this year I joined Studio Calico's 'Day by Day' class which is so exciting!  I'm loving the inspiration and community of the hosts and other participants.  Thanks everyone!

So far I have my title page done except I want to add a photo of my kids and I together.  Once I've done that I'll show you.  At the moment I'm trying to nut out a couple of little things which are holding me back from completing my week 1 spread.

1.  I'm going to print a couple of test runs tomorrow of re-sized verticle photos to see if I prefer them smaller than 3x4.  I do like the look of other people's small photos with a card behind.

2.  I often have a problem with my photos being a little bit dark once they are printed.  On my computer screen they look fine, but sometimes come out darker at the printers.  I'd much prefer them a little lighter, so am doing a few tests with a couple of photos from last week so I can get a clearer idea of how to fix this.  I just find it frustrating to not be happy with the photos when I pick them up from the printer; I really want to work on them straight away, lol!  One day I hope to have the opportunity to have a good printer at home for my project life photos - heaven!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this beautiful sunrise from yesterday x

New layout

I was inspired by Janna Werner's 'revolution' layout.  I love all the layers behind her photo, but I often find when I try and do this I can't find 'just the right papers'.  Fussy much? lol

I love this background paper by Kaisercraft (Paradiso Collection)... might have to get another sheet for my stash :-)

Thickers are from Dear Lizzy.  The ribbon with phrase is actually a tag from a shirt, the feather is printed on transparency and the little blue heart is ink on lunch paper and hand cut (scraps from some ATC's). 

Tonight is choosing photos to print for Project Life week 1, yay!

Layouts

So how's 2014 treating you so far!?  It's been hot and muggy here the last couple of days, and although I do love the sunshine, I think we could do with a little rain to clear the air and the mugginess.

While doing a bit of a tidy in my art space I found some scrapbooking pages which need to be put into the album, so thought I'd photograph and share them first.  I actually haven't done a page in what feels like ages so that is my project for this evening, yay! :-)

Starting afresh

Welcome to my new blog!  I have been thinking a lot lately about the best way to capture and share the things that interest me, and have decided that starting with a fresh new blog is the way to go.  I am combining all my interests here; scrapbooking, journalling, photography, running, yoga, health and home.  I hope you enjoy visiting!

These past couple of days I've been sharing my time between sorting out a couple of rooms to purge unwanted stuff, working on my Project Life title page for this year's album, and writing some thoughts on lessons learned in 2013 and goals for 2014.  I've only got a few more days of holiday before going back to work so even though I want to get everything done on my to-do list, I know I'm better not to put that pressure on myself.  I'm going to deal myself a gentler hand this year.  :-)

(Project Life title page work-in-progress)