Read new post, Mixed Media Monday 1-26-15, here.
Tag: The Documented Life
Mixed Media Monday 12/22/14
MOMM*
I’ve been busy the past few days working on the cover for my 2015 Documented Life art journal and looking forward to using an actual journal made just for that. I’ve been using the smaller version and loving it. Sooooo much better than the spiral bound notebook I’ve been using! Here is a journal post using the smaller one and a look at what I’ve done so far on the larger journal’s cover. I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings!
*My own mixed media
Stamps, purchased and handmade, hand drawn and colored flowers, inks, die-cuts, stencils
Acrylic paint, inks, stencils, stamps, an ATC and a cut-out
I’m thinking of a more restrained approach for the larger journal cover.
THE DOCUMENTED LIFE PROJECT 2014
This week’s prompt, week 52, is holiday traditions. The first tradition that came to mind was our tree, so that’s where I started.
Inks, copic marker, found hand drawn star and punched red and green cardstock circles
I like it so far.
I don’t know where that white circle came from.
CHRISTMAS GRANDS
It wouldn’t be Christmas without sharing these:
The Papoose and Sprout
Babydiva and Babymama decorating cookies.
The Elf
Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. Epictetus
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Whatcha Workin’ On? Wednesday #3, Booklove 12/10/14, Two Weeks left
ON MY NEEDLES
Christmas knitting continues, but slowly. Next year, I’m starting holiday knitting in January! My rule of one knitted gift per year will stand, I’m just trying to minimize the stress of “down to the wire” knitting. We’ll see how it goes. Once again, my WIP is this:
BOOKLOVE
I’m immersed in Ann Hood’s An Italian Wife, which I’m enjoying very much and have The Night Circus at the head of the queue when Wife is finished. After that, who knows???
JUST TWO MORE!
I can hardly believe that the 2014 Documented Life Art Journal has just two more weeks, two more prompts and bang, 2014 shuffles off stage and the brand spanking new 2015 project will take its place. Know what I’m most proud of? I stuck with it, even with only the vaguest idea of what an art journal is, and learned more than I ever thought possible. The most amazing thing I learned? I’m an artist and I love art! This is a huge take away for me, who has always had problems with “staying in the lines” and always “marched to the beat of a different drummer”.
I’m linking with Ginny’s Yarn Along and Frontier Dreams today. Visit and be inspired!
At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want. Lao Tzu
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It’s that day again!
Click below to add your link then link back here to share the love!
To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Dream Vacation
IN MY DREAMS
I have a confession to make:
I tried hard to make this week’s Documented Life prompt, week 50 if you’re keeping track, about a dream vacation at the beach, I cut out pictures, made a background and arranged everything just so. Except……
My dream vacation isn’t the beach – before I go any further, I need to make this clear – I love the beach, I do, but being the hardcore homebody I am, I confess that my dream vacation is being home, with my family, my pets, my bed and my spot on the couch, the spot where the cushions fit me perfectly and the lamp is perfect for knitting or writing or reading or a conversation with Mr. Iknead. I figured this out when I was putting together a packing list for my dream vacation and noticed that I could put my hand on everything I listed from my spot on the couch — books, knitting, paper, pens and family.
So, that’s my confession. I’m owning it. Most days, I’m living my dream vacation. The only tan I have is the one I get from being outside in my yard, playing with grandchildren or pets, or piddling around my patio and plants. I don’t have a ton of vacation pictures to share, unless you count the ones I take of knitting projects, funny family, art projects and those odd ones you get when you accidently hit the button on my iPhone, I do have a ton of those.
I know this sounds sickly sweet and too good to be true, but it is. True, some days are better than others and I’m happy to see some days disappear from my life’s rear view mirror, but I’m a radical optimist and believe every day holds something good. Sometimes you have to look a little harder to find it, but it’s there, every. single. day.
I am lucky. I am blessed. This is my dream vacation.
HEY!!!! Wanna see some vacation pics??????
The latest photo of my ridiculously precious newest grand, the Elf and her equally precious mommy.
You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward. James Thurber
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Now I Get It
NOT SO BLACK FRIDAY
I don’t go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Standing in line in the middle of the night, in the cold, in a crush of strangers doesn’t appeal to me, not even a little bit. If they were giving stuff away I might think about it, but only for a second or two. Is it the thrill of the hunt, like spending hours in a duck blind or a deer stand, to bring home a trophy or two? Just curious. I like to know what makes other people tick. Turning it around, though, I bet people are totally flummoxed by my yarn/knitting obsession and the lengths I’m prepared to go for THE PERFECT FIBER. Wait, on second thought, I totally get the Black Friday standing in line in the cold, in the dark to bag the perfect whatever your heart desires. Never mind.
THE DOCUMENTED LIFE
Just a few more weeks left for the 2014 The Documented Life Art Journal/Planner Project. Here’s a look at the Week 48 challenge, Depict Gratitude in an Artful Way –
Hand drawn and colored flowers, fabric cutouts, Copic markers, watercolors, washi tape
SOMETHING NEW
I’m starting a new Wednesday meme called Whatcha Workin’ On Wednesday, a place for crafters/artists of all kinds to show off what they’re working on. Stop by and add your link – I bet I’m not the only crafter to loves to see what others have going and always looking for inspiration!
I am a part of all that I have met. Alfred Tennyson
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Mixed Media Monday
MIXED BAG
I’ve been a busy bee this past week. Besides my usual color/cut/paste fun, I’ve been trying my hand at carving my own stamps after watching a tutorial offered by The Documented Life ladies and enjoying it immensely. I love trying new stuff. Here’s a look at my first attempts –
I’ve been having a blast with some new inks and paints and I’m currently in love with Tim Holtz’s Distress Inks. These are my newest mixed media adventures:
Stamps, both purchased and handcarved, copic markers, Gelatos, Distress Inks, hand drawn and colored heart and flower cutouts, stencils
Tim Holtz Distress Inks, stamps, Gelato, downloaded image, handcarved stamp, peacock feather ribbon, stencil, random ticket die cut, hand drawn and colored flower
BABY GRAND
The newest pic of the newest grand –
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
FO Friday 11/12/14, Cowgirls, Well Hello
SUP?
Between Revival, Stephen King’s newest, my obsession with finishing Sockhead and more than a little experimentation with some new inks and stains in my art journal, something had to give and this week it was blogging. Anyone else familiar with the “as soon as I get to the end of this row/this page” syndrome? I’ve had a raging case of it lately and see no respite from it in the near or distant future. Oh yeah, and Michael’s 25% off everything (even sale stuff) Veteran’s Day sale ate up quite a few hours also.
OFF THE NEEDLES
Malabrigo Rios
Ravelry Red
This is the second go round for this hat. The first was way, way too big so I frogged and reknit using size four needles. It was still a tad big but after a soak, a spin and then a trip through the dryer at the medium setting, the size is perfect. Two thumbs up!
YEEHAW!
This week’s prompt for The Documented Life art journal project was to incorporate fabric onto the page. I found an old bandana that I knew was perfect but sort of got stuck as far as overall ideas. Nothing felt “right”. I did a bit of brainstorming about what I thought of or felt when I looked at it. The cowgirl motif fell into my head and I swear I actually heard a loud click. I had the Wild West card in my paper stash, then added vintage cowgirl ephemera I found on the internet. After I got everything in place on the page, I was reminded of how we used to stick photos around mirrors back in the day. Actually, I still do this. Old school all the way, me. I love how this page turned out –
Week 46
The Documented Life Project
Use fabric on your page.
BAKED
At Mr. Iknead’s request, I baked Hello Dollies today.
Butter, chocolate, coconut, pecans and Eagle Brand – what’s not to like??
STILL MY BABY
My son and his girls. An amazing dad who got a surprise promotion today at work. I couldn’t be prouder!
An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while the pessimist sees only the red stoplight… The truly wise person is colorblind. Albert Schweitzer
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Mixed Media Monday
HAVE A TAB
Here is my take on week 45 of The Documented Life, Incorporate A Tab –
Spray inks, stamps, stickers, copic markers, hand drawn and colored flowers, washi tape
This is the first one in a while that I’ve really felt good about my end product. The last few weeks have been difficult creatively. I sort of struggled with the tab idea, starting and then discarding several different attempts before settling into this one, I’m glad I kept at it. I love it!
Begin to weave and God will give you the thread. German Proverb
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Marker Mania, 2015 TDL Reveal
“AIN’T LOVE GRAND??
OK, I’ve officially gone off my rocker for Copic markers. I’ve been spending a lot of time just admiring how pretty they look in the cup I use to hold them on my table. I’m working toward getting better at blending and highlighting, not having any art experience before, I have trouble making what I see in my head match what I’m putting on paper, but with practice I hope it becomes easier. Even if it doesn’t, every minute I spend with my art journal is a joyful one!
THE BIG REVEAL
Right at this moment, thousands of art journalers are anxiously awaiting the announcement of Art to the 5th’s plan for the 2015 The Documented Life art journal. It’s to be revealed at 12:OO today, EST, which is 11:00 our time. I suspect there might be a Facebook crash then as we all get our Facebook up and going so as not to miss a single second of the big reveal. Maybe not, but I’m just saying……..
THE SCOOP
The “official” journal is the Diane Reavley Dylusions large art journal. I’m excited to try this particular one, the pages are card stock, which I love working with. This journal is the one that the Art to the 5th ladies are using, but is only a suggestion. I’ve been using a lined, spiral bound notebook and it’s been OK; having been an art journal newbie this past year, it’s worked for me, but I think I’ll be happier this time around with their suggestion.
They’ve also lined up some fabulous guest artists, including the above mentioned Ms. Reavley, along with new tutorials/classes. You can check them out on the Art to the 5th website.
OH BTW
The Simplex shawl is (finally) off the needles, just needing a wash and a block and I’m already doing some stashdiving, looking to see if there are any likely project candidates in the pile. If I was really smart, I’d start my Christmas knitting but hey, why not wait until the last second and pull a couple or three back to back all nighters and make this holiday REALLY one to remember? Anyone else ever sobbed while Kitchenering a sock toe, while trying to thaw a frozen turkey by the blow dryer method in the wee hours of Christmas morning? Yeah, me neither. But I digress. Simplex pics on Wednesday, I promise.
I can’t complain, but sometimes I still do. Joe Walsh
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Mixed Media Monday 10/20/14
MMM
I came up with these late last night – or what is late for me – not sitting down at my little repurposed art desk until sometime around 10:30 p.m. or so. I’m finding that the creative juices seem to flow more freely then.
Artist’s tiles, ATC, pitt pen, Gelly pens, mandela stamp
The Documented Life prompt last week was Stars and although I’m not completely convinced that my page is finished, this is what I have currently. I’m in the process of searching out a quote that feels right to add the finishing touch.
Handcut stars, spray inks, ghosting technique
Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties. Erich Fromm
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
WIP Wednesday, Booklove 10/14/14
ON THE NEEDLES
My Simplex Shawl continues to grow. According to the pattern, it’s more than halfway finished. More about it here.
BOOKLOVE
Where do I start? I’m rereading Stephen King’s Dark Tower series and am up to Book Three, The Waste Lands. I read The Wind Through the Keyhole in Florida, a book that technically falls between Books Four and Five, but was released in February, 2012. This series continues to be my all time favorite. Crazy love them all.
THE DOCUMENTED LIFE
I got a little behind in my art journal while on vacation and am just finishing up last week’s prompt, which was Polka Dots. After a couple of false starts, I got into the groove, using a circle stencil to draw flowers, then handcoloring them and cutting them out to layer with stenciled dots, spray ink and, probably some stamps. I drew and colored these flowers just for fun today. I don’t have a current plan for these, but I thought they turned out well.
I love drawing and coloring flowers – they’re probably my favorite, but I’ve been sort of down on myself because I’m not good at faces and because lettering also isn’t something I feel I do well, especially when I compare my stuff to projects others post, but I’m adjusting my attitude starting now. New mindset: So what if all I can draw is flowers – I love doing them. So what if every face I draw is weird and more than a little wonky – I’ll never be commissioned to do a portrait. So what if my lettering leaves something to be desired – I can practice and get better at it and if that doesn’t pan out, I’ll use my computer. So what if my journal pages will never be hung in the Museum of Modern Art or the Louvre – they make me happy and creating them feeds my soul, just like they’re supposed to and because of that, I am an artist!
Linking with Tami, Frontier Dreams KCCO and Ginny’s Yarn Along
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go. T.S. Eliot
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To Share Is Human
To Share Is Human
Mixed Media Monday
MOJO
I haven’t posted any mixed media stuff in a while, mostly because I was in sort of a creative slump, totally underwhelmed by all of my efforts to kickstart a new project. I suppose you could call it “just going through the motions”. But, I kept on creating and you know what? It seems I got my mojo back! I actually did the “fake it til you make it” thing and got my “creative feet” back under me. If you’re a friend of Jimmy or a friend of Bill, you’re probably familiar with this process and have used it a few times yourself.
WEEK 40 THE DOCUMENTED LIFE
This week’s prompt was to use three colors you don’t normally use. I chose orange, yellow and brown and when I started laying down the first layer, I thought it was the ugliest thing ever. But I kept on working with it, adding some three dimensional doodads and some stickers that continued the color scheme. Then, suddenly, my project didn’t seem so ugly to me anymore. In fact, I kinda liked it, I kinda liked it a lot!
Acrylic paint, spray inks, stencils, stickers, a bit of washi tape, hand drawn flowers that I colored with gel pens and cut out, homemade stickers and a doodled circle fold out
Sorry you have to stand on your head to see them. 😕
*MOMM
Here’s a look at a project I’m doing on my own. It’s not quite finished. I think it needs doodads.
*My own mixed media
To see things in the seed, that is genius. Lao Tzu
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mud&string 