Dimensional Art Journaling

Scraps of Darkness challenge

Lately, I have gotten more into using dimensional embellishments in my art journaling. I have begun taking part in the Scraps of Darkness  discussion forum challenges. In the example above, I was using a layout by scrapbooker Renea Harrison as inspiration.

I built up a small amount of collage and stenciling on the background. I have a small collection of antique First Communion pictures so I matted one onto coordinating cardstock for this page. I also used some cross embellishments, butterflies, and flower stickers.

Gender and Color Choice in Crafting

One of my addictions is listening to craft-related podcasts. Among my favorites is the Paperclipping Roundtable hosted by Noell Hyman. I was listening to two older episodes (Booth Worthy and The Cake on the Page) where the discussion of color and gender came up. Mainly in a discussion about the color of paper and scrapbook embellishments related to the pages done about boy and girl children, but also on pages about men. Some said they will use things like flowers even on pages about boys. The shows discussed different approaches, but did not say one was superior or another inferior, but that it is up to each individual.

The topic got me to reflect on my own use of color in pages about my son. I do not have strong feelings in terms of certain colors paired with pages about men and boys. For me, it is not so much about using more gender neutral, or boyish colors and embellishments for my pages as it is using colors my son likes. This is because he looks at and reads some of the pages about him. I want the pages to reflect his current personality and tastes.

Favorite Mixed Media Pens

A recent art journal page about our dog, Daisy

 As promised, I am back to discuss some of my favorite pens for art journaling. Love for a particular pen is pretty personal, I think. For instance, while many paper crafters have a deep devotion for anything Copic Markers manufactures, I do not love them.

In my experience, albeit fairly recent, I have tested numerous brands. One thing that is important to me is that they be permanent and not react by bleeding or fading to the wet media I am using.

Tee Juice Fabric Marker, Permapaque Pen, Slicci Pens

I have discovered that I especially love the fine point and permanence offered by Tee Juice Fabric Markers. I also really like Permapaque by Sakura, though wish it came in more tip choices like fine.

As an aside, I included my favorite gel pen in the picture- Slicci by Pentel!

Favorite Gel Medium

From a session with Mindy Lacefield in Lifebook 2013

After being enrolled in one mixed media/art workshop after another, I have begun to have products I enjoy using more than others. For example, I have used many glues and gel mediums like Mod Podge, Liquitex medium, Golden medium, and Deco Art's DecouPage.

Although I know many mixed media artists love Liquatex Matte Medium, I have to say that my favorite so far is Deco Art's Decoupage. For me, it is not as sticky as Mod Podge, and needs less product than Liquitex to adhere strongly.

I have also been on a hunt for permanent markers to write over collaged backgrounds. Though many love using Sharpie brand markers for this, I have not had great luck with them.

I bought a few single markers to test out from various brands. I will be reporting my results soon!

Do you have favorite products?

Blooming Cheetah

For several years now, I have had the same ruffled leather handbag. It has probably been my favorite purse of all time and also gets endless compliments- even from men! People would stop me in the street to ask about it.

My purse is the light brown. Picture from Overstock.

However, the lining is now coming apart, so I have had to get a new bag.
Yesterday, I found a really cut Betsey Johnson bag at Ross. I think of the print as blooming cheetah! Gotta love the animal print, flowers, and sequins.

My new Betsey Johnson bag.

I am currently testing it out to see how I like it. Yes, I need to test out bags to see if they deserve full-time commitment! Only time will tell.

Favorite Craft Supplies

Indian Pigments (Public Domain Picture).

As I have been trying out various art supplies and techniques, I have begun to develop certain preferences.

While I enjoy using watercolors now and then, I am more drawn to painting with acrylics. I love the way they achieve certain looks especially thorough layering. My long-time love affair with collage also continues in my art journals.

I have come to  greatly enjoy using pastels as well. I am not as into using colored pencils or markers, though they certainly have their place depending upon the results one wants to achieve.

What are some of your favorites?

A Tale of Three Schools

Lately, I have been consumed by an unexpected change in my son, Liam's, schooling. From preschool-4th grade, Liam was enrolled in Kingfisher Academy, which we all loved. At the end of fourth grade in spring of 2012, Kingfisher decided to move to Tucker. This was a bit too far for us to commute.

He enrolled in The Atlanta School. We loved the education he was receiving there as well, and Liam was making good friends too. Enrollment was a bit down last year, and the school and parents were actively working to market the school better.

On July 29, we received an unexpected email from the Board of Directors. Ten families had decided to not enroll after all, and the Atlanta School was closing. We were all very shocked and upset.

Since then, I have been involved in a whirlwind of online and in person research trying to find a school for fall. We narrowed it down to three. Horizons Academy, Hess Academy, and Waldorf School of Atlanta.

In the end, we decided to apply to Waldorf- so we are waiting to see if Liam is accepted. Of course, I had to create an art journal page about this!

Left-hand side of spread.

RIght-hand side.