Oh my sweetums, today I’m going to show you step-by-step how I create a page…no, no, a spread… in my arty life journal.
First, despite the fact that this is a prosperity journal, I’m using a cheap Composition notebook. Made even cheaper with back to school sales. I love these little books, especially now that I don’t have to have them, don’t have to fill them with spelling and penmanship and math.
Look at that. Brings back memories, eh? Can’t you just smell the pencils and eraser dust?
Okay, before we do anything, got to slap on some gesso. Because the paper has no substance, none at all. In fact, it looks like the page on the left has an owie. Think I closed the journal before it was dry. Whatever. Adds to the texture, don’t you think? Because it’s all about texture here. I love the way the pages feel at this stage. A little more substantial. A little crinkly. Just begging for paint.
In keeping with the cheap theme of the notebook, I used (what else) cheap craft acrylics. But only because they have little binder and a softer, chalkier finish. Better to write on. And besides, I happen to have quite a few on hand for working with plaster. Notice how carefully I apply the paint. Umm…not!
Then I covered the pages with text, in this case a prompt from Michele Morton Bergh’s Prosperity Blooms e-course. Yes, I see the irony…bragging about cheap notebooks, cheap paint while creating the prosperity intention. I used a variety of pens and pencils as I wrote the prompt forty times. Just to keep things interesting, you know.
The text begged for an illustration so I added figures representing my parents and myself.
And then a bunch of arty bling because it’s fun. And it’s ALL about the bling today.
And now, in the words of the great alien philosopher, Mr. Spock…
Live long and prosper!
LOVE those notebooks! Which reminds me I should get some more. . .
Now’s the time of year to stock up on them, Leigh Ann. Got to love those back to school sales!
How fun! I love that you shared your process. It makes it seem less intimidating to just dive in and see what happens. 🙂
Dive right in, Naomi. It’s my favorite way to make art. And if it doesn’t work, just paint over it or toss it. It’s all a learning experience. 🙂
I laughed over the irony of using a cheap composition book for a Prosperity Blooms prompt, too! But you know what? You’re taking what you have at hand and making something BETTER out of it! And I love that, too.
I’m making it priceless, Sue! 🙂
This was great! My sister is an artist, and I’ve said to her that I would love for her to take photos of a work in progress at various stages so that I could try to see how her artistic juices flow onto the canvas. This is fascinating.
I’m a teacher, Galen, can’t help but show the process. But just the highlights, the Reader’s Digest version so I don’t bore you with every mark along the way. It’s enough to see what it’s about. Glad you enjoyed it!