Kristen's upcycled journal will be featured on her upcoming DVD so don't look for instructions here, but ideas. And the big concept was to use what you have to build something beautiful. Trust me, for every step, she had a rapt audience!
We started with cereal bags. Yup. Empty cereal bags! After the crumbs were removed we arranged items of our story -- whatever that may be -- on one half of the bag, folded it over and press it to seal the bag into a page signature.
This was WAY easier said than done for me!
You need to be careful that elements don't slip out of place when you are pressing it and turning it over (or else you will have, say, a tea bag paper covering Greg's face! above left -- oops!)
But the technique is pretty cool and a great way to see elements yet protect them.
Kristen's kits had everything we needed to make the project -- papers, music, the cereal bag (of course), charms, fabirc, music and printed pages. But of course, we all brought things -- photos and fabric and paint and embellishments!
She demonstrated and gave us art to create a gel medium photo transfer...
...and showed us how to burn felt for an aged, vintage technique.
We incorporated paper bags...
And sewed muslin to paper to make pockets filled with journal cards.
The idea of the journal was to leave room to write. I decided to use mine for family connections, so I had pages with my parents (I can journal on the painted parts or on the journaling cards)...
And places and people I loved.
I finished mine a bit more when I returned home, adding some embellishments I hadn't brought to class and fleshing things out a bit. Here are a couple more pages.
I'm probably not going to make another journal -- not that I didn't like making this one. I did. A lot. But I'm a bit overjournaled and don't put nearly what I should in them.
That said, I learned a lot of techniques I will definitely use again -- the transfer, felt burning, the cloth flowers in the photo above, right, and the idea of fusing the papers together. All of these will come in very handy in the future.
I leave you with a technique Kristen shared with us -- painting a surface and then using a tool (end of your paintbrush works fine!) to inscribe the piece. This one was by Amy -- I wish I could take credit for it, because it is a wonderful page and wonderful words.
Words to remember, no matter what the case -- a blank page or canvas. Or, a new step forward in life.
22 comments:
It was a great workshop. I love how Kristen's classes always produce successful projects for everyone.
An absolutely wonderful day. I was in awe of all of the maxing journals everyone created. Jeanie your piece is truly divine. Love the layers and sentimental touches.
oh I love journals....what an interesting mix of techniques. I bet you had a blast spending the day creating with others. Your pages are so wonderful.
I am sure ya'll had so much fun, working on these together. I could never make a journal...not a crafting bone in my entire body...:)
and, trying not to be nosy but wondering how you came up with the name of your blog.....
Hi Jeanie! I'm sure you've had so much fun creating and your do a beautiful job!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
You created some keepsake pages by using treasured memories and bits and pieces of items that add even more meaning. Nice work.
What a beautiful creations, and it looks like you had such a fun time making it!
As usual, your project is beautiful! I love the mix of photos and other mediums like clips of verses from a book or music! It sounds like such a fun class!
Oh Jeanie, I think I now have an idea of how to apply this art to my poetry. Seeing what you and other blogger pals do with this art has always inspired me, but I wasn't sure how I'd use it with my poetry. But now I know; I am going to work on a triptych and do it in panels!!!!!!!!!
Looking good here, looks like fun just being with pals. Anita
Even if you didn't need another journal, at least you had fun, and learned some new techniques.
What a great class and love your journal...it's fabulous!
Jeannie, This journal is so intricate. I see something new every place I look. I imagine each journal was a personal masterpiece.
I just love your journal art. Beautiful!
what great art !!! a beautiful weekend wishes angie
You mentioned that this might be your last journal. I realize that the term journal indicates that it is to be used but yours strike me as being more along the lines of a scrap book = one that could be added to if you wanted but one that could easily stand on its own (two feet - pages!). You have a great gift.
I love exploring books like this. I'd love to pore through it sometime. ;^)
How fun to learn so many fun techniques and having them in one place like a journal makes for a good reference too.
Thanks for sharing Jeanie.
I bet your lovely journal pages look great in person.
Playing in books is something I have enjoyed for many years now.
I have several going.
oxo
One can not have too many journals, as I'm sure you know:)
I love your ebullience!
It's perfect that you made another
and had a party while doing it, at that:)
I love your zest for living, friend.
I so do:)
-Jennifer
Good evening dear Jeanie!
What a joy it was to see you had come to Nowhere...Your visits are appreciated so much... I love that you like to come play.
I have not spent much time on the computer as of late, so I am afraid I missed this beautiful post.. How I admire your patience AND talent. What a fun time to create with friends.
blessings,
Penny
Jeanie, your journal is so special-love it! :)
Susan
You sure accomplished a lot in the workshop. I know what you mean by being "over-journaled." Now I only make journals for travel...
that last quote about fresh starts and new beginnings, hit me just when it needed to. Thanks. Miss seeing your amazing crafts!
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