Ingrid Dijkers

Because I need more paper ....

2012-01-24T16:31:00.004-05:00

I made a trip out to Dick Blick in Dearborn yesterday to pick up a few supplies and saw this paper. I keep saying that I will not buy any more supplies ... mainly paper (aside from products I use all the time, have run out of and need more of). But, it's so hard to do. I think you'll agree that I had to buy this paper. Besides ... how much room does 2 sheets of paper take up?

A new journal continues

2012-01-21T16:15:00.004-05:00

Just showing a few photos of how this journal is progressing. Still a lot to do, but it's coming along nicely. Right now the whole thing is being held together with a rubber band, which is somewhat annoying, so I think the next step will be to give the journal a simple binding.

Beginnings of a new journal

2012-01-11T13:44:00.007-05:00

This is the beginnings of a new junk style journal. We'll be playing with this concept tonight at our monthly ATC meeting. I have acquired some of these wonderful old folders with metal tabs that we'll use for the covers of the journals. I have made about 20 feet of scrap papers that are sewn and glued together that I'll cut pages out of.

These are are few photos showing how this journal is starting off. I decided to keep the basic structure of the journal rather void of color at this point, just taking the sage green color of the cover and somewhat pulling that throughout for now.

More photos will follow as it progresses. The size of this journal is 7 1/2" X 9 1/2".

"Art Saves"

2012-01-09T15:38:00.001-05:00

I am honored to be the Guest Curator for "Art Saves" at Crescendoh.com this week. Please run over and take a look!

Tall Journal

2012-01-07T10:35:00.011-05:00

Just a few new pages in my "Tall Journal". This journal is 7" X 14" tall.

Podcast with Rice Freeman-Zachery

2011-12-22T19:14:00.023-05:00

What a honor to be interviewed by the fabulous Rice Freeman-Zachery! I got to know her while teaching at Art Unraveled in Phoenix, Arizona a few months back. What an absolutely delightful person. Visit Rice's web site and blog for a real treat.

Round Robin - Completed!

2011-12-20T09:55:00.012-05:00

My remaining Round Robin commitments are now completed and are in the mail! This was a project that involved 22 participants. This meant my contributing 21 tip-in spreads for the others involved and prepping a book for the pages I will receive. Photos of that book are shown below.

I choose to use binding rings to hold my book together. Blank pages made of box board were provided for everyone to work on. I figured this would be easier than using an actual book that the contributions would be "tipped-in" to.

The size of this book is 7" X 7". My theme is simply "Circles".

I'm not exactly sure when this Round Robin will be finalized. I will be sure to post photos of the finished book when I receive it, as it is in Hawaii right now.

All my my contributions can be seen here on my website. This is the blog for the group "Honolulu Altered Books Group" project, based out of Hawaii.

Round Robin ATCs

2011-12-19T11:51:00.004-05:00

Soon I will be sending off the remainder of my contributions to the Hawaiian Round Robin I have been a part of. I decided to make up packets of Artist Trading Cards to include with the spreads I will be mailing. These are of my favorite pages I made for this project and can be seen below.

A line drawn neatly under it

2011-12-18T09:31:00.005-05:00

The theme for this spread was "Lines and Angles", any interpretation. I used some of my collection of locomotion photography on this one. It's hard to see much detail on this rather dark spread, but I also used soft bronze sequins and sewing around the edges. This is the last spread to finalize my commitment to the Hawaiian Round Robin I am involved with.

Monsters

2011-12-17T11:16:00.004-05:00

This contribution to a Round Robin was "Found Objects". We were to explain how they were lost, found, who they were lost by, etc. I rather drifted on this one. The images started out as dinosaurs, but quickly developed into monsters. I suppose these could be extinct monsters from long ago as I have never seen any roaming around.

Cat and Mouse

2011-12-12T12:14:00.005-05:00

The theme for this spread is "Cat and Mouse". I am pretty sure I am caught up on my Round Robin commitments to this point. However, there are only 2 spreads left to complete this obligation to it's entirety, so I think I will go ahead and get those out of the way. Throughout this I have learned that my life is far too unpredictable for me to commit to these long term collaborations. Even though I have truly enjoyed doing all these spreads, I don't think I will ever get involved in another collaborative of this sort again. I harbor far too much guilt when I am unable to deliver on time and it's so unfair to the other participants.

Roswell

2011-12-11T15:42:00.006-05:00

Another tip-in for the Robin Robin collaboration I am involved with. The theme for this one is "Having a great time, Wish you were here". I assume it's meant to be a travel journal of sorts. The size of this spread is 20" wide (including both pages) and 12" tall. I just can't get enough of this alien image which is adapted from some graffiti done along the expressway a few miles away from here. You can see the original here.

Though we travel...

2011-12-04T19:24:00.006-05:00

Another contribution to the Hawaiian Round Robin, the theme being "Visions of London, Paris, Rome and Asia". As a spread these 2 tip-in pages measure 10" X 14" together.

Unfortunately, the sequins that are sewn on don't show up very well. I decided to scan it rather than photograph it as I have no more natural light for today. It really does have a nice sparkle to it. I'm still loving this style/technique and just can't get enough of the sequins.

"Ideas are Like Rabbits"

2011-12-02T10:18:00.005-05:00

Yet another contribution to the Hawaiian Round Robin I belong to. Bunny photo is courtesy of Tristan Robin Blakeman. The theme of the book that this spread is going into is "To Imagine is Everything".

"Paths and Parallel Universes"

2011-12-01T09:18:00.008-05:00

Another contribution to the Hawaiian Round Robin. The theme for this spread is "Paths and Parallel Universes". I chose imagery of the labyrinth used as an aid for learning about the spiritual path, the journey to the center of oneself. More of my work from this Round Robin can be seen here.

"Moon Fairies"

2011-11-29T07:54:00.004-05:00

Again, another contribution to the Round Robin I am involved with. The theme for this one is "Moonscapes: A Celebration of Lunar Astronomy, Magic, Legend and lore". It was requested that one side of the spread explain the technique that was used.

"Wings"

2011-11-28T13:31:00.003-05:00

I am working on getting caught up on the Round Robin I belong to. The theme for this one was anything with wings. I have really been enjoying this new style I have been working with, so it may seem a bit repetitive. Putting circles (or parts of them) around the edges and then sewing on top of them is producing some very pleasing effects. I'm thinking I will continue to do this for awhile until I tire of it.

"Xenophobia"

2011-11-21T19:40:00.003-05:00

And another contribution to the Round Robin I am involved with. I am determined to get caught up on it. This collaboration is based out of Hawaii, so a few of us on the mainland are doing tip-ins. I really prefer working like this rather than in a complete book, it's so much easier. The theme for this one was phobias. I, of course, jumped at the opportunity to use my Alien imagery when I ran across Xenophobia, which is the fear of foreigners, strangers or Aliens.

"Creepy Sisters"

2011-11-20T09:34:00.006-05:00

I am ridiculously way behind on a Round Robin I joined quite awhile ago. Who would have known at the time that life would have gotten so crazy in the meantime. So, now I am trying desperately to get caught up on it. The theme for this particular spread is "Victorian". I have to admit I rather cringed at the thought of it, but soon remembered I have a collection of "Creepy Sisters" images. I rather think this is not quite what the recipient of this contribution had in mind, but this is my take on it and I actually had a lot of fun with it.

Hidden Treasures

2011-11-18T10:03:00.010-05:00

Funny thing happened today. A little background first - A few months ago I gathered all my journals and took a photo for Seth Apter project "Stacks". I knew there was something (or several somethings) missing. There were quite a few journals, but I knew it wasn't all I had. So, this morning I was rummaging through some boxes to begin my major destash project and I ran across this old trunk full of many of my first Journals that have been buried for years. I had completely forgotten about them! I sat down and spent hours going through them (so much for starting on my major destash project), one by one. This one, "The Secret Journal" is a true treasure - so many secrets, so dark and mysterious and yet much is unreadable ... or is it?

Of course, you know this has to be the beginnings of a new journal. Actually, an idea has been brewing for months and months, but this is the catalyst I needed to get it moving in full gear. Destash project has been put on hold, stay tuned as this unfolds and develops!

"Woodlands" journal

2011-11-17T06:41:00.005-05:00

The last few journal pages from my "Woodlands" journal for now. Still haven't found the couple of items I want to add to this journal before calling it finished, so I have decided to set it aside for awhile.

The small inserted page is from an old french prayer book. I'm afraid I have forgotten who gave this to me at JournalFest, but I do recall her saying that it was very difficult for her to take pages out of the book. As both sides of the page have a beautiful illustration on it, I just couldn't bear to glue it down in my journal. I thought to put it between 2 sheets of plastic was a good solution and figured I'd give it a soft touch of bling while I was at it.

'Clear" Artist Trading Cards

2011-11-15T12:29:00.001-05:00

... And a few more "clear" Artist Trading Cards ...

"Cat" Artist Trading Cards

2011-11-15T09:44:00.003-05:00

The theme of "Cats" has been chosen by the ATC group that I belong to. Recently, I have been on this sequin kick and I have been encasing stuff in clear plastic. Thought I would give it a try with ATCs. These ATCs have clear backgrounds and sequins are sewn on top.

JournalFest 2011 - Journal continued

2011-11-14T13:09:00.005-05:00

Just a few more pages of my JournalFest 2011 journal, which is just about finished. I seem to have misplaced a few key elements to finalize this journal. I won't consider this journal complete until I find them.

This is an "Event Journal" and includes all the ephemera and additional goodies I collected and was given while at JournalFest.

"Woodlands" Journal

2011-11-08T14:03:00.005-05:00

Today I spent some time working on my "Woodlands" Journal. This is an event journal specifically for JournalFest 2011.

At these retreats many people give out "Trades" and of course you always acquire all kinds of of ephemera you like to keep as a token of remembrance ... at least I do. This journal will contain as much of it as I can possibly squeeze into it.

It's a lot of fun incorporating other peoples business cards and trades into my own journal pages.I still have work to do in this journal, but I wanted to share a few pages I am still working on. More of this journal can be seen here.

"Pink" ATCs

2011-11-06T14:42:00.006-05:00

The local ATC group that I meet with monthly will meet again this coming Wednesday. This month's theme for our ATCs is "Pink". To make these, I took a few sheets of gold and soft pink patterned paper and cut them into strips, glued them together and sewed on top of the seams. I then cut them down to size (at a slight angle), sewed on a few sequins, backed them with heavy card stock and sewed around the edges. Later, I felt they still needed a little something so I added the gold metallic dots with black edging.

Featured on Russian website

2011-10-31T10:45:00.004-04:00

I am honored to have my work featured on the website of Russian Artist Sveta Shved. Please stop by and check out the rest of her website as well!

JournalFest 2011 - Journal

2011-10-25T14:47:00.006-04:00

This page was done in my "Woodlands" journal, a themed event journal specifically for JournalFest 2011. To see more photos of this journal go here. As with the spread I did yesterday (previous post), I have decided to photo copy the page and turn it into ATCs for trading. This is the first event ever that I have had time to make "trades".
... And now back to rechecking my packing. Again, first time ever, I have room left over in my suitcases ... rather worries me, I must be forgetting something really important.

*************************
This year at JournalFest I will be teaching -
The "Ambrosia Journals" and "Into the Crypt"

The Ambrosia Journals

2011-10-24T10:38:00.004-04:00

I did a journal page in my new Woodlands themed journal. While the Ambrosia Journals are not necessarily appropriate for the theme, I had a desire to work with the bright colors and the style. That led to Artist Trading Cards made from the page. I know that "copies" are often frowned upon by true ATC enthusiasts, but I do like working this way. I take a photo of a journal page, have it copied, mount it on box board and then go on to further embellish or sew around the edges of the ATC. It's a very satisfying way to work as I find it very difficult to work on the true size of an ATC. 2 1/2" X 3 1/2" is far too small for these tired eyes to work on.

Mixed Media Dots

2011-10-23T19:26:00.003-04:00

Today I made these 2 inch layered "dots" from cardstock, fabric from the scrap pile, buttons and string. I plan to use them in my journals. How much fun is that?

Artist Trading Cards

2011-10-13T20:47:00.003-04:00

This month's theme for the ATC exchange group I belong to was Halloween/Fall. Shown above are the backs of my cards. I made this logo a few years ago and had several assorted colors printed out.

Here are the fronts of the cards, which certainly didn't photograph well at all. They are made of candy wrappers with fine gold metallic netting sewn on top. In between the layers are sequins and plastic spiders.

"Art and Soul Portland 2011" Journal

2011-10-07T14:50:00.013-04:00

While at "Art and Soul" in Portland, Oregon, I had 3 very busy and wonderful days of teaching classes. I rarely take the time to do this for myself, but took the opportunity to take an evening workshop with Liz Kettle to make this fabulous journal.

The cover is made with a canvas like material. I have never made a "soft" covered journal before, so this was a new experience for me. The beautiful flower on the cover is actually a brooch I was gifted by Sue Ellen Hayler.
Liz had an huge assortment of various papers, stamps (absolutely love the wooden carved stamps from India) paints, stencils, tools, etc...etc... So many wonderful supplies to choose from!
Much of this journal was later worked on in my hotel room, either the Portland or Chicago airport, a restaurant or two and again later at home.
I have never been one for journaling on the go, as it just never seems to work well for me. However, I have to say this journal is well suited for journaling on the go and has been a delight to work on.
In this journal I have included lots of tickets, luggage labels and business cards. All that wonderful ephemera that you gather on such trips and never know quite what to do with.
It's still far from done, but I wanted to share a few photos, more can be seen on my website. I'll post more as they become available.

The size of this journal is 6" X 8". The thickness is about an inch, but continues to grow.

Stacks

2011-09-21T08:34:00.004-04:00

This is my contribution to Seth Apter's collaboration "The Stack Project" . My stacks kept falling down, so I had to make several smaller stacks. I do enjoy making my journals. Go to the "The Altered Page" to see more stacks!

Yet another curious sighting

2011-09-20T10:04:00.009-04:00

This photo was taken at the end of a long corridor in a hospital (at an undisclosed location). The room emanates a very eerie hum. The sign on the door says "Quiet Please" and has some cryptic letters underneath ..... A.I.R. ..... Alien Incubation Room?

Just saying .....

Workshops in Haslett, Michigan

2011-09-19T12:36:00.006-04:00

Just came back from 2 fabulous days of workshops in Haslett, Michigan. What a great time! Met lots of new wonderful people and had far too much fun teaching the classes "Through the Rabbit Hole" and "The Wall" (a graffiti inspired accordion book) at the "Small but Mighty Art Studio". As usual I forgot to take photos during class, but do have a photo of this beautiful Graffiti style wall to share that is a just a block or so from the studio.

"Under the Sea" - continued

2011-09-12T17:28:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to share a few more spreads from "Under the Sea". I have begun using layers of images that are beginning to give the book a lot of depth.

"Under the Sea" A new tunnel book

2011-09-09T14:14:00.009-04:00

Just a few photos right now of a new journal I am working on.

It's far from done, but I just couldn't wait to share a little.

This is "Under the Sea", part tunnel book with a strong SteamPunk influence. I am just beginning to add adapted illustrations from the original "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea".

I had far too much fun adding the bottles of "Specimens" from Captain Nemo's vast collection he has on board his underwater vessel.

This past year I have had such a busy teaching schedule that I have had so very little time to indulge in the making of many new journals. Next year I have decided to really cut back on the workshops so that I have more time to play.

In the meantime, I have only 3 more teaching engagements scheduled for the rest of this year. There is still time to sign up. Hope to see you there!

September 17th and 18th, 2011 - Small but Mighty Arts Studio - "Through the Rabbit Hole" and "The Wall" - Haslett, Michigan

Sept 27 - Oct 3, 2011 - Art and Soul - "Over the Edge", "Through the Rabbit Hole" and "An Octopus's Garden" - Portland, Oregon

October 26-30, 2011 - JournalFest - "Into the Crypt" and "The Ambrosia Journals" - Port Townsend, Washington

A most curious sighting

2011-08-30T08:19:00.005-04:00

On our way up north (in a rather remote area of Michigan) we saw this most curious billboard. I have no idea what it means ... but, I'll admit ... I do rather like it.

Zentangle ATCs

2011-08-17T13:22:00.004-04:00

I meet (when I can) with a small ATC group once a month that usually has a fun little project we all can work on during the meeting. Last week Diana Hirsch supplied us with the official Zentangle "tiles" including a pen and demonstrated several patterns of Zentangle. I love that they are exactly ATC size. Apparently there are 109 official basic patterns, each with their own name. Seems to be more to it than just mere doodling ... who knew?

"Art and Soul" Las Vegas

2011-08-16T09:43:00.004-04:00

Registration for "Art and Soul" in Las Vegas, June 14th-18th 2012 has now begun! It will be held at the beautiful Green Valley Ranch Resort.

I will be teaching the workshops "An Instruction Guide for Going Over the Edge" and "Through the Rabbit Hole". Hope you'll join us!

Update on classes in Haslett, Michigan

2011-08-12T11:44:00.007-04:00

We have just added another class to the "Small but Mighty Arts" class offerings! "The Wall" is a graffiti inspired accordion book that will be on Sunday, September 18th, 2011. This is the first time this workshop has been offered anywhere (Scroll down to see earlier blog entries about this book with more photos). Registration is now up on the "Small but Mighty Arts" website.

"Through the Rabbit Hole" (An Alice inspired tunnel book) is also up for registration for Saturday, September 17th. Questions? email me or Kip. Hope you'll join us for one or both workshops!

"Bibelebonse Mensen" Journal page

2011-08-01T11:12:00.005-04:00

I was attempting to clear off my work space when I ran into a bunch of left over bits and pieces from previous projects. This is a journal spread that developed from it.

Months ago I printed up the words from an old Dutch nursery rhyme "The Bibelebonse Mensen". I remember it well, even though I was very little when my Father would bounce me up and down on his knee and recite it to me. He did it with my children as well.

It's actually a somewhat silly nonsense rhyme, yet I find it very haunting.

The photos of the little girl were taken by my Father while we were out on a Sunday walk in Holland. Geez ... I was a cute little kid ... if I may say so myself.

A place of quiet solitude

2011-07-20T15:10:00.005-04:00

I just realised that I have never shared any photos of one of my favorite places in the world. Fortunately, it happens to be right out my back door.

During the scorching heat this summer has brought, this is an oasis of welcome shade.

Years ago when we bought this house it had a 10' X 12' cracked and heaved slab of cement for a back patio. This started as a summer project by my husband (with design assistance from my Father) and has been built upon over the years.

We spend a lot of time out here in the evenings. So quiet and peaceful.

Close by is the play house, swing set and sandbox that was built for our younger daughter, which is now a "Fort" for the grandson.

And of course, my faithful companion, the family dog, Odyssey.

Just a random journal page ...

2011-07-17T13:02:00.007-04:00

Before cleaning off my work area this morning, I decided to make a journal page using all the scraps, left overs and supplies from the last couple of projects I have been working on.

This was done in my "Extraordinary Life" journal. The rest of that journal can be seen here.

Al-pha-bet-i-ca

2011-07-14T13:08:00.003-04:00

I have been involved in a round robin with the Honolulu Book Arts group for quite awhile. I am terribly behind, but do what I can, when I can. The assigned theme for this one was Al-pha-bet-i-ca (a la Lynne Perrella). I am not so sure I captured her style, but I did have a lot of fun doing it. This is done on top of old dictionary pages (with words that begin with the letter "S") that I was provided. I mounted them to box-board and then did an image transfer of Henrietta Marie, Queen of England, 1638, by Sir Anthony Van Dyck.

"JournalFest 2011" Woodlands Journal

2011-07-13T12:48:00.008-04:00

This year JournalFest will be October 26th - the 30th 2011. This will be my 3rd year teaching there and I am looking forward to it more than ever. I will be offering the workshops "Into the Crypt" and "The Ambrosia Journals".

New this year, there will be an informal gallery set up for themed journals that are either for sale or for show. My contribution to share will be an event journal. I did one for JournalFest 2009 (as seen here) to house all the goodies I gathered while there and it is one of my favorite journals so far.

I have a start on this one and so far it includes my comfirmation package, other paperwork, paper and button treats pertaining to this years theme of "Woodlands".

With deer being so abundant there, it's only fitting that their presence be in the promotion material and the journals.

My journal is still in the very beginning stages, but I wanted to share it so far. It is actually made of an old repurposed computer instructional manual. These metal ring binders lend themselves very well to this type of journal. I have cut down the width and the existing tabbed folders. The binder itself, I have stripped off the vinyl covering, beefed up the warped front cover (by sewing a piece of 1/4" plywood to the existing cover with vintage ribbon) and have collaged it with various papers.

This is a photo of the back of the journal as it is right now. I plan to stencil a tree with bare branches over the dotted paper. The journal is 8" X 10" and 2.5" thick.

"Through the Rabbit Hole" Workshop in Michigan!

2011-07-11T10:12:00.011-04:00

I am happy to announce that I will be teaching "Through the Rabbit Hole" an Alice inspired tunnel book at a new venue in Hastlett (just outside of Lansing), Michigan on September 17th 2011!

Workshop description-
You’ll delight in this journey into the realm of Alice that takes us through the Rabbit-Hole in tunnel book format. This sturdy book with wooden covers and boxboard pages is sure to hold up to the riggers of many adventurous journeys. All color imagery to complete the book will be provided. An on-line tutorial is available to prepare pages prior to class, so that precious class time doesn’t need to be spent on a lot of prep work.

Hope you'll join us at "Small but Mighty Art Studio". Registration will begin soon.

"The Wall" a graffiti inspired accordion journal

2011-07-08T18:41:00.007-04:00

I have finally finished up this fun accordion style journal. This is the first time I have made a book in this format, but plan to do many more. I had strayed away from accordion books in the past feeling they would be too limiting. I have learned otherwise by working on this one.

I love the way this journal flows from page to page and from front to back. This "wall" is so well suited for a graffiti style book for journaling in.

Closed, this journal measures 6" X 12" and opened up it's 4 feet across, times 2 (front and back) ... that's 8 feet of journaling goodness all together! This is a new Workshop I will be offering for 2012.

"The Wall"

2011-07-03T10:18:00.005-04:00

I am just finishing up this journal for a new Workshop. This is a graffiti inspired accordion style journal I have had in the works for quite awhile now and I am very pleased with the results. I have to admit I am very excited about this one and just couldn't wait to share a few sneak peek photos before finalizing everything. More photos and info to follow soon!

ATC Card Holders

2011-06-23T10:07:00.002-04:00

I belong to a small Artist Trading Cards group that meets monthly. Usually there is a small project planned. This month Norma Johnson brought supplies for us to make these wonderful little ATC boxes. I added a bit of decorative tape to mine after coming home. Lots of fun!

The Mock Turtle

2011-06-22T06:28:00.003-04:00

This is a tip in for a Round Robin that I am terribly behind in. The theme for this one was turtles. I struggled with the theme for several days and ended up coming up with this. The image transfer I used is an illustration by Tenniel of the Mock Turtle from "Alice in Wonderland".

"Small but Mighty" journal page

2011-06-19T09:38:00.003-04:00

This is a journal page that I begun at "The Small but Mighty Arts" studio where a MIABA meeting was held yesterday. I finished it off last night and rather like the subtle yet slightly creepy look. We talked about how nicely stenciled letters can be altered to give them a very unique and individual look, so I might be doing that. As usual I will set it aside for a few days and then come back to it and then decide at that point if I will do something else with the lettering.

Deadlines

2011-06-08T16:05:00.002-04:00

In between appointments, making appointments and phones calls to and from the insurance company, I decided to spend a little time journaling and finish up a page I started awhile back in my tall journal. I am hoping things will settle down a little soon and I can get back to working on my newest journal "The Wall". I don't think I have shared any photos of it as of yet. But, right now I am pretty content to just sit back, do not much of anything and know everyone is pretty much alright for now.

Seriously ?!

2011-06-06T23:39:00.007-04:00

This past weekend, 5:00 pm ... my 17 year old daughter was a front seat passenger in this car. She is still not recovered from a car accident from when she was rear ended in February. That car was totaled also. (I mention the car was totalled, not for the loss of the car .... it can easily be replaced .... but to point out how serious these accidents were.)

How she even lived through this crash is mind boggling. Grant it she is really banged up, cut up, bruised and will no doubt be seeing a variety of specialists for months to come, it is a wonder she came away from this with no broken bones or major injuries.

This past Sunday 5:00 pm, 3 blocks from Saturdays accident, both my daughters and 1 year old grandchild were stopped at a traffic light and got rear ended and slammed into the car in front of them.

This car is also totalled (... less then 2,000 miles on it). Baby just suffered a belt burn on his shoulder and bit his tongue, 17 year spent the evening in 2 different hospitals, but again suffered only bumps and bruises on top of the ones she already had, other daughter ended up with stitches in her lip, a loose tooth and a very sore neck and back. Still, they were all very lucky, it could have been so much worse.

And to answer those many kind, concerned and thoughtful emails I have been getting over the past few months, asking if something has been up due to my lack of posting and not answering emails in a timely manner ... this past weekend is pretty typical of how our lives have been going over the past months. How we manage to get through one train wreck after another is a wonder, but we do. I'm thinking it's enough now and I am ready to have life get back to normal !

Workshops in Michigan!

2011-06-01T09:06:00.005-04:00

For quite awhile now I have been searching out the perfect venue for teaching Workshops here in Michigan and I think I have found it! There is a new studio, "Small But Mighty Arts" in Haslett, just outside of Lansing, Michigan. The studio space is in a small old white church with small town charm and enough room to easily handle a 20 student workshop.

The owner, Kip Kozlowski and I have been in communication working out details and I have to admit I am pretty excited about it all. So, I really could use some feed back ... Please email me or leave a comment here about what kind of workshops would interest you!

Vitruvian Man

2011-05-30T20:44:00.010-04:00

Today I did this spread in my "Tall Journal" that I started awhile back. I actually cut the stencil out of the Vitruvian Man for another project I am working on but decided to test it out in this journal first.

It's rather hard to tell, but I used a black glaze pen that gave the text written on the black background a raised somewhat shiny finish. It's difficult to capture in a photograph, but it adds a very nice yet subtle effect to the pages. Below is a photo of the pages with just the background before I started stenciling and writing on them.

Workshops at "Whispering Woodlands"

2011-05-11T18:10:00.009-04:00

Next weekend I'll be going out to Whispering Woodlands in Verona, Wisconsin. I have to admit I have been looking forward to this trip for a very long time. It is one of my favorite retreats, small class sizes, beautiful surroundings and such a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

I'll be teaching "Over the Edge" as a two day workshop on Friday May 20th and Saturday May 21st. This will give us the opportunity to really explore a lot of different page shapes and edges.

Below is a photo of "The Ambrosia Journals" that will be offered as a fast paced one day Workshop on Thursday May 10th.

On Sunday May 22nd will be "The Twirly Swirly Journals". There are still a few spots available for "Over the Edge" and "The Ambrosia Journals" and registrations are still being accepted. Hope you'll join us!

"Adventures in Mixed Media"

2011-05-10T18:39:00.003-04:00

It's finally out! Jane Davies newest book "Adventures in Mixed Media" was well worth the wait. I just got it and am loving each and every page!

I feel very honored to have two of my mixed media dolls "Fly" and "Time" appear in this book.

I hope to be offering Workshops with Mixed Media figures similar to these in the near future. Too many ideas, too little time to get it all together!

Mail Art

2011-05-07T07:38:00.005-04:00

It's been such a crazy busy time! No complaints really, I have been having the time of my life with workshops, preparing for them and getting together proposals for new classes. Unfortunately, it leaves very little time for actually working in my books. In the mean time, I have had to get off some collage sheets that were ordered from one of my classes. I went to 2 office supply stores that didn't have the cardboard mailers I wanted, so I decided to make them out of file folders. Of course I couldn't leave them "as is" and had a blast reworking them with supplies left on my work table from a project I am working on .... So much fun!

The Ambrosia Journals

2011-04-22T12:40:00.009-04:00

I am in the middle of getting ready for 7 upcoming workshops and building 125 kits for "The Ambrosia Journals". Phew, what a lot of work! I was surprised at how long it took to cut down the sheets of Davey board (all EXACTLY the same size) and package them up. Now I am cutting down waxed book binding linen to size, (in assorted colors of course) and packaging that.

After I come back from "Art and Soul" in Hampton, Virgina (all my classes are sold out), I will be off to a private Workshop in Grand Rapids and then a few days after, off to "Whispering Woodlands" in beautiful Verona, Wisconsin. I'll be teaching "Over the Edge", The Twirly Swirly Journals" and "The Ambrosia Journals" there. "The Ambrosia Journals" were selected by "Cloth Paper Scissors" as one of the five finalists for the "Artisan of the Year 2011" award. They can be seen in the February 2011 issue of "Cloth, Paper, Scissors".

"Before I die..."

2011-04-18T21:45:00.003-04:00

Just had to take a moment to share this bit of Graffiti. Go here to see and read about it.

"Earth Rhythms"

2011-04-02T08:31:00.005-04:00

This is another contribution for the Hawaiian Round Round I am participating in. I think I am now all caught up on that ... hopefully I can get it there in time for the deadline. The assigned theme for this spread is "Earth Rhythms". The pages I was sent to work with are from a book titled "Murmurs of Earth ". The earth and seismograph imagery are photo transfers.

Playing "Catch-up"

2011-03-31T12:30:00.008-04:00

I am involved in a monthly Round Robin based out of Hawaii. I worked ahead as I knew I would be getting busy, problem is I was not as far ahead as I thought. Now I am busy playing "catch-up". It is so unlike me to be late on these things, but it happened.

The theme of this particular page was "Three Wishes and the Magic Lamp". I have a plastic lamp trinket I wanted to dangle from the page, but was having issues with it being made of plastic. So, I'll just send it along with this page and perhaps it could be used as a bauble on the spine of the book or something.

I haven't done this type of embellishment in quite awhile and thought I would include a few detail shots.

As this page will be attached to a pre-existing page in a book, the back doesn't really matter, yet I wanted to share it, as I think it's rather interesting to see how the ribbon, buttons and beads were sewn on.

Just experimenting ...

2011-03-30T18:34:00.004-04:00

I've just been spending a bit of time messing around in my tall journal (7" X 14"). I am really enjoying it's "tallness". The pages are of course made of the usual boxboard that I have become so fond of, so it stands very nicely.

I am also experimenting a lot with silhouette stencils and stamps that I have been making. This journal is still in the early stages and you can see more it it here. I continue to be greatly influenced after having seen the documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop". I have just learned that there are apparently a few Banksy works in downtown Detroit. That I will have to check into.

These are a few pages I have just begun, not sure what direction they will end of taking yet, but thought I would share them anyways.

Julie Nutting - Workshop

2011-03-23T10:38:00.002-04:00

I am slowly unpacking things from my recent trips to Key Largo, Florida and Charlevoix, Michigan. I probably will be posting random images from both trips and what is currently going on, in no particular order ... and why not ... keeps life interesting, I figure. The image above shows a collage I made in Key Largo under the direction of Julie Nutting. She was most generous to share her techniques with all of us there. While mine is a simplified version of her beautiful work, I am non-the-less quite pleased with it. Julie has a book coming out soon called "Collage Couture", I am really looking forward to getting it!

Charlevoix, Michigan

2011-03-22T06:47:00.005-04:00

I spent a few days up north in Charlevoix, Michigan for a two day Workshop "Over the Edge".

It is still very much Winter there as compared to us heading into Spring. I was surprised that a mere 5 hour drive north would still be so much colder than the Ann Arbor area.

Such a sharp contrast to being on the beach in Key Largo, Florida not even 2 weeks ago!

I have never been to Charlevoix, but have heard it was a beautiful town, and that it is! It is up there on the top of the list of places to move to. I am sharing just a few of the photos I have right now.

"For the Love of Letters"

2011-03-17T10:21:00.004-04:00

I want to share an article that was in "The Graphic", a Northwestern Michigan publication (Photo enlarges), even though I am still reeling from Key Largo. I still have photos to share, but that will have to wait. Tomorrow I head up to "The Jordan River Arts Council" to see the show "For the Love of Letters" (which has one of my pieces in it) and to teach a two day workshop "Over the Edge" (still a few spots available). Can't wait!

Waking up in Key Largo

2011-03-16T07:54:00.003-04:00

Sunrise from the beach house in Key Largo, Florida.

When I opened my eyes in the morning this is what I saw, the balcony overlooking the ocean.

This is the beach house that I stayed at while in Key Largo. Below are all views from the beach house.

Yes, it was beyond wonderful!

Key Largo - Workshop

2011-03-15T09:01:00.007-04:00

Most of the time I forget to take photos at Workshops, but this time I remembered and even though I don't have that many, I wanted to share a few.

This was a private Workshop organized by Elena of "The Keys for Arts" group in Key Largo, Florida.

We spent 2 days working on our "Over the Edge" Journals.

The quality, diversity and the amount of the work put out by this group was staggering. I wish I had taken photos of finished journal pages.

We spent lots of time perfecting our skills at sewing beads, buttons and ceramic mermaids to the edges of our pages. They turned out beautifully! Unfortunately, no photos of that for some reason.

We used lots and lots of stencils and patterns to create wonderfully unique pages.

A great time was had by all ... including me, I had FAR too much fun! What a great group!

Home again

2011-03-12T08:07:00.003-05:00

What happens in Key Largo stays in Key Largo....

JournalFest 2011

2011-03-06T15:39:00.004-05:00

Registration has just gone live! Click here to register.

A Rather Nasty Troll

2011-03-02T11:01:00.003-05:00

I'm only sharing a part of this journal page. I try to keep my journaling positive, but once in awhile I admit to ranting in my journals. It's an amazing release of negative energy. So rather than share my rant I will just share this rather nasty looking troll as I rather like how it turned out. I am trying to brush on on my long neglected drawing skills by incorporating more drawing into my journaling lately.

"Over the Edge" Volume #2

2011-02-26T16:07:00.009-05:00

My "Over the Edge" Journal is packed full and I still have so many ideas that I have begun a new one. Same size and the same Chep Board Binder format as the previous one.

I have just barely begun to collage the outside (and inside) of the binder cover, but so far it's pretty much yellow and orange. This of course could and probably will change as I continue to work on it. I love this stage of a new journal as it starts to develop and seems to take on a life of it's own. I have no idea where it's headed (but have lots of basic ideas) and that makes it such an adventure. It will be a work in progress for quite some time. As in most of my other journals, I am using boxboard for my pages.

Below is shown a new type of elastic book closure I have come up with and it has been modified further since.

This is a very popular Workshop and admittedly one of my favorites. I will be teaching "An Instructional Guide for Going Over the Edge" as follows. As there is so much material to cover, several of these will be two day Workshops.-

- March 9-10, 2011 - "Keys 4 Art" Private Workshop - Key Largo, Florida Private Workshop - Full

- March 19-20, 2011 - Jordan River Arts Council , in conjunction with the show "For the Love of Letters"- Jordan River, Michigan Still space available

- April 28th - May 2nd, 2011 - Art and Soul - Hampton, Virginia Class is full

- May 19, 20, 21, 22 2011 Whispering Woodlands - Verona, Wisconsin Space available

- Sept 27 - Oct 3, 2011 - Art and Soul - Portland, Oregon Space available

Comfort Zone

2011-02-22T08:50:00.003-05:00

I really love vintage antique lace (I do, after all have "gallons" of it ... but that's a whole other story altogether), old dolls and imagery of old dolls, I just have a very hard time incorporating it into my work. Below I am showing two photos of a spread I began using some old vintage lace paper and a few copies of old paper dolls. Wonderful stuff really, but this is as far as I could get.

I left these pages in full view for days and days, hoping something would come to me as to what I should do with them. It took everything I had to stop myself from covering it all up with Gesso and starting over. Nothing ever came to me, so I finally decided just to do something, anything.

The two photos below show what I finally came up with. While they are still not among my favorite pages by far, I think all in all they are okay. It was interesting to see how I handled working out of my usual Comfort Zone and I am glad I pushed myself to do it.

It would be very interested to see how other people would handle the same elements, especially someone that works regularly with vintage imagery.

This spread is in my "Over the Edge - Volume #2" Journal.

"Art and Soul Retreat" Portland Oregon, a Blog Hop

2011-02-21T07:12:00.020-05:00

I'll be teaching at Art and Soul in Portland Oregon this Fall. The retreat is from September 28 thru October 3rd 2011. You can register here.

One of the classes I'll be teaching is "Over the Edge" where we’ll work on getting those pages to "pop" (no one likes dull flat pages) and make the edges of those pages sizzle (gilding on steroids). This class will help us break away from the traditional rectangular shaped page. We’ll explore ways of developing and making other shapes for pages giving our books more dimension and interest. The importance of the often neglected edges of pages will also be emphasized and worked with. Ingrid’s book "An Instructional Guide for Going Over the Edge" will be available for viewing many examples. It displays a plethora of possibilities using materials we all probably already have on hand.

You’ll delight in this journey into the realm of Alice that takes us through the Rabbit-Hole in tunnel book format. This sturdy book with wooden covers and boxboard pages is sure to hold up to the riggers of many adventurous journeys.

All imagery to complete the book will be provided. An on-line tutorial is available to prepare pages prior to class, so that precious class time doesn’t need to be spent on a lot of prep work.

This class will focus on SteamPunk imagery and elements that can be easily incorporated into our journals for uniquely different and often quirky results. Sometimes outright strange effects develop that we are sure to revel in. Of course we’ll include our favorite SteamPunk creature, the Octopus (just because we like them). Ingrid’s book "An Octopus’s Garden" will be available for viewing with examples of how to add a unique feel to our journals with just our regular journaling supplies, SteamPunk influenced and Octopus imagery, items we probably already have on hand and discarded box board.

Below I have included some of the other wildly talented instructors including a link to their blog or website, just click on their name. Please check them out, you will not be disappointed! Hope to see you in Portland this Fall!

Karen O’Brien
Glenny Moir

Jane Davies

Reduction Printing

2011-02-15T11:37:00.005-05:00

Last week at the monthly meeting with the art group I belong to, we experimented with reduction printing (thanks to Leann Meixner). We used soft blocks (used for eraser carving) to carve our printing designs. In this case we first carved a little of the design and printed yellow. Carved a bit more and then printed blue. Once again more was carved and it was printed in metallic gold. We printed on a few different papers for a variety of looks. I'm sure the more you do this kind of printing the more you would be able to plan your design and colors and have more predictable results, but I rather enjoy being a novice and being surprised each step of the way. It's been many years since I have done this kind of printing and I certainly enjoyed revisiting this technique. I haven't tried it yet, but I am thinking this block would now make a great rubber stamp as it is.

A New Journal

2011-02-13T13:59:00.012-05:00

I have been wanting to make a tall journal for quite awhile now and last night I made some time to make it.

This spread was inspired by a documentary I have become obsessed with, "Exit through the Gift Shop". A quirky and wonderful documentary by Banksy, a Graffiti Artist from England.

The above photo shows the cover of the journal as it stands right now. The cover has been constructed of Illustration Board and 1/4" plywood, which eventually will be covered with collage. The pages are made of box board. I like a good sturdy journal to work in. Not including the spiral binding the journal is 7" X 14".

It's been awhile since I have done a GPP Challenge and have to admit I have missed doing them. When I saw this one I just had to participate, the timing was perfect. Click here to go to the Challenge page.

Waiting....

2011-02-11T09:28:00.004-05:00

It's only been a month since I first came up with the idea of making Alien and Skeleton dolls. To get to this point has to be a speed record for me, but then again this is pretty much all I have focused on in the past month. I am still waiting for parts to dry before I finish loading the kiln. I hope to fire in a few days, but then this project will be put on hold for awhile. After firing the next step will be to make patterns for the cloth bodies. While I can't continue on these dolls right now, there will at least be parts available to work with when time allows.

Alien and Skeleton dolls

2011-02-08T16:10:00.003-05:00

Lots of molds have been made and are somewhat dry now. Thank goodness it's winter and I can stand them on the heating vents to hasten the drying process! I am now starting to pour parts, then the pouring spouts and seams will be removed. As the parts dry I will refine them further and once dry they will go into the kiln. I'll start making the body and clothing patterns after the firing process as the final parts will shrink considerably from the original sculpted pieces. I believe the dolls will end up being the size of a standard fashion doll of about 15". The Aliens and Skeletons will have the same bodies aside from the Aliens having longer arms.

I am giving serious consideration to making these dolls (choice of Alien or Skeleton doll) available as an online class. Clay parts and paper patterns would be mailed and a password given to view online videos. Sound like something that would interest you? I'd love to hear some feed back!

Alien Update

2011-01-30T12:50:00.006-05:00

About 2 weeks ago I came up with an idea for an Alien and a Skeleton doll. At that time I started to sculpt the original pieces out of clay and then made master plaster molds of them. Now that the molds are dry I am able to cast them in slip (liquid clay), make a few changes, refine them and production molds can be made from those pieces. I'll make many so that I can pour lots of pieces without having to wait for the molds to dry before I can start casting again. After pouring the production molds, waiting for the clay to set up, removing the parts from the molds, seams and pouring spouts can be removed and a final smoothing and refining of the parts is done. I'll have to wait for those parts to dry and then the parts will be put in a kiln and fired. Only after all that can I start actually working on the doll body. Phew, Makes me tired just thinking about all the steps!

This is how I have always made dolls, it's a very labor and time intensive method of working. From concept to completion it takes months for me to complete the first doll. I have chosen to work in this medium for doll making as it is a time tested, stable medium ... I like that.

Fore-edge painting on books

2011-01-28T09:25:00.009-05:00

Just wanted to share this -

Beginning in the 16th century "fore-edge painting" on books was introduced. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, fore-edge painting reached its height in England. This is how a fore-edge painting works. When the book is closed, you do not see the image because the gilding hides the painting. But, when you fan the pages to show the painting at its best and hold them between your fingers or in a display press, the colorful picture appears as if by magic. Info found at the Boston Public Library. Here are a couple of You-tube videos to demonstrate -

You have to admit, that is pretty wonderful!

"Written in Stone"

2011-01-24T08:12:00.010-05:00

This is a small sneak peek of a piece called "Written in Stone". I can't show more than that at this time as it is being considered for publication. Right now it's also being prepared to be shipped off to the "Jordan River Arts Council" as it has been accepted for the show "For the Love of Letters". HOWEVER, what I REALLY wanted to share was the shipping crate I constructed for it.

I have always loved "Constructing" in one form or another and took several courses dealing with packaging in College (which have benefited me throughout my life). Above is a photo looking into the opened box from the top. Instructions will be included as to how to unpack the piece.

And of course my OCD nature compelled me to somewhat decorate the box. The size of the crate is 24" X 34" X 11".

The exhibit "For the Love of Letters" at "The Jordan River Arts Council" will run from February 13 - March 25, 2011.

I will also be teaching a 2 day Workshop "Over the Edge" on March 19 - 20 at the Arts Council . This is the only public Workshop I have scheduled this year in Michigan ... hope to see you there!

My Favorite Obsession

2011-01-23T00:15:00.007-05:00

My favorite obsession is shown on the "Collectors Edition : Chapter 4" of "The Altered Page" . Make sure to check out the Seth Apter's website ... lots of really great things to see!

JournalFest 2011

2011-01-21T04:49:00.005-05:00

I have to admit I was pretty excited to have been invited back for JournalFest 2011 and I just learned that my 2 proposals "Into the Crypt" and "The Ambrosia Journals" have been accepted! This year the dates are October 26th thru the 30th and of course it will be held at the beautiful Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington. Plans are that the whole line up for JournalFest will go live at TeeshaMoore.com on March 4th and registration will begin. Hope to see you there!

Just a few new journal pages

2011-01-20T05:52:00.004-05:00

This is a spread done in "My Extraordinary Life" journal. While I really enjoy the size and shape of this journal, I am having trouble with the terrible paper in it. I have a Zutter hole puncher and thought I could make some new pages for it, but unfortunately, the hole sizes are different. The next time I work in this journal I will trim the page back to about 1/2" from the holes and "tip-in" a new page made of better paper. I have no idea why I didn't think to do that earlier!

Remember Beanie Babies?

2011-01-19T12:49:00.004-05:00

Remember the craze .... people paying rediculous amounts of money for them on EBay? Bet you can get the same ones on EBay for about $1.99 now ... or 10 cents at a garage sale. With having 2 kids in the house at that time we of course had millions of them (although we never paid more than retail).

Now that the kids are somewhat grown (27 and 16), they don't have much interest in them anymore. It's time to get rid of them and the "Beanie Baby Ark" I made years ago to keep them neatly contained (besides, I want to convert this room to an office for me). I thought it would be fun to at least have a few photos of it. The size is 48" wide, 50" tall, 6" deep and is constructed of 1/4" plywood.

Alien Dolls

2011-01-14T09:22:00.003-05:00

I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later .... Twenty plus years of doll making just doesn't go away. I'm thinking (if time permits) I might make a slight temporary detour from Art Journaling to make some Alien Dolls ... and/or skeleton dolls. Who knows, if there is interest, it might lead into a Workshop ....

"Numbers" ATCs

2011-01-12T13:34:00.005-05:00

"Numbers" Artist Trading Cards for tonight's monthly ATC group meeting ... and of course they are Lime Green.

Alien Journal pages

2011-01-10T09:26:00.003-05:00

This spread is done in my "Extraordinary Life" Journal. I am still on this lime green kick, just can't get enough of this color lately. I'm also still working with my Alien imagery (far too much fun!) and what better way to enjoy both of them, but to combine them in a journal spread?
Now that the New Year is well under way I have been reviewing my Workshop schedule and realise I will be extremely busy (It can be seen on the right hand side bar of this blog). These are only the confirmed Workshops as of now, there are still several others in the works. I am terribly excited about all these Workshops, but also realise that organizations skills are going to be paramount in preventing myself from getting overwhelmed. I pretty much have all my ducks in a row for the actual Workshops, but have a few loose ends, such as updating my website with class prep tutorials and such. It's going to be a very busy, but wonderful year indeed!

Art Unraveled 2011 - Phoenix, Arizona

2011-01-10T05:46:00.012-05:00

"Coloring Outsides the Lines"

Art Unraveled in Phoenix Arizona August 1- 9, 2011

Registration begins today!

I'll be offering the Workshops-
Through the Rabbit Hole - Friday
An Octopus' Garden - Sunday

"Art and Soul" Portland, Oregon

2011-01-07T21:47:00.011-05:00

Registration for "Art and Soul" Portland, Oregon goes live on January 10th, 2011. Registration begins March 1st or maybe sooner. This years theme is "In the Garden with Art and Soul". Retreat dates are September 27 - October 3, 2011.

I'll be teaching the following classes -

"Through the Rabbit Hole"

"An Octopus's Garden"

"Over the Edge"

The Butterfly Effect

2011-01-07T19:06:00.006-05:00

My contribution to the project "The Butterfly Effect" .

Just having some fun

2011-01-07T11:27:00.005-05:00

Just having a bit of fun playing with new blog headers. Loving this lime green color lately!

"My Extraordinary Life" Journal

2011-01-05T09:59:00.005-05:00

Just another Journal entry in my everyday Journal "My Extraordinary Life" that I wanted to share. Hoping your life is also Extraordinary!

Best song ever

2011-01-05T06:06:00.002-05:00

Artisan of the Year - Finalist

2011-01-04T17:37:00.008-05:00

This is the latest issue (January/February 2011) of Cloth, Paper, Scissors. I am honored to have been selected as one of the Artisan of the Year Finalists. The winner in the Art Journal/Book Making category was Thomas Ashman, well deserved as his work is outstanding. The other 3 finalists in this category were Gina Moore, David Hayes and Kathryn Antyr, who all do amazing work and I would like to extend my congratulations to them all!

A New Year

2011-01-03T10:08:00.004-05:00

Just taking a little time out to do a little journaling this morning. This is done in "My Extraordinary Life" Journal. I don't work often in this journal as it has awful paper in it, but I love the size of it, which is 10" X 10" ... seems just the perfect size. You can see more photos of this journal here.

Little Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth

2010-12-24T18:20:00.001-05:00

"The Butterfly Effect"

2010-12-24T07:33:00.008-05:00

My contribution to "The Butterfly Effect" project.

The size is 9.75" X 7 " (including the antenna).

Art Unraveled 2011 - Phoenix, Arizona

2010-12-14T18:20:00.010-05:00

It's official! I'll be teaching at "Art Unraveled" in Phoenix, Arizona August 2011. The classes will be "Through the Rabbit Hole" on Friday August 5th and "An Octopus's Garden" Sunday August 7th. Yep .... I'm pretty excited!