I was lucky enough to sign up from the Elements of Art Journaling e-course run by Effy Wild of Wild Precious Studios when she ran a one day only 'pay what you can afford' day. There was no way my budget could stretch to the original price, but this was I managed to be able to afford it and I am so pleased I did!!
As the description says 'Join Effy on a six week journey through the elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit! Learn new ways to imbue your pages with deeper meaner by developing your own symbolic language!'. I nowhere near that eloquent lol!!
We're half way through week 2 so I thought I would share what I've done so far.
The first week was orientation and preparing our journals for the full course. I used a large Moleskine Cahier. Effy has made videos for us to watch and PDF's to show us various techniques and how she builds up pages. I took her technique and tore up various scrapbook papers and stuck them onto the journal covers after I'd gesso'd them and coloured them with Inktense pencil.I then stuck 3 pages of the journal together to make a much stronger page to use and gesso'd them. To make the binding on the journal even stronger, Effy suggested tying fibres or ribbon round. I made paper beads out of the same scrapbook paper to use on the ends of the fibres. Carrie has a great tutorial for making these beads here.
I then went on to make my first page which is the back of the front cover of the journal and the first proper page. This practically a copy of what Effy did. I am determined that this will be the only wholesale copy of Effy's page that I'll do. Its to show the relationship between me and the elements.And now we're doing 'Earth Week'. Effy suggested that we focus on our relationship with the Earth and a way to do that is focusing on our bodies as that is what connects us to it. Effy kindly gave us a picture of her from the back to use if we were gonna 'art' along with her and copy the page. I didn't want to do that so I took the image, made a stencil out of it with thick acetate and scraped fibre paste through it. I used Carrie's beautiful stamp of the Tree Nymph on tissue paper on the 'body's' back and Rock Crystal Crackle Paint over it to show my broken body.
This was all over a background of tissue paper, covered by paint, using my fingers to move it around. I LOVE this page!!!
I've also treated myself to some new toe-posts. I just couldn't resist them, especially when they were in the sale!! They are soooo comfy to wear even though they don't look like they will be and so me!And I've finally given in and I'm waiting for my appointment at Wheelchair Services to be measured for my own set of wheels. The pain in my legs is made soo much worse by walking so, although I can and will still be walking, I'll have a wheelchair for when I need it. Its been a tough decision but I've definitely made the right move and I'm content with it :)
5 comments:
Hi Jill, It's lovely to see you back in circulation. Your Art Journal course sounds really interesting. The couple of pages we did for Lou are my only venture into that field, but I can see it could be a great outlet for you to express how you are feeling.
It was a brave step to go for the wheelchair, but it sounds like a sensible one. And you still have the freedom to walk when you can. You seem to be at peace with yourself over it, so keep smiling and keep crafting.
Hugs Kate xx
Oooh, lovely to log in and see these pages today :) I love what you are doing on the course and look forward to seeing more as it progresses.
love the journalling. and what a great idea to "pay what you can afford"... its how all of life should be lol.
loveing the sandles. i thought you had altered them at first. they look like a crafters idea of how shoes should look lol.
the wheelchair... what can I say. Common sense and basic health needs predicted by pain say "well of course you should! Whats to think about?" but whats to think about is having to come to terms with whats been and continues to be lost. the independence the acknowledgement of things that once were no longer being that way and its all such a great loss. Sad and distressing. its no wonder you have to take time to come to terms with it before making a decision like that. All loss and bereavement needs time to work out and your loss is maybe worse as its a long drawn out series of losses.
I am rambling because in my head there is so much to say on the subject but it doesn't need said does it? you live it. well I hope the wheelchair increases independence and ability to get mobile and begins to feel like a gain of mobility rather than a loss of any kind.
oh and PS lol thanks for the continued support of my blog
Z x
Hi Jill,
Your pages are wonderful, can't wait to see the rest as they progress.
Those sandals are lovely, I love toe posts, so comfy. I have so many pairs but none as colourful as yours.
Take care & speak soon.
Jude x
Hi Jill - Thanks for inviting me to your page - I love the journal pages you have created - You are one talented lady - Cannot wait to see more of your work!
~Kristine
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