Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Commit...

I've been wanting to start a new art journal for some time now. I've done several over the years in fits and spurts. Not finishing any of them, but enjoy the process of beginning one and all the expectations that one has. Maybe that's the problem right there, I have too many expectations for my art journal, other than to just PLAY and experiment and have fun with it! Needless to say I've begun a new one and appropriately called it Artsy Mama. I hope to have it kind of like my blog, but in tangible, touchy feely form. Something I can get my hands dirty with and feel the textures of. I was super inspired by the journals of Roben-Marie Smith in the latest issue of Somerset Studios magazine. Loved her article too on fearless creating.So I began my cover. I used a picture of a carousel in a children's playground in Paris. I thought it was fitting, whimsy, quirky with a bit of a retro vibe to it.
Here's where the commitment comes in. Emily is going to be posting an art journal prompt each week on her blog and her first word is COMMIT. Showing up is half the battle! Another commitment I'd like to make that will probably prove to be very difficult, but hopefully will stretch me to try new things is to not buy any *new* art products this year (except adhesive). I can still go to my beloved estate sales or art scrap stores, but no more shiny new scrapbook paper or embellishments for me. I've been binging on scrapbook paper lately. The new line of Basic Grey two scoops paper. The gorgeous pads of K&Co. that are on clearance at Michael's. After reading an article in the local paper yesterday on the Compact, it really got me thinking. This is a pledge to go a year without buying anything new! Wow, that's pretty bold. I'm ready to take a smaller step with my art supplies. Wish me luck!
Here's just a playful page playing around with some paint techniques I've been learning in Emily's online class Got Paint? The picture is of me at Silver Bella in my bliss. The gorgeous postcard is by Heather Bullard of PresentPast. It was so much fun to paint on, sand off and stamp stars over.
One thing I love about keeping an art journal is using up some of the gorgeous little homemade tags and other goodies that I get in the mail. This wonderful sewn tag was a little thank you from Lilia for an order from her etsy shop. I love to highlight these bits of delight in my journals to truly appreciate them.
Best of all, Chloe gave her stamp of approval of my new endeavor:)

21 comments:

Lorrie said...

Your journal is beautiful. I like the contrast of the carousel picture on the cover against the pretty papers.

Committing to not purchasing any new paper supplies for the year is a big one. I am trying to work from my stash of craft supplies this year - but I don't know that I'm willing to commit 100% to that. Kudos to you!

Lilli in Vancouver said...

Wow, so that's a big goal! I've done that before (not buying new supplies) and it's amazing how it changes your perspective. I thought of it as "shopping in my own supplies". I found that it really fostered my creativity (not that you have any problems in that area)!

Roxie Morrow said...

What a great idea, starting an art journal. I definitely have enough paper for that too. So the K&Co. pads are on sale at Michael's you say? I see a shopping trip in my near future. I seriously cannot get enough paper. Thanks for the inspiration today.

Flea Market Queen said...

I love your journal...
What a wonderful committment you are making...Good for you!
Priscilla

Heather Simpson-Bluhm said...

I am liking the beginning of your new journal. It will be fun to see what other things you try in it. I have been trying to not buy anything NEW as far as art supplies go too. My studio is busting at the seams and I a, enjoying uncovering treasures I had forgotten about. Good luck with your goal!

Anonymous said...

I love it Kari! I so want to start an art journal this year also! And good luck on not buying any supplies.....I don't even try to promise myself that anymore!

Fete et Fleur said...

The journal is beautiful! I need to do this. I think it would spark my imagination to journal in this way.

Nancy

Unknown said...

I love the papers and vintage look! I need to make something like this. Thanks for the inspiration!Your daughter is adorable! xoxoSandy

Anonymous said...

So beautiful!

Alison Gibbs said...

What a wonderful idea your journal is. It is so hard to actually "commit" to something like this. Goodluck with it.
Alison

Lu said...

lovely! This is wonderful.

Suzanne said...

Your journal is so beautiful! Very inspiring!

Anonymous said...

What an ambitious project! Art journals are so much fun. I don't think I've completed one yet. But you do sound wistful when you mention shopping? I think it's great though. Maybe you'll discover long lost treatsures!

Lesley said...

I should jump on the bandwagon also...the one about not buying anything new...atleast scrapbook wise....my studio is so cluttered already.

I am taking Emily's paint class as well. how fun!!

susan w said...

I did this for one month in 2006; then I read an article about The Compact http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/
last January and began with a commitment to not buy new "stuff" and trying to follow their guidelines. It was somewhat successful (for a while) but then Hobby Lobby got in most of the new Distress Inks colors and had a 50% off ink pads week, then I learned about stencils... I am still aware of the idea. But it's a lot like being passed a bowl full of M&Ms and taking only one.. Good for you!!

Sophie said...

I'm with you on the "no new material" part. Have you seen The Story of Stuff? http://www.storyofstuff.com

I'm also committing to Emily's new challenge (heh) and look forward to the prompts and the pages done by everyone. Your page is really fun. I like it.

Cheers,
Sophie

Elizabeth said...

Hi pretty Kari.
Hugs,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

thanks again for directing me to the tutorial on how to put the valentine swap badge on my blog...it was so helpful and made it so easy.

happy journaling...


best
carol

Kimla Kay said...

Love your art journal and the whole idea of using the paper you already have in your stash. I, too, commit to not buying any new paper this year since I think I could circle the moon a few orbits with what I currently have. As that crazy diet lady used to say.."Stop the Madness!" I'm with you in spirit, Kari!!

Christi said...

Wow, wow, WOW! Kari, I am LOVING what you are doing here!! I can't wait to watch it progress! smiles...

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

You have a lovely little helper there for your pretty project!