Simply Artistic Pleasures

Playtime: Recycling a used journal

Marci — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:36:14 +0000

This is an old work journal that I used for my day-to-day list of things to do. I love the size (5.5″ x 8.5″) and the weight of the paper but once it was filled up it just sat in a drawer. Well today I decided to bring it out, gesso the pages and then layer with acrylic and watercolor paint, spray ink and watercolor, commercial and handmade stencils. Just waiting for the pages to dry to start writing and adding some collage.

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Keep it simple!

A New Journal for the New year

Marci — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:54:11 +0000

In December of 2009, I took an on-line class from Mary Ann Moss called Remains of the Day. Since that time, I have been fascinated with the idea of using up all of the paper that I collected over the years. My first ROD journal was filled with writing, photos and ephemera from my everyday life. I decided to begin this new year with another ROD journal.

Below are the beginnings of my pages.

I start by going through my paper box and selecting papers to be cut. This is the box that I keep full size papers in, usually papers that are 12″x12″ or a bit smaller. The papers in this box are usually scrapbook, gift wrap or any heavier paper like cardstock.

My cutting table and scraps.

This is my scrap box for smaller pieces that I have used for other projects or interesting ephemera that I have collected.

I select paper from both boxes and start sewing to create my journal pages to size and then fold them in half to create the pages for the signatures. Below is a stack of sewn pages waiting for more scraps.

If you want to make your own Remains of the Day Journal to celebrate the New Year, click on the button on the right for the on-line class taught by Mary Ann Moss. This class is very inspiring and once you get the concept of creating these journals you will become obsessed with using all of those scraps that you’ve been saving.

Happy New Year!

Keep it simple.

Tagged: 2011, journal, paper, recycled

Faux Leather Journal

Marci — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:00:02 +0000

In the latest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, Sue Bleiweiss published a tutorial on creating a beautiful Faux Leather Journal. After reading through her very well written instructions, I decided to make one.

I used cardstock and scrapbooking papers to create three hand sewn signatures. The journal measures 8.5″ x 5.5″ when closed.

This one is heading to California for a surprise Christmas present.

Keep it simple!

Cloth Weaving with Jude Hill

Marci — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:40:09 +0000

What is cloth weaving? It is recycling of old cloth and weaving it into new cloth. Jude Hill at Spirit Cloth has taken this concept to a new level by creating story quilts using this technique as her design base. I signed up for her Cloth to Cloth on-line workshop and am having a great time learning her techniques. Below are photos of my first few attempts creating the base layer.

This one is made up of different types of muslin. Don’t you just love the frayed edges?

This one was done with numerous cotton odds and ends. Notice the weave within the weave?

Here is my third weaving, the base is a sample piece of Damask upholstery woven with Moda Marbles quilting cotton. Love the richness of the Moda, it almost looks like velvet.

I’m looking forward to her next lesson. Stay tuned.

Keep it simple!

A few eBay listings

Marci — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:22:47 +0000

I’ve decided to go through my art room and start minimizing my stash of stuff. The first group to be minimized are the magazine collections. I’ve created “lots” of art magazines and put them up on eBay with free shipping. Take a look when you get a minute.

Lot #1-Stampington & Co, Quilting Arts Stitch, ISABA

Lot #2-Stampington & Co, Assorted Specialty Issues

Lot #3-Somerset Life and Design Originals Booklets

I will be adding more as time permits.

Still trying to keep it simple!

Easter and Peeps

Marci — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:33:21 +0000

Happy Easter! He is Risen! We had a beautiful Easter morning here at the 45 parallel. The kids enjoyed the egg hunt (first time in years that we did not have rain), Grandma brought over Easter buckets with caramel apples, robin eggs and chocolate covered pretzels. There is way too much chocolate in this house (not to mention the M&M’s from their plastic eggs during the hunt). I love peeps and found a way to enjoy them without eating them. I found the pattern and instructions here on V and Co. Enjoy! I wish you a blessed day.

Tagged: 2010

Spring Cleaning Book Sale

Marci — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:08:39 +0000

Tonight I listed over 30 quilt related books from my personal collection on Amazon. All of these books are in very good condition, most have only been read once and then stored. Click here to see what I have listed and check out my 100% positive rating from previous sales.

Square five

Marci — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:00:19 +0000

Inspired by a stack of hand dyed fabrics that I received in the mail today from Chris at Dyecandy.

Tagged: 2010, embroidery

Square four

Marci — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:00:03 +0000

Inspired by a rose bush just waiting to bloom.

Tagged: 2010, embroidery

Square three

Marci — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:00:21 +0000

Inspired by what arrived in my mailbox today.

Tagged: 2010, embroidery