... and I just knew something was going to happen.
First I made this large cut-out moth in my A4 Journal.
But something was not right, it was too large and neither one thing or another. So I cut out lots of small moths.
As I had decided they were 'paper moths' they needed to be on a paper background. I felt these small versions looked much better.Another ideas that has been going around my head is to make some Lotus Flower books which I had first seen on Heloise blog. It was for these that I had coloured the paper, but I hadn't decided on a cover theme. The paper moth seemed ideal. I used the moths on the front covers.
The background is a scanned paper bag from The Chattanooga Choo Choo museum in Chattanooga and an old style publicity newspaper from Niagara Falls, both souvenirs from my Greyhound trip round the USA in 1977. (Rummaging around all the bits of paper I brought home cost me several hours of reminiscing). I added a bit of distressing ink, pen and pencil work and a bit of glitter. The results are here and I am pleased with the way they have turned out. The pages are folded 10cm squares and the covers just over 5cm to allow for an overlap.
Linda at Blue-eyed Girl was my inspiration here and she gives a super tutorial on how to make these pretty little books.
I tried to be aware of my creative process here; the initial idea of wanting to use the image of the moth, then the frustration as it didn't quite work out as I first thought. Then the connection of different inspirations and influences to complete the final design. Now I feel no desire to repeat the pattern, but may well try some variation.
I am still staggering from the amount of 'stuff' I have manged to create in the last year or so since retiring. I want to feel that I am not just madly running from one novelty to the next, but following my own 'art foundation' course and hopefully somewhere along the way I can feel I am truly on an artistic journey.
Thank you for sharing it with me.
14 comments:
Your journey blows me away! Hope I will be half as productive when I retire!
You are indeed on an artistic journey. I loved your whole process of experimentation through to the lovely finished books. Thank you for the link too. I have one of these books that Gill made for me, but one day would like to make them too
Have a great weekend x
Thank you for the mention Jill; I'm so glad you liked the tutorial.
Your books are absolutely gorgeous....now you have inspired me!
Yes Jill, I agree it is an artistic journey - I have called my artistic journey a pilgrimage because of the creative process involved!
I LOVE these little books - and I love that you have used some of your treasured memorabilia to create them. x
Your artistic journey is really fantastic
These books are lovely Jill, must go the links and have a look. I'm still at the headless - chicken stage with my art. One day, I tell myself....
Thanks for putting a name to the little books. I made a simple one recently for my C & G embroidery course. Enjoying following your artistic journey.
Just catching up with you - I seem to have 'lost' June too, I've loved all my postcard things tho but life sometimes gets in the way of....life! I got encouragement myself from those kind comments you got a few posts back.
Your embroidered seascape was beautiful, lucky you to get a package, getting mine over a whole 5 weeks was amazing! Swallows are my passion but so enjoyed all that info re swifts - imafine the pressure of just flying! Saw those books at Linda & Sue's - I'd be delighted with myself if I could just get my first holiday journal/sketchbook together for next week - your books are lovely. Sorry, a bit long!
I like the journey all of this took.... love the lotus book...... am going to whip over to find out how to make one and then probably keep a record of it for the future. This internet milarky is a bit of a double edged sword isn't it? (In terms of seeing crafts and wanting to do them but not having the time to do it all..). Still, I wouldn't be without it.
Jill,
The lotus book is a great idea. I made some the other week with some old maps. It's interesting to fold the squares and then cut other shapes from them before sticking them all together. As long as you don't lose that precious corner where the folds originate from you can make some very interesting books. The moth idea is fab. That bronze and purple combination is a winner. Lesley x
Good to see your various pieces of work using the moth photographs. Just enjoy all the different routes that your artistic creations take you on. Kind of you to mention me.
Wonderful post Jill. You are indeed on an amazing jopurney and its great to share it with you.
I'm always marvelling at what a highly creative output you manage . . . . it makes me live in hope that one day I will have time to create my own 'art foundation' and just make, make, make . . . . love the little books, I will be hopping over to see.
Thanks for sharing.
Amelia.x
I love the little books, and it's great to follow your story and see the results of your creative work. I too am amazed by the scale and variety of your output over the last year. Looking forward to the year to come.
Post a Comment