"Hanging by a Thread" art journal update

Here are this week's journal spreads from my "Hanging by a Thread" art journal. To learn more about this art journal, click here.

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Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists' "Shaped by Fiber IV"

I'm honored to be a member of Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists. We installed "Shaped by Fiber IV" at Cerritos Library. The exhibit runs from May 4 to July 5, 2019. The artwork is on display in the lobby of this amazing building. If you're in the area, please stop by.

 


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"Hanging by a Thread" art journal

I have been using this 8.5”x5” journal as a place to off load paint from my brush, to test pens/crayons/pastels and to glue down random ephemera.  It’s made from a recycled book cover and bound using the Coptic stitch. Each page is pretty full at this point. The next step is to develop the pages into completed journal spreads. The collages that incorporated thread that I started creating in my last journal were inspiring to me so I want to dedicate this journal to continue exploring this style. I thought it would be fun to title this journal so; I’m calling it - “Hanging by a Thread”. These are the four artwork that I have made this past week in this journal.

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New journals in my Etsy Shop!

I listed three new handmade journals in my Etsy shop. Please click here or the badge on the right side of this blog.
 

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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.   

I continue using paper scraps and paint that is sitting on table in front of me.

 

I decided these two collages will be the last pages of this sketchbook journal. The remaining 3 pages will be for notes. Such as what I liked, what didn't work out as planned, makes of the colors that I was drawn to, if I will develop some of the designs, etc.

 
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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.   

I don't have much to say about these two collages. Both were worked on over a few days in the morning before I left for my day job. These two collages aren't my favorite but I feel that not all pages in my sketchbook journal have be masterpieces. How does that saying go..."it's the journey, not the destination."

I'm happy with how these two collages turned out. I didn't overthink the process. Both were done quickly using the paper scraps and paint that was laying out on the table in front of me. Stress free art making!

Two more collages that were created quickly using only the paper scraps and paint that was sitting out on the table in front of me.

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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.   

I'm continuing to use the paper scraps that are my favorites and I develop my style. The collages on the right side of the pages incorporated thread. I like the element it brings to my collages.

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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here. 

As I evolve my artistic style, I'm taking note of the colors I want to use. These beautifully, colored monoprinted scraps are some that I want to preserve. Added a few subtle stitches using Valdani thread.

Two quick sketches made on a rainy Saturday morning before I tackled my "to do" list.  

These two sketches made using monoprint scraps, paint, bleeding tissue paper, magazine paper, used tea bag and markers.

 

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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.  

These two sketches were made on a Friday after an odd week. Chaotic, sad, frustrating. I could go on but I won't. I poured all my emotions into the sketch on the left. I tried to get back to being balanced and myself when creating the one on the right. As the saying goes...there's always tomorrow.

Sunday morning I created this messy sketches as a way to loosen up my hand. I was slowly getting back to being balanced. Keeping busy really helps.

I decided to change it up a bit by turning my sketchbook journal 90 degrees. It was fun to create in a portrait orientation instead of landscape. I happy with the colors, design, layers and texture of this sketch.

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2019 Grey Commonplace Journal

I have written in journals for a long time. Remember when journals were called diaries? I progressed from diaries to line notebooks. I filled pages upon pages with my thoughts and recounting the day’s events. Now that I’m into book binding, I decided to make a journal for writing. I was inspired by Nik the Booksmith's Commonplace Journal. It will be a place where I can jot down quotes, ideas and such. I’m hoping that this type of journaling will help me to stop over thinking things. Obsessing if you will. Jot down my thoughts then move on.

The substrate of this journal is a 5 ½” x 8 ½” discarded, damaged book. I love the worn look of the original grey book cover so I decided not cover it up. The book’s spine was very weak so, I used a favorite commercial fabrics to cover the spine on the outside as well as material on the inside for reinforcement. I added black ribbon to cover the edge of the commercial fabric and as a closure.

 

The pages of the original book were replaced with 80lbs drawing paper. Along with writing in this journal, I want to leave my options open if I decide to draw as well. There are 8 signatures, 5 folios in each signature and 160 total pages (front and back). I secured the signatures using @nikthebooksmith’s Hallow Back Binding technique. I will use probably this Commonplace Journal as well as the old notebook for awhile. I have not decided how much I will share on social media.
 

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