Lately I have been working on journal covers and keeping journals when I travel. Keeping a journal is addictive and so much fun, but in my experience it is only fun and interesting while you are traveling and when everything is still fresh in your mind. Once you get home the experience and the excitement of traveling seems to fade.
I have a long way to go in journal keeping. One day when I have more time I hope to create more arty journals than the ones here, but I feel that any time is a good time to start.
I started a new journal cover after we returned from Tasmania. I have a lot of blue and white fabric on hand so I thought I would make a BORO style cover for my next journal. Also today I will let you have a peek into pages of my journals.
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| The front of BORO journal cover |
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| The back of BORO journal cover |
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| Inside cover of BORO journal |
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| Two filled journals from the previous trips |
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| Full of travel brochures and momento |
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| Stack of journals |
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| Postcard from Angkor Wat, Siem Leap |
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| Postcard from Floating Market, Bangkok |
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| Classical Moi Thai |
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| BTS map and Rabbit card, Bangkok |
I mentioned on the last post that I signed up for the online workshop 'Alchemy 2014' with
Karen Ruane. It started a couple weeks ago. It's an online class so you are working at your own pace. My aim for the project is making another journal cover. For the cover I'm working on small pieces of recycled linen napkins that I cut into 3" sq pieces.
This is my first block with reverse applique using hand-dyed velvet for the center. This was totally free hand embroidery. No pattern or drawing beforehand. I'm happy with the way it turned out!
Using the first block as a rough guide and idea, but different design and embroidery stitch. Not 100% happy with it, but it will have to do.
The third block looks simple, but you wouldn't believe that I needle weaved over the blue velvet and went over it with red crosses! I will keep this one for a reserve.
I finished the latest block last night. I will need 24 of these light blocks and the same for dark blocks that I haven't started making yet.
Apart from working on the stitching Karen encourages us to keep a ledger for our work as well. I'm not a drawer so instead I'm using technology and image manipulations for my ledger. Not a lot of time to work on this project, but I'm having fun and feel stimulated so far.
Until next time
Nat
Your journal covers are all uniquely a reflection of your skill and artistic asthetic.
ReplyDeleteThe stitching is delicate and complex. Thanks for the detailed photos.
I think you are doing VERY well on journals and journaling (but I agree -- it's a lot more fun on the road than when you return to real life!).
ReplyDeleteI just posted about a remarkable quilt exhibition on The Marmelade Gypsy -- I thought of you when I was visiting! Stop by when you have a chance!
wow....some great memories in those journals and what a wonderful way to look back.
ReplyDeleteYour journal covers and pages are beautiful. Keeping an art journal is one of those things I wish I could train myself to do daily. Maybe when I get big? LOL! Isn't Karen's class wonderful? I took the first and second Alchemy class and wished I could have had the time for this session. Your blocks are beautiful. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteLove your boro journal cover and the Alchemy blocks, I'm going to enjoy following this project.
ReplyDeleteFabulous journals Nat...love them and what a keepsake!
ReplyDeleteYour journal covers are lovely. I really love the boro one, of course. May I borrow the idea?
ReplyDeleteYour journals look great too. Nice memories of your travels, aren't they.
I keep journals too when I travel, and sometimes at home also. But I'm very shy about showing them.
Have a nice weekend.
Hi Natima,
ReplyDeleteThis is the only contact I have for you, I lost my email account.
I'll be in Melbourne in July, I would love to catch up with you.
Love
Lynda.
Hi Lynda, good to hear from you. I emails you many times, but they all bounced back. Please email me at: natandchat@gmail.com looking forward to hearing from you and see you in July xox
ReplyDeletegreat journals!i agree, travel journals are fun while on the road.
ReplyDeletewhen you get home they feel more like wet paper .
i also love those red white and blue blocks.
Love the idea of journal texts - maybe I would have more success with keeping those consistently!
ReplyDeleteSame person - same comment about loving fiber journals.
ReplyDeleteThe covers of the journals are gorgeous. I like how they look all filled and plumped out like that. Your embroidered squares are mandalas!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh Nat, I love that blue boro journal cover .... with that speck of red !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think Karen is very proud, you make such lovely stitches on the reverse appliqué !!! Wonder how those will end up ;-)
LOVE the BORO journal cover, Nat... the moon patch especially. :o) This inspires me to pretty-up my journals more. I have a notebook I write in weekly, but not so pretty as yours. LOL... Your reverse applique and embroidery blocks are beautiful. I like the idea of journalling/ledger while working on a project. This year I began a quilting journal for the first time, but am seeing ways I could expand that. I'd love to talk one of Karen R. courses sometime--next on the dream list. ;o) Happy Days ((HUGS))
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