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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

I Am Opening My Door!

Well, I have started to open my door with Carole, as posted recently.  This is a fun journal workshop and certainly challenges me to step out of my comfort zone: no measuring, no scissors, no precision, no trimmed threads - yikes, can I do it??!

We had to start by making our journal pages from watercolour paper by tea bag dyeing, walnut staining, coffee or tea staining, painting etc., etc., followed by rubber stamping.  I had a go at this when I got back from my holiday last weekend and tried to use stuff I already had to avoid unnecessary expense.  Some of my pages are dyed with fruit tea bags - the best ones were cranberry and blackcurrant.  The orange ones didn't show up much.  At first, I thought the blackcurrant one was too purple but now that it has dried I kind  of like it and it tones in with pretty pinks and flowers etc., so I will keep it.  Others are done with tea and watered down walnut ink. Carole showed us how to use rock salt crystals to alter the look of the wet page and I had some in the cupboard and tried it but they must have been too old or something because the result was rubbish so I have abandoned this.



These photos are definitely a work in progress.  I have sorted out my 3 signatures (the outer sections which hold the journal pages) and have started to put together my extra bits and bobs (extra pages, vintage text, sheet music, nice cards or paper bags etc).  Nothing is sewed or glued in yet so that is why there are paperclips everywhere, so I don't forget the placings I like!  I just wanted to get some photos together to show that I am progressing, if a bit behind on the workshop due to holiday.



I will have extra pages but have been held up by my signatures being too bulky for the book cover I had chosen, so I have had to have a root around and find a slightly wider book, so this is all very much in the planning stage.  Next step is to start free machining with the feed dogs down!!



Some of my pages look quite pale but they have been coloured and it's hard to tell their exact shade in the photos.  More to follow as my pages are done.


12 comments:

Terri Gordon said...

Barbara, your journal is beautiful. I love it. I love this kind of work, but it was really hard for me to do this kind of work, but once you get into it, it's great. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Terri

Kristin said...

This is just beautiful! I would love to do an online class like this too - perhaps it will be offered again. Yours is so elegant and inspiring, as is your blog!
Your sidebar pictures are beautiful and I SO MISS England - especially seeing your work (I lived there for a year in college).
Happy to visit again as I am now a follower, Kristin xo

ShabbyChicShaz said...

I'm loving what you've done on your journal so far. Looks like you're having fun :)

carole brungar said...

Just look at those lovely ripped edges!! Gorgeous! I think this is shaping up to be one lovely journal!! The worse thing about an oline class is that I can't go round and pick everyone's journal up and touch it!!
xC

~*~Patty said...

Popping by from Carole's class to say hello
Your pages are looking wonderful!
Your book already invites me in!
See you in class :)

Ati said...

At least I can see what you are doing :) Istalled Google crome. What I see looks very nice, so far :)
greetings, Ati

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Hi Bunty, oooh, a vintage garden journal, can't wait to see that one, will you be using this journal? Thanks for your comment over at mine, gardens are just the best inspiration :)

Booklinks said...

Hi Barbara
What a lovely journal,such beautiful paper. I can't wait to see more
What kind of paper do you use?
Have a great creative week,
Suzanne

Heloise said...

Thank you for your kind comments. Your journal is bursting with wonderful pages.

I am enjoying the class. About to go and get on with some more work on journal.

Cassandra said...

oh wow this is just so very lovely! Thinkin of you! Sending hugs :) Cassandra

Laurie said...

I'm chiming in VERY late here, having spent just so much time away from the computer -- but just wanted to say how lovely it is that you're trying this! I think it's wonderful to stretch yourself to do something you wouldn't normally do. I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

Shabby Cottage Studio said...

Your journal is going to be stunning! I too had to go to a wider book, my first choice was to narrow.