For the past 3 weeks, as I’ve sunk into a real funk, I’ve found my art papers, PPA, and lots of color have boosted my spirits. After thoroughly emptying my mother’s home, by estate sale, plus disposing of and mostly re-gifting her possessions, I found the huge amount of supplies in my art studio to be overwhelming, and no longer necessary for what I love to do most- alter books and make journals. Consequently, after purging tons of bits for recycling, I decided to use up 3 plastic bins of scraps by turning them into large sheets of ‘backgound’ papers. I did this by gluing them in complete randomness (and with great abandon!) onto parent sheets of Stonehenge paper – the 22″ X 30″ sheets.
I now have about ten sheets of multicolored sheets to use for signature covers for various journals. Just cut and use. No waste – perfect! Here is ONE sheet of Stonehenge paper, front and back, as an example.
And this , below, is my latest journal, using ONE of these large Stonehenge papers for the signature covers with watercolor paper for the journal pages of each signature. I used canvas board as the substrate for the covers, an image of my mother as a young woman, fabric, and many vintage buttons on the spine. The journal measures 5″W X 7″H X nearly 4″ thick. I love it. What do you think??
Back
Gorgeous journal, Corinne!!
Thanks, Karen!
)
Corinne – I love your journals – they look fabulous. Your background papers are also beautiful.
Very lovely. I have found making backgrounds really helps me get out of a funk too. Since I lost my Dad around the time you lost your Mom, I understand what you are going through. Something that really helped me was writing to my Dad in a journal. Not sure where you stand with thoughts of afterlife, heaven, but it also helps me to ask Jesus to give my Dad a hug. I can picture that and it brings a smile to my face. I can not dwell on my, Dad’s last week here or I can get super depressed. I just need to believe he is in a much better place, out of pain, and happy.
Hugs,
CC
Super Duper Fantastic!
What a great idea for all of those “leftovers” and the journals are beautiful!
Thanks for being an inspiration.
Oh, I love it, too, Corrinne! It’s marvelous!
Thank you, Everyone!!
Hi Corrine!
I can see that you’re out of your funk now…but you have just gone through such a hard time so don’t knock yourself around about it.
I LOVE your book. It’s meant to be an open book because the picture of your beautiful mom is hidden a little by the ribbon.
Keep on keepin on!
Hi Corinne, your book is beautiful. There is a lot of sadness in dealing with the remainder of a parent’s life. Disposing of items that were treasured by the parent. I and my two siblings had to do this a few years ago. And it is a big incentive to start clearing out some of our own stash of wonderful things, lest our own children have to deal with all of it. My best to you, and I know you will start to feel more like your own self someday soon. ?
CArol in CA
looks great and super idea …… Linda F
Hi Corinne,
I’m so glad you’re working through your pain in such a cathartic way. The journal cover with the photo of your Mum is beautiful and what an inspiration, making backgrounds for covers and using them in your signatures. The button journal is wonderful! =) xo