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This blog is for those of us girls (and guys) who love everything artsy and enjoy the challenge of discovering new and exciting ways of creating something wonderful. We do not discriminate against any artform but are willing to try them all and pass on our knowledge to you. In addition, we love to feature our ATA Girlz (and guys) so that those people who can't draw a straight line - but love unique and handmade items - can help support our wonderful friends. Visit often to discover what we're "playing" with next!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Bind Your Life: Homemade Scrapbook /Journal Covers


I spent some time wandering the "Inspire Me Monday" blog hop and can honestly say I was definitely inspired by the sheer scope of the creative talent that is out there.  All I can say is WOW!   From cooking to freehand design elements - how in the world did all these wonderful people connect before the internet!  And what incredible ideas are floating out there to latch on to!  Which brings me to my "inspiration" of the week!

Once more, my other half and I traveled to the north woods of Wisconsin last weekend.  It's great now that he's retired that he can do the driving after I've worked a full day.  Gives me the chance to do some closed-eye creative thinking.  All weekend long - while hanging drywall and laying subfloors (we'll talk about that project sometime later) - I was thinking about what I could do to creatively capture this huge long-term project.  I've already got a "building book" that holds the plans, color squares, ideas, measurements, and photos - but I wanted something more.  Something that tells the "story" more than the details.

Not long ago I wrote an article for an on-line help site on creating a travel journal.  How you take a blank notebook and as you travel you make note about what you've done, seen, experienced. Complete with some sketches (if you are artistically inclined) and special small mementos, this then because your trip "story".  Similar to what the old Banana Republic catalogs featured (for those old enough to remember those really cool catalogs).  Could I create something like this for the happenings we experience at our home away from home?

I'm thinking to include not just the humorous stories that happen (like holding a piece of drywall on my head as Leo screws it into the ceiling) but written expressions of amazement at the sight of a triple rainbow arching over the house, or the doe stopping in the center of the orchard to look in my direction and standing there, perfectly still, for all of 5 minutes before taking off down the forest path.


Not content with keeping my artistic slant inside the pages of this journal, I also want to capture it on the outside as well.  The question then becomes how?  I could create a free-form beaded cover similar to this one found at www.why-not-art.com.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Or I could create a felted cover like this one created by Barbara Potoczny  (http://www.barbarapotoczny.com/classes-detail.php?ID=6).  
 
 And if I want to personalize the outside, am I doing an injustice to the book itself by using plain old paper or should I create my own book by binding together different types, colors, styles and sizes of paper and thereby make something uniquely mine.  And if I make one for me - should this be my gifts for the holidays for my more artistic friends and family members.

I'm giving myself a headache!  So much inspiration - so little time!
 
~ Dani

10 comments:

  1. Brand new follower! Thanks for stopping by Mary's Kitchen!

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  2. Hi Dani,

    I hope you are able to create your travel journal. It would be neat to document your excursions. Thank you for stopping to visit me. I hope you are having a great week.

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    1. Thanks for stopping. I loved your cards. In fact - I just read an article where an artist is using rubber stamps to create patterns on fabric... hate to say that may be something else new to try! LOL

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  3. Oh a travel journal is a great idea! I love Banana Republic, but I never saw their catalogue...Now, I wish I had. I love their clothes! Have a great week!
    XO
    Cindy

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    1. They were just the BEST catalogs - if I find an old one I'll publish here. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. That looks like a clever project, and yes, I do remember those catalogs. Thanks for stopping by my blog and your nice compliment.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. Am looking forward to reading more on your blog!

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  5. Hi Dani! Thanks for coming by and for leading me here to your fantastic blog! Following you back. Have a great one! x

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    1. Thanks for joining us. Glad to have you along for the ride. :)

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