Friday, July 16, 2010

First set of signatures for a book that's found its home

Continuing with my handmade journal pages, this first set of signatures is for my friend Dianne. Unlike the other artists, Dianne makes lovely sketches and drawings to compliment the pages in her art journals. Therefore, I took that into consideration when I made her pages. Also, Dianne is a real seamstress, and has found it disconcerting (my word, not hers) to sew "sloppy" like I do. However, I left a lot of strings for her to add charms, do-dads, or whatever, or she can remove the strings if they bother her. And from her "thank you" note she sent, she wasn't offended by my lack of sewing skills. Click any image to enlarge.

Here is the first page of her first signature set.



Old receipt from the 60s (I think) on the left.

Rusty paper on right.

On right is a postcard sewn onto paper bag that can hold sketches, drawings, or thoughts.

The bingo card on the right was actually a gift to me from my friend Cindy. I didn't realize it was from Cindy until after it was on the page. This is also a brown paper bag that I spray painted.







More National Geographic turpentine paper on right.

File folder I spray painted on left.





Ribbon sewn to page on left was harder to keep straight than I anticipated when I started. Head on right was a gelatin monoprint.



Security envelope lifts to expose "police tape."

Today's blog is one I discovered (or actually rediscovered) through Seth's Buried Treasures yesterday. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Joanie Hoffman, the artist extraordinaire I'm featuring today, is also a member of Margaret's Dress-Up 2010 Project and I had been to Joanie's blog not more than a week ago. Sometimes I simply don't put things together until they hit me in the face. But I can assure you, I won't be forgetting Joanie's blog anytime soon. Her collages and mixed media pieces really made an impression on me. I know she probably makes a great impression on others, too, because she joins a lot of swaps and makes art that any swapper would love to own. Joanie lives in Maryland in the US. So be sure to check out Joanie's blog today for some pretty impressive art.

20 thoughtful remarks:

Brian K said...

WOW Elizabeth! Each page is more brilliant than the next! I am sure your friend really enjoyes the journal! I wonder who your NEXT recepient will be??? Keep making new pages these are sooooo wonderful!

Halle said...

These pages are very cool too!

Diane said...

What an absolute treasure--I'd be afraid to touch it :)
And BTW, I really like your blog feature today--love her style!

Joanie Hoffman said...

Thanks, my dear. I am walking on air because of you. xoxox, Joanie

Joanie Hoffman said...

I forgot to tell you how much I like these signatures. You put so much thought & material into them. What an eyeful. Joanie again.

Terri Kahrs said...

Your thoughtfulness and care show in every beautiful "funky" stitch, Elizabeth! This IS a treasure filled with friendship and love. Happy Weekend! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Dianne said...

E--I just love these! I am very honored to be the recipient of such a generous gift...thinking about where to start, maybe I'll 'jump around' instead of starting on the first page...the Campbell's soup can is a real possibility for an Andy Warhol treatment! so many possibilities, so little time! Thank you dear friend---and I like the dangly threads & stitching!!

peggy gatto said...

I loved taking the time to look, really look at each page.
great colors and details!!

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Really interesting pages Elizabeth :-)
Anne x

Julia Dunnit said...

How fab, and how fab a reaction on here from Dianne - the pages are great..I like the idea of dangly threads to add bits on - another great idea to tuck away. Don't tell Diane, but tell me - where did you 'borrow' the police tape from then? Which crime scene did you render tapeless!!!

Unknown said...

Your really doing some wonderful work with these books hun and I am sure they are greatfully appreciated.

Love Dawn xx

Lani Gerity said...

Beautiful journal pages, wow, what fun a person could have in such a journal!!!!

Anonymous said...

Elizabeth:

Dianne is sooo lucky too!!! I still can't believe, not just the time but the care you took in making pages each of us would love, but also pages we would LOVE to journal on....

Our Tall Ships Festival is this weekend. I think I'll get up in the wee hours, take some pictures and then re-visit my blog.... I'll keep you posted!

Gina

Patti Edmon Artist said...

wow, such amazing pages! I read your post and smiled, remembering how I felt when I first posted in April of '08 after Jane, owner of Random Arts in Saluda, NC, told me I needed one. I wasn't sure what I would do with it, but a couple of years, many fabulous projects and irreplaceable sense of community later, I'm sure glad I listened!
thanks for your comment on my poem - I'm a bit leery of posting poetry for some reason so your words were perfect!

Mary S. Hunt said...

that piece of turpentine paper is very! cool...this is a wonderful ensemble..

Seth said...

Would love to see this in person. And as Mar said, that turpentine paper is so very cool.

Monica said...

gorgeous, so much to look at, touch, ponder, wnder at. what a gift.

Lynn Cohen said...

very cool journal and every stitch looks great to me...i like your style!!!

Marit said...

Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog today, and WOWZAH... what a beautiful book you made! This starts my weekend with a lot of inspiration! THanks! Have a lovely weekend too!

~*~Patty S said...

Seems like I was gone much longer than I was, catching up with you is such fun Elizabeth!

Dianne must be SO tickled with your wonderful book, each page is WOW, that turp page makes me want to give it a try ... too bad it smells ... tried discharging some fabric and even scented bleach is too much for me ... sensitive nose ;)

Hope you're staying cool, the heat really takes the starch out of me too.
oxo