Saturday, July 10, 2010

Gina's second set of signatures

Here is the second set of signatures for my friend Gina. If you are new to my blog, you can see the first set here. She has now received her journal, so I can use her name. Sadly, Gina doesn't blog, but I'm hoping to change all that one of these days, because she's a super artist.

Cover

Background on right is made using magazine images and masking tape background.





I sewed "lines" on the page. Envelope holds a tag made from my handmade paper.

Lots of secret pockets hidden by dress patterns.

Part of page on the right lifts to expose a hidden area for secret thoughts.







Gina loves owls, so I tried to find what I could.

The flower sewn to the book page on the right is one of my favorite spreads. It so reminds me of Gina, who loves to use (and often uses) flowers in her art.

Don't ask how I got that word sewed into the safety envelope. I think it involved standing on my head, crossing my eyes, scratching Bleubeard's head, grabbing some thread, and hoping for the best.



Back cover

If Gina had a blog to share with us (ie, if she remembered her password), she would be my blog pick of the day. In lieu of that, I feel a bit irreverent today. I found this blog while looking at something else and spent hours there, clicking from page to page of Etsy mockery. April Winchell, writing as Helen Killer, has a wickedly satirical sense of humor. Her blog, called Regretsy has a simple premise. She spotlights some of the worst craft projects ever listed on Etsy. And she does it with much humor, and a bit of off color language. She never trashes the Etsy store, only the specific craft item. The funniest (and saddest) ones in my opinion are the clothes. She can really spot an outfit, if you give her a chance!

Be sure to check out her never ending comments or pictures below each item. Steampunk has become one of her favorite subjects, too. I'm certain, and I bet April will agree, most of these people have no idea their handmade crafts are so bad, they become jokes on her blog. Although I caution you this is NOT a family friendly site, as you will see not long after you start reading, April appears to be one of the most generous souls around. She might even be one of the most generous soles, too (yep, that's a play on all those misspelled or wrong words she often points out). She is always doing something charitable for Etsy sellers and helps people in genuine need. Her book, aptly called Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF says more about her blog and her blog's philosophy, than anything clever I could say. So, don't bring the kiddies, or even your tweens, but hop on over and be highly entertained for about six or nine hours while perusing Regretsy. I bet it will be one of the highlights of your weekend.

16 thoughtful remarks:

Halle said...

Love the items you used in these. The textured wallpaper is very nice!

Mosaic Magpie said...

I love looking at these signatures and all the different elements in them. So much to see.
Great Job Elizabeth, and thanks for visiting me.
Debbie

Brian K said...

Elizabeth, these pages are truly amazing. I love the depth and layers to them, they just invite more playing and would be a wonderful colaboration. Gina is one lucky woman to receive this! I just keep looking at each page and think of favorite quote that says each artists work is an expression of themself, I see such warmth and mystery in each page here. Keep on creating these are wonderful!

That blog is hysterical! I almost spit out my coffee... I laughed so hard.

Nan said...

Your signatures are just so pretty and creative. I feel very inspired to get my half finished journal out and work on it this weekend. TFS !

Nan said...

Ok I had tocome back and thank you for all the LOL I've been doing since I went to REGETSY...I woke up with a cold thismorning and was grumpy but now I feel much better!

Terri Kahrs said...

Elizabeth, your signatures are nothing short of amazing!!!! I'm sure that Gina will love them. I think you have the patience of Jobe himself! Can't believe how wonderful that word looks in the security envelope window!!! Happy Weekend! Hugs, Terri xoxoxo

PS Thanks for your tenacity this morning. Blogger has been throwing hissy fits lately!!!

Patti Edmon Artist said...

AAAHHHHH what a beautiful set of pages - and so many! Surely you can convince her that she should be blogging. I'm going to go back and check out the first set of pages - again!

Marlynn said...

You are good, very, very, good, Elizabeth.

Cath Wilson said...

How lovely to see some altered books again - it seems such a long time since I was having fun, altering away!! Your pages are wonderful. I'm about to start journalling but I'm going to do it as an altered book, so I'm looking forward to the adventure again. Thank you for the inspiration.

Seth said...

These pages are just so wonderful. Gina is a lucky friend!!

~*~Patty said...

I second what Seth said exactly Elizabeth!
WOWEE fab!!
oxo

Unknown said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Your work is truly beautiful. Thanks so much for visiting me. It made my day. Please come back again soon. I will do the same. Have a great weekend and fun creating.
XO
Janet
Janet's Creative Pillows

Julia Dunnit said...

I bet Gina can't stop looking through her new journal..it's fab, such a wealth of treaures. I love the accidental bill i ty placement! Oh and Regretsy - whatta scream!!

Anonymous said...

Every Single Time I see pictures of your signatures, I am rewarded with new techniques and creative ideas that I never would have thought of. My signatures are quite wussy at this point, so I love that yours always prompt me to think: hmmmm, what else could I use that I wouldn't have?
Amy

gina said...

Elizabeth:

I wish I had seen this when it was first posted and then I would have been able to let everyone know that the journal is the most amazing thing EVER and, although your pictures are great they don't do justice to the real thing because the textures and touching are such a cool part of the pages.

Again, thanks a MILLION for one of the best gifts I have ever received.....

Gina

gina said...

Look, I remembered my password!