Monday, September 18, 2017

I Bless the Rain


Once I get my office cleaned, sorted, and organized, which could be up to a month at the rate I'm going, I hope to work more often on my 7 continents altered book.  Having said that, I took a couple of hours off yesterday to create this piece that will go in the Africa section of my altered book which I've worked on since late 2003.

I originally created this page for Yvonne of Meggy's Way who is hosting Art Journal Journey this month with her theme Colo(u)r in my World.  Then I realized this spread could also qualify for Try it on Tuesday with their latest challenge of My Friend (which today was animals).

These friends are watching out for each other.  Both are alert and ready for action.  The bright pink, mixed with the orange create the backdrop for these friends, as well as showing the title of the piece.

This adorable guy is searching for his friend.  The shell compliments the background color of the hot, dry desert we associate with Africa.

Mother and child are definitely friends.  It is well known these animals remain very close throughout their lifetime, and can be heard mourning upon the death of a loved one.  They don't want to be separated, either.



For this spread, I began with a used file folder I colored using water soluble crayons, the Christmas gift from my friend Cindy that just keeps on giving.  I blended the colors together in spots, but apparently covered up most of the background I spent so much time on, and was so proud of.  I sewed the three animal images to vintage sheet music using variegated thread, then added the three shells and the computer generated words to the song Africa made famous by Toto.

If I did it correctly, here is the song in its entirety:

Please join me once again at Try it on Tuesday and Art Journal Journey (or you may click the links on my right sidebar).  Thanks also for joining me down on the Serengeti and enduring the heat of Africa today.

18 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Beautiful Africa page, love the background colour, too, and all the sewing. Have fun clearing out your office, and have a good start in the new week, hugs, Valerie

Dortesjs said...

wow this is awsome love your cut out animals (like my birds/ and the whole light set up sheet note are great to use

froebelsternchen said...

A fantastic page - all colors go so well together and your sewing always is so pretty and gives a perfect extra to all.
Great that this beautiful artpiece is linked not just to AJJ - your colors today are amazing but to Try It On Tuesday as well!
So much appreciated!
Thank you for linking to our challenges!♥
Have fun and take all the time you need for clearing out your office ! You will feel great after it is done! Happy new week for you!
oxo Susi

chrissie said...

A wonderful page Elizabeth with such splendid brightness to it and I love the music paper.

Thank you for joining in at Try it on Tuesday

Love Chrissie xx

My name is Erika. said...

That song comes from a great Toto album. Glad you got it into my head. Maybe I will listen to it on my way to work this morning. :) Love the page. I think one thing I would love to go is go on a safari. Well maybe some day. And I was wondering, has your style changed since you started the 7 continents book back in 2003 or are you making the pages similar throughout the book. I'm only asking as I didn't know you back then so I haven't seen a lot of the book. Good luck with your office project. My cleaning projects take that long too. Happy Monday. Hugs-Erika

Meggymay said...

It is a beautiful blend of colours on this awesome journal page, but I have to admit I am drawn to gaze at those wonderful animal photos. They are all lovely, especially the elephant family, friends for life.
I love the layered papers all stitched together as a background.
Thank you for another great page for the challenges at TioT's and of course Art Journal Journey.
Yvonne xx

RO said...

I'm always up for looking at pics of animals, and to put your creative spin on it, makes it even more fun. These colors are wonderful! Hugs...

CJ Kennedy said...

The background reminds me of sunrise. The picture of the giraffe made me smile. He or maybe she looks like he's asking Will you be my friend? Have a good day

Let's Art Journal said...

Wonderful page! The animal photos are adorable and I love the music sheet, shells and glorious colourful background - perfect 😁. Wishing you a Happy Monday! J 😊

Linda Manning Findley said...

Great work "E" ... got my favorite animal in there front and center ... love the little accents you used and the music paper to tie it all together .....

Linda

Sandra Cox said...

I love this! And the song is now firmly planted in my head:)

Divers and Sundry said...

I love your animal friends in Africa page. And such a good song to go with it :)

da tabbies o trout towne said...

total lee awesum post two day N total lee awesum piece !!! we loves it ☺☺♥♥

Birgit said...

This is great and I love the background colours and so unique to combine it with the song from Toto

pearshapedcrafting said...

As soon as I read your title I started singing the song, which is one of my favourites! It was the perfect accompaniment to your gorgeous page with it's wonderful images and once again your sewing adds so much to your composition!Thank you for the words and pictures that you linked to TIOT and the song I will be singing all day!Hugs,Chrisx

pearshapedcrafting said...

As soon as I read your title I started singing the song, which is one of my favourites! It was the perfect accompaniment to your gorgeous page with it's wonderful images and once again your sewing adds so much to your composition!Thank you for the words and pictures that you linked to TIOT and the song I will be singing all day!Hugs,Chrisx

Jeanie said...

I've been pulling together my house for book club and everything that doesn't have an immediate spot or goes in the trash is going in my art room or my guest room. I don't think I can have company for a year. But I can still find the computer... barely!

UplayOnline said...

Try It On Tuesday as well!


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