Saturday, September 21, 2013

Wonderful things: an altered book spread


To be completely honest, I didn't realize I had posted the previous two spreads in my experimental altered book (AB).  I was surprised when I returned online to see they had been posted.  So, my apologies for not being around much.  I've not been near a computer most of the past few days.

And although I don't generally whine, I hurt my back earlier yesterday (Friday) while moving a shelving unit in my basement.  Now I can't sit for any length of time, can't stand without my leg going numb, and can't find a decent sleeping position.  So this has been a fitful day trying to get comfortable. 

Enough about me.  Once again I'm working in my latest altered book.  I call this spread "wonderful things."

I've put some random pieces left over from other projects together, just to see what works and what doesn't.

A bit of stamping, a few collage elements, some gesso and metal circles on a paper towel left over from the gas station, and an old card that originally held buttons, make up the left side of this spread.
 
More stamping, random book pages I colored, a candy wrapper, a sticker letter (R), and a paint chip make up this side.  Gesso was used to knock some of the brightness back.

Technique was to use some of my ever growing collage fodder, become more proficient at stamping, and see what worked once the spread came together.  I'm not big on "hodge-podge" collage (say that three times fast), but this seems nicely structured, almost grid like.  I hope you like it.




14 thoughtful remarks:

Anonymous said...

I love this page Elizabeth, it popped right out at me when I looked at bloglovin...sorry about the back. I threw mine out two weeks ago and after the chiro visits and rest...something I don't do well...it's finally almost better....I can totally empathize. xox

Unknown said...

Sending healing thoughts for your back! Ouch! I hope you're feeling better at this writing. Love your pages and so enjoy seeing the rocking horse :)

xxoo M

Unknown said...

Sending healing thoughts for your back! Ouch! I hope you're feeling better at this writing. Love your pages and so enjoy seeing the rocking horse :)

xxoo M

Anonymous said...

I love this spread, it is very pleasant to look at.
I hate that you hurt your back moving a shelf around. I mean if you did it jumping out of a plane or running around catching hundred dollar bills as they fell from the sky at least you could say "man, that was worth it!"
Feel better soon: think easy thoughts, chant all is well, and lots of ice, baby.
Hugs,
Dawn

Krisha said...

Oh My! Furniture moving also was to blame for my bad right knee. We always think we are as capable of doing things that we could do 10-20-30 years ago. LOL Do hope you get your mobility back quickly and the pain dissipates.
I rather like you your collage, and the grid like design. Good to see some stamping on them too.

Dianne said...

oh, I DO like it!...of course you know I tend to like lots of 'stuff' on the page, and I like your variety of elements, and a bit of randomness is a good thing...and the circled words are a nice touch too. your 'encouragement' always helps me!!

Dianne said...

...and hope you are feeling better soon too! know anyone who gives massages? great for sore muscles or pinched nerves. take care dear...

Dawn said...

Ooooh what a gorgeous fun and free spread Elizabeth, I LOVE it.
Sending healing vibes your way sweetie, hope you are feeling lots better soon.
Huge hugs x x x x

Craftymoose Crafts said...

In my humble opinion, I think you brought it all together very nicely! Looks very balanced to me.

Rita said...

That sounds like the sciatica I've been dealing. It was really bad like that for almost two months, but mine is caused from degenerative spine. But the not being comfortable anywhere--not sitting, standing, lying down--I can totally relate to. Just awful! My heart goes out to you!

It got much better but still flares up regularly and I still can't stand for more than 10-20 minutes before it hurts and my leg goes numb. I hope yours gets better and goes away completely!

I like your collage page. It does look balanced.

Take extra good care of yourself. :)

Nan G said...

Great balance on both pages! I'm in awe of anyone who does journals. My pages just seem to turn to muck. Hope the back heals quickly for you.

Monica said...

2, 500mg Tylenol. Takes 45 minutes to kick in.
Like the altered book. I went to an art show on Altered books. The used old books and folded the pages. problem was they had not enough different folds and i kept thinking "this is busy work'

Halle said...

Fun pages! Love all the color and texture. So to hear about your back. I hurt myself on Friday as well...somehow. My neck and shoulders are being very unkind to me. Hope we are both on the mend very soon.

voodoo vixen said...

Lovely pages and I am so sorry you have hurt yourself, hopefully with a bit of rest the muscle will be less painful!!