Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Exciting news at Art Journal Journey


Not only do we have a new host at Art Journal Journey, we have two new co-administrators who now join Yvonne, Erika, Bleubeard, and me.  They are Chris of Pear Shaped Crafting, who is also our host this month with her theme Hold the Line, and Valerie, who is once again back where she started at Art Journal Journey.  Let's please welcome both these talented mixed media journal artists.  We are super excited they have agreed to be part of our newly expanded team.

When I saw Chris's theme, I thought of sewing lines, so that's what I did.

To add interest

I added

this TH Found Relative playing card.  It's amazing how many of the Found Relatives also show up as TH paper dolls.  This little boy and his dog are good examples.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Although the Found Relative is the focal point, 

the real stars are the sewn lines.

I even remembered to add the date this month.

A few step out photos

show the wonky sewing

and the beautiful green paint left over from last month's cheesecloth tutorial.

For this page, I started with 110 lb cardstock I first colored using green Staz-on and 91% isopropyl alcohol.  By the time I had it on the page using a foam brush, it was practically dry.  And there is never, ever any warp.  Next, I auditioned the Found Relatives.  Initially, I had planned to use one of the Paper Dolls, then changed my mind because I preferred the linear feel of the card on top of the German text left over from last month.  I sewed and sewed and sewed and sewed wonky lines that should have been straight, using green and white variegated thread.

It was at this point I added the focal assembly.  However, the card is so thick, I didn't want to try to run my needle through cardstock, two pieces of heavy book paper, and the Relative card, so I used glue dots to affix the little boy (Relative card) to the German text. 

Bleubeard and I are thrilled that you visited today.  We hope you will join Chris, Valerie, Yvonne, Erika, Bleubeard, and me this month at Art Journal Journey with your own art inspired by Holding the Line.  Please be aware, we want to see your altered book pages, journal pages, loose journal art, canvases, fabric pages, and digital art.  However, we cannot accept cards, ATCs, ATCoins, tags, small index cards, or 3-D art, and, as much as we don't want to, will be forced to delete your entry.


27 thoughtful remarks:

CJ Kennedy said...

Congratulations to all! Such a creative page and interpretation of the theme. I like the picture of the boy and his dog at an angle. It just reminds me of something The Eldest had said when she was young. Something about life being askew no matter how you try to toe the line.

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful page, good interpretation of the theme, have a fun, new month. Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Hello dear Elizabeth!

I am thrilled to see Art Journal Journey growing in such a fabulous way.
You all manage this so well and this just makes me happy.Congrats on doing all so well Dr.E.!👍❤
I have to say sorry for being absolutely absent with commenting here on your and also the participating blogs.
I have a happy reason for my lack of visits
as I have started a comletely new life with a new wonderful partner. Changed my life at the age of 56 and feel so happy.

Best wishes from Susi
Hug to the boys

froebelsternchen said...

I just love the color combinstion and the sewing on this page! Gorgeous work!
Mixed Media art at its best!

Iris Flavia said...

OK. Two dumb questions (wait for your next T-day, I have to show you something! Well... something small only) - Was this multi-colored thread or how did you switch between colors?
What is that book?
Brille? Schuhputzen? Örgs, Hautausschlag?
Ah. OK. But... How did you manage to find exactly the last sewing point to start again?

Elkes Lebensglück said...

Great the sewing and the choice of colors, a wonderful journal page with the young man!
Beuatiful that you have even more support in the team!
Have a good day, hug Elke

aussie aNNie said...

Really gorgeous project, lovely design and loads of great stitching.. xx

Meggymay said...

The page looks fabulous and I love all those sewing lines you added and your found relative. Its a super new AJJ theme and has made me think outside the box. .
Stay safe.
Yvonne xx

craftytrog said...

I love your wonky sewing lines Elizabeth, it's a wonderful page for Chris' new theme.
Happy October!
Alison xx

My name is Erika. said...

That stitching is fabulous! I love the effect and all the lines! This is a perfect page for Chris' new theme. And even if it wasn't a line challenge, I love the page! Happy new month. Hugs-Erika

Mia said...

I love your page, Elizabeth. The stitching looks amazing!
Congrats to the new co-administators for AJJ. I am so happy for them!
Hugs, my friend.

Mrs.B said...

Love your take on this months theme Elizabeth, love all the stitching, something I haven't tried in my journaling. Thanks for the inspiration.
Avril x

da tabbies o trout towne said...

this turned out really cute Elizabeth !! the pup reminds me of petey from the little rascals episodes !!

bleu and squiggles; heerz two a get inta trubll all day caturday N SUNday kinda week oh end !! :) ♥♥ eat much fish ~~~~ ☺☺☺

Mae Travels said...

Is that a photo reproduced from your own family archives? And do you know anything about him? It would be interesting to know his date and what he was doing.

Very nice use of zig-zag sewing. My sewing machine doesn't do anything but straight stitching and buttonholes!

be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Sandra Cox said...

I love your background. Those sewn strips are wonderful.
Take special care.

Jeanie said...

I like this piece a lot, but then I'm a sucker for vintage images, using the book pages as a base and stitching for texture -- so what's not to love?!

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

I love that playing card, and I love the dual effects of the the text and the sewing lines. This is one of my favorite projects that you've done. Lovely.

Neet said...

What gorgeous colours, shades of green. I love the very light green where the stitching has taken most of the colour - the effect is fabulous! Love how you have introduced the acid green and the TH Found Relative Cabinet Card. Elizabeth, if I can remember next week I will introduce some stitching to my page. You have really inspired me.
Hugs Neet xxx

Barbara said...

Very decorative zig zag lines! Nice piece, as always.

Lowcarb team member said...

Lovely to see your interpretation of the theme.
Fabulous.

Happy October Wishes.

All the best Jan

pearshapedcrafting said...

You know this has me jumping up and down - your stitched lines are absolutely wonderful! Well, actually the colours are fabulous and I love the composition of this page! Absolutely brilliant and Thank you for such a great start to my "Hold The Line' theme at Art Journal Journey! Hugs, Chrisx

Cindy McMath said...

Lovely page Elizabeth! Love your stitching and the colours are great!

Sharon Madson said...

I love this creation, Elizabeth! It just really speaks to me. So lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Rita said...

Love the boy and his dog photo! And the colorful stitching is perfect. :)

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Wonderful art journal page. I like all of the stitches in this.

Divers and Sundry said...

Y'all are growing! Sweet :)

I like your layering design and how you interpreted the lines prompt.

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

So happy to see Valerie & Chris joining AJJ Elizabeth what a super team you have created around you. Your page is fantastic, love the stitching. Fabulous for breaking down a page to create extra elements of interest and frames that dapper wee boy and his dog magnificently. Happy creative October Tracey x