Friday, February 24, 2012

Binding Words


I go by spells of keeping journals; simple composition books filled with thoughts, ideas, brain-drain, the passing of days. It wasn't until recently I thought about making them a little more *me*; a bit more art to hold and eye candy.
I use simple things to make the book above turn into the one below, and I work on the collaging as I am filling the pages.
 

It started with that silly dog picture I found in a magazine. I couldn't get past it and it was nothing I would ever incorporate into serious work....but who says all work has to be serious?
I started grabbing bits and pieces of things I liked and set them aside.
Day by day, I built the collage.
When it was finished, I was stuck with the bare inner covers and decided with the outside being so colorful, the inside needed a bit of punch too.
 

Enter some of those scrapbook papers that come in a pack~~you know the ones. You'll never use them because the print is way too big.
I cut a template from waxed paper so I could place it on the print and get the section I liked best. (and cut off the parts that just would not work)


Rotary cutter and trusty fabric ruler~~trimming the excess.


I also added some ribbon, to keep the book closed as after each page has been written on, the book expands.
Yes, I could put it under something heavy, but I like red satin much better!
I also found that I enjoyed the two papers now that they were cropped and in the journal; they seem perfect in scale and right at home.


And here is how it looks all finished after one coat of UV protective varnish and then two coats of satin varnish. With the different weights of paper and some pieces being from potato chip bags, I figured a bit more varnish would add to the longevity!
Was it a lot of trouble? No.
Was it FUN? Yes!
Would I do it again???
You bet!
(I am currently sorting and stashing quirky and odd things for the book I am filling every day with Morning Pages.....who'd a thunk it?)


Pax....

42 comments:

Unknown said...

I just got back yesterday from an art retreat where we decoed a lot of stuff - a book being one of the things. Lots of fun isn't it? I love your book - very unique and colorful!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

It was funny because when I started this, it was more or less something to do to use up little tidbits. There was no plan, it's certainly not *high art collage* but the darned things are fun and look so nice finished!
I guess I figure if I take the time to WRITE, it would be nice to add the finishing personal touch.

XXOO~~
Anne

Janet Ghio said...

What fun we can have with a simple $1 composition book!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Seriously Janet! I find the little things can provide the most enjoyment.....
I think that's why I like dollar stores so much; tons of mental floss for creativity, and CHEAP in case it doesn't work!

XXOO~~
Anne

audrey said...

Anne, I love your composition book and what you've done to it. It IS fun!!! I have been taking the *Book of Days 2012* course with Effy Wild and I am loving her videos. I started my altered book and have done the covers and one page so far. I am really enjoying it. All those things we have cut out and saved FOR YEARS are finally coming in handy. lol
Loving your colorful, fun posts, Anne!!!
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Audrey, I hate to admit I have enough *pieces* to cover every book in the Library of Congress.....LOL!
But it is so much fun to get them out and just pick what is next in the mix.
Already have ideas for the current book~~may even work on it this afternoon.
Your class sounds really interesting and hope you enjoy it!

XXOO~~
Anne

Rebeca Trevino said...

these are inspiring! i keep journals too, the same black and white composition books as the one you used here. this really makes me want to start collaging my journals.

what do you use to glue down the papers? glue stick or white glue? and do you seal the ourtside covers?

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I use glue sticks to put the pieces on, unless I find some odd bit that needs gel medium to stick. Then when everything is done and VERY DRY, I put on a coat of Goldens UV varnish, let that dry completely and finish with two coats of Ceramcoat satin varnish.
Found that it helps to keep the tidbits intact and from straying! Plus I like the finish on the black binding, as it sort of makes it look a bit more elegant....and not cheap. ;-)

XXOO~~
Anne

yoborobo said...

LOL! I spy with my little eye...I see some old friends of mine. I LOVE THIS! it is so YOU. Keep it up. Just don't glue yourself to the floor or anything. xoxo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey!
You aren't going to SUE ME are you??? ;-D
I've saved all the postcards from you and those little ones just BEGGED to be included!!!
Hmmm......you might sue me to get my large art supply stash.....
NAH!
Glue? What GLUE? (she says trying to pull hand from face...)

XXOO~~
Anne

Jo Murray said...

Lovely to see some more bits of your creative self Anne... keep it up... it's a very good sign.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I do it when ever I can Jo. Paper and glue are so easy to do a bit, then leave till later.
Perfect work for me right now.... :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Anonymous said...

Of course there would be boots on your cover and crawtators? What they heck are they? Good for you to have some play time, you need it after what you are going through. Play on. xox Corrine

Cathy Bueti said...

Oh I love this Anne!! What a cool idea! I used to journal and always say I will get back to it but never do. however I am thinking that a personalized cool looking notebook couldn't hurt and may talk to me and say "write in me please! " lol ;)

xo

Unknown said...

How great it is to see you cutting and pasting and having fun not stressing to finish a commission. I knew you would come out for Mardi Gras. I went back a few post just to catch up. I like the book. I am in between projects now. Waiting for March ATCs to start up.
Blessing
QMM

Jan said...

Your journal turned out great! If it is going to be in sight so you won't forget to write in it you may as well make it look good! This one is lots of fun.

It's hard to resist those scrapbook paper stacks, they are such eye candy! I don't even scrapbook but since S&B people do, I have incorporated a lot of techniques from them, and supplies too that I might never have thought to use otherwise. It's all good!

Georgina said...

Ok, now that's just too cool!! I admire you all that journal...art journal. I'm still stuck on being 10..."Dear Diary!!" LOL

Anyway, looking forward to seeing more of your lovely artfulness and wisdom.

Have a great weekend, my friend and will be sending you a "copy" of my ashes.

Loves ya,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Corrine,

"Crawtators" are a spicy potato chip made by Zapp's, a little company in Grammercy, LA. I order a big box of them every now and then~~they have wonderful flavors, and some seasonal varieties like their sweet potato chips.
YUM!!!

XXOO~~
Anne....Zapp's Fiend

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Cathy,

You could get those mini versions of these books and collage them. They would be purse sized and easy access notepaper for when you're out! :-)
Yes, I am an enabler.....

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Peggy, you know me tooooo well! Nope, couldn't let Mardi Gras pass without a post! ;-)
I too am enjoying the life without commission pressure. Of course, my wallet is not enjoying it, but it is fun to play and experiment and generally feel like I have little stress.
I could get used to this....

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Jan, I am a sucker for those paper stacks when they are on sale, or on clearance. The one those papers were from was a "Twilight" theme, and there were maybe 2 designs I'd normally use? But it was CHEAP, and now I'm really glad I picked it up.
There is a lot of scrapbooking stuff that can have a second life in art---far beyond what it's designed for!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Georgina,

That "Dear Diary" made me laugh~~each year I'd get a diary and each year I'd write in it for a week or two and that was it.
And it always started "Dear Diary".....now I just cut to the chase and bitch away from the first sentence...LOL!!! ;-D
And I will be awaiting me ashes, trust me!

XXOO~~
Anne

Bella Sinclair said...

FUN FUN FUN! Those liner sheets are gorgeous, too. These look great!

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

These are awesome....painfully thought provoking and multi-layered magic! pace yourself sweetheart! You are so loved!!! Have a great weekend! Peace, Mary Helen

brandi said...

~to the journey ahead...vibrant and full of good cheer...artful medicine if i do say so myself!!! i love it...there is a paperswap i partake in that you send bits and pieces to and fro and it has helped me open my eyes to many more possibilities i would have never thought or attempted to try or incorporate into my crafting and art...i love what you have created her...let your muse run free my dear friend...much love light and always the brightest of blessings~

Silke Powers said...

Fun, fun, fun!!! I love the look of this - it's soooo you!! Now, if it were me, I'd love to do the decorating part and then it would sit... and sit... empty! My blog is the only space where I've been able to maintain writing almost every day. Weird, right?! Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Bella,

Thanks! I never ever thought I would use those, but now I'm looking at big prints totally different.

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Mary-Helen,

Trust me, there is no thought involved, which is probably why I enjoy them so much....LOL!!!!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Brandi,

I had been involved in a swap too last year and it was so much fun to receive different papers I never would have even thought to use, or knew they existed.
I think that's what makes paper work so much fun!

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Silke...LOL!
I guess whatever works for you in writing is what you use....just don't collage the computer!
Or maybe the cover of it??? :-D
You might start a trend!

XXOO~~
Anne

Robin said...

Dear Anne.....this is FABULOUS! (Just like you!)
I was about to write how amazed I was by your creativity - then - I stopped and thought (it's very early here *out West* and I am having coffee and geting ready to go to - gasp - work!)- no - I shouldn't be amazed by your TALENT - in all genres.... you are - an ARTIST! And everything you do - be it the intricate stoles for your Church - to this journal of days - is wonderful - strong - passionate - JUST LIKE YOU!
(So many favourites on this journal....the Birdees, the BOOTS - Pam's Cards - and do I see a *Joan of Arc* too? ) Oooh la-la! Tres jolie!

I miss you....let's try and connect soon!

Love,

♥ FBBBFF ♥

Laura said...

Love to see you so creative again..thanks for sharing..
~v~Laura

marianne said...

nice job anne- it's lovely and lively just like you! i can't journal, much as i sometimes think i "should" but i admire those who do, and appreciate the art of it-

Dear Fireflies said...

So lovely to see you making more "mess", Anne dear! I love what you did... those boots really caught my eyes!! :D OXX

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Laura,

You have no idea how good it feels to be in creative mode again, even if for small things like this!
It calms the mind and gets the ideas flowing....

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Marianne, I don't think people should journal unless it really feels right. That's why I can go for several years and NOT do it, then get back in the habit and write for a couple of years.
It is what it is; an exercise.

XXOO~~
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Ah-hahaha! Amalia, I'm always making some sort of mess!!!
Those boots are from a gardening catalog, and I would have LOVED to have ordered a pair but already have two pair of mud boots AND, I'm not gardening....sooo....I'll just own them on the collage! (and be happy...grrrrr....)


XXOO~~
Anne

Janine said...

This journal looks amazing. Thats great fun. I love it.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Janine!

Good to *hear* you again! (good to be posting some again too)
I too love this journal, and am getting very fond of the new one I'm working on! :-)

XXOO~~
Anne

Serena Lewis said...

It looks fabulous, Anne, and so much more interesting than a plain, old composition book.

Btw, re. your comment about the book saying budgies have small voices....I laughed out loud at that one too. They have huge voices and squawk so loudly at times that I can barely hear the TV. LOL

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Yeah Serena, I have laughed about the Budgie comment every time mine *tune up*~~which is when I forget to turn their music on or they HAVE the music and are singing along.....and sometimes I think they just try to out-scream each other, all at the cost of my ear drums! LOL!!!
Oh yes, they have small voices compared to a JUMBO JET! ;-D

XXOO~~
Anne

My Vagabond Heart said...

Geez...Missed this post. This is what has been rattling around in my skull for weeks...ok, months!

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