ruby tuesday: crusading

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I've been organizing my studio and compiled a huge stash of tissue paper, new and previously-loved.  I learned that tissue can be difficult to rip into strips so I used a water filled paint brush to stroke a line that assisted the ripping.  I adhered with an acrylic varnish which is an easy way to attach tissue (cover over and under).  I didn't realize until it was too late that I was using a gloss vs. matte.  Hated the glare so I began smooshing gesso over most of the pages, leaving a portion where you could see the patterns, and how they peek through the layers.  Below is the initial layout.  For GPP Street Team Crusade No. 42.

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Since this is a new journal I decided to go for another spread.  In the previous crusade we made grids…super easy way to complete a page.  I cut from the same tissues, plus took evidence samplers of my ribbons and strings.  

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I love having one day a week set aside to work on pages.  I began the RubyTuesday project back in November as a way to maintain my commitment (and sanity) to creating Art For Me because the holidays were around the corner and my typical routine had been to shuffle away my own stuff.  We do that don't we?  Because we are busy we tend to use that as an excuse to unplug from our art.  Finding time is different than making time.  Getting your hands dirty, even just one morning a week, will keep you on the path of growth.  Pick a day…pick a color too if that makes it an easier self-imposed assignment, and make time to journal.  I'm already onto book two.  HCIT?

Comments

8 responses to “ruby tuesday: crusading”

  1. iHanna Avatar

    Beautiful pages Michelle, thanks for including the before and after and some descriptions on what you did use! I love the evidence idea a lot and it’s now in my vocabulary and journal too. 🙂

  2. Irma Avatar

    I have stumbled over your blog already a few times and always was delighted about the things you showed, but somehow I oversaw that 1. You have you own stamp line…These are fantastic! Are they sold in Germany as well? (or are you maybe looking for a design team???)(Please do not mind me asking!)
    and 2. the street team challenge blog…what a uge fundus of inspiration!!! Now I know where I will spend my next few hours in the web!
    In fact I just wanted to say thank you for sharing so much inspiration!
    Sunny regards from Germany – Irma

  3. Brenda Thebeau Avatar

    I love what you did with the tissue and gesso, who would think a little gesso could make such a difference. Your creativity amazes me and I am so glad to make time for creative expressions just for you because we learn as you explore!

  4. Janet Avatar

    This page spread is fantastic! I love your patterned tissue papers and the gesso just really changes everything. I always learn so much when I visit you. Thank you for sharing so many of your techniques. It sure helps those of us who are trying to learn.

  5. finnabair Avatar

    First of all, thanks for visiting me and leaving so much love on my work. I do appreciae it so much! I ov visiting you becouse all the inspiration I get from you and encouragement to try journaling by myself:)I did oonly 3 pages and I know it’s notmuch but I’m happ to think ther’s so much to try and do 🙂
    And now the second thing: my dear hysband promised to buy me my first sheets of your stamps as a gift – I can’t explain howexcited I am about it and can’t wait toput my inky fingers on them :)))) they are all far too beautiful – of course 😉
    hugs!!!

  6. Diana Wilson (DD) Avatar
    Diana Wilson (DD)

    Michelle, you may have been asked and replied to this question before, but obviously I have missed the whole subject. Where do you get your brown craft paper journals? Do they come in assorted sizes and weights of paper? Or do you make your own, if so, with what kind of paper?
    Thanks, DD

  7. Michelle Ward Avatar

    @iHanna: thanks girl! LOVE that Evidence is part of your vocabulary AND your journal 🙂
    @Irma: I ship to individuals in Germany, but I don’t sell to stores. I don’t employ a design team, but thanks for your interest. I’m glad you found the street team. Come play!
    @Brenda and @Janet: thanks for your encouragement.
    @finnabair: happy you found our crusades too, and i’m thrilled you like the stamps 🙂
    @DD: thanks for asking about the craft paper journals as I’m sure there are more who wonder the same thing. I get them from Borders. The size you see here is about 5×7 and the paper is really thin, not so optimal. They do carry a larger size, about 10″ sq., with heavier paper. They also carry black page journals. LOVE THOSE too! I’m too lazy to make my own – I’d rather work IN them, then make them.

  8. Lynette Collis Avatar

    Hi Michelle – I don’t usually comment, but I often read your blog, and love your work. Thanks for all you share 🙂 Lynette (NZ)

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