Sunday 7 December 2008

Journals plus

I've been impressed for quite some time now with the journals made by Mary Ann Moss. Take a look at Mary Ann's blog if you haven't been there before, it's well worth a visit. I'm not sure how Mary Ann makes her journals or what she uses but I decided to make my own version, using old envelopes, very old book pages, heavy duty brochures, left over bought papers, fabric scraps and anything else I could find that could be sewn into the manilla folder spine. I will make hard covers later. I'm really enjoying the process and I'm looking forward to working in it. It's the ideal place to add those special pieces of paper and cards that come with swaps or from fellow bloggers.







The red paper and the beautiful hand made card above came from Jo along with the fabulous red brooch below that she was giving away on her blog. I was a very lucky winner indeed, it's gorgeous.







I still can't show you the pages in my altered book that's been travelling for the past eighteen months, as some of the contributors may be having their work published, so I'll just tempt you with the ends of the pages. I'm still amazed at all the beautiful work it holds.





Finally I've decided to make up some extra kits of fabric strips, buttons and beads and add them to my etsy store, I'll be adding more as I make them, they are very time consuming. They can be added to hand made journals or store bought spiral journals to give them a lift. There's enough of everything for two eight inch high journals.

24 comments:

Sam Marshall said...

Love your journal- the papers, design and colours are fantastic!

Sharon Tomlinson said...

I'm so taken with your new folder journal. Had other plans for today but I just might have to give it a go. Also can't wait to see the finished circle journal.

Karin Bartimole said...

These pages and papers are luscious! And after perusing through your blog, I sure wish I could join one of your workshops - it's looks like a lot of inspirational fun!
Thanks for stopping by, and leaving your kind words,
Karin

Heather said...

How beautiful! All the colors and textures are amazing!~

FARBTUPFER said...

So beautiful -I love it,
regards
Waltraud

Anonymous said...

quite definately THE only way to use up odd bits and pieces of paper!! you could add fabric scraps as well...
they look lovely Ro!

Sherri said...

How fabulous is that journal!!!! I love it.

femminismo said...

I brought a bunch of envelopes and flyers, postcards and brochures home from work to make exactly this type of "book" journal. Thanks for the encouragement to continue. - jeanne in Oregon

lynne h said...

oh, ro, what a lot of fabulousness here... your new journal is *very* inspiring. and the ends of the pages of the altered book are, well, making me drool...

Jennifer MacNeill said...

What a wonderful blog! Gorgeous hand made journals!

jo horswill said...

Ro...just brilliant journal pages.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw you had included the card and paper I sent you!!! So thrilled you like your brooch. My art girls got thiers yesterday for Chrissy...so there is a nice connection going on here:)
Ro, your well travelled book, is incredible. I feel very priveledged I got to see it in real life!

Chris said...

You have NAILED it! Having followed Mary Ann's blog for ages, I can tell you right now that you have a feel for it, and with your own unique visual sense you've made really yummy pages, here. And I really want to see that altered book, but what can I do? I must just dream of it, having seen such pretty little edges!

Seth said...

Great post Ro. Not sure which I like the best...your scrap journal, the altered book, or your fabric strip bags. They are all great!

Jacky said...

Ro I love your new journal. Great way for keeping all of those special bits and bobs. Some of the packages we receive these days are works of art in themselves and deserve a showing!!! Thanks for sharing the link too. Havent had a look yet, but I am going to do so shortly.
Your Round Robin altered book is amazing. I didnt get a chance to have a really good look at it on Saturday, but will have to do so next time we meet.
Gorgeous colours and buttons in those fabric strip packs, lovely adornments to any journal.
AND oooohhhhh I am so envious of your gorgeous brooch from the lovely Jo. I know you will wear it often and with pride...love the red!!!

Jacky xox

Jen Crossley said...

Love the look of your journel page just beautiful Ro I will check out that blog as well
Jen

Linda O'Neill said...

Nice job, Ro! I especially love that first page/photo...there's just something about it.

Karen Cole said...

Your new journal is really inspiring Ro. I have so many things I've been dying to try and no time......so what else is new? I love Mary Anns work as well.

Katiejane said...

Oh my Gawd! I've tripped and fallen into artist's heaven. I love your work and your blog looks so inspiring and exciting. Thank you for visiting me and giving me a new blog to love. I will definately be back.

Elizabeth said...

Ro!
Love yoru new journal idea- I will have to go over to Mary jo's blog when I have a bit of time!! That is a great way to use special things that you no longer have wall space for!!!!! Can't wait to see how you use it!! you are wicked to tempt us with just the ends of the pages in your altered book- I DO understand but Can't wait till you cna show us more!!
Big Hugs!
Elizabeth

Unknown said...

Mary Ann is an incredible inspiration, your pages are wonderfully rich and layered.

I CAN'T wait to see this traveling journal....I DID get a peak at ONE though!!

Anonymous said...

thanks ro
AND
wowza! what a splendidly random journal you made. my favorite kind - big and jumbly.

Candace said...

Oh Ro, FANTASTIC. Those last few photos of the stacks of colour just do something to me. I can't wait to see all the finished work and thanks for the link to Mary Ann Moss!

Ann Christine Dennison said...

My Mum used to make Xmas puddings too, you just took me back many years :-)
Love the work here, can't wait to see the pages of the journal, it is a teaser seeing it from the outside ;-)

Nic Hohn said...

How inspiring!To see all those odd shaped pages in your journal. And the thick art filled journal with all the goodies hanging out.Inspirational.