It's been one of those weekends, out all day Saturday and inside Sunday. The weather keeps threatening rain as you can see in the photo from my studio below, but it just can't quite make it. The sun comes out then, when you go out into the garden the rain threatens. I gave up in the end and came inside to my studio. I feel for such an interrupted day I've achieved quite a lot.
The image above is a sketch I drew and coloured of pomegranates, or they could be poppy seed heads. I intended them to be pomegranates but they aren't sure.
I scanned them into photoshop, put some of my decorated paper behind them then added a layer of grungy brush marks. I was quite pleased with the results. Once I saved the file I changed the hue and saturation so I now have four different colourways. I'm printing these onto 160gsm laser paper to add to my journals.
Above is an almost completed journal for my etsy. I still have to add a few more bits and pieces and then bind it into one of the new covers I made below.
I hope to hold a decorated papers/hand made journal workshop either on Saturday 26th or Sunday the 27th of September, I need a minimum of five to make it viable. If you're interested in attending please email me for details.
Below is a technique I'm experimenting with for journal covers. I've covered heavy duty watercolour paper with pre-mixed polyfilla, a product used for filling holes or cracks in walls. You can buy it in a tub pre-mixed so it has a very spreadable consistency.
I carved into it and added texture will it was wet, then when it dried I added a few different combinations of paint.
I also dyed some more lace and ribbon doilies for journals. I just cut out little sections of the lace to stitch into my books.
Finally I picked these lovely daffodils from our garden on one of my trips outside. They are definitely my favourite flower.
Thanks also to Sylvia for awarding me the MeMeAward. I can't think of seven things that you don't already know about me (or that I'm prepared to tell) that I haven't already said from earlier awards.
Thanks again Sylvia.
30 comments:
I love the new techniques you're experimenting with. The dyed lacy doilies look really cool. I really love your beautiful daffodils.
There's an art celebration going on over here..... which is not unusual! The polyfilla experiment is so effective and I love the thick pile of journal pages just dripping colour.
The view through your window could almost be in the UK. Our weather is dismal and the longed for Indian summer is not materialising. I love your pomegranate/poppy seedhead page and what you have done with it. The idea to use polyfilla and carve into it is so innovative - I might have to try that. The results you have achieved are stunning and will make a great cover for the journal. I am still thinking and dithering!!
The weather certainly did not afffect your art accomplishments!! i love what you ahve done with your poppeganets! they will lokk fabulous integrated into your journals!!
When you work on watercolor paper and layer and layer , do you find that you have troubles with warping covers????
i love seeing new posts form you on my roster, It really adds sunshine to my day!!
hugs!
Elizabeth
daffodils - so much promise in one little flower - our leaves turning burnt oranges, reds and rust - I love your day of 'this and that' - so much to look at :)
Hi Ro I love your pomegranate/poppy and I wish I was in Australia and going to your workshop. Daffodils mean Spring is right around the corner! Loved the view outside your window.
I vote they are pomegranites - because I have such fond childhood memories of them in a neighbours yard in the goldfields o so many year ago now. Must also say if I were just a tad closer I would be in like flyn to get to your next workshop. Alas I will be a good girl and wait for CSR 2010.
Your new experiments have born outstanding results! Your pomegranates are gorgeous as well as the textured piece for your journal. We're just beginning our fall, so your daffodils are s special treat! Hugs, Terri
ro your experiments with polyfiller are wonderful, i love the effect!!! xx
I love the painting..
Polyfilla looks like a lot of fun..
So much to get our hands into..LOL
All your art is wonderful.
Katelen
I really like your sketch and how you have added texture and a background to it in PS, it's looks fabulous.
Your texture is interesting. It's always fun to experiment with different mediums. I've had a bit of a play with the polyfilla stuff and it lends itself to lots of possibilities. The texture will look fantastic on your journal covers.
Ro I love your dabbling on photoshop...that looks fantastic!!! After my last computer dilemma's I no long have photoshop (not that I used it much, but isnt it typical as soon as its gone you want to try something).
I've played with the polyfilla too (on a couple of ATC's...my results didnt look as good as yours).
Gorgeous, gorgeous dyed laces. I think they look fantastic in journals.
Looks like you've been very busy and creative.
Have a lovely week.
Jacky xox
Beautiful work!
Now I love what you've been up to Ro. Fab photoshop work, love those colours! I'd love to take your journal class but unfortunately I'm at the opposite end of the country. Have you considered holding an online class? they seem to be the go these days and I could at least get to one of those, LOL! Interesting technique with the filler, let us know how it works out. I might have to experiment. Poor hubby, I'm already taking over all his tools as it is,LOL!
Lovely post, and so informative! I want to try that technique with polyfila on my next project. Your dyed doilies are beautiful, brilliant colors. I enjoyed this very much! Thanks
I have been away from blog visiting and to come here early on a unusually cool holiday morning and leisurely look is just a little slice of heaven. To visit here is to get lost in such rich expressive colors, lines, shapes, textures, and imagery that it is hard to snap out of it and return to one's own work. You are so incredibly talented and your work, I could look at it forever.
The polyfilla and doilies are great. I want to try them too. As usual, everything you do looks alive and rich with color! - daffodils? ours are drenched and sleeping. - Jeanne
Mmmmm, love the polyfilla textures! As usual, you send my into the studio with renewed inspiration.
I would love to attend your workshop! When are you planning a trip to California? Your experiments look yummy... It's always interesting to see how while we have the first falling leaves you have daffodils...
Excellent technique, and I love the results!
So much beauty here so much of interest...I went back several posts...love the looks of the journal pages...love the idea of the speckle for book cover. I can imagine using it for all sorts of art! Who would have thought? Fun, one could half bury fabrics in it too, thanks for the wonderful idea!
Ro,
Such a nice, big, juicy blog entry! Color-color-color, a FEAST for the eyes. Ahhhh...
Regina
One question Ro, does the polyfiller crack?
Yummy.
Your experiments with polyfiller are terrific! Love the effect! You never cease to amaze me!
LOVE your painting!
Lovely pictures! The poppy/pomegranates are beautiful.
Cat x
i find so much joy in creative experiments...looks like you do to Ro. you art is such a beautiful express of you!
Pomegranates! Definitely!!!
You know, I really want to do one of your courses. I'm interested in learning the techniques you use for your papers. However not just yet...when I find a job and a place to live in Melbourne then I'll be wanting to do one of your courses.
:-)
I love the carving into textures that your are doing and the peek out of your studio window... and such beautiful daffodils... Roxanne
I love hearing about your new technique! My mom just passed away in April, and I inherited LOADS of laces, hand crocheted laces and edgings, etc. I hope to dye some and use them in journals.! I just need to take the plunge!
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