American Icons

 When Helen's Icon journal arrived once again at my door, I decided that I would have some fun. Since she is Australian and I'm an American, I thought that giving her American icons would give her a way to remember me. I choose one of her fold out pages to add to the challenge. I actually created Uncle Sam first. In the pocket, is a brief history of Uncle Sam. I even learned a few things. Having the opportunity to grow and share is such a valuable part of this experience. I hope Helen enjoys my additions to her beautiful journal.

My Contribution to Louise's Journal

 Louise asked that we share a little about ourselves (great idea and I am going to add that to my journal too!). There was only one page available to I followed Louise's lead and created a small booklet (cover first image).

I decided that I wanted to create something that actually flowed onto another set of pages. I began by tearing one page so the under page was visible then using two different stencils and a stamp pad created the background. After writing a long list of words, I decided on "grow" and "flow" to further connect the pages. Paper, tape, rubberstamps, stickers, a rub-on and writing complete what I've done. It's hard to stop but Palma, the journal swap organizer at Milliande, suggested that we don't need to finish. Tomorrow I'll mail the journal to Louise. I hope she will be pleased. My journal is on its way. Can't wait to revisit it! This is more fun than I imagined.

Karen's Journal- No Theme (Have Fun!)

I didn't have much time to create a journal from scratch (wasn't paying attention to the Milliande Ning group's call for swaps) so I just printed fabric and sewed a simple cover to a Strathmore Visual Journal (watercolor paper weight). I decided not to have a theme. I don't know if this is easier or not. You'll have to ask Louise and Helen. I wanted them to have as much freedom to play as their hearts desired. I do plan to decorate the outside of the journal once its journey is done.

I am so excited to be a part of this exchange. These kinds of activities always help me grow as a person and an artist. I am honored to have the opportunity to play with two amazing Australian artists.

I did watercolor and write on a few pages to give them a peek at who I am as a journal artist. I included some quotes because I do love collecting them. I hope they feel free to add to these pages too.  This is going to be fun!

Nature Study - Louise's Journal

There is nothing quite the same as sharing art with new friends and there are some fabulous online art communities where one can swap with people from all over the world.

Helen, Karen and I have come together on this journal journey through the fabulous online art community Milliande's Art Community for Women

Finding a journal swap to participate in is not always easy and then the next tricky bit comes in choosing a theme, for this swap I wanted a nice open theme but something I find inspiring and beautiful, and Mother Nature called to me.

So my journal with the theme of Nature Study was made at home using some gorgeous Stonehenge printmaking paper and sent out into the world.