#18 Magical Mischief and Mayhem Moley Group...First Mail Out 2/1/2013(FULL)

[theweavershand]

#18 Magical Mischief and Mayhem Moley Group...WE ARE FULL!
First Mail Date: February 1, 2013
Subsequent Mail-by dates: 3/1/2013, 4/1/2013, 5/1/2013, 6/1/2013, 7/1/2013, 8/1/2013, 9/1/2013, 10/1/2013, 11/1/2013
Due Back in Hand by: December 1, 2013
Withdraw By: NOT ALLOWED
WE ARE FULL

Materials required: One blank Japanese Moleskine accordion style pocket album. Approximate size is 3.5" x 5.5". Available at Amazon.com and at MoleskineUS here. http://www.moleskineus.com/japanesebook.html

AFA says you Must:
•Be an actively trading AFA member (defined as: positive itrader across 2 swaps in the last 3 months)
•Have 3+ months in good standing (no neutrals or negative iTraders)
•Have an iTrader rating of 25+
•Be willing and able to do your very best work on a strict, inflexible time line, over a long period
•Be willing and able to complete three (3) 3x5 journal pages in the themes chosen by your fellow participants
•Have the cash resources necessary to ship eight (10) journals around the world using First Class mail with mandatory tracking

It is also mandatory that you share your mailing address, a phone number, and a contact person to the host. This is to be sure no journals go MIA - info will only be shared with your fellow Moley members.

You're responsible for:
•Choosing and explaining your theme. Each artist will choose their own theme, color scheme/do and don’ts, and special instructions for their own moley’s. You may choose "No theme" if you want participants to "follow their muse."
•Creating a three (3) page spread in each journal you receive.
• Include at least your name, username, and date completed on the back of your spread.
•Shipping to the next artist participant. Use a well padded bubble envelope, sturdy box or a small Flat Rate Box.
•Paying for First Class mail and MANDATORY tracking/Delivery Confirmation.


Artist Instructions:
1. Decorate the covers, if you choose. This may be completed either before or after the journal travels through the rotation. Some prefer to decorate before, to establish theme, palette, and mood. Some prefer to decorate after, to prevent damage to cover art. You decide!


2. Please include: (1) Your real name and address; (2) your username; (3) your assigned "travel-plan"; (4) a sign-in area for artists; and (5) any special instructions; in the opening pages of your book -- which you should also decorate.

3. In addition to decorating your opening, informational pages, please create one, 3-4 page spread in your own Moleskine journal. Yet another opportunity to establish theme.

4. Be sure to "fix" your art well, to prevent smudging. Allow plenty of time for drying before shipping. Wax paper between pages is a great idea.

5. Please communicate regularly via email, PM, or preferably, in this thread, whenever you have (1) received or (2) shipped a book. Include tracking numbers. We're all investing a huge amount of time, talent, and care in this project, and we want to see everyone's Moleskine journal home safely.

6. In the past there have been issues with journals piling up with one player who is unable to keep up due to unforeseen circumstances. Please communicate to the group if you find yourself falling behind. There are several ways to work around that but we cant help if we dont know what's going on. Communication is essential!

7. Please be sure to mail these journals at the post office personally. There have been incidences in other groups of journals being placed in a player's personal roadside box for mailing and having it stolen.

8. Most important: Be creative, do your very best work, stretch yourself, and have a blast!


Participants & Themes:
1. theweavershand - I would like each of you to depict your own themes in the way you envision them.
2. Pochadiva - Unnaturally Colored Faces with dazzling hair, nestled in Wild Flowers scattered under the watchful eye of an Anthropomorphic Sun.
3. grrrdjules - Okeedokee, my theme is "in the kitchen". It can and in a perfect world would include any number of the following:
anthropomorphic food or talking flatware, etc
a drinking housewife
anything 1950s vibe
a recipe (no desserts or other sweets please)
rotten children
things not quite right - cat sitting in frypan on the stove, kid in oven, giant eyeball in cookie jar! etc
Think odd, fun, satirical, silly, drunk foodie.
4. miss - reading/ writing/ literacy/ typography/ story telling
5. notinkansas - "Once upon a time..." Your own style illustrating a classic children's book/story with the focus on a main character.
6. RobbyGirl - Animal Illustrations AKA - The Animal House
-Please do create a background.
Animals illustrated in your favorite style.
ps. I like a party hats but it's not a requirement
Please make art and not just a cut out if you are not hand drawing or painting.
Please don't use stickers
Please don't use heavy embellishments as I'd like the book to close neatly.
Examples of Animal Illustrations I love:
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/...illustrations/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-bovine/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-rabbits/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-owls/
7. Penlowe- inspiring words
I would like you to choose a phrase or sentence that inspires you, include at least part of them within the art you do, and illustrate it. Full text can be on the back side with who/ where it came from and your info.
ELABORATION:
I know the passage I will use in my spread comes from first Corinthians in the bible, it's about love.
I don't want 'oh that's a nice sentiment' type words, I want words that really mean something to you. That phrase, quote, verse or song lyric you come back to over and over throughout the years. Sometimes the words that have great meaning to us don't conjure great pictures, so I leave it to your discretion exactly how you choose to illustrate them.
8. KentuckyDakota-The Time Travelers Adventure Journal. I will start a journal entry. Each page can have a scene from the past, a scene from the imagined future, anywhere the time travelers airship might take him and a journal entry about his time there. (Just a sentence or two is fine)
I'd like it to have a steampunky feel and I love the look of mainly sepia with just a color or two, but don't feel limited if you want to add more colors. I love bits of metal, found items, pockets and pop ups. Anything you can imagine, feel free to do it!
9. mariloupatch - BEACH, no persons, lighthouses, birds, shells, ships, rocks, message in a bottle, let your imagination go wild.......but no persons, no people.....
10. ScrapPea - HAIKU (SENRYU) (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1348479&postcount=112)

AND WE ARE FULL!!

[theweavershand]

Travel Plans:
Please note that the order of mailing will differ for each journal. Yes, this is absolutely more confusing than mailing to the same artist after each round of creating. The reasons behind jostling the order of mailing are (1) To keep the swap lively and challenging, by changing the person you're "working toward" in each round; and (2) To balance shipping costs across all participants.

BLUE = HOME
RED = ACTIVE (Actively working on pages.)
PURPLE = TRAVELING (Journal en route to next player.)
GREEN = COMPLETED

1- theweavershand -ScrapPea-Pochadiva-mariloupatch-grrrdjules-KentuckyDakota-miss-Penlowe-notinkansas-RobbyGirl-theweavershand

2- Pochadiva-theweavershand-grrrdjules-ScrapPea-miss-mariloupatch-notinkansas-KentuckyDakota-RobbyGirl-Penlowe-Pochadiva

3- grrrdjules-Pochadiva-miss-theweavershand-notinkansas-ScrapPea-RobbyGirl-mariloupatch-Penlowe-KentuckyDakota-grrrdjules

4- miss-grrrdjules-notinkansas-Pochadiva-RobbyGirl-theweavershand-Penlowe-ScrapPea-KentuckyDakota-mariloupatch-miss

5- notinkansas-miss-RobbyGirl-grrrdjules-Penlowe-Pochadiva-KentuckyDakota-theweavershand-mariloupatch-ScrapPea-notinkansas

6- RobbyGirl-notinkansas-Penlowe-miss-KentuckyDakota-grrrdjules-mariloupatch-Pochadiva-ScrapPea-theweavershand-RobbyGirl

7- Penlowe-RobbyGirl-KentuckyDakota-notinkansas-mariloupatch-miss-ScrapPea-grrrdjules-theweavershand-Pochadiva-Penlowe

8- KentuckyDakota-Penlowe-mariloupatch-RobbyGirl-ScrapPea-notinkansas-theweavershand-miss-Pochadiva-grrrdjules-KentuckyDakota

9- mariloupatch-KentuckyDakota-ScrapPea-Penlowe-theweavershand-RobbyGirl-Pochadiva-notinkansas-grrrdjules-miss-mariloupatch

10- ScrapPea-mariloupatch-theweavershand-KentuckyDakota-Pochadiva-Penlowe-grrrdjules-RobbyGirl-miss-notinkansas-ScrapPea

[Pochadiva]

Well.....here goes. I've chosen a theme of Unnaturally Colored Faces with dazzling hair, nestled in Wild Flowers scattered under the watchful eye of an Anthropomorphic Sun. boy....that's a mouthful. Hope that makes sense. I'm excited about the prospect of possessing my first artistically adorned moleskin! This is going to be a challenge and inspiring at the same time. I'm anxious to learn about the group's chosen themes!

[theweavershand]

wow...that is a mouthful and very specific! any further details or explaination you would like to provide so that everyone is clear on what you are looking for?

[Pochadiva]

I'm going to leave it open to interpretation. Of course, I'll have some pages done before sending it on it's journey.

[theweavershand]

Awesome! i already have some ideas sketched out in my mind for it.

[Pochadiva]

Fantastic! You know I love your style Amy.....

[marilou]

I would love to join the group, but...
It is possible that I will be some days behind in a month if that is no problem, but will do anything to avoid this. Depends on my travels.
Let me get my moleskine first, going shopping on Saturday next, and then I will sign up!

[Penlowe]

Oh! Amy! Sign me up please!
Been debating hosting for a while, this fits nicely. The dates are just right. I may or may not have a changed title at work, but if anything that will simplify my life as opposed to complicating it.

I need to think on theme....

[theweavershand]

Awesome! Marilou, id love to have you in the group! these usually fill up quickly so if youd like to sign up...better to do it now than later. let me know.

welcome, Penlowe! feel like i havent seen you in ages! glad to have you!

[RobbyGirl]

Looks like an exciting group! I better start dreaming up a theme!

[marilou]

Ok sign me up please. If this moleskine book is not available overhere I can order it at Amazon.uk.

[grrrdjules]

Wooohoooo! I have to nail down a theme... I'm thinking booze.

[marilou]

share a bottle of good french burgundy wine????

[marilou]

Yes I decided on my theme...BEACH, no persons, lighthouses, birds, shells, ships, rocks, message in a bottle, let your imagination go wild.......but no persons, no people.....
Is this ok???

[kentuckydakota]

I would like the theme: The Time Travelers Adventure Journal. I will start a journal entry. Each page can have a scene from the past, a scene from the imagined future, anywhere the time travelers airship might take him and a journal entry about his time there. (Just a sentence or two is fine)
I'd like it to have a steampunky feel and I love the look of mainly sepia with just a color or two, but don't feel limited if you want to add more colors. I love bits of metal, found items, pockets and pop ups. Anything you can imagine, feel free to do it!

[notinkansas]

promise to be back soon with my theme....have to figure out how to express the "feel" I am going for... (maybe I'll ask Bonnie to help me with my description :wubclub:)

[theweavershand]

Great to have you, mariloupatch! great theme...im already thinking color schemes and picturing it. im not a fan of the beach as i burn in florescent lighting but for some reason, this year, ive been dying for a few days with the scent of the ocean and the sound of the waves.

this is going to be such a fun group! these themes are going to be fun and challenging!

jules...lol...what's your poison?

[miss]

Hi! Just checking in... still pinpointing an exact theme... so many possibilities :)

theweavershand, is our emergency contact person a real-life person, or an AFA person (lol, not that AFA people aren't real...)

[Pochadiva]

promise to be back soon with my theme....have to figure out how to express the "feel" I am going for... (maybe I'll ask Bonnie to help me with my description :wubclub:)

I'm sure you will conjure up a dreamy theme Kelly!

[theweavershand]

i believe it needs to be a "real" person like a spouse or family member, etc....something like that. someone that can be contacted on the off chance that you simply disappear which i cant imagine happening with this group but its still something i have to ask for.

[theweavershand]

i agree...i have no doubt youll have something fun and fanciful for us, Kelly!

[theweavershand]

im still working on a theme too. was thinking of just going with "artist's choice" since i admire all of your work so much and want you to be free to create as the muse leads you but if i suddenly have a brilliant idea like the ones already posted...i may go with that. decisions, decisions, decisions...

[kentuckydakota]

Just asked for a moleskine journal for Christmas! Yay! Can't wait!
Meanwhile, can anyone who's done this before tell me how to track shipments to foreign countries? Is there a certain shipping rate that tracks or is there something similar to delivery confirmation in the states? Just wondered for future reference.

[theweavershand]

that is a very good question. i would assume that the post office can help with that. anyone dealt with that before?

[marilou]

I can only answer that for my country. I have to go to the post office and fill in a form
for sending packages outside the country with or without tracking. You just pay more if you ask for tracking.

[theweavershand]

i assume it is similar here. i know for anything larger than a regular envelope they will require you to fill out a customs form. i would imagine that you will then have to ask for delivery confirmation just as you would for mailing in this country and pay the extra amount for it.

[Penlowe]

I am still thinking on my theme.

CONCERNING TRACKING BETWIXT COUNTRIES:
with country to country public mail (USPS, Royal Mail, etc. the government run type) there is NO tracking beyond your own customs office! If you want tracking door to door it requires using a private mail company like UPS, Fed Ex etc. Which makes it significantly more costly. Usually the added cost is waived and we pray and cross our fingers with our regular pubic mail system.
I have met and heard of ignorant USPS employees who will sell you the tracking for packages leaving our country- it's a waste of 85 cents because it only works to the customs office, it does NOT track once it leaves USPS hands.

EDITORIAL OPINION:
I would not sign up if I couldn't afford it, but at the same time I trust the public mail systems of the various countries we have represented in this specific group and would rather not have to pay $15-20 each to ship a couple of these books over the course of this swap. I would not be saying this if we had anyone in Africa or the far east, both have areas with bad reputations of mail theft as well as my own personal experience of having mail disappear, both coming and going.

That's my two cents, I leave the final judgement to our hostess.

[Penlowe]

MONEY
I have participated in 3 moley groups and a dozen or so chunky swaps. On average, a moley runs between $2-4 with tracking within the USA. The smallest flat rate box is $5.15, not including tracking, making boxes only economical for the very end of a books run when it's gotten fat and heavy.

On average, US to Canada is about half again more, $3.50-6 bucks for an envelope with a moley in it.

On average US to western Europe (UK, France, Belguim, Sweden, Spain are places I've mailed) it's right about double the cost for an enveloped book $5-10 bucks.

Remember, USPS flat rate boxes are a higher rate when used internationally, and have a weight limit, unlike within the US.

We Americans are spoiled! Most countries postal systems are double the rates we pay, some even triple.

[Penlowe]

Ok, I nailed it down:

My theme is inspiring words

I would like you to choose a phrase or sentence that inspires you, include at least part of them within the art you do, and illustrate it. Full text can be on the back side with who/ where it came from and your info.

ELABORATION:
I know the passage I will use in my spread comes from first Corinthians in the bible, it's about love.
I don't want 'oh that's a nice sentiment' type words, I want words that really mean something to you. That phrase, quote, verse or song lyric you come back to over and over throughout the years. Sometimes the words that have great meaning to us don't conjure great pictures, so I leave it to your discretion exactly how you choose to illustrate them.

[RobbyGirl]

Hurrah I figured out my theme:

Animal Illustrations

-Please do create a background.
- 1 page Realistic Representation
- 1 page Your favorite Style
- 1 page in wearing a party Hat

Please make art and not just a cut out if you are not hand drawing or painting.
Please don't use stickers
Please don't use heavy embellishments as I'd like the book to close neatly.

Examples of Animal Illustrations I love:
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-animal-illustrations/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-bovine/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-rabbits/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-owls/

[Pochadiva]

Hurrah I figured out my theme:

Animal Illustrations

-Please do create a background.
- 1 page Realistic Representation
- 1 page Your favorite Style
- 1 page in wearing a party Hat

Please make art and not just a cut out if you are not hand drawing or painting.
Please don't use stickers
Please don't use heavy embellishments as I'd like the book to close neatly.

Examples of Animal Illustrations I love:
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-animal-illustrations/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-bovine/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-rabbits/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-owls/

I really liked the stipulations in Robby's instructions that I changed to bold above. Light embellishments are ok but the top two are especially appropriate for my pages also!

Thanks Robby!

[kentuckydakota]

Maybe those two would be a good idea for all the books. I assume we all want the artists to show their own art, not make sticker or magazine cut out pictures.

Though if I'm wrong, someone speak up.

[RobbyGirl]

Love your theme!

Ok, I nailed it down:

My theme is inspiring words

I would like you to choose a phrase or sentence that inspires you, include at least part of them within the art you do, and illustrate it. Full text can be on the back side with who/ where it came from and your info.

ELABORATION:
I know the passage I will use in my spread comes from first Corinthians in the bible, it's about love.
I don't want 'oh that's a nice sentiment' type words, I want words that really mean something to you. That phrase, quote, verse or song lyric you come back to over and over throughout the years. Sometimes the words that have great meaning to us don't conjure great pictures, so I leave it to your discretion exactly how you choose to illustrate them.

[grrrdjules]

Can I add to the shipping discussion as well that people PLEASE don't send your moley in a pouch and/or with heavy embellishments to keep cost of sendning down.

Robby I love your theme, my concern is that many people - myself included - can't do "realistic". It actually makes me break out in a sweat just thinking about it lol.

[RobbyGirl]

Okay sweet Ames I'm going to be a bit of a pain in the butt and ask a bunch of questions to make sure/confirm I'm doing this right because it's my first moley.

I decorate:

The front cover (before or after)

The inside of the front cover (Travel Plan)

The information page (where I include my name/address/phone and stuff)

Do I do the back of the information page?

Where does the "Sign In" Page go? Is this just a place for a signature or is it more creative than that?

I then create the first 3 accordion pages in my own theme.

Do I do anything on the back page/pocket?

Does anyone have photos of a finished Moley to share?

[theweavershand]

goodness gracious! so much to address...*big breath*...

[theweavershand]

Sarah...thank so much for the shipping info. everyone does have to keep in mind the added cost of sending internationally and our 2 internationals (who will have to send every book international) esp need to be sure they are ready for the financial impact. i hope that it wont be an issue for anyone but i want everyone to know what they are committing to.

your theme is wonderful! something to definitely be pondering so that i can make something truly inspirational.

[theweavershand]

i also agree that we need to keep the embellishments to a minimum. anything that severely interferes with the books ability to close securely or that will add significantly to the shipping cost should be avoided as should anything that could possibly flake or rub off and end up on someone elses pages. making sure to let your pages dry very well and placing wax paper between the pages before sending will really go a long way toward protecting the art and getting our books home in the best possible condition.

i think every artist in this group is well aware that collage is so much more than simply slapping on a sticker or a picture from a magazine and calling it good. i dont believe that will be an issue for anyone but its always a good reminder.

[theweavershand]

Robin...great theme! i have to agree with Jules that realistic is not something that some of us are comfortable with so i hope you will be happy with our own personal interpretations of realism.

[theweavershand]

Okay sweet Ames I'm going to be a bit of a pain in the butt and ask a bunch of questions to make sure/confirm I'm doing this right because it's my first moley.

I decorate:

The front cover (before or after) yes, either before or after is completely up to you. sometimes it helps to set the colors and tones that will help the other artists when creating their additions but it also will face a lot of wear and tear as it travels so if you do decide to do it before, be sure that it is well sealed.

The inside of the front cover (Travel Plan) as you open the front cover of your moley, the two page spread in front of you will be your travel plan and your information page

The information page (where I include my name/address/phone and stuff) see above

Do I do the back of the information page? the back of the information page can be either the first page of your 4 page spread (owner will do 4 pages, each subsequent artist will do 3 pages) or you can use it as a Sign in page. ive always done a 4 page spread but that is totally up to you

Where does the "Sign In" Page go? Is this just a place for a signature or is it more creative than that? again...this is personal choice (see above)

I then create the first 3 accordion pages in my own theme. see above

Do I do anything on the back page/pocket? again...up to you. you can decorate it or leave it blank. some people will put a little something in the pocket for each of the artists that will receive the book to take out when the book comes to them. nothing big or bulky and usually 9 copies of the same thing but again...that is up to you.

Does anyone have photos of a finished Moley to share? ill post some pics of past moleys that ive done to give you an idea of what i do.


if i didnt answer all of your questions, please let me know. im here to make this as easy and fun as possible for everyone.

[theweavershand]

here are some pics of my first moley journal

http://theweavershand.blogspot.com/2011/01/starting-new-year-off-right.html

[theweavershand]

here is my second one...

http://theweavershand.blogspot.com/2011/10/long-time-no-postssorry.html

[Pochadiva]

So what I'm hearing is that you actually will be doing the first 5 pages including the inside cover, info page and 3 self made pages of the accordion? This is my first one also, so I'm confirming all info. Thanks!

[theweavershand]

as you open the front cover there is a 2 page spread (the inside of the cover and the first page)...this will be your travel log and info page. when you turn the first page you will have the back of the first page and the first panel of the accordian pages in front of you. you can either make the back of that first page a signature page and make your spread on the first 3 panels of the accordian pages or you can omit the signature page and make a 4 page spread that starts with the back of the first page and includes the first 3 panels of the accordian pages. does that make sense?

[Pochadiva]

Ok...now I get the picture. I'm sure I'll understand the layout better once I receive the book. thanks!

[theweavershand]

it will make much more sense when you actually see how the book is laid out. no problem. thats what im here for ;)

[grrrdjules]

Wow Amy you are working overtime! There are loads of examples in thegalleries and when I'm on puter and not phone I'll post links to flickr galleries of my moleys. This will be FUN!

[theweavershand]

i just want to make sure everyone gets all of their questions answered and can embark on this knowing that we, as a group, will support each other through this. i know youve done many of these so if there are questions i cant answer or if im wrong on something...please step in and let me know.

it is going to be a fun group and im loving the themes so far! so well thought out and such fun challenges! i dont want anyone to get overwhelmed or worried about doing a good job or disappointing someone. everyone in this group is more than capable of making beautiful art that will be cherished.

please do! i would love to see the ones youve done!!

[RobbyGirl]

No worries Jules, just your personal artistic interpretation of realistic :) You know parts in the right places and realistic rather than fanciful coloring. I'm not a great drawer myself so I'm not expecting photographic type work :)



Can I add to the shipping discussion as well that people PLEASE don't send your moley in a pouch and/or with heavy embellishments to keep cost of sendning down.

Robby I love your theme, my concern is that many people - myself included - can't do "realistic". It actually makes me break out in a sweat just thinking about it lol.

[RobbyGirl]

Thanks Amy for taking the trouble to answer my pesky questions :)

[theweavershand]

they were all very good questions, Robin and im sure you werent the only one that was wondering about them.

never worry about asking questions. communication is going to be the key to the success of this group.

[grrrdjules]

Here is one moley set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grrrdjules/sets/72157625132955616/
My intro pages are there and then the spreads I did for other peeps.

[theweavershand]

Awesomeness! love the themes and your interpretations!

[kentuckydakota]

Truly inspiring examples gals! Thanks for sharing! And those of you who are brave enough to ask questions are very helpful for those of us who forget what we were going to ask. Very helpful indeed!
Think I'm starting to see how this works. :)

[Pochadiva]

REally enjoyed that! Thanks Jules....gives me an idea of what I'm looking at.

[theweavershand]

and we are now FULL! Welcome ScrapPea!!

[theweavershand]

if everyone can get their contact info to me ill get that list made up and get the mailing schedule up and posted ASAP.

[theweavershand]

ok...travel plans have been posted. check out the second post in the thread and let me know if you have any questions.

i still need contact info from many of you. if you could take a moment and send that as soon as possible then i can get the contact list done and out to all of you.

[RobbyGirl]

Okay Amy, here I go again....

Travel Plan--

I send my book to Not In Kansas cause she's first on my list.

I receive a Penlowe's book because I am first on her list. When I finish her art then I can check her travel plan to see where her book goes to next or I can check her travel plan list (which shows Kentucky Dakota as the next receipient)

Do I have that right? Trying to save you the typing :)

okay can I mail out books as soon as they are done are should they be mailed at a specific time each month?

[theweavershand]

yes...each book follows the path that starts with the owner. so if you have miss's book for instance...you would send it on to the next person on miss's list after you.

as for sending ahead of schedule...its probably best to wait until the next mailout date or until the person you are sending to has sent on the one she was working on. in the past, groups have had issues with journals piling up with one person who is struggling to keep up and it becomes really difficult to get things moving again.

again...communication is the key. when you mail out a book, post to the thread and give the tracking number (at least for the US ones). when you receive a book, post to the thread so we can keep track of where all the books are.

does that make sense?

[Penlowe]

You guys have covered a lot of ground! I plan to open my moley sometime late on Christmas day and get started :D

Amy, I agree with waiting unless you are shipping internationally and the first book takes more than two weeks, then sending 3-5 days early would be beneficial to the recipient to allow them time to work.

It's never bad to read ahead and think on themes though! The last group I was in I knew roughly what I wanted to do with each book as much as two weeks ahead of receiving it. One of them I knew the second I read her theme and had to wait 8 months! glad I wrote down that idea.

[theweavershand]

good point, Sarah. for the internationals you will want to mail them out a little early.

in the last group i was in there were some that actually went ahead and made tip in pages that they could just put into the books as they got them. i may do that if i get a brilliant idea on some of these wonderful themes.

[grrrdjules]

Skyjules has a neat form she made that I'll see if she'll share amd it maps out the process pretty clearly.

[theweavershand]

awesome! thanks, Juli!

[miss]

Ordered my moley, and am ready to commit to my theme:

reading/ writing/ literacy/ typography/ story telling

[theweavershand]

excellent! another great theme to work with!

[Penlowe]

this is an AWESOME group, and we aren't even arting yet! this is going to be a very good year :cool:

[theweavershand]

i have to agree! what a great group! its going to be awesome working with all of you on this!!

[Pochadiva]

I just received my book. Guess I wasn't picturing the smallish size but I like it and it will be easy to work with. I can visualize some neat art to come!

[theweavershand]

i was surprised by the size the first time too but it really is a great size to work with and when it comes home it will be absolutely bulging with fabulous art!!

[marilou]

Found Moleskin books in several shops, but not the one I needed!!!
Have to order with Amazon.

[Penlowe]

The only places I ever see the Japanese style moleskin books on the shelf is Barnes & Noble and my local independent art supply store.

[theweavershand]

ive ordered mine from Amazon the last 2 times and been very happy with the price and the ease of the whole process.

[kentuckydakota]

I've been shopping around a bit online and Amazon is still the best price if you purchase enough to get free shipping. Otherwise, half.com is cheapest.

BTW Amy,your signature says-still looking for players. But we are filled up, yes?

[theweavershand]

yes...thanks...i do need to change that. still waiting for ScrapPea to show up on the thread. if i dont hear anything more from her i may have to go to the next person on the waiting list.

[theweavershand]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!! Wherever you are and however you celebrate, may you be blessed today and every day of the coming year!

[ScrapPea]

Hi everyone. I'm the last one to enter this party and am excited to be here! I'm on vacation for the week so I won't have time to read the thread until the new year. My moley theme will be haiku and I'll specify more details next week. Just wanted to get you all thinking. :)

[theweavershand]

Awesome! cant wait to hear more! Welcome, Diana!

[Penlowe]

I got started on my opening pages yesterday. using markers. Seriously considering gessoing the whole book, I HATE the way marker bleeds through this paper! Ok that is my only complaint :D

[marilou]

Hi All, back from a little vacation at the coast with the grandkids. My moleskine arrived today but I am not sure if it is the right one. It is a 60 zigzag folded pages 3 1/2 x 5 1/2"
Is this the right one? This is the only japanese albom moleskine that can be ordered by Amazon.uk.(in this size)

[miss]

Received my moley today!

[notinkansas]

sorry it took me so long to get back with my theme.

"Once upon a time..."

Your own style illustrating a classic children's book/story with the focus on a main character.

[theweavershand]

yay! molies are arriving!

yes, marilou...you have the correct book.

Sarah, sorry about the marker bleeding. you may want to just gesso the pages you are doing and let the others treat theirs based on the medium they choose to use.

great theme, Kelly!!

[grrrdjules]

Okeedokee, my theme is "in the kitchen". It can and in a perfect world would include any number of the following:

anthropomorphic food or talking flatware, etc
a drinking housewife
anything 1950s vibe
a recipe (no desserts or other sweets please)
rotten children
things not quite right - cat sitting in frypan on the stove, kid in oven, giant eyeball in cookie jar! etc

Think odd, fun, satirical, silly, drunk foodie.

[kentuckydakota]

Such FUN themes!!! Can't wait to get started!
Got my moley for Christmas so as soon as I finish a couple of swaps up I'm gonna dive in to mine.

[theweavershand]

OMG, Jules...that is going to be so much fun to do and it just gave me a brilliant (i hope) idea for my theme!

I would like each of you to depict your own themes in the way you envision them. as the host...i think that would be an ideal reminder of this fabulous group and their amazingly fun, creative and challenging themes!

[grrrdjules]

How cool is that, especially as you are the host! Be even funnier if you made it mandatory to include __________________! Something obscure or just plain weird, a smoking robot or plate of fries. lol

[theweavershand]

ooo...i like that idea...let me ponder on that for a bit. :idea:

[marilou]

YES glad I had the right one, will order a second asap, just in case :biglaugh:
Jules....I could picture a scene right away....FUN!!! Can not wait till the end of next week, then I have my hobby room back.

[RobbyGirl]

Great Theme Jules!

[Pochadiva]

What imaginative themes fellow holy moleyeeees are conjuring up! Challenging and fun. I have my first two pages done and I sketched out a 4 page spread last night for practice. I'm raring to go!

[RobbyGirl]

Hi All,

I'm changing my theme just slightly since a few people were worried about the realistic representation. I've edited my theme slightly below:


Hurrah I figured out my theme:

Animal Illustrations AKA - The Animal House

-Please do create a background.
Animals illustrated in your favorite style.
ps. I like a party hats but it's not a requirement :)


Please make art and not just a cut out if you are not hand drawing or painting.
Please don't use stickers
Please don't use heavy embellishments as I'd like the book to close neatly.

Examples of Animal Illustrations I love:
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-animal-illustrations/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-bovine/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-rabbits/
http://pinterest.com/robinpanzerart/art-owls/

[theweavershand]

Awesome, Robin! i have it updated in the first post.

[theweavershand]

im just waiting for one person's contact information and then ill have the list for you all. if you didnt send me your email address...could you please? thanks!

[marilou]

I gesso-ed my first pages, and ready to go!

[marilou]

this is great, everyone is asking questions I have too....
my first 2 pages are drying, 3th will be sign in page, and then 3 pages on my beach theme.
Should we post pictures? To give each other hints and ideas? Or maybe to find out in time we (I) did something not according to this Moleskine law.:biglaugh:

[theweavershand]

yes...definitely post pictures and absolutely ask any questions that come up. this is going to be a great, supportive and fun group! so excited!

[grrrdjules]

Pictures!!! I'm 2/3 through my intro pages. Going to make my 3-page spread on the final three panels as they tend to take a lot of abuse by the end of the moley and this way no one has to worry about getting glue on them from their art table etc.

[Penlowe]

I'm having hand issues, but am working every day for short periods so I don't get behind. Need to find my colored pencils, my art table is... deep.... :embarrassed:

[grrrdjules]

my art table is... deep.... :embarrassed:

I am so using that!!!!

[theweavershand]

lol...yep...i know what you mean. i just put my art table in officially week before last and now its definitely....deep. doesnt take long, does it?

[Penlowe]

:sigh: sadly, no. I cleared it to make Christmas presents, by Christmas Day it was full again. I never did get my desk where this computer is clean. Even missed a payment on a bill because of it :err:

[Pochadiva]

I've got pictures....inside covers done and I covered 4 accordion pages. I made a pocket on the inside cover for the sign in sheet with the travel plan so pull it out and sign in when you receive it.

[Pochadiva]

Here are my 3rd and 4th pages. I really had fun starting the book...can't wait to have a finished moley now!

[theweavershand]

Bonnie...that is absolutely fabulous! thats just what i pictured from your theme description. i cant wait to see it in person and get to work in it!!

[marilou]

Bonnie this pages are wonderful, as Amy say, exactly what you described.
Give me a good idea to start making sketches.
And here are my 2 pages, the others I am working on today.
115962
I am a novice in journaling :confused: maybe not enough layers etc...

[kentuckydakota]

Bonnie, your pages are just luscious! I had to look at them multiple times so as to not miss all the delights you included!
and mariloupatch, you are a mixed media master! I'm so inspired to start in on mine now that I've seen what you ladies did!

[marilou]

Thanks Teresa, you are too kind ;)
Here are the 4 following pages, the colours are very fade, scanning is not always the best method.
115965115966

There was somewhere a word about a little gift for the participants.
Can someone please explain what this is?. For every participant, for the next in line, and what is generally "a gift" ? Would love to make something......

[Penlowe]

Man, my travel plan is really boring.... need to jazz it up more.... plan on doing lots of art today. Kids are hounding me to sew though, new puppy is taking his toll on the stuffed toys & shoes in our house :sad:

Some people have the time/ inclination to go above and beyond the moely spread itself. Usually it's an ATC, but I've gotten book marks and little bitty things as well. Just so long as it fits in the back pocket. In my past groups half or less did this. I generally don't, only because I don't have as much time as I'd like to dedicate, therefore I focus on the spread. When I win the lottery and can art all day, I will ;)

[Pochadiva]

Thanks for the nice comments ladies! Since the theme is near and dear to my heart, I've had some practice which came in handy.

[ScrapPea]

Hi all. Just as my vacation ended, I caught a cold...one that is still with me today. I finally found the info I wanted to include in my theme description, so here we go:

THEME: HAIKU (SENRYU)
Haiku in moley:
a treasure of artwork and
creativity.

That's pretty much it: incorporate one or more haiku on your spread. Be abstract, be literal, be whatever you want, just be sure you have fun. If you're unfamiliar with the poetry form, it's a 3-line poem with 5 syllables in first line, 7 syllables in 2nd and 5 again in last line. You can be traditional or modern (called Senryu). Wikipedia says of haiku (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku): "Traditional Japanese haiku has focused on nature and the place of humans in it." Wikipedia says of senryu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senry%C5%AB): "Tend to be about human foibles while haiku tend to be about nature, and senryū are often cynical or darkly humorous while haiku are more serious."

I would love the haiku to be your own, but if poetry really makes you freak out, you may use another's work. Some traditional, famous haiku poets include (but not limited to): Matsuo Basho (probably most famous); Yosa Buson; Fukuda Chiyo-ni; Takarai Kikaku; Arakida Moritake; Natume Soseki; and Ryokan Taigu. Some senryu poets include (but not limited to): RH Blyth; Ozaki Hosai; Takahama Kyoshi; Samukawa Sokotsu; and Kenneth Yasuda.

Haiku examples can be found here (http://www.international.ucla.edu/shenzhen/2002ncta/cunningham/Webpage-HaikuPoems.htm) and here (http://www.edu.pe.ca/stjean/playing%20with%20poetry/Hennessey/examplesofHaiku.htm).
Senryu examples can be found here (http://www.haiku.com/) and here (http://members.optushome.com.au/kazoom/poetry/senryu.html).

MEDIUM: any--paint, collage, Zentangle, markers (I don't mind bleed-thru), mixed media...just open up and play!

STYLE: any--but keep it upbeat. I want to dance the Happy Dance everytime I open this moley.

DOs:
--One or more haiku/senryu with 5-7-5 syllable format.
--Horizontal layouts WITH overlapping to the next spread. I'd love to have this as one long, flowing haiku adventure.
--Windows, pockets, fold-outs, interactive and hidden elements = if you choose to, Yes! I adore that kinda stuff!!
--Incorporate the haiku(s) on the layout, not on the back. Credit any haiku that is not your own.

DON'Ts:
--No vertical layouts.
--No tip-ins.
--Nothing overly religious, politcal or gory. No clowns. You can certainly be odd, mysterious, intriguing, brooding, even moody, just keep it to the happier side of the spectrum.

[ScrapPea]

@theweavershand--I'm not sure if I sent you all my contact info, but I'm doing that now. Pardon any duplication.

[theweavershand]

beautiful pages, marilou! now i really want some time at the beach!

the little gifts are usually something small that fits in the back pocket and they are usually multiples of the same thing although they do not have to be. one group i was in went all out and ended up having to send their extras separately in the box with the moley because they were too big to fit in the pocket. i wouldnt suggest that with this group since we have 2 internationals and it would possibly add to the cost of shipping. not everyone does it. usually half or less of the participants in the swaps that ive been in.

Diana...ive been eagerly awaiting more info on your theme! thanks for all the specifics and the links. that will be hugely helpful. if i can figure out how, im going to just link back to your post rather than add the whole description to the first page. probably could have done that with all of them but with everyone doing it a little differently i didnt want to risk leaving out any important info.

were off to a great start! still waiting on my moley to arrive and finishing up a few other things in the meantime. not sure what ill do in mine since my theme is for you all to use your own theme...hmmm...

[marilou]

ough... I am the first one on ScrapPeas moley, and I do not have the faintest idea.......
please send me on the right track with your first pages....please.

I am ready to send out the moley!

[theweavershand]

awesome, marilou! post in the thread when its on its way and ill update the travel post.

[miss]

Oh gosh, I'm jealous of all those gorgeous spreads... I did a little prep work on my book, but haven't had time for more :( Hoping for an "art weekend" this weekend.

[theweavershand]

i know what you mean. i dont even have my moley yet! eager to get started and loving everything you guys are doing! wowzers, these are going to be some killer moleys when they make it home!

[grrrdjules]

Pochadiva those look delightful, I am really getting your theme now!

Mariloupatch, you really make me feel like I'm at the seaside, those are tranquil and inviting. This is getting good!

I had to go jury panel duty today - thankfully I wasn't selected. Hope to have my intros ready to scan and post tomorrow.

[grrrdjules]

ScrapPea - great theme! I am going to write my own! Been a long time but it'll be fun.

[ScrapPea]

@mariloupatch--I was going to suggest that linking thing. I'm finishing up moley #17 group and that's what she did. I guess I did go overboard here....

@Mariloupatch--You are funny with "send me on the right track." I haven't even planned that out yet! :)

My friend and I used to send daily haiku postcards to each other. Then we emailed when realized how $$ that was. Then we did daily haiku emails. That unfortunately ended after my last job, so I'm taking it upon myself to go back to postcards. What the heck?

My moley did ship. Gotta love my husband: ordered it thru Barnes & Noble, free shipping if you're a rewards-whatever member. I love love love the other themes. I've got a cool idea for beach if it will work and the animal in party hat...! Yep, cool cool themes!!

@grrrdjules--yay!

[marilou]

Hi ScrapPea, I know Matsuo Basho, and yes me too I wrote some Haiku's. This was after I visited Japan, and we did some of the trail from Tokyo to Kyoto, not Basho's way but by The Bullet train.The President of the European Union (Belgian!) write his Haiku every day, so I tought if he can do that, so can I......but in the meantime, many other things came up. I Never wrote a Haiku in English, but will give it a try. Thanks for the links! I think zentangles and haiku's are a very good match. You see, already working on idea's....
Amy, I will probably go to the postoffice on Friday, let you know when the envelope is mailed.

[Pochadiva]

That's the spirit mariloupatch! Way to jump right in there. Your pages turned out great!

[ScrapPea]

Lovely!

[marilou]

Thanks ladies!:twitcy:
I put a small (really!) gift in an envelope (also small) with your name on it. If you receive
my journal, pick your envelope, but don't tell what's in it, do not spoil the surprise please. Ohhhh this will be fun, can't wait to get started.

ScrapPea: just noticed in your footnote...."cool parking spots" Made me laugh!
You know why men are like parking spots????
All the good ones are already taken, and the only ones left are too small
Ough...naughty:biglaugh:

[grrrdjules]

Bwahahaha!

[grrrdjules]

Here are my intro pages:
http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/361/1_Introx2.jpg
http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/361/1_INtrox1.jpg

[theweavershand]

this just gets better and better!

Marilou...:biglaugh: love it!

Jules...your art always just makes me ridiculously happy! cant wait to see the rest!

[miss]

Love your pages, Jules. How did you do the alphabet magnet font? That rocks!

[theweavershand]

hey all...Carole Cadek pmd and asked me to let you all know that we need to cover or blur our addresses when we post pics of our travel plan pages. addresses cannot appear anywhere in the threads because they are visible to guests and it becomes a privacy issue.

i was not aware of that so its my bad for not letting you know.

[grrrdjules]

I knew that. Will fix tomorrow when on puter and not phone.

[theweavershand]

awesome...thanks! ill definitely have to remember that from now on.

[marilou]

I removed the pages 1 & 2 with my address on.

[Pochadiva]

I removed my address page also.

[marilou]

Have my Haiku, Basho style, and found my inspiration in the woodblocks from Hiroshige.
Guess I left a bit of my heart in Japan.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroshige

[ScrapPea]

@marilou--hee hee hee her hee!!!!

[theweavershand]

thanks all. you can still post the pages...just cover the address with a piece of paper or something when you scan it.

[Pochadiva]

Love those pages Jules!

[marilou]

Jules, those pages are hilarious. Can't wait to add to the fun....too many ideas...

[grrrdjules]

Thanks everybody; this is a great group!

Miss, I'm a graphic designer in real life so I just played around with the type - baselines, angles, drop shadow etc!

[notinkansas]

wonderful thread....wonderful art....

better get my butt in gear. :err:

[theweavershand]

i know what you mean, Kelly! my journal arrived in the mail yesterday. i need to attempt to finish up my submission for the Sketchbook Project and then ill get to work on my moley. still not sure how to start mine as i dont really have a theme of my own. hmmm.....come on brilliant idea!!

[grrrdjules]

Hmmmm, something from each person's theme!

[theweavershand]

thats what i was thinking. if i can pull it off that could be really fun.

[Pochadiva]

I know your pages will be exquisite Amy!

[theweavershand]

awwww....so sweet! thanks, Bonnie!

[marilou]

Ok there we go, the first moley mailed out this morning to KentuckyDakota.
Be on the lookout Teresa, the envelope is registered, you probably need to
sign for the envelope. This is how to track it:
www.post.be/track and the number is RA571017731BE
I wish it a safe journey!

[kentuckydakota]

Whoo-hoo! I'll be watching for it and update when it comes. Can't wait to see it!!!

[theweavershand]

woohoo! and we're off! is everyone as excited about this as i am? what an amazing group we have!

[marilou]

woohoo all the way! Can not wait to receive the first challenge!!!!

[Penlowe]

ok, I have ideas for my cover but may not get to it before it's time to mail. I am not a software pro, so crummy editing of the address is obvious. My scanner isn't long enough to get four pages together, so mentally piece these and you'll get the idea. You all can orient your spreads any way you like, it doesn't have to be separated words and pictures like I did, that was mostly due to the layout of the book itself.

[marilou]

Those are great pages Sarah. It will be a real challenge, hope the words does not have to be from the bible, I do not have one. Maybe I can find a poem....mmmmm love all those challenges.

[Pochadiva]

Lovely pages Penlowe! Thanks for posting.

[ScrapPea]

I got my book today. Now to start thinking pages. Well, actually, I have my Sketchbook Project to finish by next week. THEN I will start this.

[Penlowe]

Those are great pages Sarah. It will be a real challenge, hope the words does not have to be from the bible, I do not have one. Maybe I can find a poem....mmmmm love all those challenges.

No, any inspiring words, a poem, a song lyric, a quote from someone you admire, whatever.

[marilou]

There are soooo many words, I will find a good one ;)

[theweavershand]

beautiful pages, Sarah! i agree, marilou...so many great words to choose from.

Diana...im scrambling to finish up my sketchbook too. then ill be working on my moley.

[kentuckydakota]

Unfortunately, while trying to introduce some freedom and exuberance into my art, I introduced paint on my pages that were already finished- and not in a nice way! Grrr! I've got some repair work ahead of me already, sigh. That's what I get for trying to be exuberant.:cry:

[theweavershand]

exuberance is always good and even mistakes can turn into masterpieces if we let them. sorry about your finished pages!

[grrrdjules]

Unfortunately, while trying to introduce some freedom and exuberance into my art, I introduced paint on my pages that were already finished- and not in a nice way! Grrr! I've got some repair work ahead of me already, sigh. That's what I get for trying to be exuberant.:cry:

Chances are we wouldn't notice unless you flooded them with white paint or something - we'd just think "Wow, how exuberant of her".

[kentuckydakota]

Well good, everyone think happy exuberant type thoughts when you see them.:D I'm almost through and I think I cleaned up the worst. Hoping to post a least a couple pics tonight.

[theweavershand]

we'd just think "Wow, how exuberant of her".

LOL...Exactly!!

[RobbyGirl]

Finished my travel page today and part of my 3 page spread. I'll have some pics tomorrow

[theweavershand]

awesome! i better hurry up with this sketchbook and get a move on on my moley. you guys are leaving me in the dust!

cant wait to see the pics, Robin!

[RobbyGirl]

Here's 1/3 of my Animal House Moley Spread. I haven't taken pictures of my travel pages yet as they are wrapped to protect them from the painting I'm doing on the other pages.

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/large/1_Cougar_for_My_Moley.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=342017)

[theweavershand]

wow...wow....wow! Robin, that is amazing!!

[kentuckydakota]

OOO! Ubercool!

[marilou]

OMG this is amazing Robin. I am afraid there will be whimsical animals from me.

[theweavershand]

yep...me too, marilou. i could never do realism like that. fab-u-lous!!

[Penlowe]

ugh, woke with a migraine, but still plan to work on my cover today, at least it's quiet.
Just looked to see whose book I'm getting first, thinking on it....

[RobbyGirl]

Thanks you guys, I'm really working hard to get better at drawing. I used to only draw bad stick figures, drawing is really a learned skill and I've been slow at it. That's why as an artist I do torn paper portraits...LOL.

I'll be perfectly happy with your whimsical creations! Amy you did a beautiful lab for the Art for Life Auction, my husband tried to win it!

[Pochadiva]

Nice job Robin!

[theweavershand]

I'll be perfectly happy with your whimsical creations! Amy you did a beautiful lab for the Art for Life Auction, my husband tried to win it!

thanks but that was actually a paintover portrait of our dog, Buddy. hes a very handsome dalmatian mix. his black and white coloring lend themselves well to paintovers.

[miss]

Have various pages in various stages of completion... I'll get there, eventually :)

[theweavershand]

thats great! youre all way ahead of me. im in a creative wasteland. i had to give up on finishing my sketchbook project submission. the ideas just arent there and im out of time.

hoping some mindless house cleaning and some of the other millions of things that need done around here will clear out the fog and help me find some creative clarity.

[kentuckydakota]

Here are my pages-hoping I did this right. Also hoping I can stop myself from continuing to tinker with them now that they're uploaded :)
And, could I request each artist to overlap a bit on the next page so I don't have such severe page breaks and the art flows smoothly into each other? Thanks

[theweavershand]

omg...i just adore your spread! the city sketch and the contrast of the clouds, the narrative...just fantastic!!

whats the story with the dates on the sign in page?

[kentuckydakota]

Thanks! Oh, since it's a time travel journal I added the date my pages cover I started my journey in the 1800's and used my mail out date for the beginning of the adventure. There's also a little story on the front cover to get artists in the mood for the time travel thingy :) If anyone else wants to add their time travel date, I'll love it- but y'all don't have to.

[theweavershand]

thats awesome! i figured it was something like that but wasnt sure how you came up with your date. how fun!

[marilou]

ScrapPea I put "your" haiku on a journal page, so I won't loose it .
It is in my gallery.

[Pochadiva]

Thanks for sharing Teresa! Love your pages.

[grrrdjules]

That's cool... wonder what time I'll do, hmmmmmmmm.

[RobbyGirl]

Here are my travel page, sign in page and 3 page spread.

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/1_Travel_Page.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=342441)

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/1_LR_Spread.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=342440)

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/1_L_R_Cat.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=342442)

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/1_Cougar_for_My_Moley.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=342017)

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/1_L_R_Boston.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=342443)

[theweavershand]

wow, Robin! I just love your work...esp your pop art work!! fantastic stuff!

[marilou]

wow Robin, wish I could draw like that. It is great art!

[Pochadiva]

Your animals came out swimmingly Robin!

[kentuckydakota]

Beeeautiful work!!!

[grrrdjules]

Way cool Robby, I'm starting to practise with my "newphew" Dave the bulldog.

[notinkansas]

beautiful pages....a little intimidating to have to "follow" those!!!

[RobbyGirl]

Aww thanks you guys. Your nice words mean the world.
Drawing doesn't come easy for me so I've been really making myself do it lately so I can get better at it or least more comfortable.

[RobbyGirl]

I deleted my travel plan photo cuz I forgot to blur my addy :err:

[RobbyGirl]

Okay, here's my travel plan with the blurred addy and my Front Cover, I'm not painting the back cover. Also, I'm not creating anything on that back pocket page, I've left a note to "Please Feel Free to Doodle Here"

Can anyone whose done this before tell me what you've put in the back pocket in the past for little gifties? I really need some ideas for this. I definitely don't have time to create 10 ATCs as much as I'd like to. Has someone done something different?

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/1_Travel_Page_Address_Edited_XLR.jpg (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/1_Travel_Page_Address_Edited_XLR.jpg)

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/small/2_Moley_18_Cover_Low_Res.JPG (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/3883/2_Moley_18_Cover_Low_Res.JPG)

[grrrdjules]

LOVE that bunny

[theweavershand]

Robin...the gifts can really be anything from something you make like atcs or inchies to fibers or ephemera, papers...really anything. maybe you could include some scraps of your fun papers that you use for your pet portraits?

[kentuckydakota]

mariloupatch, your precious book arrived today! Yay! Can't wait to get in there and play on the beach! ;)

[marilou]

Robby lovely bunny, I have time to try some drawings of animals out
Kentucky great to hear it arrived, that was quick. Have fun on the beach!

[grrrdjules]

For Beth's Starbucks theme she had a loaded Starbucks gift card and while you had her moley you used it to get a coffee or whatever :) I've always been too rushed to do anything!

[RobbyGirl]

Well that's a cool idea! Maybe I could send you all doggy treats :err:...Tee Heee... just kidding :) I'll think of something. :)

[theweavershand]

that is such a great idea!


For Beth's Starbucks theme she had a loaded Starbucks gift card and while you had her moley you used it to get a coffee or whatever :) I've always been too rushed to do anything!

[marilou]

Starbucks, doggies...brrr I have asthma, so no animals allowed in here, and
I prefer Nespresso, as Georg Clooney does!!!

[grrrdjules]

I've made some blank recipe cards each person can take and I ask that they tuck a recipe in there as well. Could be one of those cards you pick up at the grocery store or one you scribble down on a notepad, cut out of a magazine...

[RobbyGirl]

Robby lovely bunny, I have time to try some drawings of animals out
Kentucky great to hear it arrived, that was quick. Have fun on the beach!


For Beth's Starbucks theme she had a loaded Starbucks gift card and while you had her moley you used it to get a coffee or whatever :) I've always been too rushed to do anything!

Well that's a cool idea! Maybe I could send you all doggy treats :err:...Tee Heee... just kidding :) I'll think of something. :)

You all are welcome to create your critters anyway you want. They don't have to be hand drawn or realistic, just artsy, I gave lots of examples in my links. I even like abstract animals. I especially like cows, I bet you'd make a hilarious cow with those awesome eyes you do Jules, I can picture it already...LOL.

[Penlowe]

Well that's a cool idea! Maybe I could send you all doggy treats :err:...Tee Heee... just kidding :) I'll think of something. :)

Thank you! My puppy is not to be trusted! He ate a library book before Christmas >< I can replace that, I wouldn't ever forgive myself if he ate a moley....

[RobbyGirl]

I get that Penlowe! I have 4 dogs and two are paper eaters. So far I've managed to keep my art safe but I've lost a couple of books and lots of magazines!

How old is your of puppy? ...pics please!

[marilou]

No animals for us, hubby and I have asthma....no animal hair or feathers allowed
in the house.

[Pochadiva]

Glad I don't have allergies! I've always had a dog/dogs. Now down to one of five boxers I've had. Not sure when I'm getting another. My guy is almost 10 so he's getting up there.

I devised 3 haikus last night....so I'm thinking moley!

[Penlowe]

Here is the giant puppy, our Labrador (non) Retriever. he is 8 months old and something over 60 pounds. He missed the retrieving gene, he really doesn't do it at all, despite being a purebred :laugh:

[theweavershand]

Bonnie...your absolutely gorgeous moley is here! wow...sooo much better even in person! no idea how ill follow that up. certainly hope i can continue what youve started. :wideeyed:

[Pochadiva]

Bonnie...your absolutely gorgeous moley is here! wow...sooo much better even in person! no idea how ill follow that up. certainly hope i can continue what youve started. :wideeyed:

Fantastic! I'm so happy it arrived safely....one destination down and I'm sure she is in good hands. I can't wait to see your spread!

[miss]

Oh gosh, people are mailing already... I'm hard at work on my book, but probably need at least another weekend before its ready to go. I'll do my best to mail on the 28th, though, so it gets at least a few days head start to Canada.

[grrrdjules]

I'm just finishing my spread in mine.

I grew up breeding and showing Tibetan Terriers. We adopted a shelter dog just over a year ago, he's a boxador! He's an awesome dog except he is still very aggresive with other dogs on sight. Once he gets to know another dog he's great. Too many months (6) in a cage I guess.

[theweavershand]

poor guy! im not a dog person at all but somehow we find ourselves with 3. Buddy has been with us since the day he was born almost 13 years ago. hes a dalmatian mix. we also ended up with our son's dog, Killer. he's a Chiweenie! The 3rd dog came with the house we just moved into. She was raised an outside dog so she only comes in when it freezes and even then she has to be physically picked up and brought in. The owner was supposed to find a home for her but she won us over and Killer is head over heels in love with her so she stays. ugh...give me a cat (yes, i have one) anyday. dogs are too much work and worry.

[Penlowe]

If I don't get my cover done on Wednesday when I'm off I'll just mail it, cover doesn't have to be done ahead...

[ScrapPea]

Wow. Wow wow wow. Everyone's work is FAB-ulous. I have only painted the travel pages. At least something is done; now it's not empty. :) I get ideas, then I see your work and I get more ideas and then I get new ideas.... I will not be mailing early, except maybe January 31 before US Domestic Postage increases.

I am in awe of everyone's work. I can't wait to see these in person!

[marilou]

Pleasssssse Diana, send it a bit earlier if possible. It takes about 10 to 14 days to reach me and I am leaving for Belfast (my son and granddaughters need us) on februar 22 till march 8! I would love to send the book to the next in line before leaving.
My daughter-in-law has been taken to mental hospital again, she is very sick, so we
go to give him a hand with the household and the kids.

[grrrdjules]

Oh Marilou that's awful, I hope she gets the help she needs. Great that you are available to pitch in.

[theweavershand]

oh Marilou! so sorry to hear that. how wonderful of you to drop everything to help. praying for help and healing for your daughter-in-law.

[grrrdjules]

Cats are sooooooo much easier! We have two, a mom and her son. She had kittens in my son's bedroom, it was very cool. I find the dog's constant adoration of me kind of annoying sometimes lol

[theweavershand]

Amen! im much more in tune with the aloof yet devoted nature of the cat. Buddy, in particular, drove me crazy for years just staring at me...any time he wanted anything...just stared at me. he would actually look around people to continue staring at me! so happy his attentions are elsewhere now.

[RobbyGirl]

Here's my crew, I had a kitty too "Ashley" but she died of cancer :cry:

Well crud, have to give you a link to my Facebook photo of them cause it's too large to upload here.

My Fantastic Four Doggies (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151399519066796&set=pb.732646795.-2207520000.1358904072&type=3&theater)

[Penlowe]

Hilarious vid!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbycvPwr1Wg

[grrrdjules]

Bwahahaha! Love "we're out of cereal"!

[notinkansas]

Hilarious vid!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbycvPwr1Wg

shouldn't have watched while eating breakfast....lol

[grrrdjules]

Here is my spread, will get it packed up and ready to go!
http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/361/1_MySpread.jpg

[marilou]

Wonderful pages!!! Gives me lots and lots of ideas.

[RobbyGirl]

How fun Jules, love it! I'm looking forward to creating your pages, I know just what I'm going to do :)

[theweavershand]

so awesome, Jules!! love the commiserating silverware!

[kentuckydakota]

Oh that's so fun and whimsical! Love it!

[Pochadiva]

Really cute Jules....I need to get my thinking cap on since I'm first!

[ScrapPea]

That video...hysterical!

@mariloupatch--I'm sorry to hear the news, but thanks for the ehads up. I'll get it out as soon as possible.

[RobbyGirl]

Not in Kansas/Kelly my Moley was mailed today US Postal Tracking Number 03121430000185105619 First Class Mail.

[notinkansas]

Will be watching for it!

[Penlowe]

I got a few bits & bobs on my cover, not so sure how it will hold up. I'll get it in the mail tomorrow :D

[notinkansas]

Robin your moley has landed safe and sound! All I can say is "WoW!" :wubclub:

[RobbyGirl]

That was so fast!!! I'm so glad it made it there safely. Thanks for the kind words.

[theweavershand]

woohoo! moleys flying all over the world! love it! still have no idea what im doing in mine. may end up having to send it out blank...ugh! come on, muse, mama needs a brilliant idea!!

[miss]

Worked on mine a little more last night. I seem to be setting a record for smearing, smudging, random paint blobbing... hope I get it all out of my system now, in my own book, rather than anyone else's :)

[grrrdjules]

Amy because your theme is everyone's themes it might be cool if you did wait to do your spread because you'd have all the themes under your belt. But at least do your intro, plllleeeeeeeeaaaase!

[grrrdjules]

Worked on mine a little more last night. I seem to be setting a record for smearing, smudging, random paint blobbing... hope I get it all out of my system now, in my own book, rather than anyone else's :)

I spilled red wine on amyfaerie's moley, it worked it just fine :err: Really :jiggy:

[theweavershand]

lol...im sure amy appreciated the added medium!

im not even sure what to do for my info page or cover. i have an idea for my spread but i think i will wait until ive done all of yours first.

[grrrdjules]

It was mostly on my layout and it fit the "dark found poetry" theme!

I say don't stress and send your moley out with a sticky note so we know it's yours :)

[Penlowe]

Robby Girl my moley is on it's way to you!

[theweavershand]

It was mostly on my layout and it fit the "dark found poetry" theme!

LOL...perfect!


I say don't stress and send your moley out with a sticky note so we know it's yours :)

that may be all i can manage!

[RobbyGirl]

I'll be watching for it Penlowe :)

[grrrdjules]

Mine is in the mail.

[miss]

Mailed mine to grrrdjules today... now I'm wishing I had finished a little earlier and mailed before the postal hike :(

[kentuckydakota]

Got mine out on Saturday to you Penlowe. Delivery confirmation, just in case it's needed is: 9500100013373026000385

[theweavershand]

thanks all for posting when you mail out. i want to be sure we always know where the books are.

weve got quite a few in transit. please be sure to post in the thread when a book arrives.

im going to be down to the wire and barely making the deadline but i WILL have mine out on the 1st (i think i can, i think i can, i think i can...)

[marilou]

ScrapPea, if you can not send your book this week, please take the second in line (if that is allowed of course) We are leaving for Belfast on februari 22nd till March 9th.
Nobody will be here to sign for the book, so it will be at the postoffice. My daughter
will take care of the mailbox, but at work when the mailman comes.
It takes 8 to 14 days for a package from the USA, depends...and I would like to have it send on before februari 22nd. This trip is due to a family problem, my daughter in law stays in Belgium for the time being, she is in mental care, psychotic or even worse.
I have to go to help my son, sorry.

[Penlowe]

KentuckyDakota your book is here!