#27 Making Moley Magic Group

[theweavershand]

#27 Making Moley Magic Group - WE ARE FULL!
First Mail Date: January 5, 2021
Subsequent Mail-by dates: 2/5/2021, 3/5/2021, 4/5/2021, 5/5/2021, 6/5/2021, 7/5/2021, 8/5/2021, 9/5/2021, 10/5/2021
Due Back in Hand by: November 5, 2021
Withdraw By: NOT ALLOWED


Materials required: One blank Japanese Moleskine accordion style pocket album. Approximate size is 3.5" x 5.5". Available at Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Cover-Japanese-Album-Pocket/dp/8883701046?ref_=ast_sto_dp

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 - Theme: "The Image, Inspiration and Art of Frida Kahlo." Frida's iconic image is familiar to most people but behind the image was a real person who lived a full, complicated, inspiring life. I want to encourage all of you, if you haven't already, to check out her art, her quotes about her life and art and her story. For your pages, you can create her art in your own style, depict something from her life or something that features one of her quotes. Basically create anything you are inspired to create about Frida Kahlo.


2. CiCiCreates - THEME: “Trees, Regional and Seasonal” - Flowering trees in Spring, snow-capped pines, colorful Autumn trees, tropical palms, mighty oaks, apple trees at Harvest, etc. Can also include trees with life in them, such as squirrels, birds and nests, climbing children, etc. Images should look relaxing, happy or uplifting. Realistic, but light whimsy is fine.
DO’s: Prefer hd/hp. Hand-colored rubber stamped images are ok if small and in the background (not the focus image). Light collage is ok too. One 3-page spread or three separate panels, whichever works best for you.
DON’Ts: Please, no stickers or dimensional embellishments. Please, no tip-ins unless there are extenuating circumstances.

3. Bluesky - theme: abstract butterflies
I'm really open to interpretation of abstract butterfly....be colorful...be happy...positive words/phrases/ poems are definitely be can be included...hp/hd ..light mixed media(be careful of media going over folds in book)..
let your imagination fly free!

4. Nicky - theme: Disney classics (list to chose from included in moley - no doubles please). HD/HP

5. Marie - theme: hopeful, uplifting thoughts / found poetry. HD/HP only. collage is also fine, especially in the text.
DON'TS: NO bulky elements.

6. art_junkie - theme: field journal of found objects.
This is a tongue in cheek field journal of little things found underfoot. You will draw your found objects, but in a scientific nomenclature. Example lego block, location legt bare foot. I am thinking stuff found in couch cushions the bottom of your purse, your junk drawer or on the floor. Humorous descriptions welcome, real items preferred.

7. trini70 - THEME: desert/cactus/cacti/succulents.

HD/HP w/ a little collage is okay

8. redplantlady - theme: "Cabinets of curiosities, also known as ‘wonder rooms’, were small collections of extraordinary objects" def British Library. So representations of strange objects, like fossils, stones, precious stones, skeletons, taxidermy of fantasy and actual reptiles, insects, animals, drawings of botanical representations, potion bottles, etc etc.
I do like hd/hp but some light collage, mixed media is fine.

9. TF Balding - Theme: Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas In the Style of Your Favorite Artist

Do's: Hd/Hp preferred, light mixed media welcome.
Depict ANY of the characters from NBC in the artistic style of your favorite artist, whether that be to replace subjects of well known pieces of art with NBC characters or to create your own original piece in your chosen artist's style, just be creative & have fun with it! Choose 1 artist or 3, the choice is your's.

Don't:No unsealed craft herpes (aka glitter). No stickers or thick embellishments please.
And last but not least, NO Stress! Have fun with it!

10. aaeshelman - Theme: The "Eyes" Have It.

Hand-drawn/hand-painted eyes of any kind. they could be human, animal, fantasy, alien, your choice. Each player has three pages to create three different eyes.

WE ARE FULL!

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 -aaeshelman-CiCiCreates-TF Balding-Bluesky-redplantlady-Nicky-trini70-Marie-art_junkie-theweavershand

2- CiCiCreates-theweavershand-Bluesky-aaeshelman-Nicky-TF Balding-Marie-redplantlady-art_junkie-trini70-CiCiCreates

3- Bluesky-CiCiCreates-Nicky-theweavershand-Marie-aaeshelman-art_junkie-TF Balding-trini70-redplantlady-Bluesky

4- Nicky-Bluesky-Marie-CiCiCreates-art_junkie-theweavershand-trini70-aaeshelman-redplantlady-TF Balding-Nicky

5-Marie-Nicky-art_junkie-Bluesky-trini70-CiCiCreates-redplantlady-theweavershand-TF Balding-aaeshelman-Marie

6- art_junkie-Marie-trini70-Nicky-redplantlady-Bluesky-TF Balding-CiCiCreates-aaeshelman-theweavershand-art_junkie

7- trini70 -art_junkie-redplantlady-Marie-TF Balding-Nicky-aaeshelman-Bluesky-theweavershand-CiCiCreates-trini70

8- redplantlady -trini70-TF Balding-art_junkie-aaeshelman-Marie-theweavershand-Nicky-CiCiCreates-Bluesky-redplantlady

9- TF Balding-redplantlady-aaeshelman-trini70-theweavershand-art_junkie-CiCiCreates-Marie-Bluesky-Nicky-TF Balding

10- aaeshelman-TF Balding-theweavershand-redplantlady-CiCiCreates-trini70-Bluesky-art_junkie-Nicky-Marie-aaeshelman

[Nicky]

And here we are - alive and kicking off :) - our own home away from home... Time to started thinking about the opening pages for my Disney-theme adventure...

[CiCiCreates]

Yay, very exciting! Love our name too!

[trini70]

Okay everyone, where did you get your moleskine from? I just checked out amazon and all I could find in 3.5x5.5 was three choices, all of which said lined/ruled. I would need plain/blank pages. I also checked the link on the first post but didn't have any luck there either. Any suggestions on hardcover or softcover?

[CiCiCreates]

If you go back to the thread we started on, List: Waiting list for moleskine groups, go to page 5, post #87. Theweavershand posted a link to the one on Amazon. That is the one we need.

[theweavershand]

Okay everyone, where did you get your moleskine from? I just checked out amazon and all I could find in 3.5x5.5 was three choices, all of which said lined/ruled. I would need plain/blank pages. I also checked the link on the first post but didn't have any luck there either. Any suggestions on hardcover or softcover?

I added the proper link to the description.

[Bluesky]

Yippee!

[Ancient Planter]

As we packed our car to evacuate from the local fires, I actually grabbed my moley (bought off Amazon) and packed it with some paints. We didn't have to run, which is good since I've heard from friends who were told they were in the evacuation zone but to stay home because the roads were so crowded that cars weren't moving, not even on the freeway. After the freeway opened back up 2 days later we did preemptively evacuate to friends in Sacramento for a week, and my moley made the trip. We're safely home now and I had to hunt for the moley - found it! But my theme is simply National Historic Sites and Parks. Sleep Talkin' Man seemed to confuse folks too much so I'll let him continue to sleep for now.

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks for filling us in AP. I’m glad the worst seems to be over, and I do like the theme you have chosen.

[Marie]

We’re in our own thread! #27... I love it! We should get T-shirts!

[trini70]

I added the proper link to the description.

Thanks! I'm going to order one.

I actually have a moley style book. It's a tiny little book that was in a box of stuff I got at an estate sale. It was someone's souvenir from Japan dated 1976 or 5. The pages have passport like stamps from tourist sites. It's really kind of neat. I imagined some soldier on leave or something traveling around the country. Originally I thought what a strange book. I'd never seen or heard of a book that is just folded paper from front to back before.

[theweavershand]

so cool! i love stuff like that!

so, does that mean you are officially in? if so, we are FULL!! woohoo!

[Nicky]

Full... that would be wonderful Amy. Does this mean that you heard from Oneeyedwonder?
She is pretty new here and last time I looked, she did not meet the qualifications yet but with the speed she is doing swap etc she will be 'safe' in January I guess....

[trini70]

Okay, I'm in! I haven't even thought about what my theme will be and I'm a little nervous about the hd/hp only books but I'm going for it. I'm up to the challenge.

[CiCiCreates]

Yay, Trini! So exciting! Don’t stress too much, just have fun.

[theweavershand]

if im counting correctly, trini70 would make 10. yes?

[theweavershand]

Welcome, Trini!

We have plenty of time to finalize themes. I havent a clue what mine will be yet. im trying to get into hostess mode after all of this isolation. Everyone, please feel free to post to the thread any time and if you have any questions, I'm happy to help any way I can. I know others here will be able to help, as well.

[Nicky]

So excited to be doing a moley swap (and without being host). Thanks for taking that job Amy and happy crafting all. This is going to be so much fun.

[Marie]

I think I’m going to retract the HD/HP portion of my theme because I want people to enjoy working on it! Everyone will want to do what they’re BEST at... and not everyone is best at HD/HP. I’m terrible at collage, but some are great at it. And there are other methods too. I don’t want to be so limited. :)

[CiCiCreates]

I am also saying “light” collage is OK. When can we post all our theme specifics, do’s & don’ts, etc.? I know it’s still very early.

[art_junkie]

some moley images

I draw pictures in Moleskins of pottery shards I find. (The shards get left behind)

218372

[art_junkie]

A moley, the theme Toothy Monsters work from Dina54 NZflutteryby and Wild Holly


218373

[art_junkie]

A USK Moley theme: Something Green in the Bug Jar Art By Sopranio, Dina54, WaughterColors

218374

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks so much for those pictures, AJ! They are really fun to see, especially for those of us who have never done a Moley Swap.

[Marie]

Like me! Thanks for the photos art_junkie! Those shards, especially, are AMAZING!!!

[trini70]

Another thanks! Your shards made me think of a field journal, which for me it is. Great work!

[theweavershand]

ksj1717 has had to withdraw from the group so we have one space available. please pass the word and let me know if you know of anyone who would be interested in filling the spot.

art_junkie had a great suggestion...a Zoom meeting for the group to give us a chance to ask and answer questions with journals as examples, discuss themes, mediums, whatever. i know we are all in different places and different time zones so if a Zoom meeting doesnt work maybe we can try another media like live video or even a video demonstration answering questions that you ask here

Please let me know your preference and if there is a good day or time to participate please let me know that as well.

[Bluesky]

Still struggling with downloading the zoom app.

[Nicky]

We have a bit of a time difference since I am in The Netherlands, but if you plan something in 'your' morning I might be able to join... Sounds really good to me :)

[Bluesky]

Now that I posted this...I was able to download

[trini70]

I haven't done any zoom yet. My niece had it set up for her baby shower but I was there in person. I know my mom had to do a work meeting once on her laptop and said it wasn't so hard. I may be able to borrow it sometime. I use a PC and don't want to download it on my phone. I work 6am to 2pm and am off on Fridays and Sundays. I seriously need to be thinking of a theme.

[Bluesky]

My days off vary...early morning probably would work

[aaeshelman]

CiCi invited me to join the group and I am up for it. I took a break from ATCs for a while so the rules of creating within the last three months may knock me out. Just let me know. I will check back to see if I can join. Loved all of the past moleys that were shared.

[Nicky]

would be nice to have you aaeshelman... do remember you from the last moley swap I hosted last year :)

[aaeshelman]

Yes i do. One of the reasons I would like to do this one. Should I plan are being included. If so I will order my money and I think I already have a theme.

[aaeshelman]

Oops that was supposed to be moley. But it would be nice to order money!!!:jiggy:

[theweavershand]

I checked with Carole and she said because you havent been active since 2019 you would currently not be eligible to play but if you got a couple of positive iTraders in the next few months you could be eligible then.




Yes i do. One of the reasons I would like to do this one. Should I plan are being included. If so I will order my money and I think I already have a theme.

[CiCiCreates]

I was afraid of that - rules are rules. But if a few of us do a quick private trade with her, and leave iTrader, that should work, right?

[CiCiCreates]

Alyson, you could also join a couple of swaps that are ending soon (not so soon as to stress you about getting them made and in the mail ASAP), and then the host will give you iTrader. You might also consider doing some Make Me Happy trades. Just suggestions, as I would really like you to join us - but not if a time crunch creates too much pressure.

[Bluesky]

I would be willing to do a private trade

[CiCiCreates]

Me too!

[theweavershand]

I agree. we still have plenty of time and I'd love to have you join us.

[Nicky]

I am always in for a private trade if you like Alyson and I know that Robin is doing a Christmas 2020swap... that is always fun and not too hard... deadline 27-11... That could be an option too!

[Miss Fame]

Hi everyone!!! Sorry for not appearing that active. We just moved into our newly constructed home and the past couple of months have been exhausting. But finally we are settled in.

I have my moleskine journal. This is going to be so much fun and can't wait to get started.

My theme: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Think whimsical, unexpected character(s) and scenes. Would love to see imperfect/wonky/goofy girls having the best time ever. They may be humans, aliens, mermaids, animals, fairies... whatever you think of. All doing something unexpected... think odd, fun, silly, offensive... it's completely up to you.

You may create 1 scene/ background covering all 3 pages (one spread).
Please make sure to cover the entire background.
Open media - artist choice

[CiCiCreates]

Great theme!!

[Marie]

Im hosting a swap that ends in 8 days. And I’m always glad to do a private trade. :)

[CiCiCreates]

This thread has gone so quiet! Probably because it’s so early to be doing anything. As far as a Zoom meeting, I could probably adjust to whatever time works best for everyone else. Is anyone doing anything in their journal yet? I have my sign-in page done, my theme description, and some little token gifts for the back pocket. Still trying to figure out what I will do for my three-page spread.

[Bluesky]

I used this as an excuse for a new toy.....my sign in page is an empty page iny mind....I know what I want to do for theme page and three page spread

[Nicky]

Managed to do my sign-in page, a page with the list of Disney Classics and my three page spread... did not have time yet to scan but some time over the weekend I am sure that I can find a moment :)... still thinking about the back pocket decoration (I usually put my home address on it in case the moley gets lost)... Cut sheets to put in between the pages to protect the artwork ... Looks like I am ready for it ;)

[CiCiCreates]

Wow, you’ve been busy, looks like you’re almost ready to go!

[aaeshelman]

Ok Sorry I am just now getting back. My daughter has epilepsy and has been seizure free for 6 years and started seizing last Thursday/Friday. Lots of issues so I think I might be back on track. Sometimes things like that just take a while to get everyone in the family back to the point of some normalcy.

I would love to do some trades to get my itraders back. I know rules are rules and I totally understand. No worries. I do already have a theme and we do have until January so if everyone is ok with me doing a couple of trades and I will get on teh forum and check out what is available. I was lurking on a few but I think they may be over.

[Nicky]

Like I said before Alyson - always happy to do a trade... ATC, envie or journal page... whatever you like

[aaeshelman]

Thanks Nicky! Many of you have said that you will do a trade with me. I have never just traded a card before without being in a group. That would be great. Do I just contact each of you individually and choose a theme for each of us to trade?

I also just finished the Sew Lovely Mixed Media SWAP. i will be sending them in soon but the deadline isn't until November. I am also working on 2 sleeve art dolls but haven't officially asked to join because I am not sure how they will turn out.

[CiCiCreates]

Alyson, I would love to have you join the 2-sleeve art doll swap when you feel ready. I know you are lurking for now. As far as a personal trade, I would be happy to trade with you for a special theme if you like, or you could choose something I already have on hand in my available gallery. Just PM anytime and let me know.

[theweavershand]

It is very strange having the thread going so long before the start date so there may be some quiet times. ill try to check in with all of you now and then and as we get closer the communication will increase.

Im thinking of making a little walk through video to give a visual answer to a lot of the questions that I know I had the first time i did one of these. if anyone has anything specific they would like to see or any questions they need answers too, let me know.

as for Zoom, maybe when we get closer to the start date we can revisit the idea. I am practically nocturnal so my sleep schedule never jibes with anyone on this side of the world. During the day I'm running my hubby around to rehab and doctor's appointments, sleeping or playing with my granddaughter so finding a good time to do it would be a real challenge.

Alyson, check out the Gallery or go specifically to our galleries and if you see a card you like, send a PM and ask for a trade. It's a quick and easy way to get iTraders and add some great cards to your collection with out the commitment of a swap.

[Nicky]

Same here Alyson - check out my gallery for available cards or PM me with a request for a special theme.
I have just signed up for the Rubert the bear swap and the Christmas 2020 swap still takes players too... that will be a good way to boost your iTraders too I guess :)

[Nicky]

All right - here are my sign in pages (printed and adjusted), list of favorite Disney Classics to pick from (powerpoint adjusted) and the 3-page opening spread (HD) of one of my favorite classics: The Aristocats
218707218708218709

[CiCiCreates]

Your pages look fantastic, Nicky! Love the Aristocats!

[CiCiCreates]

Amy, I really like your idea of a video which illustrates and informs for those of us who have never done this. That would be great, and then perhaps a Zoom meeting later on.

[Ancient Planter]

Sorry that I went quiet again for a bit - if it's not one thing, it's another. When will this horrid year finally be over!?!?!? Just got over diverticulitis bout #7, and then we drove up to Washington to see our lot and meet with the builder and architect in person - safely distanced and mask wearing - about what we want. Hoping we'll get some preliminary drawings at our next zoom meeting. We have weekly zoom meetings but this last one we wanted to do in person since we haven't seen the lot we bought but the one time, when we decided to buy it. I'm so very ready to get this house started and get moved back up to western Washington!

So I've got down zoom meetings and would appreciate attending one with you all to see some ideas for what to do and how to do it. I think I'm overthinking it all too much and am getting more stressed out than having fun. Other than Thursdays from 11:30-1:30 Pacific time, I'm generally free whenever.

[CiCiCreates]

I agree, AP, you are probably overthinking it and that is making you stress. I say this because it’s the same thing I’m telling myself, all of a sudden I’m getting nervous about doing my 3-page spread. After the ATC size, this just seems like so much space to fill! My question to those with more experience here is regarding media. What works best on these journal pages? I’m thinking colored pencils and/or markers. It would be difficult to try watercolors without the special watercolor paper. And maybe even acrylic paints might have just enough moisture to make the paper buckle as it dries. I’d love to hear some suggestions.

[art_junkie]

RE nerves...it is always wiggly to start on a moley page. Suggestions:

Work out your idea on paper FIRST. It will let you get the bugs out and build confidence before you tackle the moley.

If you map out a design in pencil first use a light sketch, easier to erase.

Do NOT wait until days before mailing deadline, it's like waiting the night before to write a term paper...you'll not like what you create.

The paper in a moley is THIN. it will not take abuse of multiple erasures well. It will wrinkle with wet media like watercolor. I suspect it will tear with collage. Glues are likely to wrinkle the paper. I have a beautiful Moley spread made by an artist who used acrylic paint. It has torn on all the folds because of the weight of the paint.

Marker bleeds through the paper, make sure to put an surface beneath to absorb bleed through.

Themes that don't excite you...I have found, more often than not, some of my current favorites ( zombies and robots) started at things I didn't want to draw.

Real estate: if you give your work a plain frame or border you will have a smaller space to fill.

[Ancient Planter]

I agree, CiCiCreates - a 3-page spread is intimidating! Plus, as you say, I don't see how watercolor can hold up on this paper, and watercolor is what I'm used to. I've decided that, since it is my own journal, I'll allow each of the 3 pages to be a different site/place for my theme. That way I'll do 3 different pages instead of one long landscape. I'll tie them together somehow. I'm also going to go out and buy some watercolor pencils to try. Maybe sketching then just a tiny bit of water across it will work?

[art_junkie]

I have splashed some of my personal moley's with watercolor as a foundation for drawing. I had to use a hair flat iron to press the pages back into flatness.

The splashed part took up less that 15% of the page.

[Bluesky]

I was in one moley swap where the artist swapped the pages for watercolor paper.

[Nicky]

Since this is my fifth moley swap, I should not be intimidated ... I've done journal pages too... 2x2 spreads - even larger than the 3-page moley spread but.... moley is always something special... probably because the pages are in a book and serious mistakes are difficult to 'undo'... Oh well, in the end it always seems to work out fine and the result is so rewarding. Believe me - you'll all be happy with a new experience and a lovely book of art in the end!!

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks for the encouraging words Nicky! What kinds of media have you used most successfully?

[art_junkie]

I have my theme: field journal of found objects.

This is a tongue in cheek field journal of little things found underfoot. You will draw your found objects, but in a scientific nomenclature. Example lego block, location left bare foot. I am thinking stuff found in couch cushions the bottom of your purse, your junk drawer or on the floor. Humorous descriptions welcome, real items preferred. I'll post my spread as soon as it is done.

[CiCiCreates]

You are just so creative! That sounds like a really fun theme!

[Nicky]

Ho dear - better start thinking of something to do for that extremely creative theme of yours art_junkie... and Cici, I mostly use markers and pencils... that is the safest medium for me to work with in a moley

[aaeshelman]

I have used watercolor pencils in past moley's and have had great luck. And also watercolor markers.

[CiCiCreates]

I think watercolor pencils should work, but maybe not exclusively. I definitely need to practice more with them. I think the trick is to not have too much water in your brush, just slightly damp.

[Marie]

I wonder what is the best kind of paper to practice on that would act the most like moley paper?

[Bluesky]

Ivory cardstock...same color and similar weight

[Marie]

Thank you Bluesky! I also found a very helpful video online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsqsR7oI1YE

[aaeshelman]

I dothink the trick to watercolor pencils in little water. I am not so great with actual watercolor but I have deceint luck with the pencils. I just lightly color the area with the pencil using the side of the color not the point. Then use a small damp brush to spread the color.

[CiCiCreates]

Marie, that was a very informative video, thanks for sharing it.

[Marie]

You’re welcome CiCi, I was glad they got so specific!

[art_junkie]

QUESTION

Maybe I missed it, but how many pages in the front does the the originating artist complete?

OFFER

I have a failed moleskin, PM me your address if you would like a couple pages of moleskine paper to practice on.

[Nicky]

My moley starts with the inside of the cover and the page next to it [see thread #57] and there is a blank page next... then the actual 'accordeon' starts and the first three pages are your own. That leaves 27 blank pages for the other 9 artists (3 each)

[Marie]

AJ I just PM'd you. Phew!

[aaeshelman]

CiCi thanks for my positve itrader. I just need a few more and I can be official. I have submitted to 3 SWAPs so should be no problem.
I have been thinking about my theme but I won't post it until I am official. I figure that I should have enough positive itrades by mid November. :jiggy:

[CiCiCreates]

Great!

[redplantlady]

Oh count me in please if you have a space. I have done 2 of these before and ADORED them xx

[theweavershand]

Miss Fame has let me know that she will not be able to take part this time so that opens up a spot for you, redplantlady, if you would like. i am so sorry to see her go but she need to focus elsewhere for a while. it would be a pleasure to have you join us, Shirley.

[redplantlady]

That is great news! I will post my theme later today:) I have an idea...:idea:

[Nicky]

Welcome Shirley... you were in my last moley swap so we already know eachother ;). I trust you will come up with a great theme, like you did last time ...

[CiCiCreates]

Hi Shirley! Nice to see you here, you are a great artist. So seeing my name in this list of players didn’t give you second thoughts, considering the 5x7 canvas board I sent to you that took 6 weeks to reach you?? You were so good about it and knew it was out of my control, but I felt pretty bad. I do hope it was all due to delays at postal distribution centers because of Covid, and that when we start sending out our moleys these things won’t be happening! Anyway, welcome, and I’m excited to see what your theme will be.

[trini70]

I still haven't decided on a theme but I love that idea of the field journal of found objects. I have a couple I keep in my car, a tiny toy fish and the arm off of an action figure. Both found in parking lots. I expect I'll include them. All of the themes so far are interesting. While I'm nervous I'm also anxious to work on some of them.

[redplantlady]

Hello I have been planning my theme which is: "Cabinets of curiosities, also known as ‘wonder rooms’, were small collections of extraordinary objects" def British Library. So representations of strange objects, like fossils, stones, precious stones, skeletons, taxidermy of fantasy and actual reptiles, insects, animals, drawings of botanical representations, potion bottles, etc etc.
I do like hd/hp but some light collage, mixed media is fine.

Hope this is OK.

Hi Nicky, great you are here, I loved your moley swap:)

[theweavershand]

love it, rpl! that will be a fun one!

[CiCiCreates]

Two questions - When can we post our official (specific and expanded) theme requests, since I know I’m not changing mine. Also, are you (anyone) planning to decorate the covers of your journal at the beginning or after it arrives back in your hands? And any special suggestions for decorating? Painting, collaging, etc.? I’m leaning towards waiting till it returns to me.

[theweavershand]

you can post your official themes here to the thread any time and i will add them to the first post.

as for the cover, I decorated a couple of mine before sending them out (collage). the rest i sent out without doing the cover. the biggest issue i had is that those i didnt decorate are still not decorated. once the 10 month commitment is over and your book returns it seems much harder to get the cover done than if you do it in the excitement of preparing your journal for its travels, IMHO.

[CiCiCreates]

That makes a lot of sense, thank you (regarding the covers). I will probably post my official theme a bit later.

[CiCiCreates]

THEME: “Trees, Regional and Seasonal” - Flowering trees in Spring, snow-capped pines, colorful Autumn trees, tropical palms, mighty oaks, apple trees at Harvest, etc. Can also include trees with life in them, such as squirrels, birds and nests, climbing children, etc. Images should look relaxing, happy or uplifting. Realistic, but light whimsy is fine.
DO’s: Prefer hd/hp. Hand-colored rubber stamped images are ok if small and in the background (not the focus image). Light collage is ok too. One 3-page spread or three separate panels, whichever works best for you.
DON’Ts: Please, no stickers or dimensional embellishments.

[theweavershand]

Ancient Planter has some challenges coming up in the new year and won't be able to participate this time. That gives us another spot to fill so if you know of anyone who would like to play, have them check us out. We still have plenty of time so I'm not worried but I will wait until we have a full roster before getting out the contact list and a little instructional video for those who have questions.

Let me know if you have any questions you would like answered either here or on the video.

Have a safe Halloween weekend!

[TF Balding]

I would like to join if you'll have me! :)

Theme: Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas In the Style of Your Favorite Artist

Do's: Hd/Hp preferred, light mixed media welcome.
Depict ANY of the characters from NBC in the artistic style of your favorite artist, whether that be to replace subjects of well known pieces of art with NBC characters or to create your own original piece in your chosen artist's style, just be creative & have fun with it! Choose 1 artist or 3, the choice is your's.

Don't No unsealed craft herpes (aka glitter). No stickers or thick embellishments please. And last but not least, NO Stress! Have fun with it!

[CiCiCreates]

TF Balding, what a fun and imaginative idea! I can think of a few favorite artists (actually they are more like illustrators) whose style is almost opposite of Tim Burton, and doing his NBC characters in their style could be really humorous (if I could pull it off!)

[trini70]

Okay, I've decided on a subject.

THEME: Your Personal Dream Vacation.
Think of someplace you'd like to go or something you'd like to do if there was nothing holding you back. If you've already had the pleasure of experiencing it share that.

DO's: Any media is okay. If you collage though make sure it's not too thick. Remember, the pages have to fold and the book has to close.
DON'TS: Please don't use anything bulky (gems, brads etc.) that can damage the pages.

[TF Balding]

@ CiciCreates I'm glad you like it! I hope everyone has fun with it. :yes:

[theweavershand]

woohoo! so happy to have you join us, Tanya! I love the theme!

trini70, I love yours too. Now I have to choose a place. That may be tough.

[CiCiCreates]

I got so excited when we started that I went back and read all the previous Moley journal posts to get a handle on how it all works, etc. A bit obsessive/compulsive?......Ok, maybe a little. So after already completing some little “artist gifts” (for those I figured were seriously in, since they are personalized) and planning to do the others closer to December, I went back to check, and the most recent one this idea was mentioned in was #23, hosted by KentuckyDakota. She referred to them as “artist gifts” and I think Bluesky is calling them “tokens” in this current thread. I know they are completely optional and unnecessary, but I figured I had the time and thought it might be fun, so I currently have 4 finished (they are personalized) to place in the back pocket of my journal as it travels. Since this idea has not been mentioned in more recent Moley posts, I wondered if this is usually done (or not done), or maybe frowned on for some reason. I certainly would not expect everyone to do it, you would have to think it was fun and have the time, just totally optional with each player. I just thought maybe I should ask if there is any problem with my choosing to do this.

[Bluesky]

My mermaid miley I made a mermaid themed zone for everyone. It's not common to do....go with what makes you happy. I'm thinking about making a zone again or something else artsy.

[Bluesky]

Sorry zine not zone(beep beep smart phone ain't always so smart.)

[CiCiCreates]

I know Bluesky, sometimes these phones think they’re smarter than us!!

[theweavershand]

Artist gifts or tokens are optional. In the journal groups ive been in there have been at least a couple of people who have included something in the back pocket for each player. it is completely up to each player. Sometimes the tokens will not fit in the pocket itself and are then just included in the package with the journal. i'll touch on all of that in the video Ill be making. Some of the things I want to share with you are just easier, in my mind anyway, to share visually than they are in just words.


I got so excited when we started that I went back and read all the previous Moley journal posts to get a handle on how it all works, etc. A bit obsessive/compulsive?......Ok, maybe a little. So after already completing some little “artist gifts” (for those I figured were seriously in, since they are personalized) and planning to do the others closer to December, I went back to check, and the most recent one this idea was mentioned in was #23, hosted by KentuckyDakota. She referred to them as “artist gifts” and I think Bluesky is calling them “tokens” in this current thread. I know they are completely optional and unnecessary, but I figured I had the time and thought it might be fun, so I currently have 4 finished (they are personalized) to place in the back pocket of my journal as it travels. Since this idea has not been mentioned in more recent Moley posts, I wondered if this is usually done (or not done), or maybe frowned on for some reason. I certainly would not expect everyone to do it, you would have to think it was fun and have the time, just totally optional with each player. I just thought maybe I should ask if there is any problem with my choosing to do this.

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks so much, Amy! That video will be great, I’m looking forward to it.

[aaeshelman]

Wow, I have never thought of a token gift for each player. I am excited about that! I think I will consider atc coins.

[CiCiCreates]

Alyson, I think coins would be a great choice! I notice you now have 2 positive iTraders. Isn’t that all you need in order to officially sign up? Maybe I’m misreading that rule, I’m just anxious to hear your theme, lol.

[theweavershand]

Alyson is official now and we are full!

Coins are an excellent idea!

I'm waiting on my back ordered Moley. as soon as i have it I'll get the video made and available for you all.

[CiCiCreates]

I’m excited!

[Marie]

Me too Carol!

[aaeshelman]

YAY I am official.
My theme is the "eyes" have it. Hand-drawn/hand-painted eyes of any kind. they could be human, animal, fantasy, alien, your choice. Each player has three pages to create three different eyes.

[CiCiCreates]

Love it!

[trini70]

Eyes, I'll do my best. They've always been the hardest part for me. That's why I don't do portraits. I really believe that people that can paint/draw portraits are especially gifted. Maybe just the eyes w/out having to put a face around them won't be as challenging. That is what you meant, isn't it?

[CiCiCreates]

Trini, she says it’s not just human eyes. Maybe you could think of an animal with “easy” eyes to do. And if it’s an alien or a fairy, no one can tell you their eyes should look a certain way!

[Nicky]

Eyes are nice :).... and yes trini70 - they can be very challenging too but since they are not in a face it might turn out to be just fun :)

[Marie]

I’ve been practicing on some moley paper and found I can use water colors quite well with no bleed through. I’m quite pleased about this discovery. :)

[CiCiCreates]

That’s great to know, Marie. I wouldn’t have thought there would be bleed-through, but doesn’t it buckle the paper just a little?

[Marie]

A little. But once the book is closed a while it should flatten out nicely.

[Marie]

And because of the way the paper folds there’s nothing on the backside except artist information. At least if I’m understanding how this works correctly.

[CiCiCreates]

Great, thanks! I think I’m going for colored pencils and/or marker. I’m realizing how much more practice I need with various media. Still need to get just the right moisture on the brush to do watercolor pencils effectively, and need more practice in shading with markers.

[Marie]

I resemble that remark. :) What does it mean to enclose your assigned travel plan in the first 2 pages AND a sign-in space? Can that be the same space?

[CiCiCreates]

The travel plan will be assigned by our host, and we can include the list of order of travel for our Moley right in the journal so it can be easily checked for the next destination by whomever is currently working on it. We have 3 opening pages - the inside of the front cover, the facing page, and the back of that page. The next page is the first part of the long fold-out that everyone works on. Everyone does it a little differently, depending on space and textual needs. On my inside cover, I put a copy of my theme description, then I put my sign-in area on that facing page. On the back of that, I will list my journal’s travel order once Amy posts it.

[Marie]

Ahhhhh.... I’m starting mine tonight. Sign-in inside front cover. That’s all I’ve got so far.

[theweavershand]

I'll try to put something together tonight to answer some of your questions. I was hoping to have a blank moley to show as an example but I'll just have to use my completed moleys as a reference.

[aaeshelman]

Trini, one single eye per page. It can be human, animal, fantasy, any eye really. No worries about it. Just have fun with it!

[theweavershand]

Okay, its a little rough and off center at times but I made a video answering some of the questions asked and providing some additional helpful info. Please let me know if you have any further questions that need answering or if you have any trouble viewing the video. You can find the video at:

https://youtu.be/Zb3v3ayIrJU

[Marie]

Oh boy! Thank you! I’m off to check it out!

[aaeshelman]

So excited to get started! Amy, your video is great and very informative! I so enjoy the Moley swaps.
I have a couple of questions:

Do you suggest putting the "gifts" in our personal moley for each artist to take or should we save them and add them to the pocket of the one the gift is for?

Marie, your found poetry theme makes me think collage with the found words. Am I correct or do you just want hand-drawn/hand-painted?

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks so much for the informative video! It was my first indication regarding the first artist using 4 pages, counting the one facing the start of the fold-out panels. I am using that page (backside of page facing the inside cover) for my travel plan and some other instruction. I plan to use the very first three fold-out panels for my own artwork. I know that some players in the past have done it this way (3 pages instead of 4) and I do hope this is ok. I guess I jumped the gun a bit and went ahead on my assumption.
—————
Thanks Amy, for putting together that wonderful video. It is very informative and easy to understand, and I really appreciate this special effort.
—————
I would like to add to my theme description, under “DON’TS”....Please, no tip-ins unless there are extenuating circumstances.

[theweavershand]

Both ways are perfectly acceptable. Good question!


So excited to get started! Amy, your video is great and very informative! I so enjoy the Moley swaps.
I have a couple of questions:

Do you suggest putting the "gifts" in our personal moley for each artist to take or should we save them and add them to the pocket of the one the gift is for?

Marie, your found poetry theme makes me think collage with the found words. Am I correct or do you just want hand-drawn/hand-painted?

[theweavershand]

Again, both ways are perfectly acceptable. another good question!

I'm really glad the video helps. I will add your "don'ts" to your description.


Thanks so much for the informative video! It was my first indication regarding the first artist using 4 pages, counting the one facing the start of the fold-out panels. I am using that page (backside of page facing the inside cover) for my travel plan and some other instruction. I plan to use the very first three fold-out panels for my own artwork. I know that some players in the past have done it this way (3 pages instead of 4) and I do hope this is ok. I guess I jumped the gun a bit and went ahead on my assumption.
—————
Thanks Amy, for putting together that wonderful video. It is very informative and easy to understand, and I really appreciate this special effort.
—————
I would like to add to my theme description, under “DON’TS”....Please, no tip-ins unless there are extenuating circumstances.

[Marie]

Aaeshelman collage for the words I’d perfectly acceptable and will probably be more legible as well. Do what you’re comfortable with. I want the folks who work on my book to enjoy it! :)

[CiCiCreates]

Already looking forward to it, Marie! Actually, I’m looking forward to working on everyone’s themes. Some seem more challenging than others, and that will be different for everyone, but even the challenging ones should be fun and interesting.

[Bluesky]

Carol...I'm so tempted to a series of charlie brown's kite eating trees.

[Marie]

Carol, yes! Opportunity to streeeeetch! I’ve started some sample sketches... just for ideas.

Bluesky that idea is awesome!

[CiCiCreates]

Bluesky, I would be fine with that! The reason I love trees so much has a lot to do with their beauty and majesty, but I sure don’t want to be limiting in my expectations, and I do appreciate humor and whimsy.

[Bluesky]

Think I'm going to run with the idea....just gotta to work out making more detailed trees

[CiCiCreates]

Ok, so do you have an idea in mind for most of the themes? Just curious.

[Marie]

Carol, certainly not all, especially since they could still shift yet. But definitely some. :)

[CiCiCreates]

Me too! I can’t resist trying to think of something I might be able to do on a theme. Of course you’re right about the possibility of themes changing. A few weeks ago, I thought of a great one that might work really well for a Moley journal. But I am truly committed to my original theme. I do like it, and I have already started working on the first pages.

[Bluesky]

Halfway there. Found objects is sending me around the bend. Can't decide on vacation place yet. I usually have the primary drawings done ahead. Obliviously disney I can't plan til it's in my hand. I have about half of the concepts in my head right now.

[aaeshelman]

Me too Bluesky! I am planning and putting ideas down. I have most of my moley ready to go. I just have the sign in pages to finish. I am a little intimidated by the found object but I am hoping to take photos of found objects as I walk to and from places which should help in the planning. I am soooo excited!!

[CiCiCreates]

For that one, I’m taking AJ’s suggestion and actually looking in some purses I haven’t used for a while. Maybe even under sofa cushions as well.

[theweavershand]

The travel plans have been posted. Let me know if you have any questions or if it looks like I missed anything.

I'll be putting the contact list together tomorrow so if you have not sent me your contact info please do that ASAP so I can get this list out to you all.

[Marie]

Wait what?! Where? I’ll send info ASAP.

[CiCiCreates]

So let me know if I’m understanding correctly. I am #2 on the travel list, and that is the order my journal will be traveling in. So the order of the names listed in #2 is what I put in my journal for my travel plan. Please let me know if I have this right.

[Marie]

I’m excited to add the travel plan to my moley. Will you be providing a list of addresses for all of us?

Please change my theme listing to indicate that collage is also fine, especially in the text. Only preference is NO bulky elements.

I’m so excited to know which journal I’ll be working on first... and next, etc. Did I read somewhere that expected time frame for turnaround is two weeks?

[CiCiCreates]

Marie, if I’m understanding this correctly, the first journal you will receive to work in will be Art_Junkies. Look out for those comical found objects!

[Marie]

CiCiCreates yes! I’m watching now! I know my first one. Thinking up my nomenclature now. But I’ll need to find more. This is causing me to look at everything so much more closy! Whose will you work on first?

[CiCiCreates]

Bluesky’s, if I have it right. Abstract butterflies, so fun!

[theweavershand]

Correct. Your moley's travel plan will begin and end with you and that is what you will put in your journal.


So let me know if I’m understanding correctly. I am #2 on the travel list, and that is the order my journal will be traveling in. So the order of the names listed in #2 is what I put in my journal for my travel plan. Please let me know if I have this right.

[theweavershand]

As for turn around time, the deadline for mailing is the 5th of the month. We dont want to send them too early and have them possibly backing up at one person's house.

We will be posting updates when we receive a moley, when we finish it (posting pics is always encouraged), when it has been mailed and when a moley arrives.

If you complete one early and the next person is ready to receive it, you can send it on. We just dont want to get ahead of ourselves and cause a bottleneck. it's happened before and its a mess to untangle.

[Nicky]

Wow -wait a minute... that's a rather different travel plan than I am used to or ever worked with.
If I understand it correctly, I will send my moley to Bluesky...
I will receive Marie's moley... once I am done, I will send it further to Art_Junkie...
Is that how it works Amy?... and if the travel plan in everyones moley is correct, I can see whom I will send to there...?

[theweavershand]

Yes, that is correct. you can also look at the travel plan for the moley you are mailing to see who gets it after you.

[Marie]

Brilliant! That will allow us to plan ahead for theme ideas too!

[aaeshelman]

Here are my sign in pages, return to owner page, and my first layout.

[CiCiCreates]

Wow Alyson, they are wonderful! I love the arty look of the color blocking, very pretty! And I see you are not one challenged by eyes, they are all so well done. I think your sign in pages could also stand in for the travel plan, since our names are already on them, we just need to sign, correct? Did you use watercolors for these pages?

[theweavershand]

what a wonderful start! I love it, Alyson!

[Nicky]

Great start Alyson, and I am lucky to be one of the last so I can admire all the 'EYE' candy the others have created :)...
My sign in/travelplan pages are created by powerpoint because I wanted all Disney characters there to watch you 'tick off' the little box before your name once done :)...

[Marie]

GORGEOUS aaeshelman! Those eyes are intriguing and the palette background is very artist journal-y! I’m the last to work on your book so I’ll have LOTS of time to anticipate enjoying it!

Great lead in!

[Marie]

Nicky, your travel plan sounds like it’s going to be colorful and fun! Are we supposed to base our vignette/s on the character that is next to our name box? I’m curious.... :)

[Nicky]

219323219324219325
Well, here it is Marie. The first picture shows the travel plan/sign in pages. Once finished with your art, all you have to do is tick the box in front of your name to sign in (or off if you like to look at it that way). The second picture holds a list of all the Disney Classics that are on my 'happy to have' list... you can pick any movie on the list that you like but preferable not one that one of the other players already used. Last picture is my opening spread - The Aristocats... as a cat lover, one of my favorite Disney Classics

[Marie]

Nicky, I love it!!! And it looks like I’ll be working on it soon!! Idea are cooking in my head already!

[aaeshelman]

Thanks everyone!

My sign-in page is also the travel plan. I just thought it was easier.

The return to owner and sign-in pages are all light collage.

The eyes are watercolor pencil and marker. I have more control with the pencils than the actual watercolor.

It feels good to be making art again!

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks for answering my media question! I’m being ridiculously nervous about doing my own spread, and finally figured out that it is because I don’t want to use the media I am most comfortable with - watercolors or acrylic paints. So I need to practice more with markers and colored pencils, and I do think I will use mostly watercolor pencils for my spread. Once that is done, my journal is ready to go. I am loving seeing everyone’s pictures!

[trini70]

Okay, for everyone racking their brain over my theme, you can stop now. I'm going to change it to something easier. Please change my theme to desert/cactus/cacti/succulents. HD/HP w/ a little collage is okay. I hope nobody minds that I changed it.

[Marie]

Haha! Stop sketching cottages and castles, start sketching cacti! Maybe move my vacation to a desert! Rolling!

[CiCiCreates]

Well, I would have vacationed in the Cotswolds of England, but that’s ok. I live in the desert, so the new theme should be easy!

[aaeshelman]

Bummer I had a great place in Grece to sketch! Desert will work though!

Nicky, I love your spreads.

[theweavershand]

the change is made. ive been a little obsessed with cut little cacti crochet patterns so the change sounds like fun!

i finally got my moley in the mail so i can start working on my pages! yay!

[CiCiCreates]

Amy, Although Frida’s image is so unique and iconic, I never really knew much about her - she was so complex! And some of her quotes are pretty cool - and humorous!

[theweavershand]

i never did either. people were always talking about her and her image was everywhere but when i read a little more about her and especially some of her quotes I got it.

my theme is very broad so dont worry about going wrong with it. her image, her art, her quotes, her style, her colors...really anything works for me.

[trini70]

I got to thinking about it and, what are my favorite ATCs, cactus cards! So I felt like my first moley really should have that theme instead. I might return to the other theme in the future. Got you all thinking though, didn't I? For me, my trip would be to anywhere that I could see the northern lights/aurora borealis. Alaska, someday.

[Marie]

Oh golly trini, I really want to see those too. Problem is I can’t handle the COLD!!!! What to do?!?! Le I need a plan....

[trini70]

I'm the opposite of most people. I'm getting where I prefer winter to summer. I think I'd move north before south. The benefit of living smack dab in the middle of the country is that I get to enjoy the whole gambit of weather and it always gives you something to look forward to. Ask most people around here and they'll tell you their favorite seasons are fall and spring. The colors are so pretty. You get to see nature shed itself and go dormant for the winter and then wake up beautifully in the spring. I never appreciated it until I spent three years in Florida and came back home.

[theweavershand]

Every summer I wonder why I still live in Texas. The heat is miserable and I really hate it. But I've lived here my whole life and the winters make it worth it somehow. I dont think id do well with a bunch of snow either but id rather have cold than hot.

[CiCiCreates]

Aren’t our individual temperature comforts interesting? And maybe also what we have acclimated to. I was a very happy California girl until about twenty years ago when we moved to Arizona to be near my adorable baby grandson. Now he’s 19 and I’m still here. Even though I do think I prefer hot weather over cold, I don’t think anyone likes 115 degree summers! I would also like more seasons than we get here. On a positive note, you can’t beat the sunsets!

[Marie]

I guess every situation has a silver lining, yes?

[CiCiCreates]

Here is my journal cover (No title necessary!) Made of fused fabric with painted details, glued onto cardstock, then onto the cover, framed in gold ribbon and brushed with 3 coats of clear sealant. It should travel just fine.

[CiCiCreates]

My Theme and Sign-in page, and my travel plan page.

[CiCiCreates]

Still working on my 3-page spread!

[Nicky]

How lovely CiCi... I love your cover... I am always a bit afraid to do the cover since the moley has to travel so long and so far so I prefer to do it upon its return.

[redplantlady]

Very very excited about this, I am planning my sign in spread, I think it will probably be glass jars on shelves:)
Now, before I start, can anyone expain the opening pages please? Inside front cover and first right hand page is a double page spread for sign ins, so where do we put a travel plan and is it a double page spread? I have never worked this out and this is my third moley swap! I have never put in a travel plan yet but would like to :)

[CiCiCreates]

Shirley, from what I have seen, you can do it however you like, and in what order you like. Basically, you have three "opening pages" to work with - inside front cover, page facing that one, and then the back of that page. Some do the sign-in pages as two, I did mine as one. I wanted to post my theme description for convenience. Then my travel plan is the page facing the fold-out section.

[Marie]

CuCi those look great! Love your cover! Your miles ahead of me! I’m dreaming trees!

[trini70]

That's nice CiCi! Trees I can draw, but I'm going to have to wait a long time before I get to for you. Looks like I'm your moley's last stop.

[theweavershand]

Most people make their travel page a sign in page too. so people can sign by their name on the travel page. signing in isnt as important as having the travel order in your book and even when you do make a place for people to sign in...not everyone will remember to do it.

the vital info to have is the travel order and your return info. anything else you want to add is up to you. if you havent looked at the video i made, check it out. it shows a couple of different ways to do it but certainly not the only ways.

[theweavershand]

Beautiful!


Here is my journal cover (No title necessary!) Made of fused fabric with painted details, glued onto cardstock, then onto the cover, framed in gold ribbon and brushed with 3 coats of clear sealant. It should travel just fine.

[aaeshelman]

CiCi I love your cover. I have never thought to create the cover. And I love you pages.

[CiCiCreates]

Thanks Alyson! Looking forward to working in everyone’s journals!

[redplantlady]

Thanks for the info!
So I have 3 pages to play with, not 2 as I thought before. That's great. I am now planning!

[CiCiCreates]

I have a question - what is the best way for anyone in the States to mail a Moley to England or the Netherlands? Is it possible (or not possible) to get tracking for overseas? It really irritates me how all our different post offices in various states and regions can give different information and prices when it is a Federal thing and these answers to our questions should be standard, but sometimes they are not. Once I was given a price of $65 to send a 5x7 canvas board to England with tracking, so of course I opted to send it without tracking, which was a much more reasonable price. But I would sure like to get tracking. Does anyone know?

[CiCiCreates]

I think I found an answer looking online at USPS. At least I have something to point out to the local postal clerk when the time comes. It is possible to get tracking for overseas mail, and that was what I was concerned about.

[theweavershand]

in my experience, packages sent internationally will require a customs form which does provide a customs #. I'm not sure how much that helps with tracking. I want to say the cost of shipping for a moley internationally is @$11-12 USD in a padded envelope.

[aaeshelman]

If I remember correctly, we didn't put tracking # on the ones I sent in the past. We just need to mail them much earlier than you might to participants in the states.

[theweavershand]

i checked the official rules and tracking is not mandatory but is encouraged when possible.

[CiCiCreates]

I didn’t think it was mandatory, it would just make me feel safer to get the tracking if possible. I do agree that it would be smart to mail the ones that go to another country a bit earlier than the stateside ones. Thanks for the advice and suggestions!

[Marie]

Following....

[CiCiCreates]

About 4 1/2 weeks till our first mail-out. Don’t mean to stress anyone, but I’m very excited, and my Moley is all ready to go. Just finished my 3-page spread and will post a picture soon. I hope everyone is staying healthy and not too stressed for the holidays. Looking forward to seeing some pics soon!

[theweavershand]

It will be here before you know it. If you are mailing internationally this first round you may want to mail sooner. You should expect to give an extra 10-14 days for international mailing. I have been very lucky with quick mailing internationally but in order to keep things moving, try to get those internationals out early.

I havent even had a chance to think about my moley. i'm still scrambling to make Christmas gifts.

Thanks to those who have posted pics. As the rest of you complete yours, please share to the thread. We all want to enjoy the eye candy!

Merry Christmas to all and many blessings to you and yours!

[CiCiCreates]

Here is my 3-page spread. A Jacaranda tree, one of my favorites. I did it mostly in watercolor pencils.

[Marie]

Beautiful!!!!

[aaeshelman]

Very nice!

I am very excited too!

[theweavershand]

That is gorgeous, CiCi!

[trini70]

So pretty CiCi! It made me think of the redbuds around here. They're so pretty in the spring.

I have mine but haven't started it yet. No pressure, right?

[theweavershand]

no pressure at all. still plenty of time. I havent started mine either. still in Christmas gift mode at this point.

[CiCiCreates]

Well, I know there are some people who swear they do their best work under pressure of some kind of time limit or due date. I’m just the opposite, that really stresses me. So I’m all ready and waiting 3 weeks before I need to be. But I’m sure that trait might stand me in good stead while our Moleys are en route and arriving!

[Marie]

I’m sure it will CiCi. :). I have my travel plan, sign in page and 4 page spread done. Still need to make my gifts. Then I’m thinking I’ll probably mail out as my book is traveling to the Netherlands first stop. I’m thinking I’ll need to mail out early so we can begin on time. What do you think?

[CiCiCreates]

I think you're right about mailing your first one early, since it's to the Netherlands. Amy did suggest that in post #202, and it makes sense. I am excited to see pictures when you are ready!

[Marie]

I’ll try to get some pics in the next day or two. I want to press the paper a bit because watercolors buckles it a bit. I should set a heavy book on top of it overnight.

[Nicky]

It normally takes about a week to ten days to get a moley from the US to The Netherlands but with Christmas and Covid nobody knows ... my regular letters to the US seem to take as much as 3 weeks now :(... my moley will go out next week and I will keep my fingers crossed for a safe journey in these weird times.

[Marie]

All right.... had to rush it a bit but overall I like it. Going out in the mail today. :)

219768 219769 219770

[CiCiCreates]

Wow, I love those pages! What a great start for a journal of uplifting messages! I love those cheery buttercups, and American Robins are among my favorite birds, yours are so cute!

[Marie]

Thanks CiCi. :) Done and mailed. Are we to oust the tracking numbers here?

[CiCiCreates]

You could always PM the recipient, but I've also seen it posted right on the thread as well (or instead?)

[theweavershand]

posting the tracking numbers here is perfect.

[Marie]

Okey dokey! Mailed mine to Nicky today : LH123132926US

[redplantlady]

Well I have been thinking and I will do the first 2 pages as a combined travel plan and sign in, then jump into my 3 page first spread; I think I will have a final blank page but that is fine, it can be an "epilogue" : I am getting started now and intend to post out right after Christmas as that gives time in hand as I am in the UK x

[Bluesky]

Travel page..theme page

[Bluesky]

Three page spread

[Bluesky]

Zine for each artist

[Bluesky]

My do & fonts are....I'm really open to interpretation of abstract butterfly....be colorful...be happy...positive words/phrases/ poems are definitely be can be included...hp/hd ..light mixed media(be careful of media going over folds in book)..
let your imagination fly free!

[CiCiCreates]

Beautiful pages, Bluesky! That travel page is gorgeous! Since I am your first mail-out, I’ve been wanting to see your pages for a little guidance. I do think what I have in mind will work, thanks so much for posting.

[Nicky]

I will be sending my moley to Bluesky this weekend... Hope it will have a safe and fast journey over the big pond... Will post track'n'trace when I have it.

[Nicky]

The moley has started it's journey to Bluesky. Here's the track-n-trace RN189692118NL-US-FL33157 (https://jouw.postnl.nl/track-and-trace/RN189692118NL-US-FL33157)

[redplantlady]

Ah, watched the video! Travel plan/sign in = 2 pages, then I will do a page about the theme, then the 3 page spread...:)

[trini70]

Shirley, I'm first to receive yours and it's the one I'm most worried about. I hope you're able to post pics before mailing so I can start working out what I'm going to create before it arrives.

I'm sure once things get going and the journals are moving my nervousness will go away. And y'all are probably tired me worrying, sorry. For what it's worth, I'm excited to be participating as well.

[redplantlady]

Here are some sample pics, I am so sorry I have not made it clearer :( The idea is that a 17th or 18th century collector is showing his specimens on shelves, in drawers, cupboards etc. They collected everythng you can think of and I am also happy with fantasy things like dragons/mermaids etc .

There is a rough sketch of a double page spread in a cabinet, and there are things like coral, a mechanical bird, gemstones and rocks, shells etc. So it can be like this,as I shall have that or similar as a spread in the actual book). Anything can be in there, eggs, fossils, gemstones, rocks, animals, plants, fantasies like mermaids... I am not bothered about realistic sizes:) There are a couple of plates I have scanned showing what a mish mash of things were collected, they just had a collecting mania!

OR
it can be like pages from a book of butterlies, plants, seashells, insects etc etc - like the pages I have uploaded.

So... It can be a three page spread with assorted stuff. Or single pages of a thing, like birds eggs say. I would like there to be an indication of a container, like they are on shelves or with a border round the page showing it is supposed to be a container.

Let me know if this helps or not. (It can be a bit macabre if you like - skulls, parts of stuff in jars!! or sunnier, like nice pics of birds or whatnot.)

xxshirley

[trini70]

That's what I was imaging, things in jars. I'm thinking, if I'm able to work it out, that I'll do one long three page shelf of stuff. Thanks for clarifying.

[redplantlady]

That sounds perfect! xx

[Bluesky]

Cici....well the charlie brown kite eating tree has just morphed into a celtic tree of life. Talk about an 180.

[redplantlady]

trini70 i have finished my book pages, so I will scan them tomorrow and send the book onTuesday; I have put some jars in the back pocket for you :) xx

[CiCiCreates]

Well Bluesky, it’s certainly not too late to change your idea! The Charlie Brown tree was cute, but the Celtic one sounds great too. I’m excited to be your first butterfly artist - so fun!

[CiCiCreates]

One of my Christmas gifts was a set of watercolor brush pens, gorgeous colors! I’ve never used these before, only real watercolors and watercolor pencils, so I really need to practice and learn with them. Not sure they’d be great for a Moley though, as it could make the paper too wet, and it may not work on Moley paper as well as on watercolor paper. Has anyone used these watercolor brush pens before?

[Bluesky]

Well...the tree is kinda realistic ( practice bonsai and grow tree branches in knots).... realistic in medievalish terms....but I feel good about it.

[art_junkie]

woo hoo I have my Moley ready to mail!

A reminder this is a field journal of found objects or stuff from those debris collectors in our lives, the car cup holder, the junk drawer, the bottom of your purse. I have showcased the following:

Extinct eraser
Renegade Jingle Bell
Non-stick Washi Tape
Lair of the Dust Mastodon
Craft Herpes ( glitter)
Reset Tool
Random twig
Optimistic Opticians Lens
Stock transfer Stamp
Broken Dairy Queen Spoon
Regretful Found Poetry

My Moley will be traveling with some boo-boo pages, a cut square of cream colored Stonehenge paper...mess up a page? draw it on the boo-boo page and glue it in!

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/18409/1_three_page.jpg

[art_junkie]

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/18409/large/1_field_Journal.jpg

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/18409/large/1_inside_page.jpg

[TF Balding]

Just checking in because I've been so quiet... The last two months have been brutal to be perfectly honest. I lost my dad in November. He had been ill, but nothing that led us to believe things were that bad. It was pretty unexpected. Theeen less than a week later, I suffered a heart attack, which resulted in a tear in my heart. The doctors said they found no reason for it & blamed it on stress. So, I've been quietly recuperating.

But I'm still here!!! And looking forward to this swap, if I can only get my own moley ready & out the door! I had some of the art already planned in my mind, but now I'm hitting a wall---What to do with my theme page?? & why can I only think of art to create around one character? :eek: All the gorgeous pics y'all have been posting are helping so much!! I want to have my moley in the mail *hopefully* before the mail date, because I keep seeing things about how behind the USPS is. I don't want my first recipient to feel rushed due to the travel time.

Y'all, this is the 3rd moley group I've played in! I'm so nervous you'd think it was my first! :laugh:

[theweavershand]

Tanya...Wow! I'm so sorry for your loss and so thankful that you are okay. So sad and scary. I dont even know what to say.

If it makes you feel any better, I havent a clue what I'm doing with mine and havent even opened it since it came in the mail. Christmas and the hurricane of Cedar that blew in here last week kicked my butt and im just now starting to pull out of it.

Don't let your moley or the swap stress you out. Have fun with it and if you need to send it on without doing anything in it, that's okay too.

[Bluesky]

Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your health 🙏. .......for your theme page....a town meeting?

[redplantlady]

Yay- Tracking number RY076079306GB!!

[redplantlady]

My thoughts are with you

[Nicky]

wow - that's bad news girl... So sorry for your loss and lots of tranquility and strength for you, dear.
This is going to be my fifth moley swap - hosted 2 myself - and it is still a scary thing... I usually get my own moley done but I am still freaking out over other peoples themes and the fact that I have to draw them in someone else's little book.
So far I have always managed so I will probably manage this time too, but it doesn't change the feeling...:twitcy:... still, 'the worst thing about this all is waiting for moleys to arrive (the ones that I sent and the ones that were sent to me)... Sure hope they will all have a safe journey over the big pond...

Wishing you all a wonderful, creative and most of all healthy and happy 2021!!

[CiCiCreates]

Tanya, I’m so glad you were able to check in, even though I understood your “quietness”. I have been thinking about you a lot and I really hope you are taking it easy. It would be great if artwork you do in these moleys could be kind of therapeutic, and not stressful. I know you have been in Moley swaps before, and I believe there are only 3 of us who are totally new to this. It’s kind of comforting to know that we newbies aren’t the only ones who get nervous about it. When I was thinking about participating, I was a little concerned about the serious commitment and the possibilities of all the things that might go wrong, over this long time span. But then I took heart over all the players who I knew had done it before and were excited to do it again, I thought “Well, they obviously didn’t have a bad experience”.

[TF Balding]

Thank you everybody. <3 It has been difficult, but I'm blessed to have a big loving family & lots of friends (y'all included) to help me through. I have been resting (not much else to do atm). My job is really physical this time of the year, so I've pretty much had a two month vacation. Getting a bit twitchy & climbing the walls because I'm not used to sitting around. That's why I'm REALLY looking forward to this rotation lol! Physically I'm feeling MUCH better. My only complaint is that the medication makes me sick at my stomach. But I've never been on medication like this before, so I guess my body is taking a bit to adjust. Emotionally I'm a mess, but that will just take time. I'm really hoping this moley rotation will be therapeutic. As we all know, art heals. Time & again over the last 10 years THIS site has been my solace in hard times. ((Hugs))

[redplantlady]

Wonderful art junkie!!

Here are my sign in page, a double page with my project info and a "plate", and a 2 page spread of asstd curiosities :)
I have had fun with it and I hope you will enjoy adding your pages.

[theweavershand]

Nicely done, Shirley! i cant wait to add some fun things to the cabinet!

[aaeshelman]

Tanya, I am so sorry you are going through such a hard time. I know there is nothing we can do to make it better or go away.
One of the things I do in my job is to assist therapists with art making for their clients. It is proven that making art is one of the best things you can do for physical, mental, and emotional health. It really doesn't have to be something that you want to show or trade it is just the act of making that helps improve health. I am sure you will figure something out for your moley and then as the other books come in you will have something to take your mind off the hurt you have. I really wish there was more we could do. I am seeing this swap as therapy for your hurting heart in so many ways. Hang in there!!