#1 Japanese moleskine exchange group (full)

[Bex]

Awwww, no fair - that last statement by Alteredmommy is almost word for word what I've written in Arteeztmoms moley - honestly I didn't take it from you - I wrote it in days ago. As for the glitter, well I hadn't put the lid back on properly and it got caught on my sleeve and the whole jar went EVERYWHERE - thankfully the moley was out of reach by then. LOL, I think the dogs business is the only place I HAVENT found any glitter.

[arteeztmom]

A glittery dog doo doo!!! LOL!!! Why is that so funny!!!???? Oh, thanks Cheryl, I needed that!! :laugh: I've never found it there yet either. The worst mess I've had happen is right before going to bed at 2:00 a.m., I spilled a tube of seedbeads on the kitchen floor! UGH!!!! And we have a cat and dog so getting the beads together wasn't fun or easy. I almost got the vacuum and said heck with it but I'm so cheap...can't waste art supplies!!!:no:

[eggstudio]

Ok dokey, this is the sea page for Wendy's book,
We had four inches of snow, for us that was like a blizzard.
Oh! the glittery doggie poo I love that. My pups never make anything that cool.

[rkolig]

Love it Eggs!

[Wendy]

Aaaahhh .. that is so cool, Greer! Thank you! :notworthy:

[arteeztmom]

Yes, I get to see it up close and personal!! That is a very cool mermaid eggy!!!!

[Bex]

Wonderful mermail eggy, Wendy's a lucky lady!!

[eggstudio]

Awe shucks, thanks you guys you make me feel so good. I love this group!
I'm still thinking on Bex's mole, I'll be on the look out for altered's.

[Bex]

Well, I don't know whats wrong with me, I just can't finish Arteezt's moley. It's just a tiny little bit and it's as if I have a great big wooden hand that won't do a thing. HEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPP!!! Has someone got a great big boot to send me???

[arteeztmom]

I wish I could help you...I honestly have no fear that whatever you have done is spectacular! Relax and just have fun!!!!:wubclub:

[Wendy]

Bex, just put it away for a couple of days or a week ... and then, when you no longer 'worry' about it ... you'll be able to finish it easily! And if not ... no problem ... we don't have deadlines and this moleskine-thing should not become a stress-thing! As Tanya wrote: relax and just have fun!

And alteredmommy, rkolig's moleskine is on its way to you! Mailed it this morning!

[rkolig]

Bex, Wendy's right. Just put it away for a couple of days and do something else. You'll come back to it with fresh eyes.

[adriayna]

I got to see Eggy's pages in person and they were great! :)

[arteeztmom]

I'm trying to find my snorkel so I can dive into Wendy's "Moley of the sea!" I hate to say it but I am a Great Lakes chick and the sea scares me. All those creatures of the deep give me dark, foreboding thoughts. I may have to go whimsical here.

[eggstudio]

Tanya, just take a deep breath and stay away from stingrays.

I am now in possession of altered's heart mole. It is just the neatest little book.
And that cute little pocket in the back, what fun. Ok, I'm going to do some thinking and pondering this weekend.

[Wendy]

Ah Tanya ... just think "Nemo" and you're no longer scared of the sea. Uhh ... forget the beginning of the movie! ;) And lady ... as Greer has got the heart moly ... show us the hearts you made!

[arteeztmom]

I'm glad alteredmommy's moley made it to you Greer! Wow, this is a tad maternal, sending off these books!! Hoping and praying that they reach their next destination safely!!
Ok, I guess I can post my entry with her "Hearts" theme. I got on a roll carving stamps...

[Bex]

Wow, you stamp carving is wonderful Arty, these pages are great. I love the one with the heart in hand. You are so multi-talented and Altered's gonna love these.

[Wendy]

Cool pages, Tanya! And the stamps are amazing!

[arteeztmom]

Thanks ladies! I'm still struggling a bit with the sea theme, but I have a few distractions at the moment. Maybe leaving it and coming back later will give me "new eyes."

[Wendy]

Struggling with the sea?! :sad: Just take your time, Tanya! No need to rush! Just put it away! :yes:

[Bex]

It worked for me, I put that book out of sight for a few days and when I looked at it again, that bit I was struggling with just popped right out onto the page. Don't know what I was struggling with in the first place now.

[arteeztmom]

Hey alteredmommy, relax! I've been trying to keep from having 2 books at once too and I ended up with 2 for a few days until I mailed yours off. I think we've all been pretty good about going with the flow here. You'll get inspired and all will be well. Just concentrate on having fun!;)

[Wendy]

Yes ... again I'm so relieved to hear the moleskine arrived! I really don't like the period when they are 'in the air'!

Voila ... this is what I did on the pages in Mary's moleskine ...

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2279422795

And eh ... alteredmommy ... you're already the fourth person to work in Mary's moleskine, so there's really no need to rush! However, I hope you can start soon because that means you finished your tax returns! ;)

[Bex]

Beautiful work Wendy, your colours are very soothing to the eye, and all the texture is great, I'm gonna have to practice some of that.
I am posting Arty's moley off to rkolig either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

[rkolig]

Wendy, that's gorgeous. I just love that you tossed a mermaid in too!

[eggstudio]

Loving the mer, Wendy.

[Wendy]

Thanks ladies ... for your very kind words! And I'm really very glad you like it, Mary! :jiggy:

[arteeztmom]

Wow Wendy!! I LOVE that spread of pages! It's so dreamy!!!!:wub: You make me want to do your pages that are on my drawing table...instead I'm off to the paint store to buy paint, to paint our bedroom before our new bed gets delivered tomorrow afternoon!! :shocked:

[adriayna]

Uhm....am I going to get a second journal anytime soon?

[rkolig]

Dana, I send Eggies to you next. I'm not done quite yet.

[adriayna]

Ok, good to know :)

[rkolig]

I promise I'll mail it out this week.

[Bex]

Rkolig, I mailed Arty's book to you today, it should have gone on Saturday, but when I got to the post office, discovered I'd forgotten to put it in my bag :goofy::embarrassed:

[adriayna]

Its ok, Mary. Take your time! :)

[Wendy]

Ah Bex ... I could have done exactly the same! :laugh:

[eggstudio]

It's official, I have just mailed off alteredmommy's book to Bex.

[Bex]

Oh goody, I can't wait to receive a moley. As I am currently without one I'm feeling a little bereft. Fly with speedy wings little moley!

[arteeztmom]

I was reading your post Bex and realized "I AM arty!!" LOL!! That means you finished my book of happiness!! I can't wait to see it!
eggstudio, now you make sure you post your heart art once Bex gets that book! I bet it's very cool!!!

[eggstudio]

Scouts honor~ I'll post the pages. I like how you clarified the heart art bit.

[Bex]

Sorry for shortening your name 'Arty' (hehehe), it's just that when I type it out I always manage to spell it wrong - well actually, if I'm totally honest, its just that I'm very very lazy :rolleyes:

[arteeztmom]

I don't mind at all Bex...I do the same to everyone else and I know all about spelling issues. Yours is nice and short!!:)( I'm lazy too!!! LOL!!)

[sweetest-sin]

these are amazing guys , wish i could get those special ones

[Wendy]

Eggstudio ... how are things going with Bex' moleskine? Please understand, it's not my intention to put any pressure upon you but I'm just curious. ;)

[eggstudio]

YOu know what that did to the cat? My thinking cap got a little wet and I had to get a new one. It's still safe and sound.

[Bex]

OH NO, I'm gonna have two books again. According to the rota, I need to work on Dana's book first, so sorry Dana, but you might have a bit of a wait till you get Altered's book from me. I think this information is correct, but if I have made a mistake please let me know. I might in fact work on both books together as I have ideas lined up for both of them.

[rkolig]

Still finishing off the pages I'm working on. We've been babysitting the grandson and he's at the crawling, pulling up stage, so I didn't dare work on it while he's around. But I'm almost to the last stage.

[arteeztmom]

Oh, you never know what drool and baby food will do for the moley Mary!! You might find a whole new medium! :idea:
I'm going to get Wendy's done this weekend for sure!! I started but have some domestic duties to complete before I allow myself to play!

[rkolig]

Oh, you never know what drool and baby food will do for the moley Mary!! You might find a whole new medium! :idea:


hahahaha! You should have seen my sleeve after I rocked him to sleep. No cotton mouth on this kid! :eek: I had to take the shirt off it was soooo sopping wet.

[Bex]

OK ladies, one moley - property of Alteredmommy has arrived safe and sound in bonnie Scotland, and very beautifully packaged may I say. On opening the book I was astounded by the vibrancy of colours already in there - how completely beautiful. As these little books make their way along this journey and the more art that is added, the more precious they become. Heart art is a great theme Altered.

[rkolig]

Dana, I haven't sent the moley yet. I'm sorry. :cringe: I owe you the biggest banana split we can find in Indy (I'm hoping you love them as much as I do). I'm aaaaaalllllmost done tho.

I'm always impatient when I'm at the painting stage and it looks the worst then. I always get scared. But I gotta let it dry completely in between stages. I'm finishing up the pen work now. And am pleased with how its turning out.

[adriayna]

Its ok, Mary, take your time :)

[arteeztmom]

Hey Mary, enjoy those "drool moments!" My kids were the worst for that.

I got Wendy's moleskine pages drawn and just have to add color now. I'm doing the best I can to get it off into the mail before another book shows up! :unsure: I'm so neurotic sometimes!!

[rkolig]

Yeah, that's my goal too Arteeztmom. I don't want 2 books at one time. I get pretty stressed with just one!! :eek:

[rkolig]

Tanya, I got your moley today from Bex.

Oh hun....you are SOOOO gonna love this book. Every entry is just precious!! Now the pressure is on me to come up with something equally delightful.

[rkolig]

OK, I got Eggies mole done today, so will mail it out tomorrow. Its drying, then I'll scan it and package it up.

[Bex]

AARRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Now I have TWO moleys again. Dana, yours has arrived safe and sound - and gobsmackingly gorgeous. I don't know whether to laugh, cry or run screaming to the hills. Nope - better just make a start. I've posted my pages for Arty's moley since it has arrived with rkolig.

[adriayna]

Those are awesome!!!! I can't wait to see them. I haven't had a moleskin in over a month, so I am looking forward to seeing the one Mary is sending me!

[eggstudio]

Gees O' Pete Bex, those pages are awesome. I still have your moley. I have the pages covered for the background and starting the images.

[Wendy]

Wow Bex ... you did some awesome pages in arteeztmom's moly! Gorgeous!

[adriayna]

Those are wonderful!!!! YAY!!!!

[eggstudio]

Lovely pages!

[Bex]

Thanks you guys. Altered, your pages are much better in real life. Can I be cheeky and ask what medium you use as your colours just leap off the page. What you can't do with colour isn't worth talking about.
I'm glad you like my 'being a mother' picture - those are my sons actual hand prints from when he was two, I just copied them and shrunk them down - my first terrible attempt at collage.

[Bex]

How very true, although my son has been giving us so much laughter this week. After sucking a jam jar to his mouth for a little too long, his lips swelled up 4 times their normal size. After the swelling went down he is now left with a beautiful circular bruise around his entire mouth. It completely eludes me why boys do such abstract things.
Thanks for the info on your gorgeous colours - they are so smooth and seamless and vibrant.

[arteeztmom]

Bex, I LOVE those pages you did in my moley!!!:jiggy: I can't wait to see it in person!
Alteredmommy, your pages for Dana rock too!! I'm sending Wendy's moley to you today so be watching for it!!
I got Wendy's done before the next one shows up!!! I'm so proud of myself!!!
I hope you like what I did Wendy. It's a little goofy but I had to jump in and have fun.
Going out of town for a few days for spring break...going to the exotic, tropical "Detroit." LOL!! I hope we see the sun one of the days for at least a few minutes!!!

[adriayna]

Arteeztmom's wonderful journal arrived. Oh, the sad sad cockatiel tale. I must write my own ziggy tale for you in it! Its AWESOME!

[arteeztmom]

Dana, it's eggstudio's that has the "bird" theme. Mine is the happiness theme, but I'm glad you like my entry in the bird book. I think I get your book next from Bex. I haven't been home for a week so it may be in my waiting pile of mail. I need to start thinking of ideas!!
Keeping this all straight is a bit of a challenge...It's a little like the Abbott and Costello act of "Who's on first?"

[adriayna]

Oh, right. Well anyways I will do something about ziggy bird maybe !

[Bex]

Sorry Arty, but Danas book is still firmly in my grasp, but I've been beavering away industriously for the past couple of days. Hopefully you shouldn't have too long to wait for it.

[arteeztmom]

Oh Bex, no hurry!! Take your time and indulge yourself in creative play!! I just returned from a week vacation and now I'm trying to get myself in order. I'll be patiently busying myself until Dana's book lands on my doorstep!;)

[rkolig]

Here are the pages I did for Eggies journal. I tried to have a bit of a story too....house hunting in spring.

Adding text is new for me. The scans are really bad. For some reason the gesso gives the scanner fits.

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[eggstudio]

Oh!! What grand pages. What a wonderful birdie tale! I so excited I can't stop smiling.

[arteeztmom]

rkolig, those pages are so sweet!!! Eggy's book is going to be aflutter with cool birdie art!!

[adriayna]

Those are wonderful! YAY!

[Bex]

Oh rkolig, they are gorgeous pages! An adorable story and so fitting for this time of year!

[eggstudio]

I've finished up Bex's book and will be sending out to Wendy soon.

[Wendy]

Great pages, rkolig! Lovely!

[Wendy]

Me is very curious!

Tanya! Tanya! Show me those pages! ;)

[arteeztmom]

I'm glad Wendy's book made it to you safely Cheryl! It's scary to have 2 books at a time isn't it!? I know it keeps me motivated!:)
Ok, I guess I'll show you my silly pages Wendy...

[arteeztmom]

I turned the book to get it all in my scanner so it looks funny. I ended up cropping it in an odd way. Oh well, you get the idea.:)

[Bex]

Wowwee, those are some seriously AWESOME pages arty. I'm picturing Wendy lying passed out on the floor LOL.

[Wendy]

Aaaahh ... Tanya ...that is so cool! And beautiful! Thank you very much! :jiggy:

[arteeztmom]

Glad you approve Wendy. If you didn't like it, well there's not a lot either of us could do. You're stuck with a strange purple octopus in the middle of your moley!;)

[eggstudio]

What fun!~ I don't mean the part of Wendy on the floor. I'm not that mean:jiggy:

[Bex]

I have finished with Dana's moley and am just about to head out the door and take it to the post office. I've had such a great time with this one. Hope it arrives with you soon Arty.

[eggstudio]

I mailed Bex's moley to wendy today~

[Wendy]

Ah ... great! It's more than welcome! ;)

[arteeztmom]

Bex, I can't wait to get Dana's book. Now I get to see your work up close and personal. I need to start stretching my brain about the elements!:unsure:

[adriayna]

Oh no! I still haven't finished the one I have here on birds, lol! I better get cracking!

[Wendy]

I've lost track of where my own moleskine is, I'll have to look back in the thread.

Alteredmommy, if I'm correct, your moleskine is in Scotland, with Bex! ;)

[adriayna]

I am 1/2 way through the birds book. WOOT!

[arteeztmom]

I'm not sure where my book is either! LOL! All I know is Dana's book is on its way to me from Bex. :D

[Wendy]

I'm not sure where my book is either! LOL! All I know is Dana's book is on its way to me from Bex. :D

Arteeztmom, I'm not totally sure but I think rkolig has got your moleskine! ;)

[Bex]

Alteredmommy, your moley is still safe here in sunny Scotland, I am just about to get started on it today.
Arty, I'm pretty sure I was last to post your moley and I think I posted it to rkolig - lol, I'm nt really helping, am I?

[arteeztmom]

Wow, I got Dana's book today from Bex!! It's amazing so far!!! Holy smokes Dana, that cover is cool. Each of you have done such outstanding work, talk about "measuring up!!" I'll really have to think about this theme! You're going to love this in the end Dana.
Bex you ought to post your pages. They are wonderful!! Mary and Cheryl, both of your entries are so beautiful too!

[eggstudio]

Hey, just wanted to let you guys know I'll be a bit MIA till the 24th.

[Wendy]

Just received Bex' moleskine from eggstudio! So nice to read on the back of the pages how everyone came to their contribution ... really great! It's becoming a great moly, Bex!

[Bex]

Oh goody, goody, I love to hear that moleys arrive safely, but wait - eggy is away till the 24th - oh no, I won't get to see my pages for ages. Nevermind, I'll be patient.
I can't post Danas pages either as my pc is playing silly beggars and is completely kaput. It should be fixed by Monday tho. I'm having to steal a few minutes on my sons laptop while he's out.
I am half way with altered's book and hope to have it done this weekend.

[eggstudio]

Just a quick fly by. I'll put pages up soon. So glad it arrived safe and sound.

[adriayna]

Ok! I finally finished eggstudio's jorunal! I will scan and mail out this week :)

[Bex]

I have almost finished with Altered's moley and hope to have it finished this evening. I hope to post it out to Dana either tomorrow ar Friday, but I'll let you know when it goes.

[arteeztmom]

Bex, you're a busy gal! Do you want me to scan and post the pages you did in Dana's book? I don't mind.

[rkolig]

I'm still working on the arteeztmom's moley, but so far so good.

Who sends to me next? Just wondering. I don't want 2 books at once. The stress!!!!

[arteeztmom]

Oh Boy Mary...the anticipation is building on these moleys!!! I can't wait to get it when it's complete!

[Bex]

I've got my pc back now but it's been completely wiped so I have lost my scans along with everything else. You could scan them if you don't mind arty. I have the photos on my camera, but have not got the software installed again yet. Thanks, your a star!!

[eggstudio]

Hey another quick fly by.
this is Bex's pages~

[rkolig]

Thanks AlteredMommy. :whew: I don't feel quite so stressed now. But I still plan to finish it this week.

[Bex]

Oh wow, those pages are WONDERFUL Eggy, I love the earthy tones and can't wait to see it in person. This is all so exciting now that we've passed the half way mark (I think).
I'm starting to get things back together again, so here are my pages for Dana's moley.
PS - I know this isn't the place to ask, but can anyone tell me how to delete files from the Manage Attachments folder, as it's getting a bit full.

[rkolig]

Wow! Bex and Eggy!!!! WOW!! Gorgeous pages!

[Bex]

OK, I've finished working in Altered's moley and have it packaged ready to go. I will post it to you Dana tomorrow morning (Friday).

[Wendy]

Aaaahh Bex ... those pages are fantastic!

[adriayna]

That is absolutely AWESOME!!! YAY!

[eggstudio]

Bex~ those pages are rocking!!!

[arteeztmom]

Eggstudio...Those pages look awesome but I know seeing your work in person is always ten times better. You do awesome textures and layers!
Bex's pages from Dana's book ARE super. I have it at the moment and she's quite an act to follow!

[rkolig]

Ugh. I always feel intimidated at first after every durn one of you!!!

But so far so good on Arteetzmom's journal. I'm trying out some of the new techniques I learned on the Whimsy workshop. Nothing whimsy, just the techniques for using paint and pencil and marker.

[adriayna]

I have three pages scanned and in my gallery of the newest journal page for Eggstudio! The scanner cut off the fourth and I already have it all packaged up, lol.

[arteeztmom]

Mary, just have fun! I like whimsy if it's what you're inspired to do! I'm sure it will be super!
I peeked at your gallery Dana and that bird entry from eggy's moley is so lovely! She is getting an amazing collection of bird art!
I need to get busy on yours! At the moment i have to paint a garden bench for a Red Cross fundraiser my hubby's co. is sponsoring. Like, SOON!:(

[Bex]

Dana, your pages for Eggy are glorious, I really love your style. All these moleys are going to be fantastic when they are finished, but I will be sad when the project ends.

[adriayna]

Mary's journal has arrived! I am mailing out Eggy's this week, so I will get to work on Mary's next.

Thanks Bex! I enjoyed how it came out :)

[eggstudio]

Yeah!!! I'm jumping and and down. Those pages are totally awesome.

[rkolig]

Awesome pages Dana. I love the eggs hanging from the trees.

[arteeztmom]

I'm trying to get inspired for your book Dana...so far I'm a bit stumped...I might have to just jump in head first and play! Following Bex's intricate, gorgeous drawings leaves me a little uncertain.
Eggy you have a great theme. Your moley's going to really be cool!

[arteeztmom]

Well Wendy, I actually finished Dana's book tonight and I'll be sending it off to the land of wooden shoes! You can start thinking about "Elements" while it makes the journey.
I'll have to check the list to see whose book I get next. I'm so glad I won't have 2 books at the same time!!:jiggy:

[Wendy]

Oh my ... that means I will have three moly's at the same time. :eek:

I started in Bex' moly, which is already here ... I'm the third person to work in Bex' moly so I will finish this one first. Adriayna wrote eggstudio's moly is on its way ... to me. As I'm the fourth person to work in that one, I will start in that one after I finished Bex' moly. Now arteeztmom just wrote she's sending me Adriayna's moly ... I'll be the fifth person to work in that one ... so Adriayna's moly has to wait over here for a while before I start working in it.

If anyone is wondering where your moly might be ... probably with me! ;)

[adriayna]

I have two moleys. Another one arrived yesterday! Alteredmommy's heart moley! So....I need to get started once I get back from my trip.

[eggstudio]

These are the pages I did for the Alteredmommy's heart moley.

[rkolig]

Awesome pages Eggie. Using the nursery rhyme was clever!

[arteeztmom]

Those heart pages are superb Eggy!! That's a fun theme (Good choice Cheryl!)
Wendy, you poor thing! I'll hold off mailing Dana's for a bit so you won't feel stressed. This is supposed to be low-stress fun, right? At least that's what we started out saying.:)
Life happens for all of us and there's no need to worry too much about these being on a schedule. I DO love to get them in the mail so I can enjoy all the wonderful art, but having a spell of "no moleys" lets me play with other things.:idea:

[Wendy]

Heya Tanya, just send it ... no problem! That's why I posted my 'schedule' for the moly's ... no stress for me! ;)

[Bex]

Moleys are really zipping around the globe. Here are my pages in Altered's heart art. I quite liked them when I done them, but now I'm not so sure. Eggy your pages are glorious in person, they are so rich and textured, I just love all the texturey work and your pages influenced my own attempt at putting some texture in there. Oh well, I had fun anyway.

[Wendy]

Awesome pages, Bex! Awesome!

[arteeztmom]

Bex, those heart pages are so wonderful. You really put a lot into your work! I bet they are nice in person. Unfortunately I've already worked in that moley so I'll have to get by with the thumbnails.:(
Ok Wendy, I'll pop Dana's moley in tomorrow's mail. ;)

[eggstudio]

Oh~ Bex, thoses pages are gorgeous. And the colors are popping.

[Bex]

LOL, there was a purpose for all that silly tartan madness, that actually now has me in hysterics. You'll understand when you read what I've written on the back. OH Lord, I've gone completely nuts!

[arteeztmom]

You're in the right place Bex...aren't we all a little nuts? :jiggy:
I sent off Dana's moley to you Wendy.

Looking at the list, my next moley should be "Bex's Moley" from Mary, then "Mary's Moley" from Eggy. I'm going to concentrate on a project now. I'm painting a wooden bench for a Red Cross fundraiser. The theme is "Garden Walk," so I'm doing a night scene with plants and critters. I hope it turns out! I need be to thinking of the moleskine themes that are coming down the pipe!!:unsure:

[Wendy]

I've got eggstudio's moleskine in da house!

[adriayna]

Glad ot know it arrived safe, Wendy.

[eggstudio]

;) me too.

[Bex]

That is beautiful Altered. The colours are gorgeous and I just love bumble bees. Sad that I won't get to see it in person tho.

[arteeztmom]

Those pages are so fun Cheryl!! I should get to see them in person. I haven't worked in Mary's book yet! COOL!!!:jiggy:

[eggstudio]

WOW~ that's lovely and Oh, the colors.

[Wendy]

I've been checking out your pages in the gallery, Cheryl ... wanted to see them bigger! They are cute! Can't believe you cut out all those bee wings! :eek:

[arteeztmom]

I was thinking your birthday was on the 4th Wendy and as always happens to me, I was WRONG.:embarrassed: Sooo, I hope you got to play all day! I know, you worked in moleskines in your pajamas, right??

[Wendy]

Working in the moleskines in my pajamas? Not me! My painting overall! :laugh:

And the good news is ... Dana's moleskine is in da house too! Dana, let me tell you, that's one impressive moleskine you're getting ... eh ... when it comes to the contributions until now that is! ;)

[Bex]

Hey, whats wrong with painting in your pyjamas, I do it all the time. Not that I'm in my pyjamas all the time, but they are very comfy and when your comfy you work well, right??? OK, maybe that's just me. A belated happy birthday Wendy :jiggy:

[Wendy]

Thanks, Becky! ;)

Ah ... nothing wrong with working in your pyjamas/pajamas ... is this a potato- and tomato-thing ... different in English/English and American/English?! However ... nothing wrong with working in comfy clothes ... just tried to joke ... 'messing' in an overall! :unsure:

[arteeztmom]

Hey Bex, I think what she's trying to say is that she really prefers to paint in the nude! I think she gets a little messy and it's so much easier to jump in the bath tub after a creative frenzy!! Am I right Wendy? :P

[Wendy]

Arteeztmom ... you are always right! :laugh:

[Bex]

Oh Wendy, I love your english, it really cracks me up, but yes us brits have some weird and wonderful ways of spelling things, always a couple of letters thrown in that are completely out of place. I think we just do it to confuse people from Holland - oops, I mean non english speakers - only joking dear, you go and enjoy your bath!

[arteeztmom]

Since Wendy has received Dana's moley...I guess I'll share...even though my designs are a little funky compared to all the previous work. :unsure:

[arteeztmom]

The scans don't look like much...there isn't the tactile effect. I confess, I used paper glaze on my water because Dana used it on her cover and I liked how it looked. Wendy said it stuck to the previous page so "don't use paper glaze on your pages anyone!"

[adriayna]

WOOT!!!! I love love love it!

Arteezmom, do you mean diamond glaze? Certainly you should't use anything like modge podge, lol. Gingersnap says its the spawn of satan.

[arteeztmom]

I used "Aleene's Paper Glaze" which I'm assuming is similar to diamond glaze. I liked the dimensional quality it gave your water and decided to throw a little in mine. Well, it wasn't the best choice for inside pages. I'm wondering if rubbing wax on the stuff helps in that situation. I love that "spawn of satan"reference to modge podge. I've learned the hard way too, when surfaces are against each other they can stick. Not good!! :swoon:

[rkolig]

Geez! You guys have been busy! Alteredmommy those pages are soooo cute! I can't wait to see it in hand!

Arteeztmom, those pages for Dana are fabulous. I love the textures.

[Bex]

Arty your pages are beautiful, I LOVE those clouds, how on earth did you get that beautiful texture, they look all rainbow coloured too. I'm so sad I don't get to see all the lovely artwork done in these books after I've already had them.
Now - excuse me for being dummer than a doorknob, but can somebody tell me, what exactly is modge podge. Every time I hear you guys talking about it, I keep seeing porridge and the image was only strengthened when Dana mentioned 'the spawn of satan'

[rkolig]

Bex, its a product that can be used as a glue or a sealer. Its sort of looks like white school glue (Elmer's if you get that type in Scotland)

[eggstudio]

Super pages!

[adriayna]

Modge podge smells funny too. :P

[arteeztmom]

LOL!! I never noticed. I use matte medium by liquitex for most of my stuff.

[Wendy]

Bex' moleskine is on it's way to Mary! :jiggy:

[rkolig]

Oh, oh, I'd better finish off this one. I'm almost there!!! Other (non art) things keep cropping up!!!

[adriayna]

I still have two to do! I am taking them home with me and will mail when I return.

[arteeztmom]

Hey Cheryl, I can relate. Things in my life have been a little crazy lately. I feel like my brain is losing battery power some days. I try to think of somebody's name or a task I was going to do and I go blank!! Nothing comes to mind, just a flat line!:eek:
I can't wait to see my book when it's done!! We're getting closer ladies!

[EraserQueen]

I've had a ball looking through this thread! It would be seriously cool if we turned your swap into a series of articles for art trader. Each issue could focus on one or two journals. You've all been doing AMAZING work! :jiggy:

[rkolig]

What a cool idea Annie!

[Wendy]

Hi ladies, I 'coloured' the travelplan in the first post of our thread, added some 'space' and numbers as well, in an effort to save you all some time checking out which moly you had, which moly you still have to do, etc. etc.. I really hope it's a bit clear and that I didn't make any mistakes. If it's not clear, please let me know! As soon as anybody finished and send a moleskine, I will update the travelplan.

Well, no need to check out that first post now to see the travelplan ... here it is ... updated until now!

'Travel-plan'

red = finished pages
blue = working in moly
light blue = moly on its way ... almost there!

adriayna's moleskine travels to - (1) rkolig - (2) alteredmommy - (3) Bex - (4) arteeztmom - (5) Wendy - (6) eggstudio

alteredmommy's moleskine travels to - (1) Wendy - (2) arteeztmom - (3) eggstudio - (4) Bex - (5) adriayna - (6) rkolig

arteeztmom's moleskine travels to - (1) adriayna - (2) Bex - (3) rkolig - (4) eggstudio - (5) alteredmommy - (6) Wendy

Bex' moleskine travels to - (1) alteredmommy - (2) eggstudio - (3) Wendy - (4) rkolig - (5) arteeztmom - (6) adriayna

eggstudio's moleskine travels to - (1) arteeztmom - (2)rkolig - (3) adriayna - (4) Wendy - (5) Bex - (6) alteredmommy

rkolig's moleskine travels to - (1) Bex - (2) Wendy - (3) alteredmommy - (4) adriayna - (5) eggstudio - (6) arteeztmom

Wendy's moleskine travels to - (1) eggstudio - (2) adriayna - (3) arteeztmom - (4) alteredmommy - (5) rkolig - (6) Bex

[arteeztmom]

Wow Wendy, you have great administrative skills! Great job.:jiggy:
Annie has a cool idea!

[Wendy]

And yes ... eggstudio's birdbook is on its way to Scotland! Bex ... you're next! :jiggy:

[rkolig]

Looks pretty clear to me Wendy. One suggestion: add more space between each color and meaning. Or maybe put each on a different line. They sort of run together.

Today is my day to finish up Arteetzmom's moley. Its Victoria Day so no work and no mail. I've painted the background and now just need to finish details and highlights!!

Eeek! Just realized I'm the slackard!

[Wendy]

Done, Mary! Hope colours and their meaning are clearer now! ;)

[rkolig]

Perfect. Thanks Wendy. Now I have no excuses for getting screwed up. :twitcy:

[rkolig]

Woo hoo! I'm done and pleased with how it came out. I'll be sending it off tomorrow, so its coming your way Greer!!

[arteeztmom]

I can't wait to see what you came up with Mary!! This is getting exciting.

[rkolig]

It was a great idea for a theme Tanya. I found it challenging in a nice way.

[eggstudio]

I'm waiting at the post box with baited breath. Gotta see this book.~!

[rkolig]

Greer, you'll have a blast with this book. I can't wait to see how you use text in it. I always have trouble adding text. I'm so afraid I'll wreck it.

[rkolig]

I rec'd Bex's journal today. Perfect timing, I did not have 2 books at once (by a few hours but hey). LOL

And WOW! Is it amazing! I'll have to mull over what I want to do in for a few days.

[arteeztmom]

I can't wait to see what makes everyone happy, by the entries in my moley!:jiggy:

[eggstudio]

OMG ~rkolig i doubt you have wrecked anything~~well art wise, that is;)

[Wendy]

Ah, so glad to read you've got Bex' moleskine, Mary!

[Bex]

I received Eggy's moley today - O...M...G..... it's AMAZING!!!!! Oh, Eggy you are going to LOVE this when you get it back (provided I don't muck it up) Every single page is gorgeous.
Wendy I love that you've put in all those interesting facts and what a great birdie idea. I think that means you have two lots of pages to post, so come on - show us those pages!

[Wendy]

Oh Bex, you're so right! I totally forgot I have to upload my pages! :goofy: By the way, glad the moly arrived!

This is what I did in Bex' moleskine. I'm very very happy with our small garden and more or less 'obsessed' with it. So I drew a plan of the garden on scale in multiliner and used that as a background for whimsy flowers in colours I think Bex likes ...

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And voila ... this is what I did in eggstudio's birdbook ... come visit the gallery of the dodo! I already did the two drawings on the left and the one on the right when I started doing the map of Mauritius. Boy, did I mess that up! Don't worry, Greer ... you won't notice! I think I solved my 'problem'!

26730

Now if you ladies are interested to see them even bigger, I posted the left and right sides in my gallery!

[Bex]

Oh Wendy it's gorgeous, and yes I LOVE the colours. But from experience I know it will look so much better in my hand and I just can't wait.
After looking through Eggys book I know that art scanned on a computer just doesn't compare to the real thing, and with so many pages completed it's clear that the finale is in sight. I've been stunned into abandoning all the ideas I had for this one as none of them are good enough to follow up on what's already in there, so I'm gonna have to ponder on it for a few days.
And Wendy, if you made a mistake, there is absolutely no trace of it in that moley

[Wendy]

Ah Bex ... I'm really happy you like your pages! :jiggy:

[arteeztmom]

WOW Wendy! You've been busy! AWESOME pages! I love the "Dodo" idea. You are a perfectionist and I know if you had not said a word, nobody would notice any "mess ups!"
I am getting like a little kid, anticipating the arrival of my moley. I'll have to bring it to the post office. There is a very kind woman there who seemed very curious about our hobby. I told her I would bring in my book when it arrived, complete. I also told the art teacher at my daughter's middle school about it. She wants me to help do an ATC exchange with the kids in the fall. I told her I'd love to!! I bet the older kids would really have fun with a moleskine exchange!! Anybody in this bunch work with kids??:idea:

[eggstudio]

OMG Wendy~ I love that dodo. I love my dodo!~

[arteeztmom]

SHHHH!!! We won't even ponder the possibility of any of these treasures to go anywhere but "home sweet home!!!";)

[rkolig]

Oh, oh, that means I'll have 2. The stress!!!!

Just teasing. I'll get my butt going on this one.

[Wendy]

Greer, I'm happy you like the dodo-pages! And ... Adriayna's moleskine is on its way to you ... mailed it this morning!

[adriayna]

Wonderful work, Wendy! :)

[eggstudio]

I'm keeping my eye out for it.

[adriayna]

Ok, both of the journals I have are complete so I'll be mailing them at the end of the week. I am happy with how they turned out, although they took a LOONNNG time! :)

[rkolig]

I've started on the conceptual stage of Bex's. I started by listing things that I thought might be interesting to fit in, then I started to think of symbols to represent each one, now I'm trying to sketch out how they might all fit together. This is really make me think outside my comfy little box!!

[Bex]

Tell me about it rkolig - but at least your thinking. I am just looking at blank pages that I have to fill and they are the same as my mind - blank!!! What's wrong with me, I love birds. I've had plenty of ideas but none of them seem to gel. I honestly think I have been frozen by fear of wrecking this one.

[rkolig]

No way Bex do you need to worry about wrecking anything. Just relax.

BTW, I just realized today how close we are to finishing this project! I only have one more to do after I finish this one.

[adriayna]

I posted some pages in my gallery for a sneak peak, Mary and Alteredmommy! Alteredmommy, I used some of my handmade silk paper in your design :)

[adriayna]

Mary and Greer - be on the lookout for a journal. I'm mailing them tomorrow or Saturday.

[rkolig]

They gorgeous Dana!!

[Bex]

Gorgeous pages Dana.

[Wendy]

Very cool pages, Dana!

[arteeztmom]

I hope your Book of Hope is going well Cheryl! I'll have to check out the link!!
Nice hearts Dana!! You're so good!:)

[eggstudio]

I got adriayna's moley.(gees is it gorgeous)
Ok I just have to say that the more pages that are filled tends to make me a lot more intimated on what to add to it.:unsure:

[adriayna]

Ok the books are off to their next location!

[Wendy]

Hey Greer, glad it arrived!

This is what I did in Dana's moleskine ...

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[rkolig]

How cool Wendy!

[Bex]

Lovely pages Wendy!!

[arteeztmom]

Nice job Wendy! I'm still waiting for a moley. I haven't had one in a while.

[rkolig]

I got Wendy's moley in the mail today from AlteredMommy. OMG, its so awesome in hand! I've already got ideas for what I'll do.

[Wendy]

I love those pages, Cheryl! :jiggy:

I'm so curious to see my moleskine ... all of the little books that visited here were awesome and now reading Mary's comment ... makes me even more curious! ;)

[Bex]

Your sea pages are sumptuous Altered, to me it represents how all powerful the sea is. Beautifully done!!!

[adriayna]

Wonderful work! :) :) :)

[arteeztmom]

Cheryl, those pages for Wendy's Sea book really rock!! Love them!

[eggstudio]

I've got arteeztmom's moley now.
I have two at my house both are safe and sound.

[arteeztmom]

Thanks Eggy!! I feel better knowing it's in good hands. The stakes are high now each time one of these treasures is placed in the postal system!:unsure: I'm confident though...so far everything has gone wonderfully. I can't wait to see what you do in my moley Greer!

[eggstudio]

Arrgh, what am I going to do with you moley? I've got to get my thinking cap on I've misplaced it somewhere.

Oh and I now have rkolig books, just a heads up to yall I have three books now.
I swear I thinking~

[arteeztmom]

Wow! It looks like you'll be having a Moley-palooza weekend, or week ahead?? I have been lucky so far. I only had a few days where I had two in my possession before I mailed one off! I'm not a good multi-tasker. I had my daughter right before sending my son off to kindergarten!:cute:

[rkolig]

I've been working on Bex's moley and have most of the background done. But I keep changing my mind on what I want to do!!! :sigh:

I already have tons of ideas for Wendy's.

[Bex]

Ditto rkolig. I know exactly what I'm going to do in Wendy's book, but Eggy's has had me stumped all week. I finally got round to sketching my rough idea today, but as for colours, backgrounds, well, my head is very heavy in my hands.
Eggy, just relax and take your time with those books. I have yours at the mo, and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm certainly feeling the pressure of adding to books that already have so much wonderful art in them. :unsure:

[rkolig]

Me too Bex. I am SO enjoying this, but there IS pressure.

[eggstudio]

Gees me too. I look at all those killer pages and go, "awh damn what in blazes am I going to do?"

[arteeztmom]

We all have that silly urge to compare ourselves to other artists...I do it all the time. I have to stop myself and just try to work from the heart. It's the diversity of ideas that will make these books so special in the end. We wouldn't want every page to look like the last now would we??? Just have fun!!:jiggy:

[rkolig]

EEK! I now have 3 moley's in hand. Alteredmommy's has arrived safe and sound (and awesome looking I must add).

The pressure is on. The pressure is on......

[Bex]

FINALLY, I've got to work on Eggy's book. It's sketched in, the backgrounds painted (and I HATE doing backgrounds) and now I just need to get my head down and add the fun bits.

[adriayna]

Sorry Mary, lol! I needed to get it out of my hands before artfest week :)

[Bex]

Your doing a wonderful job Alteredmommy, and the book of hope is just gorgeous. All your hard work is very worthwhile and gives hope to so many needy people. Congratulations on raising such a princely sum!!!

[adriayna]

Ok, so it looks like Bex's journal is the only one I have left to work in. Tanya, before you mail can you PM me? I am moving in Mid-July and I want to make sure it goes to the right place. Thanks hun! :)

[rkolig]

The Book of Hope is awesome Alteredmommy. Congrats that your team did so well.

[arteeztmom]

Dana, I'll be sure to do that. It will be a while before I'm sending Bex's book to you, since I don't have it yet...but I wouldn't want to be responsible for losing anybody's precious moley at this point!!:swoon:

Cheryl, that Book of Hope is amazing and I'm thrilled to have been a teeny part of such a great money raiser! The results of all your hard work will touch many lives!! Kudos to you!

[adriayna]

Tanya, yeah, I saw that from the list. I am anticipating a month and a half or so into the future, when I will be moving!

OH! Eggy- when you get done with mine, as long as you mail before July 5th you can mail it to my current addy. After that, please hold off till I let you know we are moved in :)

[arteeztmom]

Dana, I won't mail anything before communicating with you!:)

[rkolig]

I was really hoping I would be down to one book by the time I leave for ArtForAll. I was hoping I'd be done with this one, but its taking longer. I'm really happy with the background, but now the bits and pieces I'm adding for focal points is taking longer than I expected. Gawd, I'm such a slow worker. :eek:

What kind of adhesive are you guys using for these? And are any of you sealing your work? I may want to seal my work on this one.

[arteeztmom]

I use Matte medium for adhesive on most of my stuff. I've used it to seal things too, but I also use an acrylic spray sealer sometimes.

[Wendy]

I've been using Golden Soft Gel (matte) for all my glueing in the moleskines. Didn't seal.

[rkolig]

Thanks. I have some! I just didn't know you could use it as an adhesive.

[eggstudio]

OH! Eggy- when you get done with mine, as long as you mail before July 5th you can mail it to my current addy. After that, please hold off till I let you know we are moved in :)


Gotcha~

[rkolig]

Woo hoo! I got Bex's moley done! I'm going to mail it out tomorrow to Arteetzmom.

Tanya, can you scan it for me? I'm in Toronto, so don't have access to my scanner and I don't want to wait. I really want to get it in the mail.

[arteeztmom]

WOo HOOO! Perfect timing! I just finished my first moley from the second exchange I'm in!! Can't have too many of these in my possession at once now!!:eek:
I'd be happy to scan for you darling! I can't wait to see your lovely work...along with everyone else's! Wow, at this point the books are almost complete! So exciting. I have something to look forward to. Need to start thinking!!!:)

[rkolig]

Yes, it is exciting that they're almost complete. Once these are done, I'll take a few months off before joining another moley group. But I would definitely do one again.

[arteeztmom]

I got Bex's moley in the mail from Mary today!! I was so excited, I was opening it as I was driving the car to town!! I had to wait until I was stopped to totally enjoy the glorious art inside!!! GORGEOUS pages everyone!! I have to work hard at adding to it now! The book is so nice up to this point. Mary, your pages were a little stuck together. I managed to carefully open them with minimal effect, but from now on I'll put a little parchment paper between the pages. Is it matte medium that's on them? I'll be careful! Just thought you may want to use something different on the next one you do.

[rkolig]

Oh dear! Did anything get wrecked? I tried to let them dry fully. Thanks for letting me know. I may have to put a different finishing finish on the next batch. Please don't forget to scan them for me.

[arteeztmom]

Here are rkolig's wonderful pages in Bex's moley. I hope they scanned well! Mary, I have a little piece of parchment between your pages just to be safe. Our weather has been humid and hot and everything is sticky...including me!:twitcy:

[rkolig]

Thanks Tanya!!

[Wendy]

Wow Mary ... those pages are gorgeous!

[Bex]

Oh my, those are glorious pages Mary, I especiallly love that very handsome Iguana. I am so excited about seeing my completed book I can hardly sit still.
My work in Eggy's moley is progressing slowly, I'm about two thirds done. However, I am worried that my brainfreeze over this one is showing in the art.

[arteeztmom]

Mary's pages in your moley are certainly marvelous Bex...as are everyone else's. You're going to be in awe of the talent when you get it. I must say too, by the pages I've seen of your own work so far, you sure put a lot of detail and time into your drawings! It's so neat to see the styles emerge in these moleys. I love each and every one's unique approach to the themes. So fun! I can't wait to see mine all filled up!! Woo hooo!:jiggy:

[rkolig]

The different themes really do stretch you. And I mean that in a good way. I've so much enjoyed this that I've already signed up for another one starting in Sept.

[Wendy]

It's so nice to see everyone is enjoying the moleskine exchange groups! It's funny, when I wanted to start a group August last year ... had followed exchanges on Flickr but was too chicken to play with strangers ... I send so many PM's around asking people to start a group. Tanya was the first to say "yes" ... out of 12-13 people I approached. Together we went on contacting people and after months (!) exchange group #1 started! And now, exchange groups start all over AFA and even at AFA's juried sister-site, as Tanya told me. And reading the exchange threads, everyone seems to enjoy it a lot and the art-work is amazing ... and it appears to be slightly addictive too ... right, Mary?! ;) Wonderful, just wonderful! :jiggy:

[rkolig]

Yes, I've noticed that too. I think part of the success is that Moleskin accordian style is the perfect size. Small enough to not get bogged down and cheap to mail.

[adriayna]

Can everyone hold off mailing to me till after July 15th? I will provide you with a new shipping address at that time. Thanks!

[eggstudio]

Hey just want to let you guys know I'll still here and have the books.

Bex don't fret. Your work is gorgeous with or with out brainfreeze.