#1 Japanese moleskine exchange group (full)

[Wendy]

Our Japanese moleskine exchange group is complete (and full)!

Participants:
adriayna
alteredmommy
arteeztmom
Bex
eggstudio
rkolig
Wendy

We altered the guidelines from the moleskine exchange groups on Flickr a bit. The idea:
1. Every artist starts with a Japanese folded moleskine (name, address, username, as well as travel-plan written in book). The owner of the moleskine decides whether the contributions of the other artists to her moleskine should follow a certain theme or not.
2. Each artist will draw, make a collage, paint, or use whatever media on approx. four pages per moleskine. After finishing an entry the moleskine will be send to the next person. Each artist gets one month to make an entry. The first entry will be made by the owner of the moleskine. Artists are encouraged to interact with the other images in the book. Please be respectful.
3. When the book is full, i.e. when one side of the unfolded book is filled, the book will be sent back to its original owner.
4. Please communicate regularly via email, PM or in this thread. Let know that you received or sent a book. The goal is to create together something beautiful and to have a dialogue.
5. Most important: let’s enjoy this adventure and have fun!

The sequence of artists is different for each moleskine, which will hopefully result in seven totally different moleskines in the end. Furthermore, it's more challenging to have a different order because when arteeztmom sends the moleskine she worked in always to rkolig, rkolig will get used to continuing on arteeztmom's work (if ever that would be possible); it's more of a challenge when rkolig has to follow up on someone else all the time … only once we 'meet' the same person, in the last round. And there are the shipping costs, now most of you have to send a moleskine once to the U.K. and once to Holland; Bex and me just have to find an small extra job to pay for the postage.

'Travel-plan'

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

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

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

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

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

eggstudio's returned home - (1) arteeztmom - (2) rkolig - (3) adriayna - (4) Wendy - (5) Bex - (6) alteredmommy

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

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

We try to have our moleskines at the next artist half of January. December is a somewhat busy month for the post offices, we should avoid the Christmas mail. We've got a month to work in the moleskines and then have to send it to the following artist. When the moleskine arrives at your home, your month to work in the moleskine starts. If you finished within a month feel free to send it to the next person.

In this thread we can give each other updates of the well-being of the visiting moleskine, if there is a delay, etc., etc.. We do have to post when we mail a moleskine and when we receive one. We don't post pictures of our work unless the moleskine arrived at the next artist … it'll be a surprise for all of us, including the following artist.

A couple of us already decided on a theme for their moleskine, some others are thinking about a theme and of course, picking a theme is not necessary. Please post in this thread as soon as you decided on a theme or decided not to have one … I'll add it on the list.

Themes:
adriayna - "The elements"
alteredmommy – “Hearts” (any kind … anatomical, broken, sacred). It would be great if everyone could include a bit of type-random words or quotes!
arteeztmom - “Happiness is …”
Bex - "A bit about myself" (... where do you live, what are your favourite places and obsessions ...)
eggstudio - "Birds" (anything birdy or bird related)
rkolig - "Feathers, Fins and Feelers"
Wendy – “Sea” (… waves, or fish, or sea-monsters, or boats, or shells, or ...)

Hope I didn't forget anything! :D

Japanese moleskine http://www.moleskineus.com/japanesebook.html
Japanese moleskine exchange groups on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/moly_x/

[OriginalYouth]

Wow, this is so fun! Can't wait to see how they go!

[arteeztmom]

Great job setting this up Wendy!!! Now I need to get crackin'!!:)

[adriayna]

I still don't know what my theme is, lol. But I have my moleskin!

[rkolig]

I have a moleskin too and haven't decided on a theme yet either. LOL

[Siena]

I love this idea! If you ever do it again, will you keep me in mind? Thanks :)

[eggstudio]

Have mole, will travel....
Now a theme Hummm~

[rkolig]

I know...the stress...sheesh....

I'm thinking I'd like my theme to be: Feathers, Fins and Feelers....I'd like it to be a story. So each entry must take the previous entry forward somehow. A little text is ok, but not too much.

I've never done this before. Does this sound workable?

[adriayna]

I want mine to be a story too, I think!

[Wendy]

I know...the stress...sheesh....

I'm thinking I'd like my theme to be: Feathers, Fins and Feelers....I'd like it to be a story. So each entry must take the previous entry forward somehow. A little text is ok, but not too much.

I've never done this before. Does this sound workable?



Just checked ... I'll be the third person that has to work in your moleskine ... Feathers, Fins and Feelers ... and it's got to be a story too ... that's already giving me stress! Never done this before either but sure ... sure ... it sounds workable! :confused::laugh:

[arteeztmom]

Oh you all have a great idea!! I never thought of a "story!" Cool twist. I'll post photos of my cover. It's as far as I've gotten so far!!

[adriayna]

I love it! I think I might do "world of whimsy" or "whimsical dreams' or just "dreams"....?

[rkolig]

Arteetzmom, I love your cover!! I may have to wait to alter mine.

I'm planning on taking my book with me on holiday (leaving the 11th), so hopefully I'll get do my pages then. I'm hoping your timeframe is right Alteredmommy, cuz that would certainly work for me.

[eggstudio]

Thinking up a theme seems to be the hardest part so far.

[Bex]

Oh this is so exciting! I love your cover Arteeztmom! I'm having a hard time thinking of a theme too. I may do fantasy, but then again maybe I'll do something random and leave it to the artist to interpret their own way. Ooohhhhhhh I'm no good at making decisions, maybe I'll just leave it up to you all to decide.

[arteeztmom]

It's nice to see the juices starting to flow! I need to get to work on my first pages too!
I like the theme ideas I'm hearing! Dreams is great Dana!! I tried to choose one that leaves interpretation wide open and is positive. I'm funny like that...the world is too full of negative stuff. I need to be lifted up!!!:cute:

[adriayna]

Yeah, I am digging the dreams concept.

[Wendy]

Arteeztmom, already told you ... love your cover, it's amazing! I continue working on my first 'pages' first ... don't know yet if I will do my cover too. Ah ... who knows ...!

I already enjoy this ... it's so much fun to read about the ideas on the themes. I picked sea ... I know, not quite original ... but I have been thinking it might be hard to follow up on someone else's work of art and as there are so many things that 'connect' to the sea it's 'easier' for different artists with different styles to realise something that hopefully results in a long flowing piece of art. Besides ... we're big sea-lovers over here! ;)

[rkolig]

Sea theme is good Wendy.

[arteeztmom]

So, Dreams it is then Adriayna?:jiggy: Very cool...the ideas are starting to brew!
Wendy, you are so sweet. I think the "Sea" is a wonderful theme. There are all kinds of possibilities there!!
Time to get to work everyone!! These are going to be real masterpieces in the end!!:wubclub:

[EraserQueen]

I totally want to keep an eye on this thread! You guys are going to do some amazing work!

[adriayna]

I think dreams are what I will go with. But you know, when the muse strikes, you never know what form she will take on the page :)

[Bex]

I totally agree Dana, which I think is why I can't decide on a theme for my own moleskine. I was kinda toying with the idea of nature vs industry. I have loads of ideas for that but it might not appeal to others. Some feedback would be good to help me decide. What do you guys think????

[arteeztmom]

Bex, that is a challenge for a theme. Maybe it would stretch our minds a bit! I chose a theme with the boundaries pretty wide. Dana's idea of "Dreams" is good in that respect. Nature vs industry is quite interesting, the more I think about it! In my art I love to draw anything organic and hate drawing mechanical things...Hmmm, what do you other gals think? Are you up for Bex's challenge??:idea:

[Bex]

That's what I mean, I think I'm being too restrictive and I don't want anyone to feel restricted or too challenged. I'm just really rubbish at making decisions!

[adriayna]

I would really enjoy doing "nature vs. industry" myself! :)

[Wendy]

"Nature vs. industry" sounds like a challenge ... I'd love to try. Bex, I don't think you need to worry about being too restrictive. I think themes can be interpreted in several ways and they serve as a guideline 'only' in order to create some coherence/connection in our moleskines. If you've got loads of ideas for "nature vs. industry" ... just go and have fun making something beautiful on those first 'pages'! There hasn't been mentioned a theme yet that 'scared' me ... they all sound interesting and I think with all of them we've got far more than one way to approach them, to work with/on them!

[rkolig]

Bex, my first thought about nature vs industry is that you may end up with a book that is quite "dark" in mood. Industry killing nature, that sort of thing.

[adriayna]

LOL, I'd make a page where nature was triumphing over industry!

[Bex]

Me too Dana. OK I think I will scrap that idea as I really do feel I'm being too restrictive. I've decided not to set a theme, rather I'm going to do my first pages and each artist can take it in whatever direction the muse takes them as long as it relates in some small way with what the previous artist has created. Sorry about all my dithering folks, I promise I won't change my mind again. I'm off to make a start since I have 12 days holiday - YIPPEEEEEEE!!!

[rkolig]

Bex, I didn't mean to squash the idea. Actually, I came up with several ideas at the mere mention of it.

[Bex]

Don't worry rkolig, you didn't squash my idea, I was only toying with it anyway and wanted some opinions. I would rather have a record of the other artists own ideas as my moleskine travels around the globe.

[eggstudio]

I'm stuck on birds. Really anything to do with birds not just having a bird on each page but cages, feathers, poop. That kind of thing. but don't hold me to that yet.

[rkolig]

Eggs! What a great idea! That'll be soo much fun!

[arteeztmom]

Awww...Bex, I was just gearing up for your challenge! That's ok, whatever you decide is fine.
I just decorated my cover because I wanted to get inspired to start on the inside. Nobody has to do the cover if they don't want. I have a feeling we're all open to the individual personality that each of these books will take on. They will "morph" in their travels. Isn't that exciting???:wideeyed:

[adriayna]

LOL, i"ve been decorating my journal. I think I've settled on "the elements" because its open and yet fun. I couldn't come up with good ideas for "dreams" but I felt the need to paint some elements, hahaah!

[rkolig]

I'm going to wait to decorate it, but I' DEF going to.

[Bex]

I've got a great idea for my cover, but whether I get time to do it before it sets off on its travels remains to be seen. Love your bird theme Eggstudio, I've got ideas rattling around for that already.

[arteeztmom]

It sounds like we're all getting off to a great start! Eggstudio, a bird theme sounds super to me! That will be a very gorgeous book!!
I'm inspired now!!!:)

[adriayna]

Been working on my "elements" journal this weekend a bit! :P

[Lily Lemon]

I love this idea! If you ever do it again, will you keep me in mind? Thanks :)

Me, too!

[eggstudio]

Ok, It's official. My little book will be birds, anything birdy or bird related.

[Wendy]

Cool theme, eggstudio!

I updated the themes-part in our first post. If it's not correct ... changing is easy!

[arteeztmom]

Oh birds!! :jiggy:eggstudio, that is super!! I love bird stuff! Oooo, I'm inspired.
I just peeked at the list and alteredmommy's "heart" theme sounds cool too!
Isn't Bex leaving it open to the artists?? That's fun, the book will become an interesting story!
Alright rkolig...Is yours decided yet??

[Bex]

Yep, mine is definately an open theme as long as there is some type of connection with the last entry. I've made a start at last. Hope I'm not going to be trailing behind everyone else as I'm having some trouble focusing on my art.

[arteeztmom]

I'm there ladies!!! I was just running around town with all the other crazy people, buying those last minute things...my kids don't need any more but I'm still buying stocking stuffers and what not!:wacko:
I won't be able to focus on this project or anything else until the whole holiday flurry passes!!
I hope you get better soon alteredmommy! Being sick during the holidays is the worst!

[adriayna]

Mary, I plan on shipping this to you in early January once the mail slows down from the holidays :)

[arteeztmom]

Ok everyone, it's 2009! Time to get our butts in gear!! I'm working on my intro pages...anybody else?? I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I'm ready to start the new year with a burst of creative energy. Go forth and create!!!:v_spin:

[adriayna]

Mary, my journal is off to you! I have a bunch of job interviews lined up, so I needed to get it shipped before I am off to Canada :)

[rkolig]

What?!?!?!?!? You're not going to hand deliver it?

[adriayna]

Sweetie, I'm going to Alberta, not Ontario :P

[arteeztmom]

Hey Dana, you're first on my list! Shall I wait to send mine to you or try to send it asap!!???:err:

[rkolig]

I need to paint/draw my first pages before I send it out. Guess I'd better get going.

[rkolig]

Sweetie, I'm going to Alberta, not Ontario :P

Close enuf! :P

[adriayna]

:P. I'm sorry I have no extra time to visit you! But I'll meet you at our meetup in June. I did a sign in and a bit about the elements and the covers, but didn't do any actual "art" in the book. You'll see when it arrives!

[rkolig]

Wendy, I decided on the theme of Feathers, Fins and Feelers....a story. I'm starting on mine today.

[rkolig]

How is everyone doing their sign in page?

[arteeztmom]

Hi everyone...I'm not sure what Wendy wants the posting protocol to be but I'm going to show my intro. pages. I just finished them. I thought I'd include a signing card in the back pocket but also if everyone could sign and date the last page of their entry would be cool. We don't all have to have the same requests but I just thought I'd share and get a little feedback before I jump into the other books.

Alteredmommy, you need to show a photo of your puppy!! My mom-in-law had just gotten a new teeny one over Christmas and had to put it down on Christmas day because it had parvovirus!! SO SAD!!!!!

[arteeztmom]

Wendy, I decided on the theme of Feathers, Fins and Feelers....a story. I'm starting on mine today.

Hey Mary, that's a fun theme!!! It'll be a great story in the end!!:)

[Wendy]

Hi ladies, hope everybody's enjoying that our first 'deadline' is coming up. :laugh:

Mary, I added your theme to the list!

I almost finished my pages ... my moleskine will probably start it's long trip coming Wednesday. I will post here after I mailed it. I'm really very curious what everybody did with those first pages!

Tanya, love your pages and they're very inspiring too! And Tanya, you wrote:


... I'm not sure what Wendy wants the posting protocol to be but I'm going to show my intro. pages.


Well, eh ... I only started this thread ... I don't feel I'm the one to decide! It's our party! I'm just the secretary! When the thread started I emptied my mailbox from all correspondence we had but if I remember well, when I asked everyone their opinion about the posting protocol ... two people did like the idea of posting work when the moleskine is at the next artist. The others agreed to go along with the others. So I added to our guidelines: "We don't post pictures of our work unless the moleskine arrived at the next artist … it'll be a surprise for all of us, including the following artist." However, if most of us now do like the idea of posting as soon as you're finished ... no problem ... changes in our guidelines are made easily! Our guidelines are not strict ... they're just guidelines! I do like the idea of posting when the moleskine is at the next artist ... but then ... I'm so very curious ... can hardly wait to see what you've all been doing! So, please ladies, let me know your ideas about our posting protocol ... and your secretary will take care of it! ;)

Regarding the signing part ... I'd love everybody to sign their contribution with their real name anywhere they usually do it when making art ... whether it be left under, right under or in the middle of the piece ... just do as you usually do! If you want to write more about the art you made or about whatever, I'd really like that and please use the back of the pages on which you made your contribution to write something ... but it's really not necessary! Do as you please, the pages are 'yours'!

Have fun!

[arteeztmom]

Ok Wendy. I agree about not posting the art we do in other people's books, until the next person gets it. I kind of jumped the gun. I wanted to make sure I was on the same page as everyone, "no pun intended!" :cute:
From now on, I won't post art until the recipient next on the itinerary gets it. I WOULD, however, love to see other people's intro pages though, their own art in their own book. Does anyone have strong feelings about that??
Oh well, I think we're all, as Wendy said, at a party. Let's just have fun and not get all hung up on rules. Guidelines are good with regards to the mailing and deadlines for fairness to all. I'm so excited to see what everyone does in these!!!:wideeyed:

[Bex]

Oh my gosh I'm in such a panic now as my own pages are not going well at all and your talking about posting this week and I've got cards to make - aaaarrrggggggg. My own fault though as I've done nothing except sit around feeling sorry for myself the whole holidays. Arteeztmom your pages are gorgeous and just the kick on the rear I need to get me back on track. Love the idea of writing something about the art and inspiration on the reverse of the pages. I will post my intro pages when they're done and I too would love to see everyone else's intro pages. Better go get drawing now.

[rkolig]

I'm ok with whatever you decide on when to post. I just want to see pics!!! :D

I haven't done a THING with mine yet. My son is coming tomorrow and I've been busy tidying up and it took me a whole hour just to FIND my moleskin. :sigh:

So now I'm gonna get busy and start doing something with my sign in and first pages. I may just draw my first pages and not even add color to them yet. We'll see. Once I get going it sort of flows from there.

[adriayna]

I only did my covers and intro pages - intro being a sign in for the artists and a short paragraph "intro" to the book! My covers are in my gallery :)

[curbsidetreasure]

oh it's too bad i missed out on this swap, but i will definitely be keeping an eye on the thread to see all the art! what a cool swap :)

[rkolig]

So far I've only done my cover and intro page. I'm thinking I may do one or two pages to start. I have an idea for starting tho....

My cover and intro aren't real elaborate. But hopefully the next pages will set the tone.

Also, I added folded booklet thingie to the back pocket for people to write something about themselves.

Wendy, I've decided that I won't limit people to purposely write a story through their art. With the same theme I'd like to just see where things go by themselves.

[Bex]

I like the idea of the folded booklet thingy. I was just going to write on the reverse of the pages, but a booklet might be a better idea. I have a bit of a story to explain my art as I have inadvertently created a landscape filled with things I see every day, my fav places and my crazy little obsessions. I feel the need to explain it all to make the picture come to life for those who don't know me. I know I said I wasn't going to have a theme, but if anyone wants to follow that guideline, I'd be quite happy. It would be kind of like a logue of it's journey around the globe.

[rkolig]

Dana, your cover is GORGEOUS!! I haven't done anything with my cover yet. I have SO many ideas tho!!!!!

[Wendy]

Mary ... I deleted the story-part in the theme-department.

Bex ... think the theme you came up with is a wonderful one! I will add to our theme-list "Visits from a moleskine to six women in the world", and will add "where do these women live, what are their favourite places and obsessions" between brackets. If you're not okay with this, please let me know! But, why oh why didn't you tell us yesterday? Yesterday they collected the old magazines and papers etc. ... I just threw away an advertising magazine from our village ... could probably have used some pictures so well in a collage! :arghh: :laugh:
Regarding the little booklet you mentioned in your post ... of course it's totally up to you but I think it would be more 'efficient' to write explanations on the back of the used pages. When you've got another booklet next to your moleskine ... you've always got to keep them together ... when it's written on the back it's always there, and it's clear what explanation belongs to what drawing, or painting, or collage. Besides, postage will become more expensive when we have to mail two books ... whether they are small or not.

You ladies make me sweat with all that talk about doing covers and intro pages. I just played on the pages! I'll skip the cover ... if anyone can't stand the plain black cover ... go ahead! :laugh: I finished my pages but will do intro pages too ... hope Greer doesn't want my moleskine tomorrow! :D

[eggstudio]

Well Like Yeah, I've been like waiting for it now like for days now. Like NOT
Now where the Heck did my cats put my moleskin?

[adriayna]

LOL, I take it that it arrived! :)

[Bex]

Sounds good to me Wendy, thanks for your input. But maybe to keep things simple, you should title my theme 'Just about me' or 'Who I am'
I'v finished my pages and now working on the intro - doubt I'll have time to decorate my covers either, but maybe you guys will stick a little something on just to say it passed through your hands. Thanks all !!!

[arteeztmom]

Hey "Moleladies!!" LOL!! I LOVE the ideas I'm hearing and Dana, I can hardly look at your gallery...it makes me feel like a slug! I hope to get a bottle of your energy some day when you start selling it! Your cover is divine!!! I like your theme a lot!

I showed my book to my friend Mary, who is a fellow artist. She thought it was such an exciting project and said, "It would be so cool if each artist included a photo of themself." I said, "Hey! Cool idea." So, does anybody like that element added to the mix? Just thought I'd put it out there!!

[rkolig]

Are you thinking just tucked in the pocket? Or worked into the art somehow?

I'm OK with tucked in the pocket, but would rather not work it into the art.

[arteeztmom]

Maybe just a little one glued behind? Just a thought.:) Maybe that's adding too much bulk if some of us do a bit of collage. Oh, not worked into the art... my face?? NO, Heavens no!!:shocked:

[Wendy]

Oh boy ... now I have to look for photos of myself too!
Tucking it into the pocket is okay but working it into the art ... out of the question! :eek:

And Bex, if you think the title of your theme is too complicated, just let me know what you want to be the exact title of your theme ... "Just about me" or "Who I am" ... and I'll change it for you!

[adriayna]

LOL, Mary/rkolig is the proud owner of my first "bottle of energy" I made! :P

[rkolig]

And it works! LOL When I first opened it, it actually "popped"!!

[Bex]

I'll add a photo no problem, but please - I won't be held responsible for serious injury sustained due to excessive laughter. Oh, and just ignore that number I'm holding up, the nice man in the blue uniform said it would balance the light in the picture, but I think he was just being a smarty pants:D:policeman:
I've just spotted your cover Dana - I'm awestruck and speechless. Can you ship over a container load of your bottled energy - industrial strength please.

[Wendy]

Yeah ... finished! Ladies, I'm honoured to invite you to visit my gallery where you can see my intro pages as well as my first pages! Tataaaa ...

[Bex]

Great pages Wendy, I love your intro - it makes me wish it was summer already.

[adriayna]

Awesome work, Wendy! I am so excited about this group and our journals. WOOT! It gives me something to look forward to!

[arteeztmom]

Yay Wendy!! Love those pages!! We're on a roll now!
I mailed mine to adriayna today! I put a delivery confirmation on it. It's like sending a child off into the world. Now I have to wait and see how it's altered along the journey, before it comes back home!!:) If we all stay on schedule, it should be coming home around mid-July?! :jiggy:

[Wendy]

Eggstudio, I mailed my moleskine to you today! You better start watching those cats of yours! ;)

[rkolig]

Wendy, they're fabulous!

I haven't been able to work on mine more this week. My son is here visiting (he's exhausting with all his energy) and my daughter has temporarily moved back home (in between apartments). Needless to say, the home life is turned upside down right now.

[adriayna]

Woot! I can't wait to see it! Maybe it will be there when I get back on Sunday :)

[Bex]

Phew, I think I'm finished. My intro pages are in my gallery and my first pages are done. All ready to post to Alteredmommy. I may get to the post office tomorrow, but if not, it will definately be in the post on Monday.

[Wendy]

Those are very cool intro pages, Bex! It's as if you're entering an adventure!

[arteeztmom]

Bex, I LOVE how you did your intro pages!! It's so sweet!!! These are going to be extremely cool when they're complete!:jiggy:

[arteeztmom]

Oh altered, hang in there! I can relate. We've had some dandy weather go through lately too. What kind of puppy do you have? Wow, it's been a while for us. We adopted a 6 yr. old mutt and missed out on a "pee machine!" :laugh:

[rkolig]

Bex, awesome intro pages!!

Dana, yours arrived today. The book is gorgeous in hand! I love how you used glaze (or whatever that was) to make the water really shine!

I'm getting soooo excited about this project!!

[Wendy]

Alteredmommy, I'm very curious what you made ... but take it easy!

Dana, as yours arrived in Ontario-io ... show us those first pages! Want to see them too!

[rkolig]

Dana, when you did your cover, did you have to prep the cover material somehow to make it take the paint better or was it OK to just paint over it as is?

[arteeztmom]

I won't answer for Dana Mary, but I painted my cover. I sanded it a bit first, then gessoed it before I painted it with acrylics. Last, I sprayed it with an acrylic matte spray. It seems to be able to withstand quite a bit of handling. :) I don't think everyone is going to do their covers, I just wanted to start somewhere and decided to give it a try.

[rkolig]

Thanks! I was wondering if sanding and gessoing would be required. Did you use the acrylic matte spray AFTER you painted it?

[arteeztmom]

Yes, and if you saw my cover which is in my gallery, I didn't paint the whole thing. I only did the spine and inner space, kind of a vignette of black around the outer edge of the original cover showing. The spray I used is by the "Plaid" company. It's an acrylic spray sealer. I have both gloss and matte but I usually prefer the matte finish.

[adriayna]

Sorry, been away. I sanded my cover and then added some gesso before adding the paint :). The glaze on it is diamond glaze :) :) :)

Arteeztomom, your journal has arrived! I can't wait to work in it!!!!

I don't think I scanned my inner pages, lol!

[Wendy]

Ah ... Dana, why didn't you?! I'm so very curious! :sad:

Mary, would you be so kind to scan those inner pages and show them to us? If you can find the time and if Dana agrees, of course?! Please ... :D

[adriayna]

They were just a sign in and an explanation, not so artistic. I didn't think they "counted". But also, I've been searching for a job so much that I haven't had a chance to scan a lot of my work.

[arteeztmom]

Adriayna(If you've already started I hope I'm not late but either way it's fine)...I should point out to whomever gets my book next: I chose my theme as "Happiness is..." My entry was obvious choices like "Family, friends, a home, etc." Unless you have a unique way to repeat the items I was thinking that the things listed that bring happiness should be a "continuation"...assuming we all like our friends and family. Am I making sense? I was going to put something humorous in mine but maybe we can count on the next entries to put a few in there, like maybe "clean underwear?":) I hope I'm communicating myself clearly. My entries were the easy obvious ones. I left the challenge to the rest of you!;)

[rkolig]

Makes perfect sense Tanya. I get to do the back rub "Happiness is"!

LOL

[Bex]

I know what your saying Tanya, we all have something unique that makes us happy right?

I have posted my moleskine off to Cheryl this morning. I hope it doesn't take too long to get there. I have had stuff take more than 3 weeks to get to relatives in Ontario. I also apologise for the fact that I seem to have written a novel on the reverse of my pages. Sorry - I got a bit carried away.

[adriayna]

Tanya, I already did the 4 pages. I did my own things that made me happy. I will scan it when I get back and you can let me know if you want me to paint over them and redo them...my things don't really relate to family/home...they relate to what made me happy :(

[arteeztmom]

Dana, you're such a rock star!! I knew you'd be on them right away with greatness! Of course you did just what I wanted!! My point was more NOT to do the home/family thing. I kind of covered that right off the bat. I wanted to see what other stuff makes you all happy besides the obvious!! I can't wait to see your cool pages!!!!:cool:

[arteeztmom]

Bex, I hear you about my neighbors to the north!! I love them up there but their mail system is pretty slow. You would assume that me being an hour away from the country's border would make it simple:confused: but it always takes forever!! Any explanations Mary??

[rkolig]

I personally think that the border dudes are constantly duking it out. It seems to be a constant pissing match. It never used to be this bad, but now I can get something from Australia faster than from New York and Michigan. You figure that one out!!

I used to think it was the Canadian side, but I'm not so sure anymore. Canada Post has a reputation for being a bit slow, but it just seems like its gotten alot worse since 9/11.

[eggstudio]

Whoop! I've done my pages. Just need a little bit of smudge on the intro pages but other than that I'm finished. I plan on sending her (Her being the book because mine has a gender) to ateeztmom. I'll post here when it reaches the mail box.

[arteeztmom]

Oh boy!! I can't wait to see it in person eggy!!!! I know it's going to be amazing!!!

[adriayna]

LOL! Yay! I thought I did it all wrong, lol.

[Wendy]

Cheryl! Cheryl! Your moleskine is safe! It just arrived! Yes! :jiggy:

Okay, back to 'normal' ... the lady wants something with hearts ... got to get busy! ;)

[rkolig]

I think I'm going to mail out my journal today as is. I've only got the inside cover pages done, but I think I need to let it go and work on Dana's journal.

I'm experimenting with water and elements and such already and am looking forward to working on her pages.

[adriayna]

Mary, I sent you Tanya's journal. I had a chance to mail today, and I didn't want to have it sitting here past the deadline while I'm flying all over North America, lol!

[Wendy]

I thought I already posted something ... must have been wrong though ... probably used a wrong button.

Dana ... did you already post Tanya's journal to Mary?! I hope it's still waiting to be mailed because you should send Tanya's moleskine to Bex. Only in the first and the last round we 'meet' a same artist ... the rest of the 'voyage' the follow-up of artists is different. I was 'alarmed' by Mary's post as she wrote she's inspired to start in your moleskine ... it couldn't be you were already following up on each other! Hope I make any sense!

[rkolig]

Wendy, if I get it, I'll just forward it to Bex. No worries.

[adriayna]

Oh crap, yeah, it went out. I forgot this group worked differently than all the others I was in! LOL, its hard to change your thinking after three years or more of circle journals :P. So sorry mary--I will send you postage to cover my error. Here I was thinking that I was ahead and all, lol.

[Wendy]

Hey Dana, but you are ahead! Far ahead! :yes: The moleskine is just taking a tourist route to Bex ...

[arteeztmom]

Hey, my moleskine is taking the scenic route!!:) It's taking a journey I would like to be able to do some day!:laugh:
I'm anxious to get eggstudio's book. I have my idea ready to execute.
You're really on top of things Wendy, to notice my book going to the wrong artist! It's more than I can say for myself!:wacko:

[Bex]

Oh no, does this mean I'm going to have two journals at the same time???? I assume I will have two months to finish the second one, whoevers it may be - oh my, I'm confused already. Any chance we can arrange rough dates for deadlines, or I might end up bunging up this system or doing rubbish artwork cause I'm in a panic.

[rkolig]

Bex, it'll take at least 10 days for Dana's to get to me, then I have to send it off to you. I wouldn't worry too much about having 2 in hand. Dana's early in sending hers.

Here are my inside cover pages.
19615

[adriayna]

I'm early cause I am out of town more than I am home this month and I didn't want to be late. see how well that worked out, lol. I'm off to Texas Tuesday evening! :)

[Bex]

OK, I'll take your word for it folks!!! Mary your pages are gorgeous. Pretty tough to follow up on, but I've got a few ideas so far.

[arteeztmom]

Mary, so cool!!! I love all these themes. Bex, don't sweat it. Dana is a super hero in disguise, I can't keep up with her. Just have fun everyone! When Wendy and I first discussed this concept, our main goal was a great group, which we got; Books full of cool art; and MAINLY, LOW STRESS FUN!! Am I right Wendy???;)

[eggstudio]

Wendy, I have your little black book. Are you sure you meant to send the one with all the phone numbers in it?;)

[Wendy]

:laugh: You're funny, Greer! Well eh, yes ... that's exactly the one I had in mind ... the idea was you maybe could alter it a bit! Boy, am I glad it arrived ... I'm not totally at ease knowing all those gorgeous little bookies are flying around the world ... I'm always happy to read when a moleskine arrived!

Ah Tanya, you're so absolutely right! Low stress fun and nothing else! Whenever it 'gets' to someone ... just post in the thread and we start meditating together! :yes:
So Bex, really no need to worry ... everything's going to be okay ... :unsure:

[eggstudio]

A little bit more, arteeztmom, I just sent out my book to you today.

[Bex]

OK, I am just a born worrier I'm afraid. Will go and de-stress with a big bar of chocolate ... well any excuse will do!

[Bex]

Oh, meant to say, I posted a card to Canada last week and lo and behold, it arrived LESS than a week later. Well you could knock me down with a feather - hopefully my book will take the same express route.

[arteeztmom]

Cool Greer...I can't wait to see it and get started. Wouldn't you know, now I have a high pressure "paying" art job!! Serious deadline and all, in between my bus driver day job and mom life!! AGH!!! I just did an illustration of a beer bottle with a hand holding it for a poster (for my bro-in-law), it took me 14 hours!! I have to do 2 more!!!:wacko:
I'll do my best to get the moleskine done in between!!!

[arteeztmom]

WOW, Bex, you had a card get to Canada in less than a week?? I don't think they trust us Americans!:mask:

[rkolig]

Mine went postal the other day, so hopefully Bex will get it soon.

[Bex]

Phew, glad it arrived safely. I will post my pages in my gallery now if anyone wants a peek! I'm on the lookout for your book Mary!

[Wendy]

Wow Bex ... your pages are breathtaking ... so beautiful! It's more than clear that your muse returned! ;)

[rkolig]

Tanya, your journal that Dana sent to me by mistake came today. I will send it off to Bex either today or tomorrow (technically I'm home sick, but I'm gonna do some art today, don't tell anybody).

I peeked at it. I couldn't resist!!! OMG, its so awesome. This project is so inspiring. I'm hoping to start on Dana's today. Off to get out my paint!

[adriayna]

I took pictures, lol! I will post them soon of course! They are on my camera which is not where I am currently!

Mary, I'm glad you liked what I did! I thought I did it wrong, lol. But I didn't.

And I'll send you some postage--just let me know how much it cost to mail to Bex. Stupid mistake--and someone was bound to do it, so I guess it might as well have been me.

[rkolig]

Dana, don't worry about the postage. It wasn't that much. It'll only hurt if EVERYONE does it to me. :D

[arteeztmom]

Holy Cow...I got eggstudio's book today!! It is SOOOO cool!! Greer, you make me envious, and I don't like to feel that negative stuff! Instead I'll be inspired. Your work is so unique and fresh! I have my idea and now just have to get busy! Do you want us to sign the card in the front?? I started a photo on the back side of my pages(of my own book)...do you want to just leave yours blank?
rkolig, I'm glad my book is accounted for so far...go ahead and peek. I would!;) I send eggstudio's book to you next.
Bex, your pages are awesome!!! I commented in the gallery. Can't wait to see them in person!!!:jiggy:

[eggstudio]

Yeah!!! Sign the card, that would be so cool..
And what ever you want to do to the book DO IT!!! See I yelled there so you could hear me. So whatever you are talking about doing to the back go for it girl.
You are way too kind...

[arteeztmom]

Ok Greer, I'll do whatever the HE*% I please to that book!! :biglaugh:

[Bex]

Mary, your book arrived safe and sound today. Great timing as I'm off to the mega art store in Perth this afternoon for a good old rummage, so I'll get to work with some new supplies asap.

[rkolig]

Oh good! That was quick.

[adriayna]

Mary, you have a sweet new avatar. :P

[arteeztmom]

I agree! I noticed it right away!:)

[rkolig]

Annie (EQ) did it for me. You should see the whole card. Its awesome!!

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/178/small/1_funky_mary.jpg (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/178/small/1_funky_mary.jpg)

[arteeztmom]

Very cool!!! That EQ is so talented!

[adriayna]

I want one! LOL!

[Bex]

Arteeztmom, your gorgeous book arrived safely in Scotland this morning. It's so beautiful already I'm a bit intimidated with fear of spoiling it. However, I shall put it safely away for a while as I have only just started on rkolig's book, but I'll let you know when I make a start on yours.

[Wendy]

Talking about fear of spoiling the book of someone else ... I hesitated and hesitated but yesterday I finally made a drawing in alteredmommy's moleskine. Now I'm afraid to start colouring. Boy, this moleskine exchange is really fun! :confused: I'm sure it'll work out fine ... tomorrow or the day after tomorrow or ...

[arteeztmom]

So true alteredmommy! I am the queen of nervous on starting anything, let alone another person's book!! I have to take a leap of faith every time.
Bex, don't be silly!!! I've seen your gallery and you do awesome work!! Just have fun and it'll all work out magnificent!!!

[Bex]

I'm glad I'm not alone in my fears. A blank canvas always fills me full of dread - but when it belongs to someone else ...... gulp!!!! But you are right - fun, fun, fun!!!

[adriayna]

Ladies, there is nothing that a bit of gesso won't fix :P.

[adriayna]

My first two page spreads are in the gallery! They are for arteeztomom. I'll also paste them here:

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/186/large/1_moleskin2.jpg

The picture isn't so good on the 2nd one. Its much nicer in person.

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/186/large/1_moleskin1.jpg

[arteeztmom]

Oh I LOVE your pages Dana!!! So true too!!! I love trees and green life!!!:wub::yes:

[adriayna]

Yeah, I'm happy with them, although the photos didn't come out very nice. The scanning wasn't doing much better, so I just used the digital camera ;)

[rkolig]

They're awesome Dana!

Well, I'm stoked! I started on Dana's pages finally. I've been thinking and thinking and doing a little research and I finally came up with an idea, so I drew out the idea in one of my art journals and it looked like it would work, so now I've drawn it in Dana's journal and so far I'm really pleased with it! Woo hoo! So far, so good!

AlteredMommy, I've had that fear too! Or totally wrecking a book and having to tape new pages in or something awful!

[adriayna]

Please ladies, fear not. Art is to be fun, not a source of suffering!

[rkolig]

Yeah, I know Dana, but we still sweat over it a bit! LOL

[arteeztmom]

I'm glad I'm not the only slightly neurotic artist around. I need to start on eggstudio's book and it is a bit unnerving!
That reminds me...greer, your intro pages are wonderful and I don't believe you ever posted photos. Is that a personal choice here? I can scan them if you want and post them...Or, perhaps you just want each person to see the lovely pages in person.
Are we going to do as Dana did with my book, and post our art after the next artist receives the book? Just want to make sure I'm on the same page as everyone.:)

[adriayna]

THat's what I thought, but I've already screwed up one set of rules, so I am not the best person to ask :P

[Wendy]

Well ladies, we agreed on some guidelines for our adventure before starting ... one of them is "We don't post pictures of our work unless the moleskine arrived at the next artist … it'll be a surprise for all of us, including the following artist. " But then, all our guidelines are flexible, i.e. can be changed! However, I understand nobody's having any 'problems' with the guidelines sofar ... so let's stick to the posting of pictures when the moleskine arrived at the next artist.

[rkolig]

Lesson #1 - if you want to use watercolour on the pages, you need to gesso them first.

:sigh:

[arteeztmom]

Sounds good Wendy! I'm with you on that.
rkolig...Thanks for the tip.

[Bex]

LOL - rkolig - been there, done that - massive panic attack ensued!!! Glad to say I've got to grips with things now and have settled into happy artistic mellowness (don't know if that's a real word but I like the sound of it) - now my only worry is the white out blizzard outside that I have to drive through to get to work :sad:

[adriayna]

Mary, I gessoed the first spread before I did it with watercolors :). Sorry, I should have mentioned that somewhere!

[arteeztmom]

Hey Bex! I was wondering if you got "dumped on" because I always listen to the BBC on my bus radio. It was talking about the Uk and how the area was "paralyzed" by heavy snow. You should've called in to work because of it!! Then you could've made art all day!!;)

[Bex]

Yeah, we got "dumped on", the whole country has been hit - it came in from Russia (nice of them to send us a present) and there have been over a thousand miles of traffic jams across the country today. Thankfully I'm rural so that didn't affect me. But here in the UK, especially in the south, people tend to panic at the first two flakes of snow because they're not used to it. Since I work with vulnerable people in the community, I really have to make the effort, even when it's REALLY bad.

[adriayna]

We got dumped on last week too, but I love snow and I am sad to see it melting! :(

[eggstudio]

Uh~I guess I got a bit confused. I just saw don't post photos and didn't.
I did take photos so I'll hunt them down and put them up.

[arteeztmom]

Greer, if you want, I can also scan and post them for you. :)

[adriayna]

I thought we post after we mail and the next artist sees the journal? That's what I did.

[arteeztmom]

That's what I understand Dana. I was offering to post Greer's intro. pages since i have her book.

[Wendy]

Show us those pages! Show them!

[Bex]

Wendy, I have finished my pages in rkolig's moleskine, so I will be posting it on to you by the weekend. Once I got over the initial apprehension, I really enjoyed this one.

[rkolig]

ooooh, I can't wait to see!

I worked on Dana's some more. So far so good. Only 1 coat of gesso. LOL

[eggstudio]

Well foot,have to dig around for them thought I had them handy.
Only if you have the time arteeztmom.

[Wendy]

Wendy, I have finished my pages in rkolig's moleskine, so I will be posting it on to you by the weekend. Once I got over the initial apprehension, I really enjoyed this one.


:huh:Aaaahhh ... and I did not even finish my pages in alteredmommy's moleskin!
I'm so glad mail from the UK to Holland is slow ... most of the time! :D

[Bex]

Sorry Wendy, it's just that once I've started something, I can't seem to stop till it's finished. I posted it to you today and now I'm in the doghouse cause I forgot to let my hubby see the finished article:realmad: He's got such a good eye for art and always lets me know if something is working well or if it's just plain stupid :wacko:

[rkolig]

I'm sure they're lovely!!

[arteeztmom]

Hey Moleladies! I got the Okay from Greer to post her book intro pages so you can all enjoy them!! They are even better in person! You'll each have a chance to see them when "she" comes your way. (Remember, eggstudio's book has a gender!:) )

[Bex]

Wow, those pages are great Greer, pity I'll have to wait quite a while before I see them in person. This is such a great project, every time I see new pages I get exited all over again.

[eggstudio]

Dern, your photos turned out way better than my missing ones.
Thanks Tanya for posting them for me. I'm such a dunce.

[Wendy]

Those pages are gorgeous, Greer!

[eggstudio]

Tanya, thanks so much for uploading those. YOu're a much better photographer than I
and you're super sweet!!!

[arteeztmom]

Aw Shucks!! Actually I scanned them. It was not big deal. I couldn't bear the thought of the other moleladies not being able to see your wonderful work!

[Wendy]

... I couldn't bear the thought of the other moleladies not being able to see your wonderful work!


It was hard ... difficult to accept ... realizing I couldn't see those pages ... but Tanya, thanks to you ... :laugh:

[adriayna]

Those are really nice pages!

[rkolig]

Awesome pages! Absolutely great!

Well....I think I've finished painting Dana's pages and am ready to finish up the pen work! So far....so good!! Only that one coat of gesso. :twitcy:

[Wendy]

Finished the pages in alteredmommy's moleskine today, fullfilled the administrative 'obligations' and just mailed it to Tanya! Yesss ...

[eggstudio]

I've finished Wendy's little moleskine and will it off to Dana tomorrow.

[arteeztmom]

Oh Boy!! I need to get busy, another one is headed my way!!???:wideeyed:
I'm finishing up a project that has a Wednesday print deadline. Once that is done, I can finally do some "fun" art! I can't wait!!!
Ooo...everyone better show their pages once they arrive at the next pit stop!:)

[adriayna]

Yay! I can't wait to work on the next one :)

[Wendy]

I just received Mary's moleskine in perfect condition from Becky! And wow ... Becky, your pages are beautiful and awesome and ... fantastic ... amazing!

[Bex]

Glad it arrived safely Wendy!!

[arteeztmom]

I'm in the middle of eggstudio's, trying to do it justice. Her pages are quite an act to follow!

[eggstudio]

YOu are too funny, you know you have the gift and I'm excited that you are adding to my book.

[rkolig]

Woo hoo! I finished Dana's pages and will mail them off tomorrow to alteredmommy.

I'm pleased with them. Dana I hope you like them!!!

[adriayna]

WOOT! I can't wait to see them!

[arteeztmom]

I'm so thrilled that I finished egg's before the next moleskine landed in my mail!! ***WHEW***that was close. I don't want to end up with 2 at one time. That's a lot of pressure!:wideeyed:
I'm sending eggstudio's book to you Mary, today. I hope it gets there soon enough. That border patrol doesn't like American mailart for some reason.:policeman:
I hope you like my pages Greer, they are a "true birdie tale." :)

[rkolig]

I was feeling the same way Tanya! Now I have a few days to work on some swaps before Eggie's gets to me.

I'm finding the journals really a good influence on my art in general. I haven't been this inspired about my art for a year! I swear! This has really helped.

I have to think hard, to plan, sketch things out, and then it all seems to come together.

[arteeztmom]

I agree, I was so nervous to begin the book and once I got going it was a blast. It's really a fun format. Also, the themes help. At times they seem so challenging but "assignments" sometimes bring out the best of our creativity. I find if I don't have a little challenge, I do the same safe stuff.

[rkolig]

Dana, did you want us to add anything to the back of our art? I've signed the front cover.

[Bex]

Here are my pages for rkolig, hope you like them Mary. Now that I've got some swaps cleared up I will be starting on Arteeztmom's book quite soon. I have too many ideas for this one so I need to whittle them down a bit. Oh, does that mean I'm a very happy person??

[rkolig]

OMG!!!!! They're AWESOME!!

[adriayna]

Mary, no, I hadn't thought of it. But thinking about it now, you are welcome to write a short bio about yourself and some other funny stuff-write something about you! :)

[arteeztmom]

Oh boy, I just mailed off Greer's book to Mary today. I forgot about that stuff. She didn't specify or put her own in it so I followed her lead. I guess I should have asked.:unsure:
Bex, your pages are KILLER! Wow!! You put some time into those! I can't wait to see them in person! I think Mary's comes to me last, if I'm not mistaken, so I'll get to see everyone's entry. :jiggy:
Thanks for posting your art Bex. Should I post my pages from Greer's book??? Or are we waiting until the next person gets the book?? Does anyone care when?:err:

[arteeztmom]

When you all get my book, please write a bit about yourself on the back of your pages. Photo is optional but I'd LOVE to have your gorgeous faces in there!:cute:
Bex, that is a wonderful sign that you have many things that make you happy!!!

[rkolig]

Oh man, I forgot about the photo thing.

[Bex]

I only posted my art cause Wendy had already received the book from me. Personally I don't mind if you all post them before or after I receive them, I'm just happy to go with the flow.:)

[arteeztmom]

That's cool. I'm just the kid on the playground who wants everyone to like me. I have to get everything approved by the gang. This stuff is a challenge to keep straight for my brain, all the different artists with different books!:goofy:

[eggstudio]

Gees, I forgot all about a photo bio thingy, Tanya I can't wait to see my pages so I'll wait to see if you've been cleared for take off about that.

[Bex]

Don't worry alteredmommy, life can be hectic and always comes first. Please don't take 'obsessions' too literally, it was only a word I used to describe myself. As for the teenager issue, I know where your coming from, I still have one at home myself. I think I spend most of my time in hiding so he can't wind me up .... huh, who am I trying to kid.

[arteeztmom]

LOL!! Wow, we could start another thread here for mothers of teenagers!! Mine doesn't cause me too much grief because he's seldom home except to shower and change clothes...oh, and eat half of the food, then he's off again! He's a good kid but there are moments...:goofy:
I'm thinking of a heart idea alteredmommy. Your moley is on its way to me from across the pond. I think these books are going to be so awesome when they're done!!:D

[arteeztmom]

Wendy, just curious when you mailed alteredmommy's moley?? I hope eggstudio's reaches rkolig in good time, in one piece!:)

[Wendy]

Finished the pages in alteredmommy's moleskine today, fullfilled the administrative 'obligations' and just mailed it to Tanya! Yesss ...

Posted this February 9 ... so you'll probably receive it today or tomorrow! ;)

[arteeztmom]

Wow, you were right Wendy, it came today!! So cool. Alteredmommy's book is very cool so far! I hope I can continue the amazing flow of "Hearts!" Cheryl, your pages are so nicely done and interesting. Wendy, yours are very vibrant and fun! I love how you started and ended your entry! Now you can post them so everyone can see!:)
I need to get my brain in motion for my addition!

[Wendy]

You see, Tanya ... I'm always right! :laugh:

Here they are ... my pages in alteredmomy's moleskine. Hope you like them, Cheryl!

21355

[rkolig]

Eggstudio's mole came today! What a lovely piece to behold!

[arteeztmom]

I'm so glad it made it! That's not bad for the US/Canada mail route!;)
I suppose I can post my pages now since you got it.
I couldn't fit the whole thing on the scanner so it's in 2 pieces.

[rkolig]

Dana's hasn't arrived yet? I'd like to be able to post the pics before I leave for holiday tomorrow.

[adriayna]

OH NOOO!!! Tanya, I am soo sooo sorry about your cockatiel :( : (:(. I would be devastated if ziggy flew away :(

[eggstudio]

OH! What a touching story. It made me tear up. Your little birdie looks like my little Gomez. He passed away two years ago but I still miss that little poop maker. He had a dual personality sweet one moment and a little terror the next.

[rkolig]

I didn't even catch that it was a true story. Dumb me.

[adriayna]

Poop maker! LOL! I call my ziggy bird "shitbox" :P. I still feel so awful about your bird, Tanya. Once Ziggy bird flew out of my car (we were traveling and thought he was in his cage) an into a tree along the highway. Lucky for me, we coaxed him back. He was up there for two hours before we got him back, and my heart was racing and I couldn't imagine losing him.

Ziggy is with me every day, sitting on my shoulder.

[Bex]

Wendy and Arteeztmom, your pages are sooo gorgeous. I love that true story, I even welled up a little. Wendy, your colours are so vibrant they make my own heart dance.
I too have got over my anxieties about drawing in other peoples moleys, just having lots of fun now - Happiness is such a great theme, it's so good for the soul. I'm almost finished my layout and should start on the real thing soon. Happy painting everyone. Rkolig, have a great vacation!!!

[arteeztmom]

I'm really enjoying this "creative exercise!!" I'm thrilled at the thought of my little moley out there in the care of you wonderful artists. I get pins and needles thinking of seeing it in the end!!
Dana, you're lucky Ziggy came back. We tried for 2 days and my stinker was loving his freedom too much. It bothers me so I just comfort myself with the fact that he was able to be a real bird!:)

[rkolig]

Yay! They came. Hope you like them Dana!

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/188/small/1_DanasJournal_1_2001.jpg (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=62053)http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/188/small/1_DanasJournal_3_4004.jpg (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=62054)

[arteeztmom]

Mary, those are so beautiful!!! Lucky Dana! I like how you connected each page to the next! I need to start thinking of ideas for this theme!:wideeyed:

[Wendy]

The pages you did in Dana's moleskine are fantastic, Mary!

[Bex]

Wow, gorgeous pages Mary, everyone's work is so inspiring, I soooo can't wait to see the end results and I have ideas cooking for ALL the moleys still to come my way!

[arteeztmom]

How are all you moleladies doing??? I'm trying to get alteredmommy's done and I've been in paralysis. I initially thought "Hearts" was an easy theme but suddenly the blank pages have me in a sort of quandary. I guess I need to just start something and it will happen. Am I the only one in this state???:huh:

[adriayna]

Arteeztmom, you hvae another moley on the way to you. I finished Wendy's, and this time, I paid attention to where I should ship it :)

[arteeztmom]

Oh boy!! Thanks for the fire under my butt! Maybe that little update was what I needed to get it done! LOL!!! I don't want to have more than one at a time! :wideeyed:

[Wendy]

How I'm doing ... regarding the moleskine ... eh ... not ...
haven't done anything yet ... working on Mary's theme in my head though! ;)

[Bex]

I am almost finished with Arteeztmom's moley, just got a few finishing touches to add, but I keep getting interuptions so it might take a few more days. My son is about to start this years exams so I will be busy helping him study for those.

[arteeztmom]

I can't wait to see what you do Bex!!!!
I got Wendy's moley in the mail from Dana!! Your sea entry is gorgeous. Wait 'til Wendy sees this!! And eggstudio's is before yours! I LOVE the subject you chose and you are such a texture queen!! Divine darling!!!!
I worked on alteredmommy's last night and got it half done before Wendy's came. Shucks!!! I'm trying not to have 2 at the same time. Dana's got us on hyperdrive!:err:
That's a good thing! It keeps us going...No "PROCRASTINATING" Right Wendy? (She likes that word)
So far I'm happy with my hearts. I hand carved some stamps last night, that have actually turned out, that I'm using!
Hope all the rest of you moleladies are rolling along!!!

[arteeztmom]

I just had to say one more thing...I showed Wendy's book to my soon-to-be-17 son. Wendy, he and I were marveling at your detail!! He didn't believe it was hand drawn. He thought Eggy's and Dana's were "SWEET!!" Of course that's with the teen inflection!;) So there is a stamp of approval for you all from a young hip guy!

[Wendy]

First of all ... I want to say 'thanks' to that soon-to-be-17 son! His mom already told me but now I got the proof ... he's a good guy! Thanks G.!

About that 'procrastinating' thing ... it's indeed a word I like ... like? ... love! :laugh:
So I'm very very very curious about the pages in my moleskine! Eggstudio, why have you been procrastinating to show them? And Adriayna ... don't procrastinate ... show those sea pages! Want to see them ... please?!

[arteeztmom]

I can scan them and post them both if they don't!:mask:

[eggstudio]

HuH? You got me~ Also don't want rotten eggs thrown my way.
But wanted to let Bex know that I have her little mole. Gees O' Pete the work is outstanding. Oh Boy! Oh Boy!! ~takes a deep breath~

[adriayna]

LOL! Glad it arrived safely and that everyone likes the work. Its still on my digital camera, so I will get it posted in a day or two :)

[arteeztmom]

Hey ladies, just don't want to deprive everyone from seeing your wonderful work!!! I know we'll all see our own books and the others along the way, but I surely want to see the entries that I won't be able to experience up close and personal.
Greer, do you have photos of your entry in Wendy's book? Do you want me to scan it? I don't mind at all. If you'd rather not post it that's fine too.:)

[eggstudio]

he he he~this time I know where I put them. Thanks bunches for the offer, big hug.
(big hug smilie goes here)

Ooh! It's snowing here, that's a big thing here in the south. Just wanted to share that bit of news.

[Bex]

Yippeee, glad my wee moley is finding it's way safely around the globe. I have almost finished Arteeztmom's, but I feel like something is missing and I just can't put my finger on what it is. I'm itching to see the newest moley pages too. Please, show and tell, show and tell!!!

[rkolig]

I didn't take Eggies with me on holiday (didn't want to risk anything happening to it), so now I've got to start on it right away.

I'm itching to see everyone's work too!!!

[arteeztmom]

Cool that you're getting snow that far south Eggy!!! Wow, be careful on those roads. We used to live in Nashville and learned real quick why everyone flooded the grocery store at the mention of snow!! No offense, but southerners panic in the stuff!!!
Bex, you go all out!! I can't wait to see what gives you happiness!
Altered' I LOVE your pages! That background is luscious! I've decided to go with the flow on these too. Once I started in yours, it's all falling into place (so far):eek:

[rkolig]

Arteeztmom is right, Alteredmommy, that background is luscious!! I wish I could zoom in on them.

[Wendy]

Cool pages, alteredmommy! I looked at them in your gallery and there's so much to see! Lovely!

[rkolig]

Ahhh yes, zoom! Thanks Altered. They are cool!

The secret to clickable images is that it's 2 step.

You first insert the image url, then highlight that and insert the link.

So....on your gallery page
Right click small image, [copy image location], insert IMG
Highlight
Right click small image, [copy link location], insert LINK

Wallah! You have a clickable image.

[arteeztmom]

I'm with you Cheryl. I somehow figured it out with somebody's help but now to tell you is another thing. I use the "Go advanced" step when posting here then "manage attachments" in that window. You have to select the image file, then upload it, I think.:confused:

I'm done with your moley!! Wooo hooo!! Now I can send it off into the great unknown (actually it's Georgia) and start on Wendy's. :jiggy:

[Bex]

Woo hoo, those pages are amazing Alteredmommy, I LOVE that gorgeous emerald green. They look so textured too, I can't wait to see and touch them for real. I marvel at how you can collage so seamlessly. I tried a weeny bit of collage on Arteeztmoms moley, but it just looks bad to me, I don't have the knack. I've had a minor setback, after a glitter catastrophe in my craft room - boy that stuff gets EVERYWHERE - it's on the dog, in my car, my sister has reported that its in her house - on the other side of town. I think I'll still be hoovering it up next Christmas.

[arteeztmom]

LOL! I have to laugh at your "glitter catastrophe" Bex! The comedian Demetri Martin said glitter is the "Herpes" of craft supplies because once it gets on you it's there forever. I agree. That's like embossing powder. I used a little in alteredmommy's book and now it's all over my table.
I mailed altered's to you today eggstudio. Now it's off to sea in Wendy's book!