#3 Japanese Moleskine Exchange (full)

[arteeztmom]

Japanese Moleskine Exchange #3 **FULL**
Wendy and I, arteeztmom, decided to try another Moleskine Exchange since we've had so much fun with our other group. I'm going to try and keep this thread flowing this time and give Wendy a break. Please be patient with me and I'll do my best to keep up.
I'm pasting our guidelines from the last exchange and feel free to ask questions. Let me know when you decide on a theme and I'll keep the list current. If you don't want a theme, that's fine too.


Participants:
Siena
Merlinprincesse
knesi07
Wendy
KarenM
inkleaves
arteeztmom

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. *You should be able to purchase one at a bookstore that sells "Moleskines" or from their own website, see link below.
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. Some people like a little "bio" of each artist (and a photo, if possible) on the backside of their entry, but it's totally up to each book owner.
5. 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.
6. Most important: let’s enjoy this adventure and have fun!:jiggy:

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 Siena sends the moleskine she worked in always to Merlinprincesse, Merlinprincesse will get used to continuing on Siena's work (if ever that would be possible); it's more of a challenge when Merlinprincesse has to follow up on someone else all the time … only once we 'meet' the same person, in the last round.

Travel-plan

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

Siena's moleskine travels to - (1) knesi07 - (2) Merlinprincesse - (3) arteeztmom - (4)KarenM- (5) Wendy - (6)inkleaves

Merlinprincesse's moleskine travels to - (1) Wendy- (2) KarenM - (3) inkleaves - (4) arteeztmom - (5) Siena - (6) knesi07

KarenM's moleskine travels to - (1) Siena - (2) arteeztmom- (3)knesi07 - (4) inkleaves - (5)Merlinprincesse- (6) Wendy

arteeztmom's moleskine travels to - (1) Merlinprincesse- (2) inkleaves - (3) Wendy - (4) knesi07- (5) KarenM - (6) Siena

inkleaves' moleskine travels to - (1) KarenM - (2) knesi07 - (3)Siena- (4) Wendy - (5)arteeztmom - (6)Merlinprincesse

knesi07's moleskine travels to - (1)arteeztmom- (2) Wendy - (3)Merlinprincesse- (4) Siena - (5) inkleaves - (6)KarenM

Wendy's moleskine travels to - (1) inkleaves- (2) Siena - (3)KarenM - (4) Merlinprincesse - (5)knesi07(6) arteeztmom

Start Date...Have our Moleskines in the mail by JUNE 1st ... we need some time to do the intro pages of our moleskines and our first pages. We've got 4-6 weeks to work in the moleskines ... this relatively long period can give us some 'space' during the summerholiday ... and then have to send it to the following artist. When the moleskine arrives at your home, your period to work in the moleskine starts. If you finished within the period 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.

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:
Siena - "A Story"
Merlinprincesse -"Cats in Space-Time Continuum" (Any cat in history, legends, fairy tales, dark tales...)
inkleaves - "Ships, Seas and Storms" (wooden style ships)
knesi07 - "Goddesses"
Wendy -"Your country with a wink!" (The folks of the U.S.A. can do their "state" if they would prefer)
KarenM - "Positivity"-Upbeat Nature (please no demons, witches, skulls. nudes or dark art , and not too cutsie)
arteeztmom - "Angels Among Us"

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/

[Siena]

Tanya, thanks sooo much for setting this up. I'm sitting here dancing in my seat because I'l so excited! Everything looks great, and I love your theme... my mind is already whirling with possibilities. Guess I had better buy mine and start setting it up!

Wooohoooo :) :) :jiggy:

[lilbad]

One of these days, I hope to take part in one of these.....!

[KarenM]

I am excited too!! I have a moleskine I had ordered online from the link above. Now to think of a theme. Siena, I'll SEE you at AFA09, so much fun to meet one of our group! and my moleskine goes off to you first! I do have a question already to make this clear in my mind. I had noticed that we are doing our travel pages and name, address etc on the first two pages. Then we do the first 4 pages of our theme before we send it off. Do I have this correct and that makes the first 6 pages of our own work?

[arteeztmom]

One of these days, I hope to take part in one of these.....!

That's the hardest part of these, the fact that there is a small limit to the participants. I suppose one could set up an exchange so that each artist would only do one page or two, but the more people there are, the harder it is to maintain order and communication. Don't be afraid to start one yourself. Just invite people you have traded with in the past, who you know will follow the guidelines in a timely manner. There is a little more invested in this project and it would be a real drag to have a book lost or something.
We'll keep you in mind for future exchanges!! ;)

[arteeztmom]

I do have a question already to make this clear in my mind. I had noticed that we are doing our travel pages and name, address etc on the first two pages. Then we do the first 4 pages of our theme before we send it off. Do I have this correct and that makes the first 6 pages of our own work?
You're right Karen. Most of us put the "Travel Plan" on the first inside cover and our name and address on the next page. After that you decorate your first 4 pages. The first artist (Moley owner) just draws on a part of the 4th page and we try to have each consecutive artist make a "transition" to their design from the previous design. I hope that makes sense. So each design ends up being 3/4 of a page(sharing a page with the end of the previous artist's entry), 2 full pages, then 1/4 of a page.

[inkleaves]

Yay!! We have a home!! I'm rather glad for the long lead time to get our own pages done, though :) Things are crazy at work (still)!


I do have a question already to make this clear in my mind. I had noticed that we are doing our travel pages and name, address etc on the first two pages. Then we do the first 4 pages of our theme before we send it off. Do I have this correct and that makes the first 6 pages of our own work?

That's how I understand it too, Karen. But we start from the page that's immediately inside the front cover. I'm going to count backwards from the last page, 4 pgs at a time, just to be sure I leave 4 pages for each artist.

[inkleaves]

Oooh Tanya is so much quicker than me!

[arteeztmom]

After all that I wrote there, now I'm questioning myself. I don't have a moleskine at the moment from the other exchange I'm still involved with. I need Wendy to rescue me here. I think there ends up being "3 full pages" and it's the 1st and 4th that blend into the adjoining designs. :unsure:

[arteeztmom]

Be thinking of your themes ladies!!:idea:

[Wendy]

Heya Tanya ... well done! Thanks for starting the thread!

Concerning the pages, where to start and how much etc.. As for the intro pages ... you open the book and start on the back of the front cover and on the page next to it ... where moleskine gave you the option to fill in your address. If I remember well when you unfold the book there are 30 pages. So, seven artists each using four pages makes a total of 28 pages. Yes, two will remain empty ... or not ... because maybe someone needs a bit more. So, use four (!) pages and maybe a tiny tiny part of the fifth page ... or not. Where to start with the work in your own book ... in the other moleskine group I'm participating most people started directly on the 'left', i. e. on the back of the second intro page. However, I left that page blank and started on the 'next' page ... so the first page of the folded pages. So where to start is up to you. I used a lot of words but I hope you understand what I mean. ;)

And Tanya ... as soon as I decided on a theme I'll let you know!

[KarenM]

Do you have visuals , I am a visual person BUT I think I have the "it." Now to open another question..., You had mentioned about adding bio/pic. at the "back" of your work?.. Still searching my brain for a theme. So many to choose from!!

[Merlinprincesse]

I want to do something to help you all.... Just give moi a few hours and I will come back with it... :)

[KarenM]

Helene , loved looking in on your blog!!

[Wendy]

Especially for the visual person from Kidron, Ohio! ;)
I added a few pictures of moleskine work on Flickr. If you look close, you'll see that my two intro pages started on the back of the front cover ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/-wendy-/3177156769/ I uploaded the pages I did in my own moleskine and the pages I did in rkolig's moleskine on Flickr too. Look closely and you see I used four/five pages in my own moleskine ... the snout of the last fish continues a bit on the fifth page and I left space on the fourth page ... trying to give the next person a way to make a transition ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/-wendy-/3178008750/ In rkolig's moleskine I did four pages and stopped more or less abruptly ... however, the butterfly at the right is on the fifth page ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/-wendy-/3368708996/ Hope this helped a bit, Karen. If you like seeing more examples, most of the time the players in the first moleskine group showed their work in the thread. So you might want to check out those too!

[Merlinprincesse]

Thanks for visiting my bloggy, Karen! :) I'm still working on more info, to help the visual ones, Wendy.... Almost done!

[Merlinprincesse]

I've tried to post images but the link does not work.... ARGH!
Will try again...

[Merlinprincesse]

Ok! Here is how looks the Moleskine Japanese, for the beginners like me! :twitcy:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3428357353_01ed80ac85.jpg

And here an example of how it could be drawn.... There are 3 players, X, Y and Z... The owner(x) can draw on 4 and 1/2 pages, then the player Y makes the link on half a page and draw on 3 and a half pages... and so on... But one can also draw on 4 entire pages and the links could be made like in Wendy's (beautiful) examples...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3428357443_868f1dac6a.jpg

Hope it helps a bit... :swoon:

[Siena]

Oh cool, thanks Merlinprincesse and Wendy!!

[arteeztmom]

WOW, See how helpful all you lovely ladies are!! We're all going to do just fine!! :jiggy:
Thanks Wendy and MerlinP for the explanations!! I like how you used a photo there! I'm impressed with the computer abilities of everyone these days!
I'm glad everyone is so pumped for this. It is a fun way to trade and to end up with a finished "Book" is the best part!

[KarenM]

Thank you both...By George, I think I've got it!
Lovely work Wendy. I have to settle on a theme...I think I am leaning on "Positivity"
Too broad? Meaning Birds, Flowers, Butterflies, Trees, Bees , in other words upbeat Nature. I hope this makes sense...BUT please...No nudes, no dark themes, witches, and not really into "cutesy". Thank you :)

[Merlinprincesse]

My theme will be about cats.... Are you surprised? :swoon:
Cats in Space-Time Continuum..... Meaning any cat in History, legends, fairy tales, dark tales... Could be Egyptian cat or Cheshire Cat, or Puss'n Boots.... Or any cat one could create... Cat on the moon.... Cat in a sink... Cat... ok ok... I think you've got the idea... :)

[Siena]

Neat theme!! The nature one is great too, Karen!

[arteeztmom]

I love that cat theme!! I did nothing but cat art for a mail-order co. for several years. I never thought I'd want to draw another cat for the rest of time...but I still love them!!
Positivity is also a great theme. I put "tentative" by your name Karen because you seemed a little uncertain. Once you've decided for sure, I'll take that notation off.
I can't wait to see what the rest of the moleyladies come up with!:jiggy:

[arteeztmom]

I'm leaving in the a.m. for my mom-in-law's for Easter, returning Sunday night. I pm'd Wendy to man this thread while I'm away. I won't be near a computer. I hope she doesn't mind. Any questions? She's your moley expert.
Thanks ladies and HAPPY EASTER! Don't eat too many PEEPS!!

[Merlinprincesse]

Happy Easter to ya, Arteezmommy! :) And to all the girlz in that poooool! Like a (nice)guy said to me yesterday, there is NEVER too much chocolate eating.... hehehhehe.....

[knesi07]

hi everyone-
i just got back from vacation and see we're off and running. let me think about my theme this weekend and i'll get back to you. i also need to order a japanese moleskin. does anyone have a good source for this? i've checked all my local stores and no one sells them.

[knesi07]

I found the moleskin link and ordered 6! now i'm ready for more swaps! :)

[arteeztmom]

Thanks for the Easter greeting Merlin!! I had a wonderful time with my hubby's clan. They always have a huge spread so now I need to starve for a few days to catch up to my normal caloric intake.
Glad to hear that you made it home from vacation knesi07! I hope it was a great time.
You have a lot of swaps ahead of you! Or you could do some fun personal journals!!:idea:
I'm anxious to hear the themes you all decide upon!

[inkleaves]

Ah a post-holiday diet must mean the food was good! Welcome back, Tanya!

I'm still rolling this one around in my head, but I was thinking of "Ships, Seas and Storms" for my theme. Ships of the wooden variety rather than the steel behemoths. hmmm.. let me roll it around a bit more.

Btw, would it be okay for me to request no cutesy (aka "Hello Kitty") or "Suzi-blu" type girls? Nothing against it, but not a big fan of the look. Whimsy is fine! I hope I'm not too confusing?!?

[knesi07]

ok, after thinking and considering a few different themes, i've decided on goddesses. not very original, i know, but after being in mexico and visiting pyramids w/talk of temples and worship of the sun i thought a book of this would be cool. so, think goddesses...mayan, aztec, egyptian, roman, greek...whatever inspires you. you can even create your own made up goddess if you'd like.
i love mixed media, handrawn, handpainted...anything. i love color so go wild! have fun!

[Wendy]

Howdy everyone! Still thinking about my theme too ... keep hopping from one 'fantastic' idea to the other! But it's keeping me busy, it really is! :rolleyes:

What a pity, KarenM and inkleaves, that you're not looking forward to have a 'cute' contribution to your moleskines. Ah ... I'm so into the cute whimsical girls lately, I really am ... not the Kitty or Suzi Blu types, but still! ;) Ah ... really a pity ... hoped to fill all those molys with cute girls! :laugh: Well, got to come up with different stuff then! :D

[KarenM]

I will make mine "Positivity". And Wendy , i love your sea themes, they would fit my theme. Lovely nature would fit...just wanted my moleskine to be free of dark themes, withches ,demons, skulls, goth , nudes,etc. and cutesy.

[KarenM]

If you think I am too restrictive, I will bend on the cutesy a bit... :)

[inkleaves]

...just wanted my moleskine to be free of dark themes, withches ,demons, skulls, goth , nudes,etc. and cutesy.

I happen to be on a skull/bones kick right now, but I promise not to use any in your moleskine!! ;)

[KarenM]

I appreciate your consideration. I know I sound picky and I guess I am, but I need uplifting images ....for myself. I Don't mean to be a downer.

[inkleaves]

Hahah no worries KarenM!!! I was trying to be funny... but it fell flat eh!!! :rolleyes: I fully intend to stick to safe subjects for ALL of you gals' moleskines!! :D

I know we all appreciate and respect that each of us have different tastes and preferences :D

[Siena]

Still working out my theme in my head, but it will be something to do with STORY. This could be something true (like that fab bird story in the moleskine group #1... by arteeztmom, I think?) or fairytale-ish, something made up from the world of imagination...

Let me ponder a bit more!

[KarenM]

inkleaves, that is one thing about the internet communication...no facial expression or voice inflection to work with LOL. I know I worry sometimes about how I come across !
Ponder away Siena!! Think out loud, that's fun too...we are enjoying it!

[Merlinprincesse]

Hey! It's OK to have some rectrictions in our Moleskines! :) And better tell them BEFORE beginning... hehehheeh...

[arteeztmom]

I'm still rolling this one around in my head, but I was thinking of "Ships, Seas and Storms" for my theme. Ships of the wooden variety rather than the steel behemoths.

Btw, would it be okay for me to request no cutesy (aka "Hello Kitty") or "Suzi-blu" type girls? Nothing against it, but not a big fan of the look. Whimsy is fine! I hope I'm not too confusing?!?
This is a fun concept. Storms sounds like a chance to get wild!
As for the "cutesy" stuff, feel free to put dislikes on your moleskine format. You're the one who will end up with the book. That goes for everyone.

[arteeztmom]

Still working out my theme in my head, but it will be something to do with STORY. This could be something true (like that fab bird story in the moleskine group #1... by arteeztmom, I think?) or fairytale-ish, something made up from the world of imagination...

Let me ponder a bit more!
Thanks for the plug from the other thread! LOL! I like stories. That's a great idea!

[arteeztmom]

Sorry I didn't peek in here yesterday but I had a crazy day.
I put your theme as "Goddesses" knesi07 and for you KarenM I took off the "tentative" notation. I'll try to stay on top of the rest of you as you ponder your themes. There are some very cool ideas rolling around.
Inkleaves, I find bones interesting too! I love skeletons done in a fun way. I'm like KarenM in that I prefer positive vs. "Dark" themes. I'm a wimp, hate slasher films too.
Question: Some of you don't want cutesy so shall I put that in the theme list as a reminder??

[KarenM]

Thanks Tanya, and I came off the fence...I am Positive my theme is "Positivity" :)

[arteeztmom]

Thanks Tanya, and I came off the fence...I am Positive my theme is "Positivity" :)

Ok, sounds great!!!;)

[arteeztmom]

Hey moley ladies!:jiggy: I hope birdsongs and sunshine are waking you up out of hibernation**Blink, blink, squint, yawn, stretch** It sure feels good here, finally!!
Helene asked me how I did the cover of my moleskine at the other thread so I'm addressing it here for those that might be curious.
I sanded the area where I wanted to draw, then painted with gesso. I painted my design with acrylics and defined the lines with micron marker. Lastly, I sealed it with spray "matte" acrylic sealant. So far I'm the only person who decorated my cover, that I can tell. I was overcome with zeal I guess. Nobody should feel obligated to do anything to their cover at this exchange. It's strictly by individual choice.

[Siena]

WOWwowWOW! That cover looks awesome. I am now completely and officially inspired to do something (hopefully) wonderful to my cover, too. If not before it starts its travels, then after. Getting MORE excited.... :) :jiggy:

[knesi07]

i love it too! i'm all kinds of inspired, but still waiting for the arrival of my moleskins. i tracked it on fed ex and it says they are in colorado! still a day or two away :(

[knesi07]

correction...my moleskins are now in nj. i should get them tomorrow! yay!

[Merlinprincesse]

Thanks a lot for all the good explanations, Tanya! This is sooooo cool of you! :) I will try to do somehting during the week-end! :):):):)
YeaHHHH!!!! for your moleskine, Knesi! :jiggy:

[Siena]

I'm about to order my moleskine. I just want to verify before I do... the only Japanese style one I found is pocket sized. Is that the right version? About 5 by 3 inches? I think I was picturing it bigger in my mind, but if this is the one, it's actually a relief!

[Wendy]

Yes, Siena, that's exactly the one you need ... the pocket Japanese notebook (3.5" x 5.5"). Tanya added this link http://www.moleskineus.com/japanesebook.html at the end of her first post, you can find all the details there in case you still have some doubts. Ah ... but if I'm not mistaken, moleskine has got just one size of those Japanese books ... you can't go wrong! ;)

[Siena]

Thanks so much Wendy!! It's going to be so CUTE at that size!

[KarenM]

Love the cover Tanya, I keep formulating in my mind what I want my cover to look like. My there is so broad and I did that so noone would feel too confined with the subject matter. BUT the cover will probably come to me...I hope! I think I will sand it lightly as you suggested and gesso it so it will be ready! Now...think...think...think OH, sorry, just talking to myself ;)

[knesi07]

my MOLEYS came! my MOLEYS came! doing the happy dance! they are so cute, when i opened one up the pages came tumbling out and sprawled all over the studio floor! i was so excited...i can't wait to see it completed!
thanks for letting me join your swap ladies!:jiggy:

[arteeztmom]

It's so nice to hear the excitement! It really is fun. I got one in the mail today from the other exchange that Wendy and I are still part of! It's sooooo cool to be able to see the work of all the previous artists. I can see how this could become an addicting hobby. The final books will be real treasures!!!
Thanks for helping to keep everyone informed Wendy! So far everyone is really getting in the spirit! I need to get my moley! You're right knesi, they are "cute." I've carried a regular bound one in my purse for the last couple years. Inspiration hits me at odd times and it really helps to have a teeny book to capture the ideas!!

HAVE FUN LADIES!! ANY THEMES BREWING?...WENDY, INKLEAVES AND SIENA?? (No pressure! We have time...:jiggy: )

[knesi07]

good idea to carry one in your purse. i see things out in the world that are inspirational and i often wish i had a little notebook in my purse. do i ever put one in? NO! maybe a moley will migrate in there one day. haha

[inkleaves]

Hey ladies!
I'm a born procrastinator, so um when exactly are we targeting to send off our moleys to the first person on our travel plan? I need a date to work towards otherwise I'll never be ready :P We don't really have "Summer holidays" here, cos it's Summer year-round (only one season, sigh), so if we say we have all summer to do up our own first pages.... well.... you see the problem!

[arteeztmom]

Hey inkleaves, that's a good point. As much as I fight it, I tend to be a procrastinator too. My problem is that my brain is constantly getting distracted by new project ideas so I end up with a bunch of things "started" and have to force myself to focus and follow through.
I've been thinking of a date as well. Everyone can pitch in here with their thoughts but how does June 1st sound for a date to get our moley's to the first person on our travel list? Then from there you have a month to get each one done and sent on. I should be finishing up the other moley exchange by then so it should work out just right for me.
How do you all feel about that? I want everyone to have fun but I do have to keep the ball rolling.
inkleaves, have you decided on ships and storms for a theme or have you come up with something else??

[Merlinprincesse]

This date is ok for me. :)

[knesi07]

that date works for me too!

[Siena]

That date sounds perfect :)

[KarenM]

It's nice to have a goal date and I am fine with June 1. So in the post by that date!

[arteeztmom]

Great!! So far so good.:jiggy: As soon as I hear from the others, I'll make it official.
I still need to get my moley so by the time I get it and artsify my first pages, it should be good to go for June 1st.
You're all so wonderful and agreeable.;)

[Wendy]

June 1 is fine with me too, arteeztmom! The other moleskine exchange is finished by then? Boy, you're optimistic! :laugh:
Still thinking about my theme for this exchange. I'm sorry. :unsure:

[KarenM]

Wendy, by the time you have your pages done , I am sure the suject will emerge LOL.
I just gessoed the frist pages for myself and am now searching my brain for a starting point.

[inkleaves]

I'm good with working towards June 1 to send out :) I think I will go with Ships, Seas and Storms (wooden style ships).

[arteeztmom]

Yes Wendy...I'm staying away from the "procrastination" bug!
So June 1st is official. WE MUST ALL HAVE OUR MOLESKINES IN THE MAIL TO OUR FIRST ARTIST BY JUNE 1st. With a travel plan in the front cover somewhere and our own info.
Siena I put "Story" as your theme for now...inkleaves is officially as she stated...Wendy will be Dutch heritage. LOL!!!;) Right?? Wooden shoes, windmills and kissing couples?
Maybe not...I have to tease you darling.

[Wendy]

Hey arteeztmom, teasing again, huh?! ;) You better watch out, lady ... one of these days ... :eek:

Cool theme you picked, inkleaves! Very cool!

[KarenM]

I started the outside cover of my Moley and also the front two pages AND I gessoed the 4 pages...yoo hoo, I got a lot accomplished..the bases are ready!! ( I could have said "the bases are loaded LOL.) Anxious to get started on the real work. I think I will go look at reference materials.

[arteeztmom]

Hey Wendy...I only tease those I LUV!:rolleyes:
KarenM...You are full throttle ahead here! I don't even have my book yet. I better get on the ball!! I'm glad to see you're having fun.

[inkleaves]

Hey can I just check: I only have some Folkart gesso that I use on wood. Can I use that on paper as well?

[Merlinprincesse]

I'm not sure but I think so..... Make a try on many kinds of paper to see how They react... It's the best way to check...

[arteeztmom]

I would think that kind of gesso would be fine inkleaves...after all, isn't most paper from wood? LOL! Helene has a good idea, just give it a whirl on a scrap and see what happens. Gesso should be fairly basic stuff.

[Wendy]

Hey Merlinprincesse, just checked out your tutorial about watercolour and pencils! What an amazing drawing you did there, lady! Fantastic!

[Merlinprincesse]

Thank you Wendy! :O) I had so much fun creating all those little characters for an exchange with Lemurkat! She asked me to draw the little "rat-lezard"... I only had a written description. So Hemlock (that's his name) is Lemurkat's child (;o). I then decided to make Hemlock travel throug the "Magic Kingdom of Merlinprincesse"... And make him meet some strange creatures like the eyed-cattails, WillBloB or MerlinGründ... The cards are all in my pool, but now, I would love to write and illustrate a little book with those characters... except Hemlock, for sure, who is Lemurkat propertY.... But since I'm a super-procrastinator... heheeh...

[inkleaves]

I agree with Wendy :) Your blog is so fun! I love the little stories that go with your one-of-a-kind quirky illustrations! Btw, Helene, I know the style of your drawings by now from your gallery and blog, so it definitely isn't too cutesy for my moley (hint, hint). ;)

[Siena]

Ooooh, I totally second that hint! I love that style! And think how nicely it would go with the theme of "story" :)

[Merlinprincesse]

*glurp*... I suddenly feel some anxiety...... :swoon:
But then, I'm ALWAYS anxious.... hehehehe
Thanks for all those nice words, girlz...

[KarenM]

DH and I just got back from an overnight, anniversary shopping , eatting out...trip.
We were in Columbus Ohio (only 2 hrs. away) and I found Dick Blick!! right close to Hobby Lobby!!!!! DH said take your time and he took a short nap and relaxed in the car...That is where I spent money..and I am telling you this, because they had the Japanese Moleskines...they were 11.95. They have a free catalog, if anyone is interested. Just go to DickBlick.com on Google. LOVE art stores...could spend all day in there. I did buy some of the water soluable crayons.

[arteeztmom]

KarenM...I'm in Detroit for a night to take my son to check out a college. I hope to get to an art supply store tomorrow too! I'm sure I can find a moley down here so I don't have to order it. I am also terrible in art stores. I never splurge on clothing or shoes but get me in an art/craft store and I'm dangerous!

[Merlinprincesse]

Hey! Ladies! Yesterday, did the same thing.... I was at Deserres (the best place to buy artist stuff in Quebec City with the Art School Shop) and I $$$$$$$....mmmm... A book about how to draw dragons,(heheehhe) some watercolour pencils and a pad of nice papers! I should NEVER go to those places.... But I was waiting for my car to be ready... Changing the Winter tires for the Summer ones....
Glad to know I'm not the only one to crave on art supply!

[knesi07]

girls, i think we need to have a club...ASA...art supplies anonymous! i'm the same way. i can't remember the last time i bought anything for myself except art supplies. i just picked up a new job as art teacher for the senior citizens in my town. at first they told me it was volunteer...ok, i thought...community service. then they got a grant and i'm being paid...first thing i thought is now i can buy some beads for a charm exchange i'm doing! hahaha! i do think it is a sickness and addiction...but there are worse things no?

[KarenM]

OH guys who could resist all that color, texture , abundance?? the only thing that stopped me (after $60 spent) was the fact I knew DH was napping right outside in the car LOL. It's a good thing too, I wanted it ALL!! ROFLOL < (not really, I am more of a chuckler ;)
Seriously though, I just want to sit and play in those stores. I am thinking I will have to organize a girls day trip with my artsy friends!

[Wendy]

Well ... I have a confession to make ... bought shoes yesterday ... two pair! :laugh:
Let me tell you I'd rather had spend the money on art supplies, which of course I don't need! The shoes however ... I needed.

But you ladies are very lucky to have such awesome art supply stores in the 'neighbourhood' ... you won't find stores like that over here! Hey, no complaints ... I became addicted to internet shopping! So knesi, you can count me in as a member of the ASA! My name is Wendy and I'm addicted to (buying) art supplies! ;)

[knesi07]

Hi Wendy!
(ROFLMAO)

[KarenM]

Hello Wendy, Welcome. ;)

[Merlinprincesse]

I must admit this is an addiction I don't want to get rid of... hehehhe...

[KarenM]

Art is therapy...shouldn't insurance policies cover art supplies? ...oh, now , wouldn't that be something!! (I think artists are dreamers tooo.)
I did some serious work on my cover and on the pages last night. DH isn't up to par and I knew we wouldn't be getting up early today...so I stayed up till 3a.m. and worked on the moley. (I think it had something to do with the fact that I had caffine in the evening...uch! age!!)

[arteeztmom]

Hey Karen, I am in your club...coffee in the evening, up until 3:00 working on art! It's hard to fit into the working world with a habit like that. I added to your theme choice as you suggested.

[arteeztmom]

Wendy I have a question...did you buy comfortable, sensible shoes or sexy ones?:twitcy:

[Wendy]

ROFL

You know me, Tanya ... only sexy stuff for me! :laugh:

I've got these ones ... http://www.birk.nl/birk/popup_image.php?pID=490&image=0&osCsid=fcb18b77c87420f522d9a71648f2069c and 'nieces' of these ones. Mine don't close like this, I have to make a knot with two leather pieces and they're much more lighter, a bit sand coloured ... http://www.wijdeman.nl/pimages/22111023.jpg And ... what do you think ... better than wearing those comfy Crocs all the time, right?

[KarenM]

Wendy , my new Crocs are brown BUT there isn't much to them. They are basically two straps and a PINK foot bed. ( I have a couple of Birks too.)
Thanks Tanya for adding that and BTW , did you get art material while you were in Detroit?

I have the cover of my Moley finished and the inside cover and next page are almost complete....and the 4 pages are sketched!!!TaaDaa!!!

[KarenM]

Sorry to be on here so much today...but I just scanned my Cover and inner pages.
I am afraid I couldn't make them very big...we'll see ;)

P.S., can someone tell me why I cannot put these in my gallery??

[inkleaves]

Karen, maybe save them as jpgs rather than bmps?

[inkleaves]

Nice cover, Karen. But wish the pics were bigger so we can see more :)

I like arteetzmom's way of leaving a bit of the original cover around the edge. Think I'm going to do that too. Assuming I have time of course.

[Wendy]

Looks great, Karen! But as Caroline wrote ... wish the pics were bigger! ;)

[KarenM]

I am SOOO not good with the computer!!! SO, how do I make them Jpgs???

[KarenM]

I went and answered my own question Duh, BUT I am not sure of the size so here goes.... woo hoo, it worked! Thanks!!

[Siena]

Nice work Karen, and good job with the computer! :) I really like your travel page.

[KarenM]

Thanks Siena, I am just a (little ?) intimidated by this PC ...Just takes some brain work, I guess.

[knesi07]

i love it karen...you inspire me!

[arteeztmom]

Wendy...WOW! Sexy Birks! I'm proud of you!! And the brown pair are adorable and look comfy!! ( I wouldn't have guessed Silver was an option in comfortable shoes!!) LOL!!!
Karen...Your cover is so nice, you're off to a super start. And NO, I never got to an art store. Poop! Oh well, I saved a few bucks. I'll just go to our Joann's and make up for it this week.:twitcy:
Is our friend Wendy still thinking of a theme?? :eek: It better be a good one when she takes off her thinking cap!:idea::P

[Wendy]

Great you managed to show your pictures in a different way, Karen! The work you did is lovely! Indeed inspiring, as knesi wrote!

And yes, friend Wendy is still thinking ... not procastinating if you might think! It's just ... well ... she lost her muse ... that's the expression, right? Friend Wendy is struggling with picking a theme, with her contribution to a moleskine in the other thread and she just read another moly from that thread is coming her way too. She's doodling and doodling ... hoping something will come up ... but not yet ... :sad:

[KarenM]

Thanks everyone for the encouragment...now Wendy, I am passing it on to you!! Bless your heart, it has to be difficult to do two molies at once!!
Take a deep breath, we don't have a deadline yet , do we? Your muse will come ;) You're doodling...now that's a thought! I do some of my best work on my bulletin each week in church...It helps me think too.
I was just anxious to get mine done before the others started coming in the mail.

[Merlinprincesse]

Yeah! Nice covers, Karen! :) I work too much (again) those days and am not very often here..... blah!

[KarenM]

Okay, I am finished :) . I wanted to finish these so I am cleared away when the next journal arrives..AND I am lucky enough to be going to AFA09 and wanted plenty of play time to make trade items for that. It is only 5 hours away and Corrie04 and I are going together, she lives 20min. from me.
I am now attempting to upload these pages with my new found knowledge of my scanner :rolleyes:

[knesi07]

karen-
it is so pretty! you gals are making me nervous...i'm questioning my ability now...uh oh....insecurity showing!
lucky you and corrie! i wish i were going to AFA09, you are going to have so much fun!

[Merlinprincesse]

I think we are all a bit nervous.... After all, we are now getting out of our comfort zone! But we will be OK, Kathleen! I'm sure of that.... Hhehehe... *glurp*:swoon:

[KarenM]

Are you kidding me???1111 I felt that way too. I think it boils down to each of us having different ways of approaching our art..and afterall, that is what is so great about sharing. When I was in Art class at the U. , I was always amazed at how wonderfully different we all approached the assignments, so interesting!! I can't wait to see what you all do with the 4 panels!
BTW, I know we are not to post work for others, but will we get to see the finished works somehow in the distant future? These little books will be treasures for each of us.

[arteeztmom]

Wow Karen, you're quite the go-getter. I don't even have my book yet!:eek:
Your cover and pages are so lovely!
You asked about seeing the work of the other artists...in the other exchange, we hold off posting scans or photos of our entries until the next artist receives it in the mail. That gives each of us a nice little surprise when we open each moley. As it works out, we only end up seeing a portion of all the wonderful art. Posting photos seems fair so everyone can enjoy the pages. The greatest part is seeing the books after multiple artists have made their entries. They are so cool! I wish I could see every moley in person after it's completed!
No need to get nervous!! Everyone has a unique artistic gift, which makes the collaboration exciting!!

[knesi07]

thanks guys, my nerves are settling...i worked on a page for a circle journal i'm in. feeling better and more confident.

[Merlinprincesse]

If I understand it well, Tanya, we can post our back cover and intro-pages, but we have to wait till the moleskine has arrived to the next person to post photos of our work into the thread... ???
OKI
That would be cool for us to see ALL the books finished. We could post some pics here of the final book.... At the end.
And I have some other ideas..... Take a little movie and post it on You-Tube... (I will do that...) Or make a tiny-book with all the images of our finished moleskine. I have received a little book this morning from an artist living in Jerusalem... YUP! :) And it gaves me that idea.... If I have time, I will make a tiny book for each one of us.... Means in 8-10 months..... :)
Here is a pic of the tiny book... Does it inspire you?
Later, I will post a post (Heehehehhe) on my blog about my collection of tiny books... Can you tell I don't work today? :wub:

[KarenM]

That's brillant Helene! Gotta' love those little books! Do you have little bookshelves? Just kidding.
I am retired and this site gives me inspiration to do more art :)

That little book is so cute, it should be published!!

[Merlinprincesse]

OH! The books on the pic are not mine. I bought them on Etsy from the lady in Jerusalem. I would like to make some tiny books in that style! :) And Karen, I only have 7 tiny books, but I intend to make (one day) a tiny bookshelf! ;)

[Wendy]

Oh oh oh ... this thread is so active ... I should have visited it sooner! However, due to Queen's day over here a lot of activities are organised in our neighbourhood these days so I'm more out of the house than in! Arteeztmom already knows everything about our "Koninginnedag" but if one of you is interested ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koninginnedag

Karen ... your pages look awesome! They are gorgeous! And although there might not be any reason to get nervous ... as knesi wrote, I'm questioning my ability in this field too! But then ... it'll pass ... I know I will have fun once I received a moly and I'm working in it!

Those little books are so cute, Merlinprincesse! Please do make some time to make us all one! :laugh:

And, just to give you an update about the 'returning of my muse' ... the passing on worked, Karen! It's returning slowly! I succeeded in starting to work in the moly I have here from the other thread! I have to because there are two other moly's on their way to me. So, I've got three moly's from the other thread to do and my own for this exciting exchange. Great we agreed to have our moly with the next artist on June 1st ... gives me some time to breath!

Ah yes, I want to ask you all something. Maybe it's obvious to you all ... maybe not. The folding system of our moly's isn't the easiest to work in ... at least, I think. When working on the four pages that are 'yours', the following pages may lie open. I would like to ask you to cover those blank pages with a journal or with paper or with whatever when you're working on your pages. I'm experiencing in the other moly exchange that there are often tiny rests of paint or gesso or glue on the blank pages ... that doesn't matter when I want to gesso my pages too, but it won't allow me to use markers or pencil(s) only ... which I might like to do. Hope you understand what I mean, it's not meant as 'nag nag nag'! ;)

[Merlinprincesse]

Perfectly clear, Wendy.... BTW... Did you wear your orange Crocs for the Koninginnedag? Hhehehehehhehhehehehehhehehehhehe! :twitcy:

[Siena]

Good tip, Wendy... will do that!

Glad your muse is returning. Mine decided to take a little holiday :(

[KarenM]

I truly understand Wendy's observation. I was very careful to protect the future pages. I also understand that accidents do happen. I was fortunate that I had no accident sooo far. It was in the back of my mind. I have also put waxed paper between my finished pages, is this what you usually do? Is there a better way to protect them? Eventually they will probably dry out but in my experience, the gel medium etc. usually stays a little tacky for a while.
I also wanted to know if you left a bio. on the back of your own pages or if you just did it on other peoples moley? AND did you put a bio. about what you tried to accomplish with the moley you are working on, or more of a personal bio.?
That should give you all something else to think about LOL. Sorry, but I want to make sure I do this correctly and if I have these questions, maybe someone esle shares that same question.
Thanks to whoever answers me..
Well Wendy was it the orange Crocs???

I know Wendy and Arteeztmom are finishing up their other Moleys...Lucky you, we will have to wait till the end of the year to see all these lovely pages coming back to us. It is exciting, our own little materpieces. And like Helene, I love little books...who am I kidding, I love all kinds of books :)

[arteeztmom]

Helene, those little books are soooo cool! I too love books. It's my dream to take a bookbinding workshop some day to learn some cool "professional" techniques.
Wendy, I'm glad your muse is returning. Still no inspiration for a theme? You're building the suspense so now I'm more curious every day what your decision will be!;)

Just to clarify...I put on the first page for us all to have our moleskines "IN THE MAIL BY JUNE 1st." That makes it simpler since we're kind of all over the place. Actually, most of us are in the U.S. but it seems easier than trying to get it to the person by that day. This way we get the maximum work time up to June 1st. (Can you tell I need all the time I can get?)

As for the process of working on these, I totally agree about "protecting the other pages." Not only the blank ones but ESPECIALLY the ones already painted/drawn! I had to follow Bex in adriayna's moley at the other exchange. My art butts up against hers which are wonderfully executed, detailed drawings!! I was freaking out about accidentally getting something on her work. So by all means COVER THE ADJOINING PAGES of your entry any way you can!! I know any one of us would be devastated to mar the art of anyone else! :unsure:
So that's my speech for the day....Carry on ladies.:spinny:

[Wendy]

No orange Crocs, ladies. I'm sorry! Not even orange hair or an orange shirt! Had to wear my new shoes! C'mon! :laugh:
The weather was great but it became a strange day ... for the whole country. Some kind of lunatic made an assault on the royal family. They're always visiting a city ... meet people over there, join the festivities, etc.. When they were sitting in the open bus someone drove trough everything (!) ... trough people that were waving to the queen and her family ... and aimed for the bus but he drove against a monument. Four people died, people are in the hospital severely wounded ... unbelievable! The royal family directly stopped their tour and a lot of festivities were cancelled. However, most festivities in the country went on ... as everything is organised on a day like this and if you cancel everything the masses (of people) will get uncontrolable ... at least that was the argument. Here in our neighbourhood they discussed about cancelling everything but they decided to go on too. So ... it was a wonderful day but very very strange.

And yes, Tanya ... I remember I had to follow Bex' pages! I was so afraid to spoil something on them! Covered them as well! But then, I cover all the pages around 'mine'! :)

[knesi07]

i saw that on the news. it looked terrible. i don't understand what gets into people's heads sometimes!

[arteeztmom]

OH MY Wendy!!! That's awful!! What a horrible thing to happen on a day that's supposed to be fun and full of celebration! There are a lot of messed up folks in this world!! I'm glad you are ok!!
Knesi07, I see "sick" as your mood. Are you okay??? I hope so! You haven't been to Mexico or Texas I hope!!:unsure:

[knesi07]

arteeztmom-
you know what? i WAS in Mexico april 3-10th, cancun. but luckily i don't have swine...i've got terrible allergies. i wish i had a bubble to live in during april and may! i could be bubble girl! sounds like a journal page to me! i changed my mood to "crappy", so as not to scare anyone! hahaha

[inkleaves]

Wendy, I saw that on the news. How terrible.... :(

Good tip on protecting the pages. Maybe we could fold up the ones we aren't drawing on and just slip an envelope/paper pocket over them.

[arteeztmom]

Wow Kathleen, that is a close call! Glad it's not the flu!! I can totally relate to the allergies! I'm the worst in the fall and when I disturb house dust. We just redid our bedroom and our cat and dog sleep in the room. I was homicidal/suicidal by the time I got all the piles of junk out from under the bed and dust bunnies under control!!:realmad:I sneezed endlessly and my nose ran like a fire hose! Despite drugs!

Good tip inkleaves!
Wendy, I hope your city is recovering from the trauma of the latest events!

[arteeztmom]

Where does one go to write in their mood??:huh:

[Wendy]

Where does one go to write in their mood??:huh:


You have to send yourself a PM and don't open it or don't open a PM you got ... you can then get to the moods ... do what you want with them ... and then open the PM's, if you want. Hope this helps!

And Tanya ... the assault yesterday wasn't in our city! It happened in Apeldoorn, one hour drive from here. I haven't been very clear about that, I think ... sorry!

[arteeztmom]

I still haven't figured out where the heck to go for that mood setting...I must be brain damaged.:goofy:

[knesi07]

send yourself a PM and in the subject put 'mood'. DON'T OPEN IT. go to any forum and it should appear at the top.

[Wendy]

I finally decided on my theme ... had been doodling on it for a while and wasn't feeling quite happy about it but when I received two clippings from an old children's dictionary this morning from arteeztmom ... well ... decision taken! Phew! :jiggy:

Theme will be 'your country with a wink'! So ... something about your country but not too seriously ... don't need a lesson in history, so to speak! ;) I know there are several people in the USA and Canada ... maybe you can do 'your state with a wink' ... but it's up to you! I don't mind about the style ... whether it's whimsy, realistic or dark ... please work in the style you feel most comfortable with. It's difficult enough. I would appreciate it a lot, however, if you would try to make a smooth transition between the different contributions. So when ending a contribution, take into account someone has to be able to follow your work as smoothly as possible ... and of course when starting your work try to make a smooth transition. At the end it'll be one long long long piece of art and not several pieces of art following each other.

Heya ladies, sorry I took so long!

[arteeztmom]

Well, she decided!! Cool idea Wendy. I'm glad I was able inspire you a bit. I might have to do my state...not sure, time to start thinking.

Siena...Is your theme still a "story?" I suddenly can't remember where we left off on that. I see "tentative" by your name and just want to make sure I hadn't missed something. And maybe if it is indeed story, you can give us the criteria for it.

I still need to get a book ladies...June is around the corner!:(

[Siena]

Yes, I'll go with "story" as my theme. :)

You can build the story upon what others have done in the book, or you can do something self-contained. It can be real or made up. I like whimsical, funky, heart-wrenching, serene, interesting. I like things that affirm the beauty and joy and goodness in life and living things. Animals are great. Princesses, queens, kings, and themes of true love, persevering despite the odds, quests, and things like that are all cool.

Sorry, not trying to be complex... just trying to give lots of ideas and scope!

[arteeztmom]

Okay, this is my opinion which may not be worth 2 beans...but, I like the idea of the story being ongoing, from one artist to the next! Then once the book is done, it's actually a "story book!" :) It could take all kinds of interesting twists and turns, odd characters along the way! Doesn't that sound fun? What does everyone else think? I love the idea of a story Siena!! You'll have a very cool end product!

[Merlinprincesse]

Waaa! I love your theme, Siena!!! :)

[KarenM]

Sounds like a plan Siena! I just hope I am not the one to end the story LOL. I'll have to go check ;)

[arteeztmom]

It looks like inkleaves would be the end of the story however, the owner of the moley should end up with a couple blank pages at the end so Siena can do her own "happily ever after" ending!

[knesi07]

i like the story idea too! it's going to be fun!

[Merlinprincesse]

Must add that I also love Wendy's theme.... I will have much fun with that one... Hhehehehehee... :rolleyes:

[knesi07]

yep, wendy's theme is good too! now i'm thinking i should change mine...it seems so boring....nope, i'll stick with it.

[arteeztmom]

Ok, it's official. Siena has a "Story theme." You'll be starting it Siena so make it fun!!
knesi07, yours is NOT boring!! I love that idea. We live in a negative world of depressing news so I think "positivity" is a wonderful theme to have. I'm all for uplifting art!!!!

[knesi07]

haha...ateeztmom-
mine isn't positivity...mine is goddesses! hahaha...it's ok though, it's all good! i'm staying w/my theme, but promise you, next time around it WILL be more interesting!

[Siena]

I'll do my best!

Thanks for the input, everyone. :) I've been thinking and thinking about it, and I will try to do something open-ended that others could loosely follow as a story BUT I don't want any pressure on anybody else (or myself, tee hee) so I will still leave it open--if anyone wishes to do something self-contained, I'm all for it.

These are my concerns about a continuing story:
Some artists may feel intimidated by writing/plot creation, and I don't want them stressing.
Any characters I decided on in the beginning would have to be kept throughout the story, but we would each be rendering them so differently...
I do want to leave room for each artist to do what they do best... so some might do animals, so people, some princesses, and Merlinprincesse has those fantasic creatures I was hoping to see in my pages... I hate to stifle anyone's best.

SOOO, let's let this puppy unfold however it does! Maybe my fears are unfounded and the story will just flow. But if it doesn't flow as one big story, if it just becomes shorter vignettes or episodes or anecdotes or whatever, I'm really ok with that :)

No pressure! This will be fun! :)

Thanks all... you're such a great group!

[Siena]

Yay Tanya--you've got a mood! :jiggy:

[knesi07]

oh yah, she does! it worked! yay! :wub:

[arteeztmom]

My face red...I goofed!:embarrassed: Yes, you have goddesses as a theme knesi07, and you know what? We are all goddesses and I know that book is going to rock!!!

[knesi07]

thanks arteez!

[KarenM]

This is such a creative group, can't wait to start receiving those wonderful molies!

[arteeztmom]

Yeah Siena, that little feature is a quirky one. I couldn't figure it out and thought I was mentally impaired (Maybe I am, just a little!) Finally with multiple tutors I finally got it.:huh:

[KarenM]

Question..anyone...
About the bio. thing to go on the back of our work, are we to send a pic. of ourselves and a short bio. about the work we did for that journal or short bio. about ourselves???
AND, are suppose to do that bio. on our own jorurnals before they are sent on to their first destination?
June 1st is creeping up on us.
Also , how do you send these journals...in a bubble envy?
Thanks, just trying to tie up loose ends here. :)

[Wendy]

About the bio ... what YOU want us to do in your moleskine!
In the other moleskine group there are little bookies where the players leave the back of the pages blank, and there are players who would like to have a picture of everyone ... right, Tanya :laugh: ... and there are players who want a story on the back of the pages about how and why you made to your contribution. Clear, huh?! It's totally up to you, Karen! If you would like us to write a bit about the stuff we did in your moly, just say so! And if you want us to write whatever ... well yep, you have to do it yourself too. Right, ladies? She's got to do it herself too, huh?! Picture?! We want to see you too! ;)

About sending the journals ... yes, in a bubble envelope. At least, I receive them in those envelopes and I send them in those ... talking about the other exchange again. Some moleskines are wrapped in bubble stuff ánd sent in a bubble envelope. Again, it's up to you but I'd surely recommend using a bubble envelope when sending out our precious ones.

And June 1st creeping up? Ah ... we've still got plenty of time! Plenty! :eek:

[Merlinprincesse]

Plenty? Argggggggggggggghhhhh!!!! At least, my front cover is done..... :swoon:

[KarenM]

Thanks LOL, I guess I will improvise ;) I will try to find a pic. of myself...hate pic.'s of me.
I think that is a normal reaction of most people to their own image.
I would love to have others pictures though. Also a small personal bio. but not mandatory!!!
I will get that done and send this book out soon.
I am thinking of Inkleaves journal...and ready to sketch something in my sketch book to see if it translates to paper the way it looks in my head LOL...usually loses something in the interpretation !

Helene, those little books are fabulous!!

[arteeztmom]

Thanks for covering all those questions Wendy. I noticed that I'm the only artist in our other exchange, so far, who started with a photo. However you each start your books, that's how the other artists will follow suit.
June 1st is creeping up indeed. Time to get to work!:eek:

[inkleaves]

hi gals, sorry for not checking in more often. I've had some unexpected personal setbacks recently and have been trying to deal with them. I'm struggling and trying to stay positive but all at once it's just been one bad news after another. :( I do hope that there is some good news for a change...

On the trading and swap front, I'm not taking on anything else once these moleys get started. Great themes all :) And wow, I get to see almost the whole story in Siena's theme :)

[knesi07]

oh, feel better inkleaves. hugs to you!

[KarenM]

Sorry inkleaves, depressed is not a good feeling. And knesi07 is feeling crappy? Feel better you two.

[knesi07]

i'm only feeling crappy because of allergies...as soon as everything blooms i'll be back to my normal self. thanks karen!

[Merlinprincesse]

I have allergies too, Knesi.... And Reactin makes me feel sooo droooowwwwsy! Even if it's not supposed to. Blah! But the allergies period is almost over (I'm allergic to tree pollen)...
Hey! Inkleaves! At least, you will have those little moments of pure joy that is drawing! For moi, it's like a meditation and it is sooooooooo relaxing! I'm sending ya lots of gooood vibes! Ommmmmmm.... :)
Have a nice week-end, gang! Here in Canada, it's a holiday! But I have been chosen to work today and Saturday and Sunday and Monday and ....blah! hehehehe...

[arteeztmom]

Oh boy, I have allergies too! I tried a generic version of Sudafed the other day and it made me soooooo drowsy! I was driving and it actually scared me a bit!

Inkleaves...I hope you are managing to find some joy, as Helene mentioned. I too have been down lately. Our news is so depressing. Here in Michigan it's really bad. My hubby and I are lucky to have our jobs. It's hard not to live in fear. I do what I can to stay positive.:wubclub: Hang in there!!

[inkleaves]

Thanks everyone :) I'm trying everday.

[arteeztmom]

Hey inkleaves, I hope you have a reason to smile today!! I'll send good vibes your way...:wub:

I just wanted to let you all know, I got a 2-pack of Japanese fold moleys from Amazon. They were $16.99 with $6.99 shipping. Basically $24. I have good luck with Amazon so I went with them, hoping my order comes quickly! June is breathing down my neck. Anyone else???:unsure:

[KarenM]

Getting ready to send mine out to Siena :) Probably Mon. Here we go!!

[Wendy]

Wow, Karen ... ready to send your moleskine off, huh?! I sketched the outlines on my pages ... sketched! And those intro pages ... mmm ... definitely want to do them too! My cover stays black ... just the way it is. So, it's not exactly that June is breathing down my neck, as Tanya wrote, but some action is surely required! ;)

[knesi07]

i had all these grandiose plans for my cover too...haha now it's going to be black! i've got my pages planned in my head (that's how i often work). will get it done over the weekend

[Merlinprincesse]

I have to show you what I have done.... :) I'll come back in a while...

[Merlinprincesse]

Here are some pics of my Moleskine. I've done the cover, the intro of the first pages and written a note on the back of the first page. Finally, my drawing will begin with the accordeon pages. I have worked hard to fine a way to use watercolours on that kind of paper... The gesso does not work, since it's not enough porous for watercolours. I've finally find a way, working in my other Moleskines. I have to use very few water. It works very well. I've got the idea for my drawing and it will be done soon. :)

[Siena]

Merlinprincesse, I completely adore it. Well done! Love your dedication page.

[knesi07]

oh, merlin, it is wonderful! your dedication brought a tear to my eyes....i just may have to incorporate my 2 cats who passed into the time space continuum

[Wendy]

Wow, Hélène ... looks great! What a nice idea to do a dedication page ... it's very touching!

[KarenM]

Wonderful, Helene! Looking forward to seeing it in person :)

[Merlinprincesse]

Awww...Thanks a lot girlz! :) Knesi, all cats are welcome in my Moleskine!

[arteeztmom]

Oh Helene, that totally inspires me!!! I LOVE CATS TOO!! So touching, how you dedicated the book! I have an old fat cat who sleeps all day and I've had to fight an urge to get a kitten!!! My hubby would divorce me if I brought one home now. I can't wait to see your book up close and put my 2 cents in it!!!:jiggy:

[knesi07]

i know how you feel arteeztmom...i lost my sierra last june after 17 yrs and now i'm getting the urge for a kitten again, but like you, my hubby would divorce me if i brought another one in. he's happy w/the dog and wants a 2nd dog!

[arteeztmom]

knesi07, the funny thing is, the cats have a way of winning their hearts. As tough as they talk, you know they love them!

[KarenM]

My DH is the cat lover in this house. He grew up in town but they had cats. His siamese died at 19yrs. about 2 years ago. He keeps pushing for another one and I resist , just because If we could both stay well, I would love to get some traveling in without having to bother other people to come out and feed the cat!! Our son does it, but DH is always wondering if he is taking good care of the cat.
I think there will probably be one around here soon.

[arteeztmom]

I love it!! I did art for a mail order co. for several years who sold only cat related stuff. One T-shirt design I had to illustrate said "Real men (admit they) love cats!" I can truly say that if a person likes cats, I usually click with them real well. If a person says they "hate cats," they often have a personality that I find undesirable!! LOL!!:twitcy:

[Siena]

I often find that, too! I've always dated men who like cats.

[arteeztmom]

Well, I got my "2-Pack" of Moleskines today. Now I can start my Intro pages and if I screw up, I have a spare!!! LOL! I don't plan to, but you never know! I spilled coffee on a moleskine sketchbook once. It just added character to it.:huh:

[KarenM]

I bit is smelled good too LOL. I love the smell of coffee.

[Wendy]

Dear ladies, I've got a question about the postage you have to pay. If I send something outside of Europe and it weighs 100-250 grams I have to pay 5,70 euro. Is this more or less the same for you? Not the amount of money but whether the costs for postage don't change if the envelope you're sending is slightly heavier than sending a moleskine only? Indication of the weight of the envelope I'm referring to ... doesn't exceed 250 grams. I'd really appreciate your answers!

And no ... not ready yet! Yesterday, I've been colouring my tail off ... in between the usual stuff as taking a kid to school, walking the dog, preparing dinner, etc.. Still not finished. And those intro pages ... plenty ideas ... just need time! But apart from the household stuff ... this week is moleskine-week!

[inkleaves]

Our postage is tiered for every weight step. For letters and small packets, we pay $1.10 for the first 20g, every 10g after that is an additional $0.35. So if the packet is 100g, it would cost $1.10 + (8 X $0.35) = $3.90. For 250g, it would cost $1.10 + (23 X $0.35) = $9.15.
Quite a big difference. I don't have a weighing scale, how much does the Jap moley weigh, does anyone know? This is assuming it is currently blank, of course.

Btw, didn't comment earlier, but great pages MP!

[inkleaves]

Since I was looking up the postage costs, I looked up the transit time as well. These are only estimated to reach the major mailcentre cities from here, so probably have to add on a few days to travel domestically.

USA (NY, SF, Honolulu): 6 - 8 days (average for me so far is about 10-15 days)
Canada (Vancouver): 6 - 9 days (average for me about 11-15 days)
The Netherlands (Amsterdam): 4 - 6 days

Wendy, this explains why mail between us was so fast in the balance swap compared with the others! :P

[Wendy]

Hey Caroline! Yes, yes ... we've got a speedy connection! ;)

Thanks for the info, lady! Everytime when I posted a moleskine packed in a bubbled envelope it weight more than 100 grams. I just put my moleskine on my not-accurate weighing scale ... I think it weighs in between 110-120 grams ... the little book only!

[Merlinprincesse]

For me, receiving packages from Europe, Australia or Asia is always within 7 days.... :) Recently, I received something from Israel and something from Japan, and both packages took 6 days... Yup...But from the USA.... it tooks at least 2 to 3 weeks.... Mystery at the border!!! :) And I always go to the post office to send my packages. So they arrive faster, skipping one step! :) And then I know that I put the accurate amount on the pack.

[Wendy]

Interesting to know how long the packages travel, Canadian queen ... but what about my postage question? :laugh:

[Merlinprincesse]

The price? I don't know... hhehehehe... I pay what they ask then I forget... But I will tell you when I will send my Mollie to you.... probably next week! :jiggy:

[KarenM]

Siena/Heidi :)
My moley(molie,mollie??) is in the mail , she is on her way to you as of this morning !
Just FYI.

[arteeztmom]

I never remember numbers, my brain just does not process or retain them well. I'm like Helene, I just pay what they say. I notice more if something seems high, otherwise I don't pay much attention.
I have to get my moley ready to mail this weekend. I'm scrambling to finish a project for a local Red Cross fundraiser that's due by the 30th!:wideeyed:
I see that you are first on my travel plan, Helene. That means my moley will be there no sooner than a week, I'm guessing. There is certainly a mystery at the border that holds up the mail between us and our lovely northern neighbors.

[Siena]

Lovely northern neighbour checking in...

I'm going to have a very art-intensive weekend getting mine ready to go. I can't wait to see yours, Karen! This is getting exciting!!

[Merlinprincesse]

aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

[KarenM]

I don't know if this will help, being that it's from the states out, but from the U.S. to Canada , mince cost around 2.50 to send..Like Tanya, unless it seems too high, I don't notice . Now let's see how long it takes to get there! :) YES it is getting exciting !

[knesi07]

mine will go in the mail on monday girls, i hope that is ok.

[arteeztmom]

I almost forgot...I will need everyone to send me their address so I can make up a master list. I will send the list to each participant to make future mailings easier!

[Wendy]

Hey arteeztmom, if I'm not mistaken you already received such a list ... as everybody else! I took care of that before we started this thread ... remember?! ;)

But ... in case I'm wrong ... I've got the complete list on my computer so it's easy so send it again ... if necessary!

[KarenM]

I do have all the addresses and they were posted, so now Tanya, just one less thing you have to do :) Thanks to both of you for being on top of things...it makes me feel secure ;)

[arteeztmom]

Oh...My brain is a bit scattered lately! Kathy asked me for mine so I totally forgot you had done that already Wendy. You are certainly "on the ball!" (Do you need that translated? LOL! Not sure if the Dutch say that!);)

[knesi07]

i'm in the same scatter brained boat w/you tanya! haha

[Wendy]

"On the ball" means something like on top of it?! Mwah, not really ... I'm just awake! ;)

Think the 'problem' is solved for the scatter brained among us ... if there anyone else having brain issues ... just let me know! :laugh:

[arteeztmom]

My brain issues are beyond anyone's help!!:twitcy:
Thanks for the list Wendy. I'm going to get my moley ready for it's journey this weekend!! I can't wait to play...I'm sick of "working!!"

[inkleaves]

I'm going to have to set aside all of Sunday to do my moleskine. Keeping my fingers crossed the creative juices keep flowing!

Otherwise, I'm all set up.... even created an excel worksheet to track everything. :)

[Wendy]

So very good to hear you're ready, Caroline!

Because ...

Inky pinky Caroline,
I hope you're doing mighty fine.
My moly started to travel today,
you'll probably have it before Saturday!

Don't know what's wrong with me! I'm sure it'll pass! :laugh:

Curious ladies? I can show you my intro pages ...

27068

Coming days ... I'm going to enjoy the sun and hopefully some water. We're going nowhere but I no longer have to finish a moleskine! You all have fun, girls!

[Merlinprincesse]

LOL' Wendy!
I love your poetry!
Beautiful intro page....
Yours will be sent on Sunday,
If I can manage....
Enjoy your sunny day! :swoon:

[inkleaves]

huh! so far I'm not loving the moleskine paper. It becomes blotchy with watercolour...

[inkleaves]

Great intro page Wendy!! :)

Enjoy the weekend sun!

[KarenM]

Lovely intro pages Wendy...just love seeing all the creative work!
I would not even attempt a poem...good for you and it rhyms too ;)

[Merlinprincesse]

Caroline! Watercolour is my fave medium, so I understand you! If you want to use watercolour, use pencils instead. With not too much water, it's easier! And gives good results! :) I have experimented in my other moleskines, before working in the Japanese one.... :)

[KarenM]

I gessoed my pages first, but do try a little on the back side first in case you do not like that surface.

[arteeztmom]

Wendy, wonderful pages and poetry!! You are multi-talented! Time to start my intro pages...must I compose poetry too???:huh:

[knesi07]

nice intro pages!

[Wendy]

Inkleaves, I used watercolour in the moleskines too ... and did give the pages a tiny layer of gesso first.

And Tanya ... yes, you 'must' compose poetry too! Throughout this whole moleskine exchange! :laugh: Just kidding!

[Merlinprincesse]

A THIN layer? That is why it did not worked for moi!!!! I use a very thick layer of gesso! Argh! :)

[arteeztmom]

I actually got my cover decorated! Now I can get my intro pages going to mail my book out tomorrow. Start thinking about angels Helene!;)

[KarenM]

Tanya, she may go missing when she gets to Ohio LOL. That is just "the BEST!"

[Merlinprincesse]

TANYA!!!! What a beautiful cover!!! I can't wait to see it in person!!! :) Hope the Angel of Talent is going to guide my hand! :)

[Wendy]

Yo arteeztmom! That cover is awesome!

[katilady]

i have to say i have enjoyed reading this thread--so fun with great art and poetry! if you guys do another one after this i would love to be in on it!

[knesi07]

hi everyone-
my computer is dead! :swoon: so i'm only going to be on sporadically until it gets fixed!
i'll post my intro pages etc, when i am back 100%

[inkleaves]

Wow Tanya, that cover is gorgeous!!!

I didn't have time to do my cover, but my moley is on its way to KarenM. Here are my intro pages.

http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/253/small/1_intro.jpg (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=81406) http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/images/253/small/1_inkleaves_4pgspread_med.jpg (http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=81407)

[inkleaves]

Btw, thanks for the tips, girls :) Getting used to either the original moleskine paper or a gesso'ed surface took some trial and error. Needed to modify my habitual ways of working with the usual media.

[Wendy]

Wow, inkleaves ... those intropages are great!
I'm so curious what is written on that left page! Ah well ... in about four months I can read it! ;)

Kathleen, what a bummer your computer broke. Hopefully it'll be fixed quickly!

[KarenM]

I will let you know when it gets to Ohio and can't wait to see it up close :)

[arteeztmom]

Okay ladies...I'm supposed to be a hostess here...setting the rules and deadlines...my face is red. I will have to mail my moley out tomorrow.:embarrassed: I've been so busy lately with kids sports, my cleaning jobs kicking in for summer (opening cottages...), I'll spare you the details...anyway...
Since I messed around decorating my cover, I fell behind with the pages. I just have to finish a few details and I will get it in tomorrow's mail. I could lie and say, "I meant to say the FIRST WEEK of June, not June 1st." LOL! I am hoping you will all be understanding and forgiving. I promise not to lag on the other moleys. This is a crazy time of year, weddings, graduation parties...etc.
Oh, my co-hostess can vouch for me about the hours I've poured into a recent project. I spent like every spare second of the last month and a half on it! I got the job AFTER this thread was started. So, no more excuses. I'll post my pages later....

How about everyone else? Maybe I'm not the only one scrambling to make the deadline!;)

[Merlinprincesse]

No you're not, Tanya! I finished my drawing yesterday and want to wait till Wendy receives the mollie to post my pages.... Like Caroline, I had to change how I work. But it was a fun challenge! :)
I sent the package today. I hope that what the guy told me at the post office isn't true. I had two ways to mail it, surface and airmail. I chooooose airmail (7.90 can$ for your information Wendy... ;) )and he told me that it would take 3 to 4 weeks to reach the destination! I'm not sure he knew where the Netherlands are.... Well... Wendy, keep me posted about the pack!
Beautiful pages, Miss Inkleaves! :)

[knesi07]

hi guys. still w/o computer :(
inkleaves your pages are beautiful!l
tanya- i'm in the same boat as you. i too, have been super busy w/work (end of school year) and my niece got married over the weekend. now that we are done w/that, my schedule should clear to it's normal state of crazy! haha
anyway, my moley is on it's way. i'll post pics when i get my own computer back!

[arteeztmom]

Helene, I feel better. I was going to post my own pages but now I feel like I should wait, since you are waiting until Wendy gets your moley. I'll hold off until my moley reaches you. Hopefully the Canadian/US mail snafu won't take too long between us! I felt scattered and rushed on my pages so I ended up with something I didn't start out with...:unsure: I have no choice but to go with them now.
Here are my intro pages...nothing exciting...

[knesi07]

very nice tanya...

[KarenM]

Lovely Tanya!! I am glad I won't get it until about Nov. so I get to see all the entries except Siena's. and I am sure you will post hers right ;)

[Merlinprincesse]

Hey! Tanya! Very very exciting, on the contrary! :) You could have posted those pages! Argh! Now I'm all curious! hehehhehehhe....

[Wendy]

Yes indeed ... I hereby vouch (haven't got a clue what it exactly means but who cares) that Mrs. arteeztmom spend an enourmous amount of time and energy in a recent art project ... and the result is breathtaking, it really is!
So arteeztmom ... show off that project! You deserve all the compliments you can get for this one! And for this one only! :D

Question ... what means "Canadian/US mail snafu"? :unsure: Doesn't sound as something good!

Merlinprincesse ... as soon as your moleskine arrives, I'll let you know! Now the man at the postoffice didn't know where the Netherlands are, huh?! I hope you told him it's the capital of Norway! Duh ... not knowing where the Netherlands is! Anyhow, your moly will travel 3-4 weeks ... probably via Singapore then ... once in Singapore it'll go fast ... four days only to the Netherlands! :laugh:

And eh ... as soon as Caroline received my little book, I'll post my first pages! ;)

[arteeztmom]

Ok Wendy..."Vouch" means to confirm that something is true. And "snafu" means a confused or chaotic state; a mess. I just tease the Canadians because I could drive there from here and the mail takes longer than it does to Australia and Europe!! So there is my vocabulary lesson for the day.;)

Helene, I mailed my moley to you today and filled out a customs label and all so I hope it has a quick, safe trip over the border.

[arteeztmom]

Here is what kept me busy for a good month and a half...A bench for a Red Cross fundraiser. It will end up at the Landscape Co. where my hubby works since they sponsored it. I got some money out of it, but I got a little carried away with the design.
Let's just say, I was glad to deliver it!!!:eek:
It is unassembled in the photo and the owl is the back of the backrest...

[KarenM]

That is breathtaking!! Congratulations on work well done!!!.....I just love it!!

[Merlinprincesse]

I say like Karen.... Now, I'm so afraid to draw in your moleskine! Wa! You have too much talent! ;)

[inkleaves]

Thanks gals for all the positive comments :) It's encouraging!

WOWOWOW Tanya, that bench is incredible!! :notworthy:
Hands up, everyone who's intimidated to draw in Tanya's moleskine! :eek:*raises both hands*
Actually, I'm scared to ruin any of your moleskines! I'm already thinking of Wendy's theme since I'm first up on her travel plan. Trying to think of a new "twist" rather than those that are already cliche'd for my country. :D

[Wendy]

Caroline, I do not even know the cliché-stuff about your country! :embarrassed:

[inkleaves]

Ah! That means I can use all the clichés then! :P

[arteeztmom]

I appreciate the compliments for my bench...I really wasn't fishing for any...just wanted to prove why I didn't have my moley ready to mail on the due date we had set.:rolleyes:

I know nothing about your country Caroline. This will be a good learning experience! Our country has all kinds of cliché's. We are all overweight, carry guns and eat junk food. Right Wendy?? LOL!! Oh, and many of us are addicted to internet porn! LOL! I'm proud to be an American!:unsure: Actually, I'm being quite sarcastic...we're not really that bad...at least not ALL of us!:P

[knesi07]

i got my computer back! yay! doing the happy dance....
here are my intro pages

[inkleaves]

Great pages knesi07!!! And YAY for getting the computer back! :)

[KarenM]

Beaturiful knesi07!!

[arteeztmom]

Kathleen, those pages are wonderful! I see that I get it first!:jiggy: I can't wait!

[Wendy]

Great pages, Kathleen!

[Wendy]

Oh my, oh my ... I just received this awesome cat-moly! The cover is so much better in real! And those first four pages ... fantabulous! Hélène ... you can relax ... your moleskine arrived safely! But now ... mmmm ... I have to work in it! Yes, I've got an idea but where in the other exchange thread people write they find it hard to fill the pages once most players already worked in the moly's ... I find it harder to work in a moly that's mostly blank. So, I'll take it easy ... for nice and easy does it, right?!
And Hélène, thanks so much for the "Humpty Dumpty" card ... it's lovely! :jiggy:

[knesi07]

oooh wendy...first one! congrats! have fun.
thanks everyone for you kind compliments....can't wait to work in siena's. btw siena, did you mail it out?

[Merlinprincesse]

Phew, Wnndy! Only 5 days!!!! So the guy at the post-office must have thought that the Netherlands were on the MOON!!! Hhehehe!
Now, here are my pages... :)

[knesi07]

oh i <3 it! i really do...a cave cat! yay!

[arteeztmom]

Héléne, those are so magnificent! I'm glad we'll all get to see them in person!:)

[KarenM]

Helene, that is great!! I too am glad we get to see some of the work!

[inkleaves]

Hélène, I love your pages! They are so quirky and fun!