Altered Book: Messy Pink
Mon, April 12, 2010 at 07:00AM "The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."
~ Bertrand Russell
10x20" altered book, golden fluid acrylics, golden fluid matte medium, neocolors, gesso
How long does it take from start-to-finish to complete an art journal page? With diverse techniques, materials, organization, creative style, levels of detail, etc. the question cannot be answered. Still, I challenged myself to finish everything but the journaling on two facing pages in an altered book in 60 minutes. The clock started when I began to set-up, and included cutting images, creating the art, clean-up and photography. Mission accomplished.
Color. I like saturated color. I like to dab gesso and drops of fluid acrylics and push them around with a brush or credit card to get started. Leaving part of the page visible is a fun game. The early stages look just plain messy.
Mod Podge is perfect for gluing images but be careful not to knock it over... I gooped up my writing instruments.
The true joy of art journaling is to make the page your own, to focus on the process, relax. It's your page. Sometimes I use sharpies or crayons to draw around the images.
Looking through the kitchen gadget drawer, I find things to use to stamp... lids, wine corks, cookie molds, tiny forks. Play-Doh molds are great too. Stamping and rolling little items around the page is fun. You can stamp with stamping inks or acrylic paint.
I might journal in some of the open spaces, maybe add quote or swirlie doodles... I've been wanting to dry photo transfers again (the early attempts at photo transfers weren't so successful) using the tutorial at My Peacetree.
Check out the final version with a quote at Messy Pink v1.2 and the rest of the Tekenfilm altered children's book project. More ideas at Step #574: Create Journal Fodder and Art Journalilng 101.
Reader Comments (5)
I adore today's quote, Tammy. And I, too, have had an unfortunate spill with an open bottle - unfortunately it was my expensive bottle of Diamond Glaze!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo
i think that time pressure is one of the best ways to create! i'm a huge fan of it. there's very little time to plan and strategize and reflect - you have to go on your intuition, which leads to surprises and such authentic results. beautiful pages!
oh, i'd love to see how your image transfer works out. (thanks for the mention!) i love this page ~ it feels a little bit similar to my own newly developing style. the 60 minute challenge is a brilliant idea, too; i'll have to try it sometime when i'm feeling brave!
Really enjoyed the detailed look at your process in art journaling as well as the fantastic results. Very inspiring!
these pages are beautiful! it's always so interesting to see other art journalers at work.. thanks for sharing my link!
love,
ingrid