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When Sue Knibbs, one of our dear customers (and past participant of some of my workshops) came to visit the store on Saturday with a black wrapped parcel under her arm she exclaimed some nerves on showing me. Nerves of what I'm not quite sure since what she presented could be described as masterpiece!

What I adore about this beautiful piece of art work is it is every bit Sue, handcrafted with care and thought and truly made with love.

Sue and I spent some time discussing the method and details in the creation of this artwork. Here is some of the techniques and thoughts of note:

• Sue started out with a sketch and an idea stemming from an idea to use the beautiful SevenGypsies Victoria bird stamps. As her artwork developed the only idea that resulted in the finished piece was the use of the stamps as her ideas evolved so much.
• Background colours were brushed and sponged with acrylic paint.
• The colours she chose were a new combination for Sue. They work together brilliantly!
• The vine images are from serviettes. It is worth noting that she painstakingly cut each vine out buy hand to get a perfect result. Edges of the serviette were pushed inwards as she glued to get a slight bit of edge texture.
• Each of the stamped images (birds, text, doll images) were stamped onto tissue rather than directly to the canvas with Stazon ink. By stamping onto tissue, miss-stamping was avoided. Stazon ink doesn't run when adhesive is added and produces a nice black sharp image.
  
• Each stamped image was carefully cut out before adding to the canvas. The white parts of the tissue turn clear when adhesive is added but cutting out produces better clarity in the background colours.
• Sue's glue of choice is Mod Podge.
• Some of the background texture was created by applying acrylic in her various colours directly to fiberglass mesh (Magic Mesh) and then using that as a stamp to apply a grid texture.
• The ornate classic image was from a $2 shop frame.
• If any lines or areas didn't stamp dark enough or wasn't defined enough she would go back over them with her pen/acrylics to get the result she wanted.
  
• The crackle medium Sue used is our favourite Helmars Brand (available at NZ Scrapbook).
• Sue completed her art with one of our other favourite products - Bullseye Spray Shellac. So easy, so yum! 12 light coats to finish.

I liked how Sue also commented that she would say to herself "How am I going to fix this?" So often that is the case. Its persisting and problem solving that art evolves. Much like life! hehe



So wouldn't you agree - WOW! Sue has done a beautiful job.

Thank you Sue for bringing it in to show me, and letting me show my Blog readers. Enjoy it in your home, I am happy you are proud of what you have created - you should be! Yay you!!

~Kathleen x

Labels: Art, Great People, Inspiration

I posted this over at my NZ Scrapbook Company Blog but I really wanted to post it here.. had some Blog issues though - all seems to be sorted now.

I am loving doing as many handwritten titles as possible in my journal at the moment. Of course, combined in with my standard date titles (I like the uniformity). In particular I like font styles that give you space to colour in. Enter the glittery of glittery gel markers I discovered we sell at NZ Scrapbook! I had never tried them as they were previously sold in sets and well I have a bunch of pens so wasnt really looking for more beyond recommendations. But once we started selling them as open stock and I gave them a try... and well they are not going to last long - I got one of every colour! Super cheap too!

Labels: Journal Tips, Product-favs

..cos it's in the details...


Hey journally friends!

Challenge yourself to do something different in your next journal entry... this one is so small but it's fun to make intentional accents on your page backgrounds.


Simple circular marks (profound huh? hehe)

All you need is:

• White or coloured acrylic paint or gesso. I used gesso in this example.
• Something circular with a hollow center. I suggest NOT an Easter egg :) - the lid of my glue bottle worked dandy.
• A sponge

Sponge paint directly onto the circular edge of your chosen item. I apply it fairly generously because I like the goopy look. Press onto your page background prior to writing and allow to dry. That's it!

Yes it's simple. Yes you know how to do it. But have you done it in your journal recently??

Tips

• Vary your circle sizes
• Vary your paint colours
• Test first on a scrap of paper if you like
• Wash your sponge straight away - acrylic and gesso once dry will ruin your sponge if not removed.

About this page

I was fortunate to go see my friend Monique Rhodes play at Artworks Theatre on Waiheke Island just recently. I hadn't seen her play live before and WOWS! I knew she was a talented singer but I was completely blown away. She recently produced the Merry Christmas Baby Plunket benefit album featuring the talent of Shona Lang, Opshop, Jordan Luck, Hollie Smith, Annie Crummer (and herself!)... and was nominated for the 2010 New Zealander of the Year Award - how cool is that.

The night was fantastic, clear evening, fitting venue, good chit chat and laughs (hi Lara!). More than once I was moved by Monique's strong yet soulful performance. I especially liked the inspiration for 'Blue Skies' where she spoke of how the sky is always blue above the clouds (stresses of life) ... an insightful reminder on rainy days. She was touring with Jane Siberry and I'm ashamed to say I wasn't familiar with well all I can say was I felt like I was part of something really special. Jane's narrative expression was intimate, intuitive and profound.

Monique:



and Jane:



I will let you know next time Monique is touring here!
~Kathleen... makin white circles :)

Labels: Great People, Great-Places-Auckland-Region, Journal Tips and Technique, Journal-Pages, Music

Hi friends!

I'm back in New Zealand actually I've been back two weeks already. Time goes so fast back at work and in every day routine!

I thought I would share with you what my journal pages look like post-trip. They aren't pretty but the bones are there...




I get a lot of questions about how my pages come together and there are some past blog posts that talk about a general page process. Here and here.

• I don't get my photos printed while I am away so I guesstimate space needed. This can be tricky. Sometimes I will look at my camera and see what photos I took and then space out exact spots, other times (especially if I took a lot of photos in one location) I will leave half or whole pages free. I like the challenge of working with the space I've got - sometimes I will not have allowed enough space so I have to get creative with foldout extra pages glued in, flaps and insertions. Other times I allow too much space and which is also fine because then I can add extra research, quotes or found images from books/internet and larger embellishments/designs such as rub-ons to add to the space.
  
• I like to write as much as I can at the time so it is fresh in my mind. Also a great way to spend my time waiting for transportation, on planes etc.
  
• Sticking cut up brochures, postcards and ticket stubs into your journal as you holiday/travel allows you to cull the memorabilia you collect. For example I was able to cut up the Mystery Spot brochure for the bits I wanted and then throw the rest away knowing it wasn't needed - less to carry!

Lessons for me (in regards to journaling!) from this latest trip:

• Next time I will leave the additional embellishments at home - I didn't have the time or inclination to do anything more than cut, stick, draw and write. On a more static holidays in the past I have used the embellishments/tapes/ribbons.
  
• On this trip where I made extra effort to stick items as I went I didn't need daily plastic bags for bits. One bag held the rest of the memorabilia and it wasn't that much as most was already included into my journal. Daily bags have come out though at home to sort that small additional items and my photos.

Now I am going through the process of going back and gluing/attaching in the photographs and adding additional journalling, information and items as needed. Also the fun part of prettying the pages up with items that make me happy!

So you don't all think I'm superwomen keeping up the whole time - there ARE some days that are just plain blank. Those dates I either didn't have items to stick in or I didn't have the time to work out space and write there and then. But there are not that many so playing catch up isn't too daunting. Just remember - work on today first, then go back and fill in the gaps.


Any tips that you have found work well for journalling while travelling? I would love to hear them!

Oh and here is a pic of that crazzzzy hotcake (pancake) mentioned in my last post - check out its size in relation to the coffee cup!!

tata for now!
~Kathleen

PS: Post for Kim :)

Labels: Great Places International, Journal Tips, Journal-Pages

Helloww from Kingsman Arizona (of Route 66 fame!)...
Google Arizona weather right now and you will see what I am in the thick of out here. A little hairy weather wise. In fact I'm holed up in a hotel hoping flooding will have cleared some for the trip to Phoenix tomorrow. Apparently 60-70% of the total YEAR'S average rainfall has fallen in the last two days. Today's trip we just took it easy, visibility was very poor, some side roads were unpassable, we saw a power transformer explode, a off road vehicle taken out by a flooded road, power cut while we took a starbucks break and apparently everything east of our immediate area is being hit by snow. So rather wild! Safe sound and warm so all good.

In brief, I've been keeping up with my journal - will have lots to show when I get home! So far done SanFrancisco including Alcatraz, caught up with sis and BIL, then here in Arizona been to a couple of concerts and yesterday Las Vegas!

Must go, just thought I would check in and say hi. Fingers crossed for me that the airport is open again and on schedule for my trip to LA.

ttfn!
Kathleen
PS: Today I had served to me a 'hotcake' that was so big it hung over the edges of the large dinner plate and was at least an inch (yes you read right) thick... and it was a half serve! Apparently I ordered not realising it was a kinda speciality - a full serve, if you eat it all you get it free. I made it not quite through half (of the half serve) ..lolol

Labels: Great Places International, Updates

oooh I must be organized if I have time for a quick blog post before running off to the airport!

I know I'm always interested in peoples art materials and kits. So I thought I would show you what I'm taking with me on my trip.

From left - down then right down:

• Selection of journalling pens. I prob should streamline more but what if I need a particular colour? hehe
• 3 Sharpie Markers. Mainly for the edges of cut items. Black, Maroon, Turquiose.
• Small portable watercolour set. I love the antique tin its in.
• Eraser. I never use it but I like having it
• A small bulldog clip or two
• Tiny scissors. Not in carryon luggage... I forgot one time..
• Thin tape. Handy if I journal on the plane.
• Scotch Quick Dry Tacky adhesive. My fav.
• Pitt Brush markers. For sketching in 3 shades of grey.
• 3 Sketching pens Black. In case 2 (!) die.
• 2 sketching pens red and sepia and two sketching brush markers also in red and sepia.
• Regular pencil H. Would normally have a mechanical pencil but they appear to have walked.
• Funny cutting tool. For carry on purposes.

• Plastic Bags. Enough for one a day.
• Dates. Ready for journal entries.
• Tape reappeared in this photo.
• Post it notes. Why? cos they're cool.
• Journalling notebook. Handy for quick notes.
• A sampler pack of cardstock from a older product release.
• My current journal/s
• A few prepared cut out images I think I may use.
• Printed gaffer tape. To tape hinges and extentions.
• A few pieces of black ribbon and twine.
• A rubber band
• Small selection of appropriate rub-ons and stickers.

All fits in a plastic bag and pencil case!

Oh and of course my camera, awareness and sense of adventure :)

Now I really must fly... for reals!
ttfn!
Kathleen

Labels: Art, Journal Tips, Materials, organization, Product-favs