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Thursday, December 19, 2013

THE DARKEST NIGHT

I started this art journal layout wanting to do something to demonstrate home made stencils to my students in our altered books class.  As an American in Ukraine I don't have access to all the goodies offered in the big mega-stores in America.  And I don't want to teach my students techniques they can't repeat on their own.  Now, I must admit, as I roam the internet or read a Stampington publication, I sometimes desire those new materials and goodies I see out there.  The flip side of that, not having them, can sometimes extend one's own creativity.  So the stencil figures you see here came from figures I cut out of magazines.  Rough cutting I glue to cardboard, then cut out again accurately.  If careful with your cardboard cutting step you can end up with both a stencil and a mask.  Here I used the cut-out mask and dabbed paint around it.  The leaves in the lower corners are what were left from a leaf stencil.  I used regular household spackle plaster and pushed it thru the cardstock stencil.  Being paper I had to throw it out after these two.  Now if one could laminate these they would last a lot longer.

By the way, I called this an art journal and it is, but all my art journaling is now done in altered books. This is an Amway soft cover catalog we didn't need.  Anything bound is subject to my scrutiny for an altered book. . . softecovers included.  And it has a spiral binding that will be fun to hang pretties from to decorate.

I also noticed that this page fits well with a challenge that is going on now at Kat McNally's blog, "words to soothe the weary soul."  Self-compassion is today's prompt.   The words on my page are a reminder that when we are tired and depressed, the morning comes and all looks better.  I learned that lesson years ago.  Now, I don't take my thoughts and emotions so seriously at night....I may just be tired.  Kat's blog:  http://www.katmcnally.com/2013/12/reverb13-day-19-self-compassion.html?showComment=1387432800751#c8887281586528337712

The last step was to add the verse on the tag:  "Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy coeth in the morning."  Psalm 30:5.

Hope you like it.  I love reading your comments.

11 comments:

Diane said...

Coleen, thanks for all your work in Ukraine. I am always amazed at what you can do with the little access to supplies that you have. You are a great woman and wife and missionary. Hope to meet someday! Thanks for sharing your heart and your art!

Coleen said...

Thanks so much for stopping by, Diane. Sure appreciate your kind words. Bless your heart.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I love your layout and colors. They fit so well with your sentiment, which I also love. I deleted my previous post because it was only half written, really need to proof read these things before I post.

Unknown said...

Love your art journal! So wonderful - thanks for sharing.

Sea Star said...

Beautiful art journal, and a lovely blog! Thankyou for stopping by my little blog.

Courtney said...

I love your blog! Great pics and ideas for this journal page. Did you end up sharing it in LB Cafe? I scrolled through and didn't see it, but I could have easily missed the re-post.

Thanks for sharing!

Kat McNally said...

Stunning pages, Coleen. Thank you so much for sharing them!
I agree: they'll make for such a powerful reminder when the going gets tough. xx

Anonymous said...

Fabulous, love all the colours, so much to look at.

Moira xxx

Coleen said...

Thank you all for your lovely comments. They certainly are an encouragement. Happy New Year to you all.

Unknown said...

I really like the effect of this piece of art work. It's very mysterious and beautiful. You are really so talented in the art work you do

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