Monday 15 February 2016

Wanderlust 2016

At last I'm underway at Wanderlust 2016 and sharing my first journal pages. I've decided to make my own journal so I can change the substrates when it is appropriate, so for these two I am using Daler and Rowney mixed media paper which is a good weight at 250 gms. Obviously as this is a current on-line workshop I won't be showing you the techniques as courtesy to Kasia and Jamie who are organising it, but if you are interested in joining the details can be found here.
 

In the first video Kasia shares an exploration of how she approaches her journalling taking us through steps and techniques she uses and encouraging us to try out new ideas and products. My finished pages are nothing like hers really and at times I have gone completely off piste but I am happy with this first outcome.


Along the way Kasia also encouraged us to think of one word that represents us at the moment and as I was tearing up some dictionary paper to use three words just appeared - Effort, Collaboration and Collective, so I have used the first two on my pages and you can see the text that is still showing through in the depths of the layers. What is also special is that the pages I use are from a dictionary that I bought second hand when I was at college training to be a teacher. I feel I am adding another part of me and my life to my art.


I have used decoart media acrylic paints, gesso, cosmic shimmer/distress stains/colour wash sprays and white ink ....


... and Tim's typo stencil with ground espresso DI.


The chipboard pieces give the focal points and I chose to use a bird and a star as they represent me flying free with these classes and shining brightly with self-determination, having time to explore without the constraints of other crafty expectations and commitments, giving myself time and permission to work with spontaneity, lack of inhibition and thinking outside of the box.

The flourished line and the frame also represent that new learning is forever on-going like a continuous line that never ends as is the unbroken circle that goes on for ever.


The B is me.


I don't often add my own journalling to pages but have added six of my own quotes that just came to me as I sat and thought about my two words. They read - 
Giving up is not an option.
I always endeavour to do my best.
The intention is to be the best I can.
In a partnership you achieve more.
To work with others in harmony.
Participate, co-operate and associate.
I look at these sayings in retrospect and really wonder where they came from!!!!


This has been an enlightening first step along the Wanderlust journey and made me feel very happy that I am and can give some time to me for developing my art.


Thanks for reading and sharing in this new adventure.

hugs Brenda xxx

17 comments:

Redanne said...

Oh wow Brenda!! What a fabulous first project from you, your page is absolutely stunning, I just love the colours, the layers, the textures you have created and I just love your little quotes - great mantras to live by I think! Beautiful work. Hugs, Anne xx

SewPaperPaint said...

Every single piece I see created from this class has been AMAZING, and this is no exception! I just adore your awesome background and the chip you used. Gorgeous pages!!!

Jennie Atkinson said...

Fabulous pages Brenda - wonderful colours and I love your personalisation. I enjoyed this one too x

rachel said...

wonderful stuff brenda. lovethat you are using a dictionary bought in the past. thats lovely xx hugs rachel x

Unknown said...

Truly BEAUTIFUL Brenda. Totally in love with your background but the overall finished piece is just so elegant and intriguing... I just sat and stared for awhile. Major SUCCESS because it is a feast for an artists heart. j.

Deborah Wainwright said...

Oh Brenda these page are scrummy. gorgeous textures and colours, love it. Hugs Debs xx

Meggymay said...

Gorgeous pages and textures, it seems like an amazing course.
Yvonne xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

What a fabulous page Brenda! I love how your words encouraged your own words to come to the fore! Hugs, Chrisx

Patty O'Malley said...

Awesome pages, Brenda!

sally said...

2 lovely pages to show off those dictionary words Brenda & congratulations on getting started on your wanderlust journey!

Sally x

Terry said...

Stunning pages, Brenda! The colors are right up my alley and love the subtle dictionary print! Wish I had time to play! Big Hugs!

Gina said...

I love the way this journey is going for you, and look forward to seeing more luscious pages :D XXX

Annie said...

Wow!!! your pages are amazing Brenda x Love the wonderful details, colour combination and the quotes are fantastic.
Looks like you are having fun along the way too.

Sending huge hugs
Annie xx

Pamellia said...

Wow Brenda, glorious page!! You just flew right out of the gate didn't you!! WOW!! Those colours just sucked me right in, and your texture is amazing. Love the frame as a focal piece and your quotes are words to live by for sure! hugs :)

Julia Aston said...

What beautiful inspired pages Brenda - love the colors and all the wonderful texture and journaling you did! Julia xx

Almo said...

Wonderful Inspirational pages Brenda, so pleased to see you have had chance to get started on your Wanderlust journey, and to read how much you enjoyed just doing your crafting without any restraints. I love the quotes you have written, especially Giving up is not an option. Mo x

Words and Pictures said...

Glorious colours, layers and textures - fantastic to see your WL journey under way. Mine's on hold at the moment, obviously - but I can't wait to have a chance to play again. Beautiful.
Alison x