Amanda's Galaxy

 My final journal to complete in this round was Amanda's Galaxy. I was really looking forward to this one as I knew it would be real fun to do. I hope you enjoy it Amanda. I believe it is better in the flesh than these photos. I found it particularly hard to photograph, possibly because the background was so dark.  

This picture is the triple spread I completed. I attached an extra flap on the right hand side, as I wanted my little story on the closed side....I made this with torn collaged elements of planets and stars. The main point of interest is the 'shaker' planet of Saturn. With all the loose glittering stars under its 'dome.'

Here are the universes. One the left hand side middle right, if you look carefully, you can see two stars which look as if they're nearly colliding.

Here is the story I just loved about the 'colliding' suns which is on the outside of the flap I made.

Right hand side

Left hand side

Sharon's Tea Time journal

This is a lovely little journal and a fun topic. However as I'm at the tail end of it's journey, all the usual topics such as High tea, Mad hatters tea party, Japanese tea ceremony have been done. I didn't really know what to do. 

Sharon very kindly supplied some tea bags to go with the journal. So I challenged myself to see how much art I could do while drinking a cup of tea. 

Using some left over torn pages from another project and a cup of Lemon and Ginger tea, I laid down the background. 

Next day with one pair of scissors, the remains of an old childrens book, ( unfortunately it had lost it's cover so I can't attribute the work), glue and a cup of Camomile, Honey and Vanilla, the main character came together. 

Third day, one more cup of tea, Earl Grey and it was all done. 

So no more "I haven't got time to create " all you need is the time it takes to drink a cuppa tea. 

Thank you Sharon.

Mother Earth - Gaia

I have discovered that it is more difficult the further down the list of recipients you come. I would think of something then remember, "Oh, so and so did that already.' No matter, it just made me think harder.
I started with the concept of Gaia as Mother Earth. Next, I read lots about what Gaia means. Then, I found my focal image...the pregnant everywoman about to give birth to the Earth.
I love this image as it can symbolise the birth of a child, an idea, a theory, an art journal spread. And, this year I've been 'pregnant' with so many ideas and techniques to use in the various journals that have passed through my hands.
I began with gesso, then some stencils, followed by lots of sprays...metallic mostly as I really wanted a cosmic feel to my pages. I discovered an acetate page from Kaisercraft's Stargazer collection and used it on one of my pages to symbolise the universe. This, together with the image of a pregnant Gaia helped to complete my spread. The word 'precious' is included as it pertains to Earth and every living creature on it.
Louise, I know this has been a very difficult time for you. I hope you will see my spread as a tribute to your wonderful mum, Pam, who was one of my mentors. Let's be kind to each other and protect our Gaia xox