Hallelujah, 2009 is gone. I thought she would never leave. Geez, talk about not being able to take a hint. It's not so much that the lingering sorrow and loss of 2008 is another year gone as the promise of a fresh start like a blank page, all pristine and new just waiting to be written upon. But then again, personally, I like my blank pages to have a little something on them to get me going.
So working on a new journal is a completely appropriate way to start off a new year. See how I justify spending most of my time buried in paper scraps and tangled thread ends? (As if it needs any justification.) Looks like I'll be wrapping up my remains of the day journal this week. The signatures are done and I've already started journaling on the loose pages. They came with me to visit family during the holidays. I couldn't bear to be without them. But very soon they'll be nestled into their cozy and colorful cover and officially become Favorite Journal #4, aka Journal the Fourth.
I highly recommend taking one of Miss Mary Ann's online classes. I'm now a huge fan of this kind of long distance learning. It's kind of like those very cool but too-far-away-from-me-art-retreats that I've always longed to go to but without the expensive airfare and with martinis and pajamas thrown in. Here's a peek at some of my pages. You can see where I've already started journaling on some of them.
One of the most fun parts for many of us I think has been digging through and using up all those paper and fabric scraps we've been squirreling away for ages. Some of my favorite pages have special scraps I don't know if I'd have ever found a use for but couldn't bear to part with.
Some old recipes with a bit of my dad's (who died when I was 19) handwriting on it:
The packaging from a piece of mailart I received turned into a see-through pocket for goodies (love the vellum pocket on the opposite side, too):
An old book page with a photo of a stained glass window in St. Peter's Basilica that was the inspiration for one of my husband's tattoos: (I need to remember to get a picture of the tat, too--get it? Sorry.):
A menu from our trip to Portland that made a great base for a journal page:
And a blown up photo from Mexico:
Just looking at these makes me want to make more more more! But first, responsibilities of the new year are calling. You know I've been dragging my feet when the kids start reminding me it's past time to start school. Better go before they change their minds!
These are fabulous! Thank you for posting them and telling their story. Love it!
I too so enjoyed Mary Ann's class - I have signed up for her stencilry one. Hugs.
Posted by: Marci Glenn | January 04, 2010 at 11:46 AM
your pages are yummy, can't get enough of the fun in this class. just.must.make.more! glad i'm not the only one finding it hard to stop. Happy new year!
Posted by: pam | January 04, 2010 at 01:57 PM
Wonderful pages!!!! I love all the texture. I can't wait to get going on mine!
Posted by: Deborah | January 04, 2010 at 02:41 PM
It seems that everyone is saying the same thing! I need a 12 step program. I joined New Years eve and I've done nothing but this since then!
Love the pages you have created! So nice you were able to find things of your dads to use.
Posted by: Robin | January 04, 2010 at 07:35 PM
I love your pages! They are so lively! You blog is such an inspiration for me. I am always so excited when I see that you have a new post. Happy New Years
Posted by: Heather | January 04, 2010 at 08:42 PM
I, too, love your pages. What a great idea to include an old recipe from your dad who passed away when you were young...sorry to hear that. My dad passed away also almost five years ago so it hasn't really sunk in yet. I think I'll include also an old letter from him...thanks for the idea.
I saw some stenciled pages...looks like you also took MA's stencilry class. That class was probably one of the best online classes I've taken. ROD is also one of the best if I may say so. MA absolutely rocks!
Glad to have found your blog...I'll be visiting again.
Posted by: Mae | January 05, 2010 at 06:32 AM
I love your "remains of the day" journal. I'm taking the class too. I have my pages ready but don't have the cover made yet...doing things backwards. Do like typepad? I'm thinking of changing blogs...I'm taking a poll.
Cheers,
Mary
Posted by: Mary | January 05, 2010 at 06:36 AM
Yours was one of the ones I couldn't wait to see inside of! And you haven't disappointed- just wonderful. I am so impressed that you have started to journal already too!
Posted by: maz | January 05, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Wow oh Wow, your pages are fabulous! This part has been a bit hard for me as I don't have good scraps. And I'm trying so hard to step out of the neat and tidy box!
Not only is MA amazing and I'm so excited that I found her but I've also discovered really cool people like you! Lots of exciting things to look at on your blog. Thanks!
Posted by: Tracy | January 05, 2010 at 07:43 AM
Very cool notebooks! Will definitely tell my journalling pals about your blog. And I hope to visit often.
Posted by: Ester Kiely | January 05, 2010 at 07:56 AM
Such cool pages! I love how each one has a story. I have SO enjoyed this class!! Now back to looking around your blog!
Posted by: laura k | January 05, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Love the pages. I'm working on my cover and loving every moment of it. I've decided not to rush it. I don't really want this project to be finished.
Posted by: Tina | January 05, 2010 at 08:54 AM
Very cool. Me likes...lol
Posted by: Darlene | January 05, 2010 at 10:04 AM
very cool, you pages.
they make me want to start stitching stuff together - I have lots of pages and haven't got round to scanning them to post or sewing them...having too much fun just making pages.
Posted by: magpiejst | January 05, 2010 at 12:43 PM
great pages..haven't even started min yet, although I have been watching all the videos as they have been released.
Posted by: Marina | January 05, 2010 at 12:45 PM
wow what can I say but that your pages are fabulous!! I love all the fun add ins and colors of course!! need to sew my pages in yet not sure am done with them! will have to see again and then decide! too fun creating them!! enjoy yours!! I know you will and yes here's to 2010 being a better one for us all!!hugs Linda
Posted by: Linda | January 05, 2010 at 08:05 PM
Ditto to all the above = wonderful pages.
I'm only just starting on mine today so I needed to see what other girls have done.
Thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: Christina | January 06, 2010 at 06:47 PM
That journal looks great!! I love all the different textures of the pages! :)
Posted by: Apple | January 08, 2010 at 12:21 PM
oh this is so fantastic i can hardly stand it!
Posted by: Kristin | January 08, 2010 at 11:23 PM
SO fabulous. So fun. addicting. love it!
Posted by: ErinLeigh | January 08, 2010 at 11:24 PM
YUMMY! Those pages are FAB!! I noticed in the post after you have a pouch with pens in it. I want you to know the one you made me a few years ago for the Xams exchange is in constant use. I have it in my bag to hold my precious itouch ipod and earphones. I also have some ID in there and emergency odds and ends. I LOVE IT!!
Posted by: Lelainia | January 10, 2010 at 05:24 PM
New to your blog ; I love your art on Flickr! This book is gorgeous and so meaningful. I love that you have little scraps of your dad's handwriting.
What a great idea! As you said, what a great way to use all the special hoarded stuff that might not get used otherwise! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: U2Kitteh | January 12, 2010 at 07:58 PM
This thought came up while looking at your beautiful work:
The true history of humanity is not written in the government sponsored history books, but by the loving hands of men, women, boys and girls that allow us a glimpse into their lives and minds, transforming our world.
Posted by: chaz steadman | January 17, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Your journal is just beautiful... a friend also took Mary Ann's class and now the bug has bitten me to try the technique. 2008 was also a year of sadness for me as I lost both Mom and Dad 9 months apart - the road you travel is (unfortunately) shared by so many of us out here. Wishing you a new year filled with creativity and optimism! Deb
Posted by: deb | February 04, 2010 at 05:51 PM