~ Art Journal Caravan 2012: Itinerary #7 ~

I'm working backward on my AJC2012. Today, I look at Itinerary #7 and decided on the word 'dulcet'. I went for a musical theme. Here's my art journal:

I had the image of my boys professionally drawn by SJ Dowsett a few years back and I used it for this art journal.

It's nice to involve them in my art journals! I don't particularly like using photos on art journals as I feel it then becomes a scrapbook page instead! To me, art journals is an expression of one's creative thoughts no matter how absurd it will be. It pushes one to think outside the box and to indulge in one's imagination. Yes, you can employ art journaling techniques on scrapbook pages but certainly not modern day photos on art journaling pages! I checked out the definition on art journal...

An art diary, art journal or visual journal is a daily journal kept by artists, often containing both words and sketches, and occasionally including Mixed media elements such as collages. ...

Hence, I was particularly disappointed with Jessica Sprague's Digital Art Journaling when she used family photos on her art journals (well, just one of her sample pages). It just ceased to become an art journal for me, instead, more a scrapbook page. There should be a clear distinction between scrapbook page and art journal. Saying that, one can argue about the use of vintage photo images. To me, vintage signifies the old, behind the times and most likely if a vintage person is used, that person probably isn't around anymore. There is a certain charm using vintage images. 

Then again, art is so subjective! If a person wants to employ modern day photos on his/her art journals so be it! For me, I'll leave modern photos on scrapbook pages and go for the extraordinary on art journals! TTFN!

~ Art Journal Caravan 2012: Itinerary #8 ~

Earlier this month, I bought Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan 2012 workshop. It's a year long and it focuses on art journaling. I've heard about it and seen people doing it and decided to give it a go. Every Friday, she comes out with prompts for art journaling. Sometimes there are also tutorials too. So far I've picked up a few tips about Photoshop and have learnt some new digi skills. I'm quite impressed with it so far and looking forward to future prompts.

Available at Scrapbookgraphics.

Anyway, today I decided to try it out. I picked out a few prompts and combined them and came up with this:

Itinerary #8: It's a mixture of the word 'aplomb', travel and the quote.

I certainly had a lot of fun putting it together! Can't wait to play more! TTFN!

~ Happy Anniversary ~

to hubs & me! Today marks the 12th year that we have been married! Not that we can celebrate alone as the boys have a series of musical workshops/concert today.

Today also marks the start of a series of violin concerts that I'll be attending. My eldest played at the Adrian Boult Hall this evening with his Junior Strings Orchestra. He performs again next Saturday. Then a couple of weeks later, both of them are performing in London at the Festival Hall. Finally, the wee one has his turn at Adrian Boult at the end of March. Talk about spending nearly £100 on tickets alone!!! However, I'm so proud of them and it gives me more photo/scrapping opportunity! TTFN!

~ On Display! ~

Anna Aspnes came up with a new kit today and as soon as I had it, I couldn't wait to play. I got the bundle as I knew I would be using most of them:

The entire bundle is available at Oscraps. Alternatively, they can be bought separately too. 

I've still 5 more pages to complete for my Dec Daily album so decided to concentrate on it. 

Day 30

I'm hoping to complete them before March descends upon us! TTFN!

~ Mr Whiskers: Lordlings & Halflings ~

Mr Whiskers have come out with a new kit entitled Lordlings & Halflings. Don't need to tell you where he got that inspiration from...

 Here's what I've done:

The above art journals are done in 5x7" sizes as eventually I do want to print them out professionally. It's fun to play with the kit as they are so different from the scrapping ones. Kinda make me experiment and explore new areas in the digi arena. TTFN!

~ On Display! ~

I had a chance to play with some new stuff from Anna Aspnes:

As they are new releases, Anna sometimes bundle them and put them on offer for a week. 

 Here's what I've done:

LO was created based on a scraplift challenge. I basically lifted the one photo usage. Added other supplies from Anna too.

TTFN!

~ On Display! ~

Saw this kit on Oscraps and had to play with it....

 It's a collaboration between One Little Bird & Stalin Studio entitled 'Worn'. 

My wee one opening his birthday presents. He has been asking for this 'Big Hand' since seeing it advertised on TV but we couldn't find it in time for Xmas. I managed to track it down in January and got it for his birthday!

Luv the colours in the kit!

Update on the cake we bought from Asda! I wasn't satisfied and complained to them on their website. Anyway, got a call from them a few days later and a lady apologised for the dreadful cake. Asked me a few questions and offered me a £15 voucher! That was nice of them. But seriously, that cake was bloody dry & awful!!! TTFN!

~ 365 Cards: Day 358 ~

Today's challenge is based on a colour scheme:

Here's my card: 

Made use of my paper scraps (can't remember which paper this came from!)

TTFN!

~ On Display! ~

Played with Anna Aspnes' supplies especially the ArtPlay Palette Love=Life collection which she did with Vinnie Pearce. An amazing kit! Here's my LO:

Made use of her Artsy Template No45 which I rotated to suit my photos.

Photos were from a recent birthday celebration. Brought the boys to Star City and gave them some activities to enjoy.

It was back to work today. Half term sure as hell flew quickly! Now to slog another 5 weeks before the Easter break! TTFN!

~ Le Weekend & On Display ~

Gosh, I spent half term sorting out my stash to sell on Sat. Seriously, never realised it took that long to go through what I possessed! I did sell a bit but not enough so I now have to go through the eBay route! Will also check with my son's Cubs leaders if they need any craft donations too! 

Anyway, hubs & the boys were down in Poole so I spent Sat afternoon & evening watching Roots (the entire series which I've not seen before) and digi scrapping! Utter bliss! Here's what I've done:

Created using Queen, a freebie kit from Dido Designs and a template from Oscraps Copycat challenge.

Created another LO but as it was a DT requirement, will reveal later. It was good to get back to scrapping and not sort out anymore stash! TTFN!