I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Wednesday 6 January 2016

Setting out with Wanderlust

So after all the retrospectives, we're moving forwards into 2016, and the journey has begun... Wanderlust 2016 is under way.  If by some chance you don't know what I'm talking about, you can see all the details here, and it's not too late to join in.  If you're tempted, just click here.

I'm going to try to keep up as much as possible in these early weeks as, come mid-Feb, I'm off on my work travels again (more of that another time), and will be away from my craft desk and all my supplies.  So I've dived straight in to my Wanderlust book with the first prompt from Kasia.


The idea is to leap in with your own journalling, but there was a lovely video tracing Kasia's own journey, and I was inspired to try some of the ideas and techniques she used in her own page.  After all, the Wanderlust journey is all about exploring and expanding your creativity.  (I won't be sharing the "how" of it here - that's for Kasia's class to share.)








So there are many things about this page that are very familiar to me...

















... but there are also some new things in the mix.












And that's the way I like it!  One of the greatest joys I find in this visual arts exploration is the learning curve.












So the word that came to me was Seeking.














There's still so much to discover, so many things to try out...














... and I'm still finding out what really suits me, what really makes me happy.











(One thing that makes me happy are these gorgeous Calico Craft Parts flourishes, and another is that I've finally started working in my Finnabair Vintage Vanity journal!)












There's a seeking going on in a wider sense too, as I continue to shape my freelance career and work out what fits where...













... what my priorities are, and how I might go about fulfilling some more of my dreams.











It's strange and slightly foolish how scary it feels embedding my own handwriting into a page.














But, as Kasia says, it's not really meant for anyone else to read.  It's my own thoughts in that moment.









That's a really freeing thought for someone who is usually creating for DT duties where the end result has, by definition, a function and an intended audience.












Obviously I always hope for a sense of flow and release, otherwise what would be the point of the time spent at the craft table?

Nonetheless, it was lovely to be officially freed of any "oughts" or "shoulds", and to allow the work to go in search of itself, rather than pushing for a deadline.








And there's nothing I enjoy more than that sense that you're not really in charge of what's going on... you're channelling something from somewhere else.



It was great to spend some time at the table just allowing paint and ink to flow on to the table - using Kasia's guidelines, but letting my own preferences shape the process too.   I'm so grateful for the time and the inspiration to play.

You can still come and join the Wanderlust 2016 journey.  (I'm on the course, but also an affiliate to help promote it.)  There's only been one class so far and none of the videos are going anywhere, so you can catch up whenever you have time.  For just £99 (around $150 or €137) you get a whole year's worth of downloadable video workshops (more than 50 of them) with some amazing teachers, technical classes and information, as well as sponsor discounts, giveaways and challenges.  

Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself.  Be bold.  When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore.  Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.
Alan Alda

Starting the new course, trying new things, starting work in a new journal - so I'd like to enter this in Something New at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge
And with all that newness, especially my new art journal, I'd also like to share this at Anything But Cute where the fabulous Redanne is inviting us to Ring out the Old, Bring in the New

67 comments:

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Gorgeous journal page, love it xXx

Unknown said...

Oh my gracious Alison - your BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL journal pages make me wish Wanderlust was in my budget.... wow. I'm just completely enthralled by the colors and rich depth of your creation. JUST GORGEOUS. Thanks so much for sharing this. And I absolutely love your word too. I have thought and thought and thought but didn't come up with a word. Yours never crossed my mind. And it just seems so right with the pages - like we can part the leaves and the paint and there is something we are 'seeking' within there. I am stopping for the day now and taking your word and the vision of your LOVELY artwork in my mind to enjoy thru the night. Hugs. j.

Astrid Maclean said...

Just beautiful Alison with all my favourite colour tones! Fantastic use of those CP flourishes, love the subtle hints of shimmer on them.Great words too and your handwriting looks really good on there!!!

chrissie said...

I love the wonderful spread with the many textures and shades of Alison but the writing is what made today's post for me. The quote is just right as well.

I must say that getting older helps when it comes to being just you but some people never find themselves. I hope you do Alison though I always feel happy visiting your blog for lots of reasons

Love Chrissie xx

Helen said...

Your first spread is just fabulous! It's going to be such a fun year (hope I can keep up too!)

maria's knutselplezier said...

Great page to start the new year dear Alison I love your style and your colours, I hope you will have a very happy year, a good health and a lot of creativity , so that we can enjy your beautiful artistic work!!
Have fun an enjoy, happy 2016!!

Greetings
Maria

Nikki Acton said...

Stunning page...wonderfully artistic with your balance of colour and composition. If only my handwriting was so beautiful! Xxx

Vintagehandmade said...

Wow, Alison, what a wonderful way to start the new year! You used my favourite color combo and I love your handwriting! Beautiful texture and a great use of CP flourishes! I really love your style in art! Simply stunning!
Happy New Year!
Hugs! Branka xxx

Valerie-Jael said...

Yor journaling looks wonderful, have fun with the course. Hugs, Valerie

annes paperfun said...

Wonderful art journal pages.....oh..my..love it...I'm working on my pages and just love this Year long class :))

sally said...

I'd have a hard job keeping from running my fingers over these pages!

Sally

froebelsternchen said...

Gorgeous ! That pages are wonderful ! Have fun with the course! oxo Susi

Flo Langley said...

Happy New Year!! Wishing you and your family all the best for 2016. What a way to start it. Wonderful work.
Take care,
Flo xx

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Absolutely stunning Alison, perfect for this Wintery day. I must say that you are a great advert for the course too ;)
Hugs
Donna xxx

Pamellia said...

Wow Alison, what an inspiration post and project!! Loving those Calico flourishes, another must have for me!! Your colours are so amazing and I can't believe how beautiful your handwriting is!! I was thinking there was a couple of new stamps I needed, wow! Amazing! hugs :)

Nan G said...

Lovely journal pages, butterfly. Journaling, something I've not attempted, yet. Safe travels as you head out again. And yes, your e-card got through. Thank you.

Lucy said...

That is a beautiful journal page. Really great colors. It makes you feel calm when you look at it. Very nice. Thank you for sharing that with us.

Jenny Marples said...

A beautiful way to start your journey here Alison. Enjoy the process! Jenny x

Corrie Herriman said...

Beautiful pages, Alison but then I didn't expect anything else from you ! :o)
I still have to start the journey....
Corrie x

Dorthe said...

Oh Alison, they are gorgeous, ---the colors, and all the splattering the beautiful flourishes ,and the new seek`ed joy, of journal writing , it looks so wonderful, showing up here and there on the pages.
Dorthe, xx

Kay Wallace said...

Love how your texture reaches out to the viewer! Good luck in 2016 and with Wanderlust!

SewPaperPaint said...

Hi Alison, wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your post today. Not just the pictures, but your thoughts behind the process. I've been feeling the same way, seeking opportunities to just let go and get wild with it. To a fantastic journey in 2016! Again, I'm drawn in by your subtle colors, texture, and incomplete patterns. Gorgeous work! Hugs, Autumn

catherine said...

This is a fabulous start Alison. Love the pages. I too am starting on the wanderlust journey but still have to finish my page !
x catherine

Hazel Agnew said...

So pleased that you were able to play freely Alison! Great finished piece. It definitely flows and looks like you had so much fun! Done mine too......chose 3 fresco colours with my eyes shut and ended up with a bit of a car crash....blood and everything, but enjoyed the process!

Matilde said...

Very inspiring pages! I wish you a lot of creativity in the New Year :))

Meggymay said...

Awesome pages, so textures and touchable.
Yvonne xx

Margik said...

Fabulous pages with amazing textures! The Calico flourishes are very beautiful.
Mar xx

Redanne said...

Now that's what I call a great page Alison, it is all the more special because of the meaning behind it. I loved reading about your thinking behind it. The colours are so very you and your chosen word suits your 'journey' so well too.

Thanks so much for joining in our 'Ring out the Old, Bring in the New challenge at Anything But Cute too. Anne xx

www.deeadamsart.blogspot.co.uk said...

God I love this page Alison everything about it Brilliant x

Neet said...

Am away from home for a month so no chance of starting with Wanderlust yet - but what inspiration there is here to get me going. I love what you have done Alison. It is utterly gorgeous in every way.
Hugs and Best Wishes to you and yours for 2016 xx
Neet xx

Deb said...

So gorgeous and so you Alison, even with the addition of the techniques that are new to you. Cannot wait to see more of your projects from Wanderlust, I wish you a fulfilling and joyous journey! Deb xo

sarascloset said...

OOOOH! I love this art journal page spread, but it is bedtime, and I must come back with a cup of coffee in the morning, because I have a feeling I will be visiting for awhile! Hugs!

Mona Pendleton said...

Happy New Year Alison! Beautiful art journal pages! Love all the inky goodness!

Gio said...

SUch a gorgeous start, Alison! I really love it, it's pure liberty, simply enjoying making art. Thanks for sharing your journey ( and your words)

sarascloset said...

My, my,my Alison...I did so enjoy stopping back in this morning to take it all in. I'm sure this will be going down as one of your favorites of 2016. I know it will be mine! Love the color palette; my favorite! Love the paintiness of it and the depth you've achieved. Of course, I love how you have allowed yourself to "let go", with no agenda, just creativity! I'm afraid Wanderlust or something like it will have to wait another year, as my "free" time will be very limited this year. I'm looking forward to following along with yo, though!

Thank you for letting me know about Paloma! I was actually going to let you know I hadn't received her yet, so now I know to look out for her. Good idea to wait for the Christmas rush to be over...I wouldn't have wanted her to get lost in a pile of mail here the way my sister's gift card did! Ha! Ha!

Pamellia said...

I was so hypnotized by the beauty of this page Alison, that I completely forgot to say Thank you so much for joining us at Anything But Cute for our 'Bring in the New' challenge! Hugs, Pamellia DT :)

Annie said...

absolutely fabulous pages Alison. Love the colour combo and the CC parts just finish it off beautifully

TFS and best wishes
Annie xx

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Such gorgeous pages. I feel a wintery chill coming off them but that is just telling me not to linger and keep moving forward with the journey. Very lovely.

Pawsitively Creative said...

You mesmerize me with your posts and words, as well as delight me with your designs. Gorgeous and free flowing is the feel I get from this LO. So many wonderous things for the eye to take in. Gorgeous flourish and drips! Loves this one to bits! And happy to hear you are creating a new journey. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Hugz.

Thanks for joining in our "Ring Out the Old, Bring in the New" challenge at Anything But Cute! Hugz again! ~Niki DT

Juliz Design Post said...

Beautiful Journalling. Love the mix of colours and paint drips. Look forward to seeing what you do next from these classes.
Happy New Year, hugs Julie x

Barbara said...

In this beautiful work there is you! It's wonderful, love every little detail, colors and textures are stunning! Absolutely amazing! Thanks for joining us this week on Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog! Barbarayaya

Vintagehandmade said...

I am back to thank you for joining in our Ring out the Old, Bring in the New challenge at Anything But Cute!
Hugs! Branka DTx

sarascloset said...

And I am back once again to thank you for joining our Ring Out the Old, Bring in the New Challenge at Anything But Cute! Hugs! Sara Emily DT

Ellie Knol said...

That looks wonderful Alison, wish I could also do it :)

Gerrittina said...

WAUW!!!

Lisa Minckler said...

'Seeking'...now that's a brilliant description! It was just as delightful for my soul to read that you crafted just to feed your own creativity and that was wonderful. Your journaling book is starting off with the perfect prelude to a fabulous 2016 journey. I can't wait to see what else you do.
Big hugs and Happy New Year!
Lisa x

Candy C said...

Alison, thank you for the very lovely comment you left on my blog. I so respect your opinion and your art. These journaling pages are so beautiful. I loved it when I saw it on Wanderlust's thumbnails. Glad you shared it on your blog so everyone could see so many wonderful details.

Lauren Hatwell said...

How beautiful! It looks like waves on an ocean of discovery. I love the word you chose too. I'm so looking forward to seeing what you find along the way and whether it will be what you are seeking, or something else entirely. Exciting times ahead. Lx

Samra said...

Stunning work!!! Gorgeous color and great choice of embellishments! You have beautiful handwriting :)
Thank you so much for joining our Ring out the Old, Bring in the New challenge at Anything But Cute!
Hugs

Samra DT
Paper Talk with Samra

craftytrog said...

A lovely flowing page Alison! It's great to feel that sense of freedom that you don't always feel when creating for others!
Alison x

Cocofolies said...

Oooo I couldn't miss this one, showing your own pages following the first video...!!
They are fantastic, well done Alison!!!!!
I managed to see the first half of the video so far; I really want to see it entirely (well, again quickly the first part now after one week!..) and then have a try on the techniques Kasia has used.
Your pages today contribute to making me want to do it as soon as possible thanks!
Happy week-end, hugs Coco xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

This is stunning Alison and I hope that whatever you are seeking in this way comes to meet you! Hugs, Chrisx

Kirsten said...

Gorgeous journal spread!

rachel said...

absolutely brilliant - I adore this Alison - such a wonderful take on Kasia's page - love it to bits xx

Fliss said...

Oooh! I absolutely love this! What a fab frosty and grungy looking background and the swirls look so elegant on your pages which are classic simplicity itself.
Fliss xx
PS: Wish I could join in but not enough hours in the day - sigh!

Chrissy said...

Your wanderlust book is just gorgeous Alison..love the colours and smears,and blobs,the swirls and textures..now if it was me I would be wiping and smoothing cause that is me..some people can and some people can't..you my friend can..beautiful.

Luv CHRISSYxx

experiments in paper said...

Oh my, Alison - I so love your projects of any stripe, but I truly appreciate most the ones that spring from your playtime, and this is no exception. You've taken your blue-brown expertise into another dimension here, literally and also in the sense of the tonality.....and following Mr. Alda's advice re doubt, I'd say chance more on your own handwriting - it is lovely! xxx Lynn

Jackie PN said...

An absolute gorgeous beginning to Wanderlust Alison! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your journey- it is very inspiring to learn that you also, have dreams of going into the unknown! What a wonderful trip this will be!
Jackie xoxo

Mrs.B said...

Gorgeous pages Alison, so full of depth and texture and subtle colours.
Looks like the start of a wonderful journey.
Avril xx

Julie Lee said...

How lovely that you have been able to just go where the spirit led with this journal spread. How beautiful it is - very much in your style, yet going in some new directions too. This is such an inspiring post. I wish you joy as you seek. xx

Julia Aston said...

I just love the word you chose Alison - and your wonderful blue pages - great drippiness, shadow stampings and texture with the flourishes - so glad to see your project here - it's kind of hard to find a particular piece in the galleries at Wanderlust! I knew it would be an inspiring beauty! Julia xx

Margaret said...

Oh, this is absolutely breathtaking! You have managed to give this both a frosty and warm tone at the same time, and the result is amazing! I can relate to the nerves appearing as you write in your own hand. I had always typed my journaling in my girls' scrapbooks until I read an article about the importance of using your own handwriting. It is a bit scary as you are leaving a piece of yourself on the page, but it can also be quite therapeutic as well!
I can't wait to see where the wanderlust takes you!

Sue said...

Your journal pages are really beautiful Alison. The colours are gorgeous and the handwriting and Calico parts fit in perfectly. I have to say that the paint splashes are my favourite part - I just love paint splatter lol. I'm really enjoying the course so far though it's sooo far out of my comfort zone! Have a fun weekend xx

Kasia said...

What a beautiful journal pages, Alison! Amazing background (as always:).

A Pink said...

Gorgeous pages ! Alison Love the beautiful colour tones and how you have portrayed your chosen word through art .
Very meaningful pages which for me is what journaling is all about .
Enjoy the rest of Wanderlust course x

Cec said...

Absolutely wonderful page and it looks like it would have been fun getting all messy. I am interested to know how the pages in the new journal held up to all the wet media you added. Thanks for joining us at Anything But Cute.
Hugs!
Cec

Brenda Brown said...

Utterly delightful Alison, you have created something that is so different and yet is still 'you'. I'm going to get myself started soon and you have inspired me to get a move on.
hugs Brenda xxx