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...

Friday 1 March 2019

Journeying together

Hello all!  Quite a short post today (for me), as I've not got much spare time on my hands at present, but I couldn't bear not to be a part of the celebrations over at A Vintage Journey.  It's our birthday - the challenge blog is five years old today - I can hardly believe it!  What a milestone... and Brenda is inviting us all to Celebrate the Journey for this month's theme.  As always, there is a wealth of inspiration from my fellow Creative Guides, so do check it all out, and come and join us on this leg of the journey too.

I've got some art journalling pages to share with you, celebrating the people we make our journeys with.  The friendships which have grown out of this design team are so strong, and they've seen us through some bad times as well as good ones - and that's what these pages, using one of my new PaperArtsy quote stamps, are all about.


I'm working with limited supplies here in New York.  My travelling stash has most of my necessary staples, but in limited colour variations, and I managed to come without any metal embellishments... foolish of me!  (And apologies that the pictures aren't up to the usual standard - there's really nowhere with particularly good light in my Brooklyn apartment.)






I did bring this metal bound kraft journal with me.  The pages are very thin, so mostly I glue them together or, as here, do my journalling on a separate piece of watercolour or mixed media card and then glue that in to the book.













There are some torn book pages, lots of tissue tape, gesso and layered stamping in the background.














The Tim Holtz script is stamped in Watering Can Archival, and my own word stamp is done in Coffee.

That's true of the background detail stamping as well as the main quote.














I used Dina Wakley's paint in the beautiful dark blue Night to provide some washes and splatters of colour, as well as to do some lid-stamping in the background.














There's some frayed cheesecloth for added texture up in the top corner...













... and some more behind the Paper Dolls on the left hand page to echo it.















These friends have seen each other through thick and thin - they stand by one another in good times and bad.

And each of them knows how true the words by Helen Keller are. 














They're from my new Friends & Friendship stamp set, EAB10 from PaperArtsy.












I inked around the torn page edges before gluing them down, and decided that (in the absence of a nice metal Muse Token or similar) I was done.

I hope you'll find time to check out the amazing projects over at A Vintage Journey, and we hope you'll come and Celebrate the Journey with us this month.  Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I'll see you again soon.








*****UPDATE*****

I've been inspired by some of my fellow Creative Guides to look back over some of the last five years' worth of projects I've created for A Vintage Journey.  If you'd like to do the same, then just click here and have a scroll!

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.
Tim Cahill

I'd like to share these pages over at Moo-Mania where the theme is Women
At the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge it's all about Vintage/Past Times, so this should fit right in

37 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

What an incredible spread. The idea of adding everything to the thin pages made me smile. I know about thin, because I often use old magazine pages that are so thin they will never lie flat once they are glued.

I like the direction this spread took by honoring a friend and friendship. This is a remarkable and heartwarming spread, Alison.

Helen said...

I love these pages! More cheesecloth! I used it this week and then saw it on another project too - I like that you left yours natural. The torn edges look great. I can't quite believe A Vintage Journey is 5 already!!

Anke said...

WOW WOW WOW Alison I love your pages, so beautiful ...

Hugs
Anke

Brenda Brown said...

What a magnificent way to celebrate the journey with limited supplies Alison, your pages really echo the sentiments you have put into words. It’s been amazing to journey and travel with you over these five years, to share those highs and lows and to feel the warmth of those bonds we have developed. Thank you for always being there, for sharing your talent and time and being the stalwart supporter that you are. Here’s to the next five years of creativity, inspiration and friendship. Huge hugs xxx

Annie said...

Love your pages Alison and the amazing details you have incorporated (even without certain bits of stash)Great words and its been a pleasure to share most of the journey with you and to have met you a few years ago xx

Huge hugs
Annie xx

Meggymay said...

Well you may not have all your crafting stash close by but you have created an awesome and beautiful page. The layers and colours are lovely and I do like the words, friendships are special in our lives.
Yvonne xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Oh Alison I am so glad you managed to play along for our birthday challenge, despite limited time and supplies, - and what a magnificent spread this is! I love everything about it, the subtle textures created with the torn paper and cheesecloth are fabulous!! As are your signature colours of course!
This has been an incredible journey and I have felt so honoured and happy to have been part of it since its conception alongside the others in our original team. We have all grown in so many ways and I have loved every minute of having been part of your journey. From the early Tim Holtz inspired days to the full blown mixed media, shabby and vintage style inspired projects, it has been a real pleasure to follow you in your creative path and to have become your friend!!! Here is to many more years to come!

hazel said...

Wonderful pages Alison - lovely colours and textures.
xxx Hazel.

froebelsternchen said...

This is such a fantastic design , so beautiful - I love all your layers and all this with limited supplies and time!AMAZING dear Alison! Yes frinds are the family we choose by our own! Thank you for sharing your talent and t and extra "Thank you" for joining us at MOO MANIA & MORE ! So happy to see you with us!
Big hugs, Susi

Cestina said...

I love the Tim Cahill quote. As you know that is precisely how I count my journeys! Xx

craftytrog said...

What a lovely page with that wonderful quote! xx

Anne (cornucopia) said...

This journal page is stunning. Great artwork and quote.

suzyb said...

Excellent piece for limited supplies! You just put things together beautifully Alison :) Thank you for being you.

Mrs.B said...

A fabulous journal spread Alison, your stash may be limited but you've created a beautiful piece that goes so well with your friendship quote.
Avril xx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Absolutely gorgeous perfection Alison. Love it. Happy creative weekend too, Angela xXx

Lys said...

Beautiful spread. As usual when you have less supplies you reach the essential and friendship is.

Let's Art Journal said...

Wow, what amazing pages and so appropriate for your celebrations over at A Vintage Journey! It is a lovely tribute to your dear friends and the words are beautiful and so true 😁. I love your colour palette, how you applied the watercolour and how you used your word stamps to add interest to the background too - stunning! Wishing you a happy Friday and weekend! J 😊 x

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh Alison! Even with limited resources and not a deal of spare time you have still created the most beautiful spread! Wonderful texture and colours that are still so 'you'! Hugs, Chrisx

Lenie said...

Even with limited supplies you made something so beautiful! Love this wonderful page about friendship!
Have a wonderful weekend! Lenie x

Redanne said...

You never cease to amazing me Alison, in that even with your limited supplies you are able to create a stunning spread to represent friendship. The quote is perfect. It is so hard to believe that AVJ is a whole 5 years old and so many wonderful friendships made. I have certainly enjoyed your journey over the years and am pleased that you have found some creative time whilst you are away. Anne xx

Craftyfield said...

A lovely spread Alison, gorgeous blues and brown, Vintage and grungy style. I wouldn't know how to select a travelling craft stash, but hey, if you're missing that vital item, it shouldn't be difficult to find in New York (or get it shipped from any of the US based suppliers!)
Enjoy YOUR journey! xx

Katie said...

This is stunning

Dorthe said...

A brilliant spread, dear Alison ,
I absolutely love your beautiful colors , and the idea of honoring friendship , in this creation. I`m not missing any metal bits, or other things, but feel the story is told wonderfully and so special, as only you can do !! Hugs, Dorthe

S@ndy Diller said...

Such beautiful pages Alison, it has been quite the journey for the past five years. So many great challenges and projects to celebrate. Here is to continuing the journey together. Hugs, S@ndy

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Friendship really is a treasured thing and even more precious if paths can be walked together no matter the day. Your art work is always a pleasure to see and needs no extras as it is created from the heart. Thank you for sharing so much with us over the years.
Happy AVJ Birthday and here is to many more delightful years ahead.
Creative Hugs Tracey xx

Marci said...

You do so much with limited supplies!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

5 years is awesome!!! Love your spread with all the layers and stamping!!!

Neet said...

Well Alison, I looked at the page(s) and knew immediately I liked them. Love the colour, the layout and the extra stamping, not to mention the figures and the quote. Then I read on and realised that this is a very textural piece and I was in awe of your talent.
May you and your tea mates/friends celebrate again in another five years.
Hugs, Neet xx

Hazel Agnew said...

What a wonderful creation Alison and with limited supplies.
I think that I may have to limit myself even at home because everything including the kitchen sink seems to find its way into my work.
Love the negative space. You are such a good teacher. thats something else that I need to brush up on.
I love the sentiment and the mood of your piece reflects the words.
Another triumph and another lesson for me! thanks, Hazel xx

Nikki Acton said...

As always, a beautiful project to celebrate our 5 years and wonderful crafting journey! Adore the subtle layers you have built up with your stamps, collage and paint - creating a perfect layout for the 'friends' and your quote. You were an inspiration when I started crafting and still are today (ahhh!!!). Nikki xx

Deb said...

What a gorgeous journal page Alison, your signature colours and style shine through and I am, as always, captivated by the layers and textures that you always incorporate no matter how limited your supplies may be! It has been my honour and privilege to travel along this road with you as a Creative Guide at A Vintage Journey, it was truly one of the best days of my life when I got the email asking me to join all of you. Your support and caring over the years have made this journey so wonderful and even though we've never met in person I do consider all of you my friends. I hope one day we can indeed meet in person but until then I hope our creative travels will continue together at AVJ. Hugs, Deb xo

Sandra said...

Stunning pages, Alison! Love the torn edges and the touches of blue! The vintage ladies are fabulous! Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Hugs, Sandra

A Pink said...

Reading how busy you are and how short of time and supplies you are , Alison I now feel like a right 'lightweight'having not contributed to the birthday challenge .........

Your pages are so heartwarming with the messages and meaning you are conveying through them. A beautiful example of how to create well with ltd resources and time.

Its been an honour and priviledge to travel with you since joined AVJ 4 years ago . Your friendship , support and creative inpsiration are truly valued - Thank you.
Here's hoping the journey will continue :)

Hugs x

Roosterhead Designs said...

Hello to you Alison!
[I am a bit late in my visits, but] so glad I was able to stop in and see these wonderful pages! I wanted to say I really enjoyed seeing the way you approached using the metal bound kraft journal; adding your art into the book. It really gives that bit of metal that might be missing due to your limited supplies at this time~ I like the definition it leaves.
I learn something every time I visit. : ) Sincerely.
The photo's sharing your processes are so helpful! <3 Gorgeous layers of texture~ Beautiful art! And your word stamps are so moving. I like the story you tell of the friends too. : ) I also like taking a little time to study the clothes, boots, hats . . .
Soo cool!
Thanks for sharing Alison, this is a wonderful vintage piece! Hugs, karen o

Mac Mable said...

Happy Birthday x I am always inspired by your blog posts and that of The Vintage Journey blog.....Thank you x
Amazing what you have created using your limited supplies.....And so glad you found some time to creative these fabulous pages x

sarascloset said...

Beautiful page spread, Alison, in your lovely dreamlike and flowing style. I adore the colors and your wonderful background stamping. Your words pair so well with those vintage friends. Love this, as I do with all your work! I hope the weather is being kind to you in NY. Sending warm hugs and my apologies for being so late to see your post!

Julia Aston said...

What a wonderful sentiment from your new stamp set Alison! love the blues - the vintage friends - your layering of papers and beautiful splatter! You're so near to me (NY) and yet so far (Boston)! xx