Monday, December 1, 2008

Neocolor Gardener's Journal.....

Sometimes we begin a project that we think we will enjoy and it ends up being a nighmare -- either because we are not happy with the quality of our work (I've recently suffered through one of those after spending weeks on it) or, because we are simply NOT enjoying the process. Other times we begin a project not knowing exactly what direction it will take us and end up gaining a wealth of knowledge, valuable experience and, if we're lucky, indulging our creative muse along the way. This was one of the projects.

What started out as a painting "experiment" on some white duck cloth when I first received my Neocolors in the mail, ended up being free motion embroidered, quilted, is being beaded and turned in to a Journal cover. (I'm currently beading the centers of some of the flowers with crystals and beads.)

After inserting the blank lined journal into the cover to make sure it fit, I decided that blank pages just wouldn't do. Once again, I got out the Neocolors, and a few of my favorite gardening magazines and went to work as I clipped out words, flowers, and implements to adorn the pages which I later modpodged down, and watercolored around - being extra careful to NOT saturate the pages too much with either water or color so they can be easily written upon by the special person for whom this journal was made.

I plan on making another one of these soon, utilizing the knowledge I gained from the first one, as there are many things I will do differently -- next time.
As an endnote: I also finished some bookmarks I made with my Neocolors when I first got them. They too are off to new homes within the next week.
Now, it's time to get back to work.
I've only got 24 more days!!
The generous man enriches himself by giving; the miser hoards himself poor. - Dutch Proverb
'Tis the Season for Giving...
Give from the heart!
C~

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I looooooove NeoColors too.

I'm so glad you had a positive experience making this journal. I hate having bad experiences--especially when you've invested time, effort, hopes and dreams...

Unknown said...

Cathie, this book is wonderful and looks like the incarnation of summer:) so beautiful and I love the playful way in which you did the finishing of the pages. A beautiful piece of work, I just love the colours. And the Proverb is so true!
Say hello to your family, dogs included,
love
Andrea

Anonymous said...

that is GREAT!! Just found your blog today and will come back to look around more another day:)

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

Great job on the Neocolor notebook! Beautiful colors and I love the flowers.

Vicki W said...

Your journal is beautiful!

Jennifer R.D. said...

Cathie, The journal and the bookmarks are gorgeous!
I enjoyed your playlist!
Hugs,
Jen
P.S. I posted the new theme a little late, but it's there!

~debbie turner altman said...

Love it, you inspire me so!

3rdEyeMuse said...

wow! that is one experiment that went way above totally right! it's really quite a WONDERFUL journal!

Unknown said...

Lovely!

*~tabby~* crooked heart art said...

hey girl!!!!!!!!!
oh cathy look at this wonderful art you are doing!! yum yum
fantastic colors and beauty
you go girl :)
enjoy your day
tammy

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

Ooooo, I love that cover. You have me playing with my neocolors again too! Thanks for reminding me of how great they are!

Pursuing Art... said...

Oh Cathie...the journal is BEAUTIFUL!!! And you are beading some of the centers with crystals and beads?!!! Y E S!!! They will only add to the beauty of those flowers!!! I can hardly stand it...I would love to play with neocolors too...what fun! Love the bookmarks...they are lovely! Someone is going to be very spoiled with your heart art!!!

Hugs to you...22 days and counting...YIKES!!! ~Lisa ;-)

Anonymous said...

Not sure which I like better, the placekeepers or the journal. It seems you are mastering the Neo Crayons very well. I really like your website it is very artistic and the music isn't half bad either. Hey did Bonjovi ever call you? I asked him to.
Jade

ACey said...

now I was sure I had left a comment here! The journal is so vibrant and ALIVE - what a beautiful place to keep garden notes. Also like the proverb you highlighted.

Unknown said...

I love what you have done with the Neocolors!!! I'm inspired to pull mine out and play.
Just Fabulous!!
Ophelia

jude said...

i think you have made an important point about the value of experience and first hand knowledge.

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

Hi again. I just wanted to tell you that I just posted about some new pastels that I got and I thought of you -- you might love these!

Kim Walus said...

Love, Love, your creativity! Beautiful projects!

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