Tuesday, December 08, 2015

New art journal project: December 2015 Sharing the process (1)

Up for discussion on thought processes, techniques, aims and outcome for artists.

AIM & CREATIVE ASPIRATION:
To create a journal 'page' (pocket) to insert into an art journal, to hold 'secrets', without being too obvious about it (even though I was going to create a sign, 'Secret Thoughts' to go on the front of the page, on the diagonal slant!).
Strangely enough, the first thing was to create a page behind it. I wanted something to entice someone to turn the pocket to discover what is underneath, and what would view, or photograph well. It had to reflect the diagonal format of the pocket, so that it was a good mate for the pocket. It needed to be simple, but interesting.



ART JOURNAL, PAGE 2: 
Diagonal, beauty, simple, but interesting. I like using old papers so the background paper is a page from a 1930s botany book. I chose one with floral illustrations. The top is purely a piece of scrapbooking-type paper, but with a glistening gold upon a floral background. Giving a pretty interest and incentive to turn the page.
I cut it to size, on the diagonal, and adhered it with Yes! glue - I love that it is not a wet glue, and stays flat. I then used a continuous border punch to punch out the right side of the page. So simple, but this did what I wanted. For the journalist, I envision either cutting out phrases or sayings or words in strips, and pasting them upon the surface, or shaping some lined or plain paper in a random shape, with torn edge on the lower portion of the page, trying not to cover too much of the illustration.


ART JOURNAL, PAGE 1:
My original idea was to provide a 'secret pocket' with a 'secret thoughts' graphic that could be coloured with pencils, pens or paint. I did not do the graphic, as it worked out. But have provided the graphic at the end of this blog entry to be downloaded (.pdf) if you'd like to use it.
I folded a piece of regular vellum paper in half (portrait orientation - fold bottom half up to cover top half) and cut it at journal width. This then seals the bottom of the 'pocket'. I then added washi tape to the open edge on the right, overlapping the edge, to close the side up. I thought of sewing up this side. I also thought of using hand-stitching, doing blanket stitch with beads on the edging, but wanted this to be a page that a viewer might turn, without worrying too much about what it contained. For the 'secrets' to be added.
I made a tag from brown cardstock that mimics a cardboard finish. Again, the shape was made in simple form, to that It doesn't seem too complex. I carefully lined up the same washi tape for the pocket edge and filled most of the surface of the tag. But I didn't want it to reach the edge of the tag. It was a bit fiddly to do, but I did it! I found a piece of striped bakers' twine to top off the tag. I recently bought 3 old cigarette cards for the princely sum of $1.50, and had one of them in mind, but had forgotten about the hollyhock one. Once I saw it there, I knew that was the one! I haven't glued it on as yet, but will. I love that it shows through the vellum, letting the journalist know there is something important in the pocket, but no so obvious to a visiting viewer. Because of the diagonals, then the tag needs to be placed nearest the binding edge (left). The tag back is then used for writing thoughts on the back of it!
I then added a vintage paper from 1898, and folded it to size, in 3 portions (2 folds). I cut it to the height and almost the width of the pocket. Again, this is simple, and not 'too' interesting - the vintage handwriting giving some sign of life, but not 'advertising' what might be inside once unfolded. So, this piece of paper, with writing on the outside is meant to be opened to the journalist's secret writings, photo, or treasures. CAUTION: If using a pen to write your 'secrets', first make sure it doesn't bleed through to the outside - or you can write on a different piece of paper, and just place it inside for safe keeping. The open edge is to the right, and placed to the right of the pocket.
What I'm outlining aren't 'rules' but just part of my own creative process and reasoning. Why do people even think that we just slap paint and paper around, with no thought behind it? True, our original ideas might not be what eventually comes out, but being able to process and act upon what 'works' and what doesn't is a big part of the artistic process. Here is the final result:

If you'd like the graphic that I was going to put on the diagonal on this page it's here. To download click on the image, then right click and select to save - it's .png format, Enjoy! ~Jillian

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

"Finding me" series - art journal collage page

"Finding me" series. Collage "I Love Roses" *Photo more roses *Buy roses * Teach painting roses * Buy Rose bushes for my garden * Gift roses * Write rose painting tutorial * Decorate with Roses * Paint more roses * Rose design.  (One not included * Rose fashion.) Artist: Jillian Crider - includes 2 of my paintings (lower left), and 3 of my photos (circles on right). Watercolor pencils. Ink pens lettering.

Ink pen hand lettering. Watercolour pencil washes and lettering (I love Roses).

Sunday, November 15, 2015

This journey, this adventure, starts today ...

Sometimes life changes are SO massive - things that were so familiar or treasured are gone. Changes so great that, with surprise, you realise that you no longer know who you are, what you feel, what you need, and even how to live your life ...

So you need to embark on a journey of discovery to find yourself, to re-invent yourself, and to find new treasures to love, so that you are are once again comfortable in your own skin. This journey, this adventure starts this day ...

Thursday, November 12, 2015

"Nature's Beautiful Gift" White Swan watercolour/watercolor ACEO.

This swan painting was done for a special reason. ACEO watercolour/watercolor - 2.5x3.5" "Nature's Beautiful Gift" It's not from one of my photos, but from the image gallery on WetCanvas. Hope you all enjoy seeing it anyway.
Artist: Jillian Crider - artistjillian

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Collage - Photo rescue - "King(s) of the Castle"

I love to 'rescue' and reuse old papers and particularly old photos. Remembering that photos from the 20s and 30s were still a new thing, with snapshots being taken of almost anything around.
I was amazed at the size of this haystack, and saw the 3 workers on top of the hay on the horses' dray. So anonymous, and all probably long forgotten. But with smiles all round it bought forward childhood memories of yelling out "I'm king of the Castle" ("and you're the Dirty Rascal") whenever you managed to grab a spot upon something higher than anyone else. Be it sandcastle, woodpile or haystack!
So these three amigos are thus joined together in this collage, with their crowns firmly over their heads!
Base is an old botany book from around the same time (20s-30s), red stripes in watercolor/watercolour. The photo, still on black album paper, enlarged photo of the 3 workers on transparency, backed with white gesso. Crowns on cream cardstock with torn edge, and papers from a very old ledger and washi tape. Pencil and ink added.
It's funny sometimes how images come to you and you manage to piece them together to become so much more.
~Jillian

Sunday, October 18, 2015

New: Pumpkins and flowers on a door step. Unique pen & wash painting.


"Doorstep Domination" - A totally new ACEO (2.5x3.5") from me. A continuation of my 'garden series' - painted on old handwritten ledger paper (1898) glued onto cardstock art card, partially gesso'd, then pen & wash painting (ink + watercolor/watercolour). Fall foliage with pumpkins massed on an old doorstop in front of a vintage window with lace curtains. On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/…/25…/original-aceo-ink-and-watercolour? Artist: Jillian Crider (artistjillian)

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

"Red, White and Never Blue" ACEO Shriner clown painting

An ACEO listing in my re-vamped Etsy store. Original watercolor/watercolour painting "Red, White and Never Blue" - 2.5 x 3.5" A wonderful Shriner circus clown.
Click the link below to go to my Etsy listing.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/251858779/original-aceo-watercolour-sfa-circus?
I think with Au vs. USA pricing this should work out as a reasonable price to USA buyers, even with postage.

Reopening my Etsy 'artistjillian' (Art of Jillian Crider) store.

It's a slow process but I'm officially reopening my Etsy 'artistjillian' (Art of Jillian Crider) store. Hope you'll come check it out. Had a few things with it to work out, but seem to be getting there.
Click on the image to go to my store, or use the URL on the image, or click on ... www.Etsy.com/shop/artistjillian
http://www.Etsy.com/shop/artistjillian

Thank you. So very much appreciated. I'll be doing some new work for the shop soon.
~Jillian

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Personal News: Relocation/Update.

I'm not going to go into much detail as my story is long and complicated. The long and short of it is that I have had to move from USA back to my homeland, Australia.
Thank you everyone who has followed me on this.
I've moved and traveled much, but this is the most difficult and intense. I've been back in Australia just on 3 months now, and still far from settling in, and yet trying to.
I truly appreciate all the support I've been given.
~Jillian

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Kit #002 - musician, music lover art journal KIT! 4x6"


Find this kit here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/234075864/kit-002-music-theme-art-journal-4x6?  - price reduced! There are 7 altogether - 1 sold. - so check my shop.

 Making the world lovelier, one image at a time ...

Kit for making a music journal - using pages from a vintage book on Beethoven. Perfect for any music lover. Be inspired by this wonderful musician. I started it - you finish it! 4x6" (handy size!) Unique, OOAK. There will only be 7 kits offered in this series.
I usually make almost complete journals, but this is one to work on, and make your own. FREE SHIPPING IN U.S.A.

The kit (#2) includes:
* Two 6" x 4.5" chipboard (acid-free) covers (paste favorite images or music pages, or paint on these to finish).
* One of my favorite images - female violinist on music background - printed high quality photo matte paper for cover (if desired).
* 38 pages sized 6" x 4" - cut by hand (I like a hand-made look, so imperfections exist, to add character) - from pages of a vintage (1970s) book on Beethoven. NOTE: the images are partial papers, so they do NOT 'stand alone' they are meant for inspiration and feature some of Beethoven's music, handwriting, etc. They are meant to be used for altering, not read. Decorate, add stickers, add your own text, to make the journal 'yours'.
* 15 pages (approx.) from book, as above - but with added elements - musical or romantic roses or images to 'alter' the look of these pages, for inspiration, and for you to add your own decoration or writing. Some images are not on book pages, but on plain paper, or vintage paper.
* 2 'letter' size sheets of musical and romantic (roses) clip art images - to be used to decorate your journal how you wish (19 images) printed high quality, on matte photo paper.
* 6 .png files - text/journal writing pages, with lines. 5 with images, one with just lines. For printing onto 6" x 4" blank index cards - print as many as you wish, so that you can have writing pages in your journal. These files will either be sent on CD, or emailed to you.

Please allow for miscounting. You will get extras which will more than make up if I'm short on my count. :)

I'll include suggestions on how to complete your journal - it's simple enough. You just need a hole punch and circular binder rings - but also other suggestions.

A lot of time went into disassembling the Beethoven book, selecting images, printing them, creating the graphics, and choosing the images, and content, as well as putting it all together. And while this is one of 7 I have put together, each is totally different and unique. Made even more unique by your personal touches and assembly.

... so ... sketch, paint, write, enjoy and be inspired by the pages to your heart's content.

Some wonderful art journal kits available on my DreamyPapers Etsy account.

Find this kit here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/232955989/kit-art-journal-4x6-beethoven-music?  - price reduced! There are 7 altogether - 1 sold. - so check my shop.

Making the world lovelier, one image at a time ...

Kit for making a music journal - using pages from a vintage book on Beethoven. Perfect for any music lover. Be inspired by this wonderful musician. I started it - you finish it! 4x6" (handy size!) Unique, OOAK. There will only be 7 kits offered in this series.
I usually make almost complete journals, but this is one to work on, and make your own. FREE SHIPPING IN U.S.A.

The kit (#1) includes:
* Two 6" x 4.5" chipboard (acid-free) covers (paste favorite images or music pages, or paint on these to finish).
* One of my favorite images - female violinist on music background - printed high quality photo matte paper for cover (if desired).
* 38 pages sized 6" x 4" - cut by hand (I like a hand-made look, so imperfections exist, to add character) - from pages of a vintage (1970s) book on Beethoven. NOTE: the images are partial papers, so they do NOT 'stand alone' they are meant for inspiration and feature some of Beethoven's music, handwriting, etc. They are meant to be used for altering, not read. Decorate, add stickers, add your own text, to make the journal 'yours'.
* 19 pages (approx.) from book, as above - but with added elements - musical or romantic roses or images to 'alter' the look of these pages, for inspiration, and for you to add your own decoration or writing. Some images are not on book pages, but on plain paper, or vintage paper.
* 2 'letter' size sheets of musical and romantic (roses) clip art images - to be used to decorate your journal how you wish (19 images) printed high quality, on matte photo paper.
* 6 .png files - text/journal writing pages, with lines. 5 with images, one with just lines. For printing onto 6" x 4" blank index cards - print as many as you wish, so that you can have writing pages in your journal. These files will either be sent on CD, or emailed to you.

Please allow for miscounting. You will get extras which will more than make up if I'm short on my count. :)

I'll include suggestions on how to complete your journal - it's simple enough. You just need a hole punch and circular binder rings - but also other suggestions.

A lot of time went into disassembling the Beethoven book, selecting images, printing them, creating the graphics, and choosing the images, and content, as well as putting it all together. And while this is one of 7 I have put together, each is totally different and unique. Made even more unique by your personal touches and assembly.

... so ... sketch, paint, write, enjoy and be inspired by the pages to your heart's content. 



Saturday, March 28, 2015

A new mixed media collage - Bird on a wire.



This is new, and somewhat different for me. It's taken me a while to work on it, mainly trying to get all the elements together and perfect. I did have the beeswax on too thick, and finally found my heat gun and took a chance to work on it, and it worked really well! YAY!

SFA - Original collage with beeswax, original photo(s), old papers, and skeleton leaves. On Etsy. 4.5x4.5" for those who love birds and nature/natural things.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/227944616/original-collage-bird-on-a-wire-vintage

Rodeo Cowgirl - original watercolor painting.

SALE: I think this is the first time I have ever offered this for sale online.

www.ebay.com/itm/291418251647? "With a Whoop and a Holler" SFA (Small Format Art) original watercolor - Australian cowgirl of the year 2002/2003. Cleaning out my closets ... Check out all my works on sale - offers considered. Thank you! Approx. 10x8" includes free frame.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

A freebie - sign up now ... (thanks!!!!)


I'm running a bit behind, but this is already designed, just have some 'tweeking' to do. My next newsletter will be going out in the next week, and will always have a freebie for you. Please sign up for my mailing list.

This time it is a box the size of playing card decks - to store ACEO and ATC art cards or other treasures. It is handwritten vintage paper with one of my own ACEO sketches of a cat on it. It has labels for the top and sides so you can keep these boxes as storage, and label them on a shelf, if you like.

Go to my website: http://www.DreamyPaper.com and sign up with the link for my mailing list from there. BE SURE to confirm your sign up - check your email mailbox for the confirmation email, or you won't be signed up.

Thanks so much. Looking forward to you joining in on the fun!

~Jillian

Thursday, February 12, 2015

SALE: Miniature art gold frames x2.

Mini art frames for sale oval opening gold wood carved Dreamy Papers
I bought far too many of these many years ago when I was thinking of opening a gallery based on small format  and miniature artworks. And to enter miniature art shows. These frames have never been used. So they are new. My current situation is where I need to downsize drastically.
The oval opening is for 2.5x3" it says, but not sure of the accuracy of that. The frames exterior dimensions are 4 3/8 x 4 1/8" approximately. And the width of the frame is approximately 3/8" thick.
That thickness does NOT include the easel back. Backed with black paper. I have successfully removed the easel back, and covered it with paper to enter my paintings in miniature art society exhibitions. They appear to be a light-weight wood, so easy to add screws or hanging ring to the back to comply with show rules.
The gold finish is a very bold gold under some light, it is crackled/antiqued somewhat, but muted. It is not an all-over flat gold finish. The cold is definitely metallic in appearance. The focus would be on the art, not on the frame. I do love these. They are NOT a matching pair.

Buy securely through PayPal (button below).
Both for $13.00 USD
PRIORITY SHIPPING $5.95


Sorry, this listing is for continental US buyers only.
If you're located somewhere else, please contact me and maybe something can be arranged. I've been burned by USPS rates for things going outside continental US, lately. Thank you.

Saturday, February 07, 2015

A Tribute To Our Four-Footed Friend. Wyatt.

Yesterday took an unexpected turn of events. Although Wyatt has had medical 'issues' since around Christmas, this really broad-sided us.
What was just a supposedly 'minor' vet visit for skin condition, expanded into an Xray with very unwelcome news, with a combination of 'issues'.
So, somewhere, Wyatt is now flying free and in peace. Much loved. And very much missed.
Thank you Wyatt, for all you gave to us.
But unfortunately, for now, I'm heartbroken.
~Jillian

Thursday, February 05, 2015

Fuchsia Lore - gallery of my fuchsia art and creations NEW - on my website.

I reconnected with some Fuchsia friends of mine, so set up a page on my website that covers my fuchsia art creations.

Illustrations, art, fuchsia lore gifts, paintings, collages, and even rubber stamp designs I've done. http://www.jilliancrider.com/galleries-fuchsia-lore 

 - hope you'll check out my work. Special requests welcome.

At one stage I had 300 named varieties of fuchsias and belonged to the Australian Fuchsia Society.

Sunday, February 01, 2015

Digital backing paper FREEBIE - sign up for my newsletter, that will have more ...

FREEBIE ... Sign up for my newsletter (one that will have freebies on a regular basis for arting and crafting) - on http://www.DreamyPapers.com - and get this freebie for signing up.

Valid until 30th April 2015. But get in early so that you can start getting my newsletter with freebies and lots of fab stuff!

NOTE: There is a 2-part sign up, you're not signed up until you confirm through your email account. It is easy to unsubscribe at any time.

Another in my garden series - "A Zen Moment" White Cat and Buddah in sunlit garden.


To be found on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/291365938377?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

"A Zen Moment"
ORIGINAL ACEO pen & wash (watercolor) painting on top of an old 1888 ledger paper
(backed with acid-free cardstock).

ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals), always 2.5x3.5"!
SFA - Small Format Art (nothing over 14")

"Original unique artwork. I love and collect old papers, but there are so many wonderful things to do with them.
This is a genuine 1887 handwritten ledger page, backed with acid-free cardstock.
Some of the original handwriting appears on the vintage paper.
On top I've done some pen and wash paintings/sketches from my photos of gardens and other delights.
One of the things I admire about cats is their ability to have 'zen' moments in a slice of sunshine.
But this one really was all about the setting. Lovely garden greenery, mossy steps, all sunlit.
Shared with a stunning Buddha. Anyone's ideal zen moment, I'm sure.
I've used white gesso under some of the painting - as this helps to make the colors 'pop' a little more.
This is the same type of sketching used in art journals, urban sketches, and travel diaries.

Hope you enjoy these as much as I have in discovering these wonderful gardens, and creating these little paintings.
Location: Medford, Oregon."

by Jillian Crider
size 2.5" x 3.5" - ACEO


Friday, January 16, 2015

Another ACEO in pen & wash (watercolor) in my 'Garden' series.

Another in my 'garden' series ACEOs (2.5x3.5"). Pansies "The Pansy Patch" - pen and wash (watercolor) on top of old (1887-88) handwritten ledger paper.


I loved pansies as a child, and still always see laughing, happy faces in the 'face' of each one of them.

Available on eBay. All my previous ACEOs in this series have now sold out. www.ebay.com/itm/291356026920?

Monday, January 12, 2015

Sign up for my newsletter for first notifications of some new things coming ...

ANNOUNCEMENT: January 2015 - SIGN UP for my MAILING LIST. I have exciting plans for this coming new year. It's a BIG secret, but by signing up, you'll be first to know, as well as getting some 'freebies' along the way for art and craft projects.

Sign up on this website home page: http://www.DreamyPapers.com 
Thank you.

Don't forget to confirm your subscriptions.

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

A failed journal experiment = GIVEAWAY TIME!



An experiment. Too much time spent in making this journal for 2015 but full of flaws, but too nice to toss - Intended for journaling joys, gratitude and accomplishments for a positive outlook to 2015, each day. Just comment on the thread that I'll link to on FaceBook , and I'll number each comment and use random.org to choose a number, noon January 12th 2015 (PST) - need for USA people only. Sorry. I can't pay postage to anyone out of USA. But will partially pay some of the cost, for out of USA, if winner is willing.

COVER: Mis-punched - washi tape used to correct somewhat but it it's still flawed. The journal opens well, though, and is quite useable. Though somewhat careful handling is needed. Can unbind the book and use pages in a journal you create yourself. I designed this imagery - old lined paper and vintage flower image. So it is OOAK.

BACK COVER: Mis-punched - washi tape used to correct somewhat (like with front cover), but it's still flawed.  

INSIDE: First approx. 7 pages: The first 7 pages have been mis-punched (new punch machine - trying to get used to it!), and washi tape used to somewhat re-punch. Vintage 1886 paper used on inside front and back cover, which is chipboard.

INSIDE: Most of the inside of the book looks OK. Fully functional, and although the punched holes may be slightly askew, the journal still will be a pretty and functional one.

These pages could be unbound? Just twist the binding to unbind, it comes right out with thread/twist. Then use the loose pages in a larger journal you design and incorporate these into it. The covers - perhaps use the inside vintage paper as the 'canvas' for a new artwork - using your favorite art supplies, or mixed media, or collage?



Have fun. Be inspired. Good luck.
Facebook thread to comment on, to enter the draw is:
https://www.facebook.com/jillian.crider/posts/10153526327504128

Thanks all.
~Jillian





 

A great chance to 'grab' some of my work.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/291348344614
SALE: Like never before. This is a 5 day auction with starting price of $25 - which includes shipping in the USA. Or pay shipping if out of USA. Super, super low price on this framed art that is one of my favorites. Please read description, this painting has hung in galleries previously. I need to clear out my closets! www.ebay.com/itm/291348344614 6x6" SFA canvas "Perfection in Pink".