International Journal Swap - Mythology #2

Finished my page for Helen

International Journal Swap - Mythology #1

I've finally gotten around to starting on the journal from Helen on the theme of Mythology. I've been thinking, deliberating and procrastinating for a couple of weeks now. One of the themes I was mentally kicking around was mermaids and when Helen said that she liked mermaids my decision was made. I started by making a background collage of sea themed papers, atlas pages, vintage sailing book, a song about the sea, and a vintage travel book about the Tropic of Capricorn.

I then used watersoluble crayons and gesso, together with acrylics, stamps, stencilling to add interest to the background. I've just started painting the mermaid and have a ways to go yet. I'm so glad to be off the starting blocks. It is so seemingly difficult working in someone else's journal, will I make a complete mess of it and ruin it, etc. But once I was working I suddenly realised that I was not thinking about what I might do, but about what I was doing. So the moral of the story is to just get going, doing something I'm familar with - collaged backgrounds and let the rest flow.

Ed Vedder - Can't keep

This just gave me the chills and reminded me of when Pearl Jam just left me speechless on Unplugged, so many, many years ago, but I've never forgotten that moment.

Fabric ATCs

I've been making some fabric ATCs for a swap on Roses on the Table, the theme being cats so I decided to use images of my own cats. Above is Archie.

Here's Mickey

And finally Merlin.

You'll have noticed that Bill Biggles is not amongst them. He just will not sit up to have his photo taken. He would like to thank all his internet Aunties for all the birthday wishes, purr, purr ;)

Bill Biggles 1st Birthday

At first the birthday boy was a bit reluctant to have his picture taken, no time to pose, got a fly to catch, one of his favourite occupations.

Then, shattered, he decided to flop by his adopted scratching post. It's exactly 6 months to the day since I adopted him from the shelter and as they thought he was 6 months old today it's his official birthday. He's a wonderful, lively lad, always up to something. I caught him dragging a big fillet of smoked fish home yesterday, goodness knows where he got that from, hope it wasn't someone's tea! Many happy returns Billyboy!

Lavender Bag

Finally got round to making a lavender bag out of a vintage napkin I bought off of ebay some time ago. I quite enjoyed doing a bit of hand sewing, I'd forgotten how theraputic it is. I've got another 5 napkins, each with an embroidered flower in the corner so I can make a few more of these and there is plenty of left over fabric for some other little projects.

Fairy Bedrolls

Been making rolled felt beads for a swap today, first time I've tried it and I just thought they looked so cute, they should be on a hiking fairy's backpack, if such a thing exists, lol.

And another one

I've put more flowers on this one and swapped the two pinks around, they are really fun to make

Fondant Kiss Boudoir Swap

My swap partner, Anne's parcel arrived, beautifully wrapped, complete with luscious green ribbon and jaunty blue feather.


Inside was this beautiful crocheted cushion, complete with feather boa, so 'boudoir darling', I love it. The flower in the centre is adorned with little beads, she really has gone to alot of trouble to make it so pretty. Inside the lovely silk bag were some delicious choccys. The card is so shabby chic, it is so my style. I'm absolutely thrilled Anne!

Earlier in the week I made Anne this covered clothes hanger for this swap. My first non-granny square crocheted piece. I teamed it with a jeweled photoframe with Audrey Hepburn in and some choccys. With many thanks to MarmaladeRose for her instructions for the clothes hanger. This was the first swap of this kind and I've really enjoyed it.

My journal has started on it's journey, I reluctantly posted it out yesterday. Reluctantly because it's become precious to me and I have to trust the postal services not to lose it. But on the plus side I'm so looking forward to seeing what the other artists create on my theme.


In this pouch above, I have sign in tags like seed markers and I'm asking them to put their name, the date and their favourite flower and then if they feel so inclined to put a tassel, bead or charm etc on it and I'm hoping to have them hanging from the spine of the journal at the end. When it returns I'm hoping to put a fabric cover on it.

Little letter to the artists

Let the fun commence!