Points of Two is an experiment in journaling with myself and Roben Marie! Check out our archives to see the previous weeks' pages.
When I suggested this week’s theme — make a puffy-heart journal page — I had no idea what I was in for!
I’m used to sewing clothing (okay, cosplay outfits for conventions!) and bags, and freestyle stitching, as I was introduced to in Traci Bautista’s book Collage Unleashed, has been really, really hard for me. I like straight-ish lines and cheat when I have to do corners (put the needle through the fabric, lift the foot, shift everything...though I’m sure this is a REAL trick, I feel like I’m cheating!). So this presented a challenge to me.
When I sew, I don’t use patterns. Trust me — you learn how to do this FAST when you’re creating a costume from Card Captor Sakura and just can’t find her first movie outfit in Jo-Ann’s collection of patterns. But for this, I created the heart pattern on some paper and used that as a template for the two sides of the heart, as well as the canvas I used to write on.
But then I just kinda made it up as I went along. I placed the lace and fabric on there as I would when approaching a collage — just slap it down and make sure it stays in place. And it IS liberating to just stitch around and not worry about mistakes. I had to go over one area three times because the stitches just wouldn’t go where I wanted them to!
One thing I did that I do want to talk about is this: I got Roben-Marie’s “page” before I started mine, and used it as a guide for making my own. Why? Because this was my first time, and she’s used to making puffy hearts! So I used her wisdom, gained through making several before this, by imitating her style. See how different ours look, though? Yes — you can imitate, and take notes, and use others’ work as a guide, but always put your own soul and style and gift into it. There’s no doubt you could look at these and tell who’s is who’s...and yet, they started with the same idea.
And see? A journal page doesn't need to be in a journal, or even on a paper or fabric page -- it can be ANYTHING!
Now, if only my sewing machine would co-operate with me a little more, I could see myself making a few more of these!
And Roben-Marie's marvelous heart. I love the Psalm on the bottom -- I think I'll write it down and hang it above my desk.
Also, please go let me know what time is best for you to see my live vlog on Tuesdays, if you haven’t already. According to what I’ve collected thus far, it looks like we’re moving to 7pm CST.
And check out my NEW journaling vid. I just sat down, turned on the camera, and had fun playing. It was more about making pretty and experimenting with layers and colors and materials than a conscious collage-making session. And I LOVE each part of it (and am happy I documented it, because there’s some stuff in there I’d like to remember how to do!).
Never be afraid to completely cover up a layer or element! Just go for it — your journal will love you for your bravery! (see my heart? I completely covered some lace...and just went with it!)
