* For those who write

Another journal for those who write. This is a large book, 8 1/2 X 11 with lots of space to spread out. It has an oriental theme.

A peaceful cover with a 'fuzzy' gold and black binding.  I made two sets of charms out of cloisonne beads I had (hearts and butterflies) as well as some pearls.

The inside cover makes sure you know the theme is oriental.  :o)  Again I enclosed a postcard for identification.

Once again in this journal I tried to add a few pages of interest, just to inspire.

A pocket with two photo matts in it.  I have pulled them out quite far so you can see them, however they tuck away very nicely.

A pocket page

Another pocket page.  Don't you just love the umbrella paper!

The inside cover at the back.  I think I might leave the back outside cover plain black.  We shall see.

I'm sitting outside on the terrace, ceiling fan going, a glass of wine beside me, Habibi asleep at my feet.  Doesn't get better than this, unless of course, YOU popped in!  Thanks for all your visits, even if I don't see you in person, I feel like I have.  I have really enjoyed all the creativity going on in blog land lately.  You all amaze me.

“Go where you are celebrated – not tolerated. If they can’t see the real value of you, it’s time for a new start.” –Unknown

 

* A Lady's Diary, ready to rock ...

If someone wants a very feminine book to write in - this is it.  I plan to put more glitter here and there on the pages I have done on the inside. Every ten pages or so, I tried to put a little perk in so the book wasn't sterile inside. Glitter will 'kick it up a notch' -- I'm big on that these days. BRraahahahahah! The front has lots of glitter around the flowers. It's a clear glitter and gives more of a sparkle than colour so you may not be able to see it too well. Diamond glaze went on the title and pearls were added to the middle of each flower. Lots of ribbons and I moved the crystal and pearl charm closer to the bottom of the rings. Seems to like it better, so here we go ...

I've got it sitting on the paper a little crooked -- however --- these are my new business cards.  All pertinent information on the reverse side.  Over the coming months, prints, and cards will become available to buy on the blog.  Don't rush me.  :o)  Lots to do yet.  

My lovely ladies - you are my treasures.  The comments you leave sometimes bring a tear to my eye, and often make me smile.  I am grateful for you and all those following me on this journey.  Thanks for stopping in.  Do wish it could be in person.  That Sangria is pretty good on a hot day.  :o)  Thank you for being you.

The heart and soul of blogging is the individual and/or the group of individuals opining on the fly and responding post-haste to one and all.

Michael Conniff

 

* Finished the cover of A Lady's Diary today.

Trouble is, I'm not used to working with ready mades - and have left the back undone. It is going to be a challenge to bling it up without compromising the front! Ah well ... live and learn. Started to do a little work on the inside - not much - just enough to catch the owners interest.  Here's the cover ...

more tomorrow

The weekend flew by - hope you had a good one.  Once again, thanks so much for your visits and your comments.  You really keep me going.

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us." Joseph Campbell

We cannot have just plan A for our lives, there should always be B, C and X, because life is in a constant process of change and what we had planned a few years ago may not be relevant today. It does not mean you should not have any plans but rather that you had some spontaneity element left for any of your plans. There might be a much bigger destiny pre-planned for you than you have planned yourself.

  

Another journal on its way ....

I had some ready made hard covered blank journals with me, so thought I might as well use them. Also had the one and only cover page for Graphic 45's "A Ladies Diary". I seem to have a few of those for some reason. Thought I might as well use them up. I don't really like using a ready made journals - especially with rings because there is always that 'gap'. However, I think with lots of ribbon, flowers and some bling, no one will notice the white strip down the side. I've just begun and really have no idea where I'm going with it after this. I guess we will see tomorrow. So far it looks like this ...

I'm beginning with the front inside cover because "Google Chrome" (ghrrrrr) insists upon it.  I made a pocket, put a vintage postcard in it saying "If this diary is found please return to:"

The lovely Victorian Lady with the hat and parasol wouldn't fit on this smaller format, so had to improvise.  

A better shot with no shadows

Also made some envelopes today out of lovely hand made paper ...

And some small envelopes to put your secrets in and hide them away in your journal.  Love these.  They are made from old ledger paper.

The little pink one will probably go in "A Lady's Diary"

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.  It's lovely here - hope the weather is gorgeous where you are so you can get outside.  Thanks so much for dropping in.  It truly is a privilege to have so many followers and want to say thank you to you all for being here.  When I began this blog I truly thought I would be a person who would last less than three months!  It's been a wonderful surprise to me to meet such wonderful, like minded people   Do leave a comment if you have even the slightest urge to do so.  I love reading what you think.

“Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater.”

- Mary Manin Morrissey

 

* Imagine - I kicked it up a notch ...

just a small notch mind you. I think people like to see a little something in an art journal to get them going - so I spent the day playing and popping a little something here and a little something there.  There are still tons of blank pages on which to begin from scratch.

Didn't do anything to the outside, but made the inside a little more appealing, I think.

made a book mark.  Gotta have a little Frida and a little Our Lady or it wouldn't be Mexico.

I think this was in a gift pack from Nancy Lynn.  It has all sorts of neat pockets in it and places to hide things.  Thanks Nancy!

This is two pages stuck together - lots of stuff to hide in there.

So that's it for today lovely ladies.  It's a little cloudy tonight and a little cooler.  Feels good.  Thanks so much for dropping by and a special thanks for leaving your comments.  I just love reading them!  xo

“Without love,
all worship is a burden,
all dancing is a chore,
all music is mere noise.
All the rain of heaven may fall into the sea.
Without love,
not one drop could become a pearl.”

—

Rumi

 

On a roll now ....

Just can't stop making journals now! A couple more in the offing I think. Todays is a copic bound journal with five signatures of lovely heavy cream paper which takes paint well. It's a nice size - about 7 1/2 X 9 (don't quote me on that).

 I'll put a few things inside, but leave it pretty much plain so the owner can have lots of fun.

We'll see what happens tomorrow although I have to go to the dentist (yuk).

Thanks for dropping by - lovely to read your comments.

The position of the artist is humble. He is essentially a channel.

Piet Mondrian

  

* Another Journal ...

It's all your fault, Carolyn! I made another journal to match one of the spirit dolls. It just sort of 'happened' - you know how those things go. A little bit of paper, a cover to play with, some ribbons and and charms .... here's what happened.

Thanks for coming over.  It's a little cloudy here tonight - so not sure if we are going to get rain or not.  

All true artists, whether they know it or not, 
create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness.
-Eckhart Tolle 

that's how I feel when I'm painting the Iconic Women who come to me.  I've never had an experience like it before.  

 

* Passing on Goddess Wisdom

Not too long ago while I was painting, words began to form in my mind. Naturally I grabbed a pen and wrote them down. I will share them with you. This painting is connected to those words. Actually, all of my paintings of the Iconic Women are connected to these words.  In ancient times Women were revered for their sacred knowledge. This painting is about just that. Passing that sacred ancient knowledge on to the women of this world, at this time. It is needed more than ever now.

The painting itself is not quite complete, however I will share it with you in order that you will understand the automatic writing which came to me.  First the painting.  The ancient knowledge here being represented by the gift of the bird.

Now for the writing which came to me a couple of weeks ago.  I believe it refers to all the women who have come through me on to 

the canvas.

"Step into the world of Goddess Wisdom.   Divine feminine wisdom which lies deep within in each of us. The wisdom from ancient times before we existed. It is simplicity at its best.  This knowledge will unlock many doors if we but listen.  My journey with these women has been an exceptional one, a privileged one, and dare I say a divine one.  They carry knowledge of the Universe which was implanted into our ethers long before we appeared in the flesh.  It may be a long time since we’ve been in touch with this part of ourselves.  It’s time to reconnect.  It’s time to acknowledge our power as women.  It’s time to reclaim it and move forward in ways which will benefit not only ourselves, but the world. We are preparing to move into the 5th dimension.  The tipping point must be met - the 100th monkey syndrome.  It is part of the awakening of the earth. Time for us to dig deep, find and reclaim our sacred right to be exactly who we are, and to allow that light to shine out into the world in these times of great change. We are here by choice.  We are the privileged  ones.  Each of these women shares their messages.  Listen.  They speaking of the same knowledge which exists in us.  Dig deep.  Find it.  Use it.  Put it back to the world.  This knowledge is a sacred gift to us from the Universe. Using it and sharing our light with those on the planet at this time, is our gift to the universe."

Thanks so much for popping by, my lovlies.  Always delighted to read your comments.  Another sangria day in Mexico - 90 degrees, however nice and cool on my covered terrace with the ceiling fan.

“Carry on the Flame to a new dawn I am with you.
~the Goddess of the Stars and the Sea” 
― Jodine Turner, The Keys to Remember


  

A little progress being made

Well, my lovlies, if you want to warm up come and visit me. It's been hovering around 90 degrees for about a week. Beautiful in the morning and the evening, however middle of day - be on the terrace with a fan and a glass of something cool. Not complaining. Just observing.

 Did make some progress in the studio. The messages I received today were about how important it is to pass on our stories and knowledge and wisdom to the next generation. I agree. Here's how the painting is evolving.

Hope everyone is well and happy.  Thanks for dropping by.

Share a little of your knowledge and wisdom each day in some lovely way.  Life has an expiration date.