Pages 1/11/12

Photos I took on the Hipstamatic for iphone at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. There were some awesome old computers. If you are local to the Bay Area and are a bit of a geek, like me – you'll enjoy it. Since when are 'Pac Man' and 'Pong' history? ;-)

Pages 1/7/12

This is a sketch I did on a paper grocery bag. I'm adding it as a tip-in page into the altered book. I find tip-ins a good way to use the doodles I create while on the phone. Some of them can be pretty cool!

Page illustration. My book theme is 'Lyrica Obscura'. The words are 'What shape does the silence have?' This line is from the song, 'The Headphonist, by Kinky.

Altered book pages with collage bordering added.

I am slowly making progress on my altered book. I'm starting to add collage to the borders, and making some tip-ins to add some interesting papers and doodles. It kind of bulks up the book too since I have to have it ready to mail in a few weeks. I'm working on the cover next, trying to figure out a closure that will be adjustable enough to work if the book gets really bulky.

Pages 1/3/12

Preparing the Altered Book. Removing pages, gluing pages, and waiting for them to dry.

Back Cover. I sanded the cover, then painted the book with good acrylic paint and used metallic pens. This isn't done, I'm just getting started!

Interior Page. Working on laying in a strong base for collage. Acrylics, pens.

Interior Cover. The them is 'Lyrica Obscura'. Those gem lyrics that make you stop and think ... and play over and over.

Another Interior Page. Building up colors and layers with paint.

Well, yeah. It's been awhile since I blogged. Sorry. What can I say, my life has been a whirlwind since about October. I do so much on FaceBook these days that I keep forgetting to update the blog. If you're reading this, and you haven't added me on FaceBook, follow the links to the right and catch me there.

So, this is a new project I'm working on. It's an altered book for a Round Robin I am in. I'd kind of forgotten how much work it is to prep these bad boys. Finding the right book, removing pages, gluing pages together, painting the pages ... e-yikes. It's fun though. It def give me a break from ceramics for awhile and it's good to mix it up.

I thought I'd share the process. It's still in early stages, but you might be interested in what steps I'm taking. 

Lessons learned so far? Make sure you pick the right book to alter. Make sure the spine is sewn in, not glued. Take the book and crack the spine really wide. Do you see sewing? It's a good book to alter. Also, check the paper. What's it like? This one has a newsprint finish and it took foreverrrrr to dry. Make sure it has good paper. Test it before you put a ton of work into it. (I didn't. lol.) Anyway, I have it working now, I just had to make sure there were about 3-4 pages glued together for strength.

Pages 11/27/11

Since I've been feeling under the weather I've been doing small projects in front of the TV while I rest - ATCs, painting pottery and doing some finishing work on various small projects. I've had these Day of the Dead clay magnets in a box for well over a year, just waiting for magnets to be attached. I finally finished them up. Nothing like some brain dead finishing work while sick. One more small project off my list.

Pages 11/26/11

Here's the Frida ATC all painted with watercolors. I really like the way this turned out! (She looks a tiny bit angry though. lol)

Pages 11/25/11

Here are a couple of new ATCs I've been working on.  The Santa was inspired after watching the Macy's Day Parade. Christmas with a twist. The other Frida / Catrina card was inspired by a Mexican folk art compact I bought a few months ago. I've never done any other types of skulls besides traditional and I thought it would be cool to try some different styles that include necks and shoulders. I thought it might be interesting to try adding some personality as well.

Pages 11/12/11

Working on painting some small trays about 6" x 6". I used underglazes on low fire clay. These are in the kiln and will need to be overglazed with transparent and fired one more time. I think I like the contrast between the bright color and the simple black and white. I think I might not paint the center portion. Hmm.

Pages 10/26/11

Some recent ATCs I've made. Copic markers, inks and watercolor.