AJC10: Taking Chances

I love the TV show "Glee". I watch it, then my son and I watch it together later, and we love it. He loves drama and wants to be a singer or an actor. The top quote is from the pilot episode, from the founder of the high school's Glee club, and the quote on the gingham ribbon is from the Celine Dion song Taking Chances - written by David A. Stewart and Kara Dioguardi: "What do you say to taking chances, What do you say to jumping off the edge? Never knowing if there's solid ground below Or hand to hold, or hell to pay…". The photo is of my mum aged about 12 - I used it as I liked the pose. The "Remember that song" is there to remind me to take some chances.

Credits:

Backing paper, gingham ribbon, piano hand (rotated), marbled border - Studio Tangie @ SBG, Art Journal Caravan, Week 8 parcel
"Remember that song" - Gypsy Couture @ SBG, Journalling prompts
Red ribbon - Studio mgl @ SBG, Dreaming in Colours 2.0 - Red

AJC10: A Case of You

These are some of my favourite lyrics for they are so evocative and now with the Art Journal provisions plus a few more elements, the layout spoke to me through the lyrics. My favourite version is by my favourite singer Brian Kennedy as it's more within his range I feel, but I also like the Diana Krall version. I love the idea of living within a paintbox. To me this part of the song is uplifting for following those who aren't afraid surely gives courage to those who would fear otherwise.

Credits:
Background paper - Studio Tangie, Journal Anthology Papers
Paintbox, paintbrush and Blue stars - Studio Tangie, Art Journal Caravan, Steamer Trunk Elements
Boxes, Canvases, Light string, Easel and folder tag - Gypsy Couture @ Digichick, Artists Loft elements
Blue circle border - Studio Tangie, Art Journal Caravan, Week 4 Parcel

AJC10 Week 8 - You raise me up

This week's theme is to explore the idea of music and art journaling. "What music really inspires you?" Well, this song and its lyrics spring to my mind, particularly when sung a cappella by my favourite singer, the Irish singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy. There are times when he sings that song in concert when I can hear (not just feel, because the audience are so quiet) the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It is very special - if you want an idea of how special, there is a version on youtube of his performance a few years ago at the Burnavon Arts Centre in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, Ireland. The song has been covered by many different singers, but the words are extremely strong and uplifting - Brian calls it "a hug in a cd". I left my sketch in pencil to keep its ethereal feel. The lyrics are from the chorus "You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong when I am on your shoulders. You raise me up: To more than I can be". Brian was the original singer of the song on the composer's album - Secret Garden's "Once in a Red Moon".

Credits:

Backing paper - Lorie Davison, Flitting Fall Faeries, Light paper pack

Lettering from my stashs

My sketch is on watercolour paper

AJC10 Week 5 - I am What I am

When I first thought of this concept I originally was going to use a different "I am what I am" quote which says "I am what I am. Not what you like to think I am. Not what you want me to be. I am me. - M. Pring (2009)" but as I constructed the art doll I felt a more showbizzy feel was needed. And then I found the George Bernard Shaw quote about creating yourself which took it towards the new "I am what I am" quote's direction which is a song lyric from the musical "La Cage aux Folles". My favourite version is that sung by John Barrowman, although sadly I wasn't able to see him sing it on stage in the West End of London at the tail-end of last year. I may not be as slim as the doll now but that's part of the creation ;) and I was definitely born with glitz, glitter and glam in my veins. I am loving "Glee" :) The first series is showing here at the moment - I loved being in the school choir in my teens although we only did musical plays, like Oliver! etc. As a child, I wanted to be a dancer but sadly I had two left feet when it came to co-ordination as I grew so much ;) I was nearly 5ft 10 by age 12! I ended up at 5ft 11 and love my height now.

Credits:

Background paper - Tangie Baxter, Field Notes papers

George Bernard Shaw quote - Studio Maya, Quirky Quotes - Existence

Art Doll's clothes - Tangie Baxter, Ultimate Doll Kit

Wings - Lorie Davison, Faerily Moonlit elements

Red flower and Golden starry Sprinkles - Tangie Baxter, Centre Stage, Opera House elements

Newspaper border - Glam Fairy Designs, Pimp My Art elements

Creativity quote and Queen of Glamour stamp - unknown designers, from internet

Hand - Tangie Baxter, Darkroom elements

AJC10: These boots...

This morning I heard "These Boots are Made for Walking" on the radio and it made me think of my Grandad. I once told my mum that this was one of my favourite songs and she told me how my Grandad had held me as a baby when they were playing this song. Apparently I had shook my head in time to the music as he held me up to walk. The small picture I've included in this piece is one of my favourites, as it's one of the few ones I have of him and me. It was taken on my Christening day. Sadly Grandad died just before my 2nd marriage. He had been ill for sometime but the Christmas before, he seemingly gave his approval of my choice for 2nd husband, having not really like my 1st (but then 1st one wasn't really that likeable). So with the wonderful memory of my grandad in my mind, the layout put itself together. (The journal behind the feather headdress is the same as that on the first filmstrip). He wasn't perfect - you only had one chance to make a good impression - but Grandad taught me to look for the adventure in everything and encouraged my interests in history and gemstones. I could listen to his voice telling me tales of Iron Age settlements or ring and ditch enclosures... and he loved to tell my brother and me jokes. I wish he had had a chance to meet our son, but I believe my Grandad is my guardian angel, so he probably already knows, keeping us under his protective wing :) He was the only Grandad that I knew - my Dad's dad died when I was 2.


Credits
Background paper - Ruby Rynne, Nat IV backgrounds
Pink flower skirt, legs, black top hat and feather headdress - Tangie Baxter, Ultimate Doll Kit elements
Black and white banner and pink swirl circle - Tangie Baxter, Enchanted Art Box Altered addons Be yourself, Remember and The Best Memories buttons - Baer Garten Designs, Girls will be Girls, Flair kit
Happy Moment button - Baer Garten Designs, Autumn Orchard Flair
Filmstrip and multicoloured baubles border - Glam Fairy Designs, Pimp My Art Elements
Oh Wonderful Day - Tangie Baxter, Wonderful Day elements
Diamond rain - Studio Manu, Listen to Your Heart elements
Red stitching - Tangie Baxter, I am a Fanpire elements
Loving Heart spread and Loved scrap - Baer Garten Designs, Love of my life, Loving kit

AJC10: Prologue to the journey - page 1

My first page is actually a prologue to my journey and is a quote from the Alanis Morisette song "Thank U". It's a quote that close to my heart and reminds me that although letting go can be scary its rewards are greater.

Credits:

Background paper - C'est Magnifique, Rhonna Farrer (cut down from a scrapbook page 12x12)

Black glittery Lettering - Making Memories (I think)*

Spidery handwriting - my own with ZIG Memory System Black acid-free Writer pen

Tags - designer/supplier details not known now*

Flower dimensional stickers - Whimisical Flowers, Jolee's boutique*

Hole punch - Crop-a-dile

*Purchased over 12 months ago, may no longer be available