MariJ Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Wow! Response to last week's Thursday Challenge was so enthusiastic I'm worried it's a hard act to follow. I was impressed by how many bravely tried and posted layouts -- all with such lovely results! Since my August theme is "ART", we'll continue for one more week in Art Journaling with a change in prompt. Last week we journaled about YOU and how you felt right then. This week we'll explore nature and you. I read through "Nature Journals" by L. K. Ludwig and his introductory paragraph hooked me. "Nature calls to our very spirits, asking us to notice. We stoop to gather small pebbles for our pockets, tiny flowers wink at us from the grass, and fistfuls of blazing, colored leaves make their way into our hands. With nature, we stay childlike in our awe and our sense of magic and mystery is nurtured. We point at sunsets and gaze at the moon. The sticks and feathers that make their way into our pockets… bear witness to our desire to record those moments when we have been touched by nature" To begin, remember that Art journaling is a JOURNAL just like a written one except it's made with art and uses meaningful symbols in place of photos. So first, think about your relationship with the natural world. What SYMBOLS in nature appeal to you? Do you collect shells or pretty rocks? Love butterflies, mountains, trees or flowers? Maybe you appreciate the clear blue sky or marvel at the lush, green grass or clear running streams… Your symbol is a meaningful image used to express your thoughts and feelings about the natural world and is personal to YOU, so "anything goes"! Once you decide on a symbol, create a background. You can combine or blend papers, make your own or even "cut" up a few and place them on your page collage-style. Brush some color on if you like, remember, it's all about YOU! Next reflect on how your symbol shows your connection to nature -- what does it mean to you? For instance you might like birds because in flight they feel magical and free, or from the ocean feel a sense of the powerful or from lush green grass the hope of new life … Look in your stash for pieces to express your thoughts and feelings. Use elements, words, phrases, colors --- ANYTHING that helps show your connection to nature. Remember to just add things on! Sometimes I literally pile pieces on my page and then go back and "play" and rearrange them. Somehow that helps take the inner "critic" out of my work. Add whatever you want - ribbons, borders, scribbles, words, etc. It's all about what YOU like. Please post your completed layouts in the General Message Board Challenge Gallery. I can't wait to see what you come up with and hope you'll give it a try! And, remember -- HAVE FUN… and "anything goes"! Here's my layout - I've included my process if you'd like a bit more step-by-step -- SUN Jode so kindly created a gorgeous layout for another example - CLOUDS And, if you'd like to review last week's Art Journal explanations you can find the challenge HERE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I'll be working on mine during the day today in between Crawford hugs! LYSL in the Gallery, Marilyn - your layout is fantabulous! I loved all of your layers - brilliantly done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jode2771 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 You were right Marilyn, it was a great challenge last week and I know that this week is equally good, your clear instructions and thought provoking challenge really gets the creative juices going!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorac Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Good Grief! I've already got four layout ideas in my mind. I love butterflies (no surprise there), Autumn leaves, trees (especially leafless ones), and flowers. I collect rocks, crystals, shells and black sand from Hawaii (after it's been blessed). I just love nature. I will definitely be doing a couple of layouts for this challenge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariJ Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 Good Grief! I've already got four layout ideas in my mind. I love butterflies (no surprise there), Autumn leaves, trees (especially leafless ones), and flowers. I collect rocks, crystals, shells and black sand from Hawaii (after it's been blessed). I just love nature. I will definitely be doing a couple of layouts for this challenge. Carol, when I wrote "butterflies" in the challenge notes I specifically thought of you! Looking forward to seeing your layouts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferZ Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 YAY!!!! So happy to see another art journaling challenge! Let your creativity soar, Scrap Girls! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiza126 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 It'll be a couple days before I get a chance to scrap, but I'll put on my thinking cap for this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnBK Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I was hoping you would continue with this format. Last week's challenge was so much fun, I just had to join in for this one. Thanks for the guidance and prompts...makes it all so much easier WATER OF LIFE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belle Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 My Thursday challenge: Rain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorac Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Here is my first layout for this challenge: Butterfly Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariJ Posted August 8, 2013 Author Share Posted August 8, 2013 Sorry, I was out for a bit, but so glad to find layouts and enthusiasm when I returned. I was so afraid everyone would groan when they saw the challenge! Yet, I am again in awe at Scrapgirls' willingness to try and create in a new format. (I have to admit - me too, stresses me out each week, yet I settle down, follow my own directions and DO it. Amazes me each time!) I had no intention on doing two weeks of Art Journaling... Now I am already pondering the "What-to-do-next-week?" dilemna. HMmmmmmm...... Now, off to LSL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bride Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 The minute I read this topic only one song kept running through my head. For me, nature speaks loud and clear to my heart about my God's faithfulness, mercy and love. When I stand before nature I'm awe-struck of the beauty He created for me to see. Nature Challenge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 I know my subject - just haven't figured out HOW to scrap it yet! Will be back in a bit to LSL in the Gallery! Loving the Art Journaling Challenges though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Sorry, I was out for a bit, but so glad to find layouts and enthusiasm when I returned. I was so afraid everyone would groan when they saw the challenge! :)/> Yet, I am again in awe at Scrapgirls' willingness to try and create in a new format. (I have to admit - me too, stresses me out each week, yet I settle down, follow my own directions and DO it. Amazes me each time!) I had no intention on doing two weeks of Art Journaling... Now I am already pondering the "What-to-do-next-week?" dilemna. HMmmmmmm...... Now, off to LSL. I bet you'll come up with a fabulous idea, Marilyn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teecee Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Thanks for a fun challenge Marilyn! When I saw the topic was nature I knew I just had to play. You can what I did here:Nature Art Journal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnBK Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Hope it's OK to submit more than one, because I just did! If DH didn't expect ANOTHER meal tonight, I might do another one. ART JOURNAL 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbc72 Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 As soon as I saw that "nature" was the theme, I knew mine would be a beach/ocean page. Thanks for another great challenge, Marilyn! Just Breathe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in N.Z Posted August 8, 2013 Share Posted August 8, 2013 Marilyn I'm just loveing these journaling challenges Here is mine Bright flowers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeeWhatSueSaw Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Thanks for the fun challenge! This really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Here is my page, The Oceans Declare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapgran Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 These challenges are really getting me to move outside of my safe little box and encouraging me to trawl through my stash to use sometimes forgotten elements. Here is my Nature Journal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in N.Z Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 I never would have done art journaling so thanks Marilyn I am really enjoying these and here is m 2nd one Strawberries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 These pages are just brilliant! Mine isn't coming together at all for me - somehow my mountains of WNC just aren't working for me. Still working on mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariJ Posted August 9, 2013 Author Share Posted August 9, 2013 These pages are just brilliant! Mine isn't coming together at all for me - somehow my mountains of WNC just aren't working for me. Still working on mine. Great, Sara, take your time. I find it helps not to think at first - hust literally throw things on the page and then play with them. Keep scrapping and keep that foot elevated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claireee Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Just posted my layout for the nature challenge. Another fun one! Unfortunately, I'll be back to work full-time on Monday, so I don't know if I'll be able to participate as much, but I'll definitely try! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Arell Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 These pages are just brilliant! Mine isn't coming together at all for me - somehow my mountains of WNC just aren't working for me. Still working on mine. Great, Sara, take your time. I find it helps not to think at first - hust literally throw things on the page and then play with them. Keep scrapping and keep that foot elevated! :)/> I think that's my problem, Marilyn - I thought about it too much - think I may just start it over again! Working between Crawford hugs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florida granny Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Here's my layout: Fall Thanks for your inspiration and instructions, Marilyn! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherryyllaann Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 Here's mine for the art journal challenge. Night Time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnBK Posted August 9, 2013 Share Posted August 9, 2013 I had one more idea for a page...and it went together SO quickly. There are so many truly beautiful creations in the gallery. Thanks again for the challenge, Marilyn! ART JOURNAL 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariJ Posted August 9, 2013 Author Share Posted August 9, 2013 These pages are just brilliant! Mine isn't coming together at all for me - somehow my mountains of WNC just aren't working for me. Still working on mine. Great, Sara, take your time. I find it helps not to think at first - hust literally throw things on the page and then play with them. Keep scrapping and keep that foot elevated! :)/>/> I think that's my problem, Marilyn - I thought about it too much - think I may just start it over again! Working between Crawford hugs! Yup, my watercolor teacher says the key is to "get out of your own way". (That said, I have trouble doing that myself!) GREAT work everyone - I am so enjoying all the beautiful work in the gallery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claireee Posted August 10, 2013 Share Posted August 10, 2013 Gosh, this is getting dangerously addictive! I just posted a 2nd layout focused on the stars. Thanks again for a great challenge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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