Smashbook pages

So I joined a smashbook page swap. I've never made any sort of smashbook. Though, one could argue that my wall of emphemera is it's own sort of smashwall.

Once I wrapped my head around the concept....I came up with the idea that empty smashbook pages are a lot like empty journal art pages. You set up the
theme and the person can add whatever.

The theme of the swap was "This is the time for...." and then we had to come up with four different words/themes for each of the pages. I think I did pretty well considering I'd never tried anything like this before.

These first four are back/front on two separate pages.

While these last four are done with one larger page folded in half to create a folio.

Funny. I accidentally put all the pictures of the interactive pages on the right.

The Juggler--ATCs

Here are my two ATCs for a swap themed "Circus series--The Juggler". I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do, but I think they turned out pretty fun. If I were to receive the one on the right, I would probably keep it in my collection!

Art Journal Pages-Bird

 So I attempted to create some art journal pages with the prompt "Bird or Birds".....

On the top left was my first attempt. I like the sentiment, but it's execution was too poor. I should not have wasted the colored stock paper.

I then turned to my favored standard for ATCs and took out a book page. This shape became the basis for my next three pages.

 The basic theme is the wide open possibilities granted by unfettered flight, as I've only just begun realizing that I do not have to tie myself to any one place, thing, or person.

Mail Art Theme-Brown

"Pick a color" was the theme for the swap. I chose brown, as that was my partner's favorite color. However, I think it may have actually turned out more bronze. Still working on putting together effective collages.

I'm not sure if the envelope was enhanced or reduced by the overzealous postal woman. I told her I wanted brown stamps and she proceeded to put three along the top and at least four across the bottom.....at least it will be interesting. xD

Bird-Themed

 So I have been busy with lots of art-directed swaps! Here are my ATCs, most of them with a zentangle prompt. Notice how I am learning: I've begun to allow the patterns to be their own barriers and not add artificial border lines. Some are more successful than others.

 This ATC on the top is one I am very proud of. It has a title: "Fibonacci's Tangle." I was inspired by my boyfriend's newest tattoo idea. The rose compass ouroborus also began as another of his tattoo ideas. Though that one I took more liberties with. :) The swap specifications required the use of a gel pen, at which point I both remembered how fun they could be and realized that none of mine really worked anymore and the ones that did work, did so badly.














The ACT that is odd-tangled-out, as it were, is part of a series of bird-themed mail art that I created. The first envelope shown is merely supposed to be doodled while the rest are similarly bird-themed. I went on a supplies-buying spree yesterday and part of what I bought was this funky shopping-list style pad of paper. It has turned out to be most useful. And I cannot claim either of those types of bird images. Though I have taken them out of their original context and altered them somewhat, their original forms can be found while meandering about Google or Pinterest. The idea of the almost tribal/abstracted bird paired with ginko leaves is my own invention, and I still find it rather fascinating.

Keep a lookout for that motif repeating itself!