'What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday 24 February 2012

I’ve been a bit annoyed with myself for being so negative over the last few weeks, although being ill didn’t help – nor did the demands of management as we were coming up to yet another Ofsted visit – not a full inspection, just a check on our progress with the new course we’re now delivering, but still highly pressurised. I knew I needed to start focusing on the good things in my life – of which there are MANY, so when I saw that February’s Crusade over at GPP Street Team Crusades was ‘Honour the things we love’, I knew it was perfect for me right now.

So, today I played with layering paints and inks, using lots of bits and bobs and trying out a few new things – including painting my handwriting and stamping without mounts, which I’m NOT too good at!.  It’s FAR from perfect – you can clearly see all the mistakes and the little unfinished bits – but it helped me focus on the things I love and treasure; family, friends, nature, birds, music, stars,, words, France, colour and Spring. As I was finishing, I was serenaded by my favourite birdsong – blackbirds – enough to make anyone’s heart sing!

IMGP7087

close up things i love

This is a scan of the pages and shows the colours a little more truly. I clear embossed at the end because I’d used some Versafine as well as Stazon, so that affected the way the colours show. I used acrylic paints, acrylic glaze, watercolour crayons, pigment inks, watered down Colorwash, correction fluid and a little distress ink – oh and some charcoal for shading.

things i love scan

I’ve made a few cards over the week – some very simple ones – and I will upload them in the next few days, but hopefully, I’ll get chance to play a bit more by then, all being well. February is birthday month for most of my closest friends and we haven’t yet had chance to celebrate, so it may well be a busy weekend ...

Off to add some journalling now.

xxx

28 very kind comments from lovely people:

michelle ward said...

Cath - these pages are lovely. I really like all the subtle layers. Looks like you enjoyed adding and adding and adding. Subtle patterns and textures. Glad you found some time to indulge in things that make you happy and reflect on things you love to ward off the negativity. Thanks for sharing with the team!

Helen said...

Well, Cath, I love these pages! the colours you chose are just gorgeous. Hope things get a bit less stressy for you soon!

Carol Q said...

I think they look great Cath. lots of depth if you look up close. hope they got some of the negativity out of your system. creating always leaves me feeling clearer headed and free-er

Diana Taylor said...

I love your journal pages - the colours are really beautiful - producing such lovely work MUST make you feel positive again - you've certainly lifted my spirits!

Martina said...

Stunning pages!
Looks fantastic.

Have a nice weekend, dear Cath!
Wishes
MARTINA oxo

Netty said...

These beautiful pages are very calming you would never guess that you had been so stressed. Hope you enjoy the weekend. After OFSTED you certainly deserve it. Annette x

Deborah said...

What a great way to slough off the stress and remind yourself there's a lot to be thankful for. Your pages are beautiful and all the better for not being 'perfect' IMO.

Von said...

Smashing work Cath :) you have used everything to great effect.
I think bloger has been playing me up I seem to have missed the last few briliant posts
Have a great weekend
Von x♥x

Ellie Knol said...

Cath, they look gorgeous!

Janny Jager said...

Very nice and gorgeous page

Greetings Janny

Unknown said...

Your journal pages are amazing and it's very cathargic isn't it concentrating on your journal page - it blocks out all the negatives in life.

Love you gorgeous cards - stunning as always.

Take good care of yourself.
xx

Sally H said...

Beautiful! I love these colours and beautiful stamps too. Hope you get time to relax a little and enjoy more birdsong. I was serenaded by a robin at dusk tonight (well, I know it's more likely he was serenading another robin, but I can dream!!!) - another lovely song x

Hermine said...

Great pages, love the stamps and colours

Sandy said...

Wow Chat these are stunning.
Brilliant page design. Love it.

Have a lovely weekend my friend. xoxo

Paul B said...

Gorgeous page, those colours are my faves and beautifully blended to boot. A great subject to capture too. In a similar fashion, whenever I'm feeling low, I sit and think about all I'm grateful for. Maybe I should do a page on that :) You're inspiring me already. Pxx

Marja's Stamp Addiction en Marja's Creativity said...

This are stunning pages. So beautiful, love the coloring. SUPER.
lovely greet and nice weekend
Marja

Claudia said...

I love these pages, they look gorgeous!
LG Claudia

Ann B said...

Beautiful colours and pages Cath, can't wait to see the cards.
Sorry you have not been well and hope the rest of February is better - and we get a whole extra day.

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Both pages are wonderful, love the colors.

Marjie Kemper said...

Beautiful layers of color! So glad to stop by and catch up on your gorgeous creations.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pages. But you have got to tell me how you scan them! When I try to scan anything that isn't flat it comes out blurred.
xx

Dotpat said...

Cath these are lovely, I just love the way you put colours together and they look finished to me

Lynn Stevens said...

Your pages are all so pretty, I love birds too.
Have a great weekend
hugs Lynn

Karen P said...

Cath these pages are gorgeous, just love the colours you've used and them little birdie stamps - stunning hugs Karen x

Marina Huisman said...

Not only Nature create's beautiful things your work is olmost just as magnificant, I love the birds.
Marina.

hazel said...

Brilliant pages. Gorgeous colours.
xxx Hazel.

Parabolic Muse said...

I really love these colors and the texture. It's a great choice of colors, I think. Love is rich blues and almost-purples!

It's been nice looking through your other posts and see your lovely colors, graphics, collaging. Pretty pretty!

Terri Corona said...

I love your page, beautiful soft colors and images. All the layers make it so rich...