michelle ward

from the archives

Five years ago, November 2009, I started a Ruby Tuesday journal as a weekly practice of making art to keep me from getting crabby during the holidays.  With so much that needs to get done in December, I found I wasn't setting aside time for myself.  I've learned that if I don't get into the studio I start to get bunched up and anxious.  I need to be using my hands to make stuff - it fulfills me in so many ways.  The RT journal became a series, as I kept the practice going for several years, and used to post weekly updates here.  Here is one from the archives, dated 12.16.09.

Sometimes we need to just step away from the To-Do list and escape...it quiets my mind to sit with a page and paint.  It's on the plan for this afternoon!

 

I'm suffering from some trigger finger issues again.....so I've been off the computer.  Didn't intend to stay away so long.  Almost done editing my Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows photos.  Will post soon!

happy valentine's day

I spent some time this morning clearing the debris from my work table.  Lots of remnants to scoop up and throw away....or wait, put in my journal! 

 

And because it's Tuesday...one more page.  This took three minutes as I saved the lovely details from a Linda Warlyn package - she always adds the most special embellishments and I treasure them by saving on a page. 

My friends *get* me, don't they?  I have a beautiful stack of cards today...AND A DOZEN RED ROSES.  What a terrific surprise!  Back in college my friend Anne used to give me the same card every year..."hope your Valentine's Day is less pathetic than mine".   It wasn't meant to be serious, just a statement about the unreasonable pressure this day can bring.  Take the pressure off - share your love.  It will come back to you.

Sending my love to you.  Happy Valentine's Day.

ruby tuesday and crusade no. 60

It's been a while since I've posted Ruby Tuesday journal pages.  I still work on them....sometimes working out ideas for art, and sometimes just collecting debris from my studio table and even the kitchen counter.  These spreads are to support the latest crusade, No. 60 ~ I HEART (fill in the blank).  You know I love stencils and masks.  I sometimes forget you can simply use them with pens or pencils (right)...not always necessary to get them wet.  However, when you do use paint be sure to flip over for a monoprint (left). 

 

And after much taste-testing I'm finding that I really <3 Dark Magic....no, not the sinister kind, the K-cup kind.  There are others I do enjoy, but this one is my favorite this week so it went in my journal.  That's why we do pages like this...so we can recall and reflect on things we love/loved.

 

To learn more about the current crusade, click on over and come play with us.  HERE.

 

ruby tuesday quickie

It's nice to see the sun...I made my way outside to spray paint.  Made a quick page yesterday.  Test driving some new stencils, and grabbing some debris from my table.

 

 

ruby tuesday, winks, and spells

 
 

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a journal spread about this....and of course I have to blog about it too.  I was so thrilled with the Artist Portfolio in Art Journaling.  I was curious about what pages they would choose to present from the handful of journals I sent them that spanned several years.  Those of you who know me well can imagine I squeeeeed when I saw all the evidence that I'm a fan-girl turn up in the publication.  They certainly captured the real me, don't you think?  But I'm wondering....is it possible that Stampington & Co. is under the spell of the heartagram? 

For the uninformed, the Heartagram is the logo for my favorite band, HIM.  We have been fans for years, have seen (and met them) numerous times, and serve on their street team.

 

So what makes me think Stampington is under the spell?  The proof is in their magazines.  It started with Jenny, who deliberately printed these *winks* between friends.  I write about it in this blog post about Altered Couture (April 2007), and this one about Somerset Studio (August 2007). 

 

But then the heartagram shows up again in Art Journaling.  This time Jenny wasn't responsible.  It was a committee, headed by Kellene Giloff, owner of Stampington, who determined the visual content.  I recently asked Amber Demien, editor of the magazine, to share some insider information....did they realize what they were doing?  Was it serendipity that these images appear in print, was it another wink, or had they fallen under the spell?  Amber is an enlightened girl, and knows the heartagram, so she imparted the knowledge to Kellene, who freely selected the pages you see.  It's obvious the emblem has either cast its magic....or maybe they simply believe.  *grin*

 
 
 

Be careful when you look into the eye of that partial portrait stencil.....you are getting sleepy....very very sleepy.....sleepy....  

ruby tuesday: me first

 

 

I have probably mentioned this at least once...Me First Journaling is when you score some new stuff - like paper, or ribbon, or another cool supply, and you take clippings for yourself.  This is an important part of my ritual as it frees me to USE the rest of it.  None of this 'save it for the perfect thing'.  I used to be that way.  Then I learned that if I take a sampling for myself in my journal, and make a note about where I got it and why it appealed to me, I was more inclined to actually employ the material.  My hoarding habits are less severe now.  It feels good to come across pages like this in my journal - it is a record of my interests, and was fun and easy to make. 

Have too much stuff that you are afraid to use because you don't want to part with it?  Take some Me First cuttings and set yourself free ;)

ruby tuesday project pages

Sometimes my journal pages show evidence of a project before, during, and after.  Here I show my sketches, notes, remnant materials, and photos of completed project for the memorial boxes seen on the current Somerset Studio cover.

 

 
 

 

 

 

I've been asked about the poppy pods.  Got them from ebay some time ago and was pleasantly surprised when they arrived as they were much larger than I ever expected.  Couldn't resist spraying them red, especially for my memorial boxes.  The red poppy signifying eternal sleep. 

 

 

 

who writes that stuff?

As I mentioned earlier, I met some friends, Andrew and Beryl* at the Princeton University Art Museum to see the Kurt Schwitters exhibit.  I was very familiar with his work and looked forward to seeing it.  As with any show you attend, there is so much to experience when in the presence of the Real Thing.  I'm not talking about the man, known as a prolific artist in his vast arena of interests**, I'm talking about the art.  It was a singular experience to really see all the layers in his work and the subtleties that can't be pulled off in a printed publication of his art.  The shadows of paper edges that catch the light.  The observation of a painty fingerprint.  The transparent quality of some of the papers.  The scale - larger or smaller than you imagined. 

But can I tell you one more thing?  I fell in love with the blurb writer.  You know what I'm talking about....the descriptive narratives that hang on the walls, that accompanies a grouping of pieces?  They were interesting to read, well composed, and enhanced my overall experience.  Seriously.  I hung on every word.  I took notes since I loved the way the writer picked just the right terms or adjectives.  Unfortunately they were sold out of exhibit books so I couldn't tell you if the copy on the walls came from the text of the book.  If it didn't, you gotta give a *high five* to the writer.  Is it the curator who writes it?  Who is given that assignment?  Never have I given so much attention to those blurbs.  Being an article-writer myself, I can totally appreciate a finely crafted description.  It's not easy to do.  Kudos blurb writer!

* We missed you Katherine.

** In addition to working with collage and paint, KS wrote poetry and prose, children's books, self-published what we would call zines, he designed theater sets, and wrote librettos too! 

 

 

 

 

For these Ruby Tuesday pages (started them yesterday) I tore the cover from the Princeton publication, then filled the pages with my note-taking evidence.  I know this about myself - if I don't tear the little pages out and put them in a journal they will got lost in the shuffle and part of the magic of my experience will evaporate. 

Here's one thing that rose to the surface:  collage.  It is a skill he was comfortable with and truly mastered.  Collage - an artform I used to shy away from claiming for myself.  Why?  Not sure.  I think because it has been an overused description of modern work that appears to be contrived and unauthentic.   When I am among artists I would never use collage as a way to define the work I do.  However, when I am with non-artists I mention collage and they nod along, somehow getting the picture.  How crazy is that?  When I was at this show I learned that KS used collage as a means to inform his segue into abstract painting.  I could see how that would work.  He used collage as story telling - using a train ticket stub to celebrate the advances in travel.  He found richness and history in worn and faded ephemeral elements but equally loved the attractive freshly printed poster with bold typography.  He used it all.  Nothing was too precious, or too perfect. 

I really resonated to this:  He reclaimed for art things another artist might simply have discarded as by-products of the artistic process.  Don't you love that?  I'm thinking about the studio table scraps I put onto pages....or the grunged up craft paper that protects my table getting used in my art.  I click with you KS.

Or another:  Collage anchors the world of art to the real world of current events and everyday life with the mess and confusion that accompanies it.  See?  He's an evidence collector!  A-ha.  I get it.  It's ok, you can call me a collage artist now.      

The show runs through June 26.  Get there if you can.  The show is fabulous, there are many other terrific things to see within the walls of the museum, as well as all around the gorgeous campus.

See here:  Princeton University Art Museum

EDIT:  Andrew informs me the exhibit travels to Berkeley Art Museum in California, August 3–November 27, 2011

squares and circles

There is something about the basic circle and square that always gets my attention.  I have this silly habit of searching cardboard packaging for the color registration markings.  It's such an interesting quest - I know just where to look.  You've probably seen hundreds of these on the flaps and edges of paper products, and along the selvedge of fabric.  I can't resist tearing them off.  (Sometimes they are hidden under a glue-line.  Take a peek at your cereal boxes.)  Today I started putting them in a journal.  It makes me happy to look at them.  Crazy, right?

 

 

 

I know it's a stretch to call this a Ruby Tuesday page since it isn't in my usual RT journal.  I have missed my weekly routine.  To be honest I was feeling lost as I had sent several of the books off for an article...and it was hard to get in the groove with a different type of page, plus I've been missing having my journals here with me.  Whatta whiner.  They should be coming back soon as Art Journaling Summer 2011 hits the racks July 1st. 

 

 

I love when you come across an oversized (or teeny tiny) version of a well-loved item.  Don't you?  Check out these candy buttons...the ones on the right.  They are almost the size of a penny.  Like monstrous.  Swoon!  (Found at Paper Source in Princeton).

 

Hope you are staying cool.  And using sunscreen.

poppy talk

Yesterday was RubyTuesday and I did work on some pages - Little Red Riding Hood has become it's own artist book.  I am not ready to show you yet - too many incomplete pages but lots and lots of ideas pouring in.  LOVE when that happens. 

I was asked to explain how I made my poppies from a previous RT page - super easy.  LOVE tyvek!  LOVE paper!  LOVE poppies!  I meant to post yesterday but didn't get it done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

ruby tuesday: girls in the hood

 
 

First there was the familiar fairy tale, told by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by many over the years.  Then there was a lovely and haunting depiction by one of my best friends, Judi Riesch.  I'm sure you all swooned over her art, especially these pages made for Sarah's Red Journal, published in True Colors. 

 
I found it fascinating to read Judi's text explaining that Lewis Carroll, aka Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, famous for writing Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was also a photographer.  Judi's Red Riding Hood started with a Carroll photograph.  HCIT?  I wonder if his model for Alice was friends with Red? 

Last week my sweet friend Nancy sent me the recently published Little Red Riding Hood.  See HERE.  Oooh, that girl *gets* me.  Loved the illustrations by Daniel Egneus.  I was familiar with his work but was clueless about the book so I love that my friends look out for me.  (Thanks Nancy!)  Equally cool is the typography....*faints*.  Further down you'll see I was inspired and had to whip up some of my own to use on some Ruby Tuesday pages.

 

 

I learned that the illustrations from this book are currently on display in New York.  Since the the show closes Friday, and they are only open until 5pm, I may not make it.  My friend Andrew was going today and will give us the report.  Even if I don't make the show at least the discovery of the site led to the link to this, a video of The Making Of.  Gah!!  HERE.

 

 

 

 

These are unfinished or maybe they are done.  I'll decide later, but I am liking the simplicity of them.  No doubt there are more pages to come as I play with my box of gathered materials.  I'll see where it goes.  I know I will be in Riding Hood mode for a few more Tuesdays because THE MOVIE comes out next Friday!

 

EDIT:  Synchronicity....another of my BFFs posted about the RRH book.  Go see Lisa Hoffman's post HERE.  I was planning on buying the new book for all my favorite women....dang, looks like Lisa already got herself one.

two twenty two

 

 

I always do the covers of journals last.  This is one of three of my RTs....simple design, but a fun narrative don't you think?  Cool that it ended up matching up for this month.  Below are a few pages I held back as I wasn't sure what would be in the recent article...

 

 

 

it's tuesday...

 

 

It's been too cold to spend alot of time in my studio so my Ruby Tuesday pages were made from some table scraps I quickly grabbed during a dash in-and-out this morning.  I've been logging quite a few hours planning a workshop that will be announced soon on the Valley Ridge Art Studio site.  The ideas have rapidly channeled in and I can barely keep up with myself taking notes and making sketches.  This is the funnest part of the planning phase - visualizing yourself and your students in the flurry and fun of creativity, and all that is possible at this unique venue.  I can't wait for this one!

Last week my friend Anna sent more samples of cool art she made with stamps from Green Pepper Press.  Here is a sneak peek, you can see the full images in the guest gallery HERE.  Thanks girl, you rock!

 

tues times two

 

I worked on pages last week, but never uploaded them, so today I'm showing two spreads.  I've enjoyed playing with the spheres - this time with color.   To work with xeroxed images it is best to water down your acrylic paint, then iron dry before attempting to cut.  Way below you will more peeks at the Bergdorf Goodman windows that inspired the pages.

 

 

 

 

I promise to show more of the windows soon!  Had a wonderful day with friends in the city Saturday.  Andrew guided us to places I had never been like the Chelsea Market, and the High Line.  So fun to be with creatives!  You get used to visiting the same old destinations, then suddenly it is like a new place.  I was worn out, and trained it home many bags of goodies.  Thank you friends for a real blast.  Pictured here:  Katherine, from my much-talked-about-favorite-place Valley Ridge, Beryl Taylor, and Andrew Borloz.

 

turning pages

I would love to be sitting under a blanket on this blustery day, turning pages of a good book.  Instead, I turned over the last page of the wall calendar and felt the panic that unsues upon seeing *December*.  Yikes.  It feels like there is so much to do, doesn't it?  That is exactly the reason I started my Ruby Tuesday journal, November 2009.  I was searching for creative therapy to maintain my sanity - not that the holiday season makes me crazy, but shelving my art does.  Keeping a weekly appointment with art-just-for-me-because-it-feels-good-to-have-messy-hands was a rewarding experience that continues today.  Yesterday, being a Tuesday, I gathered imagery inspired by the windows at Bergdorf Goodman.  Other things came up and distracted me but that's ok.  This morning I enjoyed the process of transferring, cutting, and playing with composition to create a RT spread.  It's Wednesday and I am not even close to being done but I prefer to leave things unfinished in my studio - it motivates me to get back there, and to pick up the momentum upon my return.  Here is where I left off....

 

Maybe I'll be done by next Tuesday.  Maybe not.  The hour spent *in process* was not only a step toward completion, but it opened my mind to many other related ideas.  My wheels are spinning, and sometimes that is enough while I tend to real life deadlines. 

I wish you a happy December, a happy Hanukkah, and a peaceful moment each day to catch your breath and believe it will all get done.

ruby tuesday eleven sixteen

 
 

Still on apples.  Thanks for your feedback on your apples-of-choice to eat, and to use for baking.  I forgot all about apple crisp!  Maybe I will give it a try for Thanksgiving.  A favorite memory:  Dad took me and my friends out after our first KISS concert for apple pie and they served it with cinnamon ice cream.  *swoon*

Did you know this?

 

That the apple is from the rose family?  I was clueless, but it doesn't surprise me to find out this connection.  Gives me goosebumps to learn this!  Above are the new-to-me Gala apples I am loving, and a photo of one of my last roses for the year. 

ruby tuesday: still on apples

 
 

 

It was a beautiful day and I didn't have alot of time for my RT journal so I just grabbed the stencils on the top of the pile and went outside to spray a few pages.   Still loving the apples. 

When I was in 7th or 8th grade I worked in an apple stand early Saturday and Sunday mornings in the fall.  The days were much colder in MN than they are here in NJ.  Loved the cider they sold.  The real murky kind.  I could describe the taste of the dozen varieties of apples we sold....a skill I have since lost.  I stick with Red Delicious these days as it's the only kind our kids will eat - but at least they have one every day.  I've only made a pie once or twice....a skill I never mastered.  Maybe this year I'll give it another go.  Are you good at pies?  Raise your hand and share your recipe!

a is for apple

 
 
 

It's here!  The red apple cookie jar I gave to Mom and Dad as a house warming gift for their new home a few years ago in remembrance of the one we had as kids.....is now in my newly painted red kitchen!  Yay!  Time to bake.

 
 

 

New crusade is up.  Come see.

 

FALLing behind

 
 

I've kept up with my RT journal, just fell behind posting it.  I used a real leaf as a mask on the left, then I was going to adhere it on the right showing the beautiful fall colors but I put the wrong side up!   We had walked around the neighborhood collecting the many leaves - fab shapes and colors....will have to use them on another page.

taking back tuesday

 
 
 

Back to my Ruby Tuesday journal finally!  We've been doing some work in the house, inspired by our recently renovated bathroom.  New kitchen color:  Rum Runner, selected for it's fabulous vibe (Duran Duran fans may get this connection).  I think we may have been channeling my friend Peggy, who has a killer red kitchen.  Or maybe it was a subliminal choice as a favorite childhood memory is the red apple cookie jar we always had on the countertop.  I'm on a mission to find one just like it.  Preliminary online searches did not yield a close match, so I am still on the trail.  We painted the living room and hall too.  I'll share that evidence on another page.

Mission:  to find a red apple ceramic cookie jar.  Must have brown stem, green leaf, solid color red, no varigations.  Top lifts off at stem.  Should you come across one that fits this description please send details.

Thank you for your feedback on the Parlor Tricks workshop as I'm giving consideration to presenting online.  I think I will offer both download and kit but I will be reformating the book so it does not require coils.  That way, whether you opt for kit or print-it-yourself, we will all be able to follow the same class video.  It may be a few weeks before I am ready to post the details, but be sure to scarf up any ghoulish supplies you come across to add as embellishment if you are interested in the workshop.  It's that time of year!

Happy Birthday to my BFF, Judi!  xoxo

texting

Between reorganizing the studio (not done yet) and the bathroom renovation (just started) I was happy to sneak some time in for the self-imposed assignments of preparing the next crusade, and working in my RT journal.  We had a stellar turn-out for No. 42, hope you'll come play with No. 43.

Using found typography or text as a background:

Come Play!

  
  

ruby tuesday: crusading

I've been organizing my studio and compiled a huge stash of tissue paper, new and previously-loved.  I learned that tissue can be difficult to rip into strips so I used a water filled paint brush to stroke a line that assisted the ripping.  I adhered with an acrylic varnish which is an easy way to attach tissue (cover over and under).  I didn't realize until it was too late that I was using a gloss vs. matte.  Hated the glare so I began smooshing gesso over most of the pages, leaving a portion where you could see the patterns, and how they peek through the layers.  Below is the initial layout.  For GPP Street Team Crusade No. 42.

Since this is a new journal I decided to go for another spread.  In the previous crusade we made grids...super easy way to complete a page.  I cut from the same tissues, plus took evidence samplers of my ribbons and strings.  

 

I love having one day a week set aside to work on pages.  I began the RubyTuesday project back in November as a way to maintain my commitment (and sanity) to creating Art For Me because the holidays were around the corner and my typical routine had been to shuffle away my own stuff.  We do that don't we?  Because we are busy we tend to use that as an excuse to unplug from our art.  Finding time is different than making time.  Getting your hands dirty, even just one morning a week, will keep you on the path of growth.  Pick a day...pick a color too if that makes it an easier self-imposed assignment, and make time to journal.  I'm already onto book two.  HCIT?

ruby tuesday: re*ward

 
   

On the pages:  some of the words that came to mind as I was pondering the new collection.  I feel so re*jazzed about stamping, knowing these new tools are on the way soon.  I was wrapping up a different series when this one channeled in and wanted to be made.   I've resumed normal breathing and will head back toward the previous path, aiming for September.  I'm leaning toward calling it GothWard if that gives you any clues :)

The rest of the backstory:

 

late tuesday

It's late on Tuesday....and I'm finally getting around to posting my RT Journal pages!  It's nearly full so I picked up a new one today because I want to carry on in this theme.  Today's pages are test-run print-outs of my new stamp images.  I had been working on a totally different collection when these ideas came to me - I will explain my vision when I upload the completed sheets this weekend.  Since we are working on grid formats with the GPP Street Team I thought I would stretch the definition of linear layout and make an Evidence spread with these circular punch-outs in my journal.  Some terrific entries posted on the link list over at the crusade blog.  Go see what we are up to and join in! 

I'm sticking to my self-imposed deadlines for several projects including this collection and the other one which will follow in a few weeks.  Kids are out of school - nice to be able to sleep in :)  My wrist is slowly mending.  X-ray didn't show anything but it is still painful when I twist it - so I wear a brace during most of the day to keep it protected.  Had a lovely Father's Day weekend - took Graham to our first country western concert, Toby Keith, in an outdoor amphitheater venue.  Really wonderful.   Been following the World Cup.  Tomorrow is a big day for both US and England.  Cheering for both!

Hope you are enjoying the sun and all that comes with the change of the season. 

grid and google

{rubytuesday} journal page 

 
 
Pulling double duty - catching up on Ruby Tuesday journal pages plus creating sample for current GPP Street Team Crusade No. 41 ~ Grid Lock.  Super easy way to make a page.  Collecting evidence of a recent project, or stash of faves, or remnants from the studio table...makes for a cool and quick spread.  Check out the crusade HERE.

Have you noticed the background options at Google?  I have mine set at Boontje.  There were several Chihuly options too.  *swoon*

p.s.  no official diagnosis on the wrist yet.  still wearing this annoying brace.

ruby tuesday: fortysix

 

I feel lucky to be 46.    I feel lucky to be surrounded by love.  I feel lucky to be healthy.  I feel lucky that yesterday I could make the beds, shop for roses, read a book, communicate with friends via phone, email, and texts, have a lovely dinner out, sleep soundly.  In another part of the country, a beloved cousin is under hospice care, facing an uncertain future with grace, with faith.... I wish I was there, helping where possible, offering support.  But I'm here.  So I pray, I listen, I squeeze my eyes tight and visualize less pain, more peace.....PEACE.....it's a beautiful thing. 

recovering and recap

Oh right....back to real life.  I'm late with posting...but at least I did it!  These pages chronicle the wrap-up of the HIM tour.  I documented the set lists from the four concerts we saw, and journaled about the experiences.  Still in recovery after a three-night-stand staying in the city.  Whew!  It was a gas.

I found these terrific new tools at AC Moore.  They are perfect for making toner transfers with Goof-Off.  Also good for blending with watercolor pencils, brushing on glue, painting and smoodging.

 

The rose count is insane!  With the recent rain the bushes are heavy and leaning.  Need to find a way to support them.  *adds on the to-do list*  Here is one until I can take more photos.

Fallon was able to finally get photos with three of the guys Friday night.  Perfect little addition to a fantastic tour.  We were definitely spoiled.  They are all back in Finland now.  When-oh-when will they be back? 

This week Seth @ The AlteredPage is revisiting True Colors with commentary each day from the participants.  I thought all the artists would be included in a one-day-post so I kept my remarks brief.  I could talk endlessly about the fabulous experience of making pages, then seeing it go to print.   Fun to be reading his blog as we reminisce out loud.  Check it out HERE. 

working in multiples

 
Often I will work in multiple journals.  Love to try on another size using the same tools and materials just to see if I learn any new lessons in composition.  I recently started working in this mini moleskine (found at Borders).  My RubyTuesday journal is almost complete so I will transition to this little one in the same theme, and will tuck it in to the larger one somehow.

The above is a sneak peek into the next crusade, posting tomorrow.  We are at the 40th!  My mission of spreading creativity and building connections through online challenges has been an utter delight.  How cool to have a gathering of interest from around the globe in our cyber studio!

nozzle finger

Finally!  A break in the rain and I could go out and spray!  I have wet knees from kneeling in the grass, and *nozzle finger* from months of being out of practice.  Oh, I missed you spray paint.

I am really bad about trying to blot off my stencils.  In fact, I'd rather keep working and let the layers of paint accummulate, then monoprint with it or chip it off later.  As I was waiting for a perfect spray-day I took on the task of cleaning up.  I carefully rolled the stencils and all the paint cracked and worked loose...some were almost to the point of being clean again (until I put them to work again today!)

My sweet friend Cindi commissioned a sprayed suitcase.  I was going to keep the final look a surprise but she asked to see it.  So here it is darling ;)  It's on the way to you, and can be packed up in time to visit NY for the last leg of the you-know-what tour.  xo

I really thought I would use red on this.  But I like the look of it without - kinda tapestry-ish with some spider webs and heartagrams.  Makes you look twice.  NOTE:  if you try this at home you definitely want to get a spray varnish.  I freaked out that the spray paint remained slightly tacky (as in sticky) but once I coated with the finish it was perfect! 

tuesday scraps

It's that time...purging clutter and clippings.  Use it or shake it off.  Used the scraps on my table today to make the RT pages.  I enjoy being a packrat.  It means I see potential in everything - the smallest thing can be used on a journal page.  But it's a gorgeous day and I'm energized to reorganize and pitch!

Did you know David Cassidy turned 60 last week?  In fond remembrance I blasted some old tunes in the studio.