michelle ward

sun and the city

First, another RubyTuesday spread.  It may or may not be finished.  I let the pages get super dry before I decide if I'm going to write on them or add a little something else.  Sometimes it will be days before I look at them again.  I tend to prefer pages without writing so I will probably leave it.  It's more fun to start a new set of pages.  Keep moving forward.

Second, Fallon and I met Edie in the city to see the Burton exhibit at the MoMA...but the times tix were sold out.  Duh!  Should have checked.  We still a grand day.  It was a sunny and glorious afternoon in New York.  We stumbled upon a cool shop - just opened that day!  How cool is this scarf?  Large enough to be a poolside wrap.

Also scored a garland light by Tord Boontje.  I am a fan.  It was hanging there whispering to me...couldn't resist.  Look at this video.  Can't wait to hang it in my bedroom. 

 

We had seen a group of kilted men on the train...and later ran into hundreds of kilted men, women, and children marching in the St. Andrews parade on 6th.  I loved all the pomp, and the bagpipes made me swoon.  I would love to try playing one.  Has anyone done it?  Tell tell.

spring sing ring

So I'm a little late posting this page.  At least I kept up!  I'm also late with the crusade, but it's up now, whew! 

There is nothing better than working with reckless abandon, and no concern for "what am i going to do with this" - just playing to learn.  Hope you'll join us this month.   

Sam turned 18 yesterday.  Eighteen!  Sweet kiss from his sweet friend :)  Makes my heart sing to see him so happy.

Lots of comments about my custom *lucky girl* ring.  From etsy of course!  Made by Chris at CreativeMode.  In fact, all the rings are from etsy.  See also aprilkawaoka, puffluna, karalmava, aliciasjoy, cherrycreek,  tinahdee, panicmama, and sterlingstones.  Rock On is from somewhere else...can't remember now.

E is for enthusiasm, evidence

I had limited time today to make my rubytuesday pages since I'm heading out to pick up Mom from the airport.  It was easy to do these - simply documented recent events by tucking away some *evidence*, and scribbling down some thoughts. 

 
I was so touched and tickled by the responses you left on my last post.  I printed out the comments for my journal page.  I get it that not all of you are HIM fans.  And you may even roll your eyes when you arrive to see another post about them.  But what is really cool is that you were still able to share the enthusiasm with me.  And you get it that these projects and experiences are important to me.   Thank you.

Oh!  You want to know where that cool *evidence* tape came from? When I was looking for pre-printed toe tags I came across  crimescene.com   I ended up making my own toe tags, but found lots of great stuff at that place.  I have been keeping a journal....yes another....that is all about barrier tape.  I collect different specimens of tape while out and about, and friends even send me some.  I have tape confiscated from the local premises of Greece, Italy, and France! 

 

And courtesy of ATPhotography, a few shots from the show Friday night.  It was spectacular!  Next up:  three more dates in May!

xx

(click through for rubytuesday journal page) 

cross my heart

So I picked up this Sanctum bracelet from Brighton over the weekend.  Like I needed another cross charm bracelet...but I couldn't resist.  The gift bag and printed tissue paper was the final *sign* that it was meant to be mine.  I cut up the evidence to use on this journal page.

We are using tissue paper on our journal pages for Crusade No. 38 so it was a cinch to begin this spread...layered the thin printed tissue on the left.  Love how layers of roses show through because of the sheerness of the tissue.  Added torn pieces from the gift bag...painted over it all to *make it mine*.  Had a *duh* moment and added the crosses (since that's what was in the bag!)

I love the clanking of all the charms.  Makes me happy.  It reminds me of my Mom and what it would sound like when she wore her charm bracelet.  Plus I just *heart* crosses.

saving stories

I've been writing.  Writing down stories about how Art Saves.  I think they can be as short as a sentence, or much longer.  I made these journal pages this morning to hold some of my thoughts.  Each week I witness the power of creativity and how it influences myself and others.  In April I will be sharing my story on Crescendoh.com.  I'm already finding it difficult to choose which angle to take.  When the time comes the right one will reveal itself.  For now, I'm enjoying the process of documenting the many ways I know that Art Saves.  Have you thought about your own story?

 

Over the weekend a package of Art Saves loot arrived.  Beautifully packaged and great quality stuff.  Very cool to see the logo transformed from my sharpie drawing....and to see Jenny's vision in action.  Bravo girl!  Be sure to pop over to her site...new stuff there every day.

catching up

Thank you so much for the loving and caring comments and emails.  You have made me feel connected even though I've been unplugged for a while.  It's been a blurry few weeks and I am feeling so much better.  Thank you, truly.

 
My pages from yesterday fall into the *evidence* category.  Lots of messages that came in cards, with gifts, a fruit basket, fresh flower bouquets, and LOTS of ROSES!   How about this message from Lisa...made me grin, and it's so true ;)

I put in some time on my other blog today too.  Crusade No. 38 is posted.  A super easy and fun way to layer on a page is to use tissue paper....even cooler if it's painted.  Go see, then play along with us. 

Journaling reads:  I think being and feeling lucky is entirely on your attitude and perspective.  I am a lucky girl.  

ruby(fat)tuesday

I made these pages quickly this morning from the scraps of stuff sitting on my studio table.  I was playing with the positive/negative of the punches when I journaled some thoughts from an exhibit where the artist described having the ruthlessness to leave things out.  I often find that what is missing is more powerful than what is there.   

 
Confessions of a pack-rat:  I still have dusty artwork from submissions to Somerset Studio TEN years ago.  I remember being psyched to be invited to participate in With One Stamp.  I think that was one of the last times I ever used purple....but for Mardi Gras you have to, right?

 

cheers and screams

Yay New Orlean Saints!  My victory spread in the ruby tuesday journal.  *cheers*

New music Tuesday means HIM!  Got my digital download at midnight (came with concert ticket purchase) and my special edition cd and numbered screen print arrived today.  I have my teeshirt and my promo posters and I am ready to canvas New Jersey for the HIM Street Team.   *screams*

 

Screen prints made by Mike and Bob at TwoRabbitsStudios.com.

RT: XOXO

 
I love these letters.  YOU already know that.  It's February....LOVE this month.  One week until the HIM album arrives.  Heartagram Day.  Valentine's Day.  LOVE that.  New crusade.  LOVE Letters.  Come play. 

  

it's tuesday

We've had a winged heart on our door for years.  The hook broke from the plaster yesterday....no way to repair.  I picked up a paper mache puffy heart and did some sketches in my journal to study how I might want to finish it.  I went with all black.  I have a second one that I will take more time to work on...but I had to get something up right away.  I missed having a heart on our door. 

 

 

  
 

the twelfth day of christmas

I never take down the Christmas stuff until tomorrow - epiphany.  I wish we could leave the outdoor lights on through the dark days of winter.  It's so fun to see the neighborhood glowing.  I suppose there needs to be a special-ness of having them only lit at Christmas....I will miss them.  Tomorrow I will carefully wrap and pack our special things.  I leave the nativity scene for the end....it's the last to go....also the first to come out each year.

How about these lovely ornaments from Crate and Barrel?  They make me so happy.  I might leave them out until Valentine's Day.

I did work in my Ruby Tuesday journal today....just didn't get it finished or photographed.  I'll show you soon.  I'm thinking I will keep up the weekly exercise.  I enjoyed maintaining my sanity by allowing a morning of self indulgence each week.  If you are having a hard time getting back into your art you should come over and play on the Street Team.  This month the prompt is also an assignment....sometimes I think having an assignment takes the Thinking out and leaves room for Doing.  Come Brave the Elements with us.

ruby tuesday number eight

I admit that today was a little too packed with wrapping duty to indulge in making journal pages.  So I am reviewing pages shown on my blog from the past two years where I used some red.  It was really fun to scroll back through my own blog!

Lots of red around the home, in the wardrobe, on the tree.  I love that it is everywhere....all the way until Valentines Day! 

ruby tuesday number seven

 
Took a break from writing out cards....did some quick painting in my Ruby Tuesday journal.

Had two unexpected surprises arrive in the mail, I'm a Lucky Girl!  Catherine gifted me with these PMC charms that she makes.  She is a master at silversmithing and if I lived near her I would sign up for her classes in a heartbeat.  Thank you Catherine, these are precious.

And from Cindi - this girl Gets Me too.  I had to wear this today, even though it was 50 degrees.  I wish you could see how soft it is, and the deep rich color of red and black.  Perfect perfect perfect.  Thanks Cindi.  Heartagram hugs to you.

 

ruby tuesday number six

  
I am really loving this scraping and may end up leaving this as another unfinished page.  Sometimes my journal pages are simply studies that can inform future work, like on canvas.  When stamping out Rose Hips below I notice the letters are nearly equal to Promises, which is what the little seed pods are, aren't they?

 

I treasure the memory, from many Springs ago, of coloring pussy willow buds with pastel chalks.  Not sure why I thought of willows in winter....  maybe because I'm on a roll of creating stencils and masks of natural things.   

  

ruby tuesday number five

I almost missed it!  Five minutes until Wednesday.  I'm sorry I missed saying Happy Thanksgiving to all....I caught a bug.  No, not that one, a different one, and it really knocked me off my feet.  Still managed to have a good visit with my parents.  Today's pages are about getting prepared spiritually for Christmas.  Easy to think about on December first, especially as Advent just started.  As the month marches on the pressure tends to build and the meaning can get blurry.  Trying to maintain my perspective....putting out the Nativity set is always my first ritual.

 

I always try to leave at least one thing unfinished in my journal.  It helps me to jump right back in when I have the chance to play again.  It's a good trick, try it! *wink*

RT No. 4 & GPP No. 35

I believe in signs.  I have written several times about the *signs* I have for loved ones.  I love the connection between *things* and *thoughts of someone*.  I love that thinking of someone can be prompted by seeing something unique and specific.  That is exactly what Crusade No. 35 is about - What's Your Sign?   

Slightly more complicated to explain is what I consider to be *sign transference*.  Here's a great example:  yesterday my friend Carrie sent me an etsy link to go look at some cute deer.  She sees deer and thinks of me because she knows that deer make me think of Shannon.  It's a big wide circle of thought....a ripple effect.

Ruby Tuesday pages for this week happen to work for the Crusade too.  I have two very special friends *P*, and *E*, who have never met, (yet remind me of each other).  Both of them claim the cardinal as the sign for their Grandmother.   Because they shared that with me whenever I see a cardinal I think of them.  It's all so special, because it widens the circle of thought and remembrance.  Sign Transferred.  Sure, may not be such a thing....but it makes sense to me *grin*

ruby tuesday number three and a half

Ok, so it's not Tuesday, but I worked in my RT journal today.  Sunday is my rock star crush's birthday.  11/22 Ville Valo will be 33.  Doesn't that portrait stencil rock?  

 
Hyvää Syntymäpäivää!  It's going to be an exciting year.  The new HIM album comes out in February:  Screamworks - Love in Theory and Practice.  Thirteen track names have been revealed.  Cover art is still a mystery.   Our fan friends in Australia and England already have tour dates scheduled.  We can't wait to learn about the U.S. tour!  The first single will be out soon...and a video?  *faints*  

RT No. 3

 

 

 
  (for feed readers:  three journal spreads)
 

one more, for remembrance

One more for Ruby Tuesday, a little late, but on time for Veteran's Day.

 

Thinking of, with gratitude, all our troops, both active and retired, those living and those passed on, especially my grandfather Justice Fallon Kelly. 

self-imposed sanity

Heading into holiday season do you find you set aside your artwork?  While I enjoy the preparations and festivities my studio becomes cluttered with gifts and wrappings.  This year I have a self-imposed assignment of keeping up with my visual journal, at least on a weekly basis to stay plugged into creativity.  I'm going to use my stash of favorite red things that sit in my journal kit.  Using them feels good.  Making stuff feels good.  Dirty hands feels good.  Why not try to set aside one morning a week for yourself?  I started last week:

 

 

 

My rose bushes don't know what to think.  The weather keeps changing.  I clip off roses as they enthusiastically dare to appear, not knowing if it will be in the 70s or the 30s.  I think this may be the last bud.  I'll leave her on and watch her grow.