February arrived with Snowmaggedon – a blizzardy winter storm leaving us 15 to 17 inches, 2 to 4-foot drifts, and shutting down the city for a couple days. My classes were cancelled two days in a row, which gave me a good chance to get caught up.
I decided to experiment on one of my art cards with some sewing to capture this time of year when I start to feel cabin fever creeping in.
Life always brings ups and downs. Lately, I haven’t been very good at dealing with the downs. So I reflected on the ups and downs with some spiral journaling on my next card, which made me feel better. Kinda like releasing the worries so I can move on. In short, I’m glad last week is over!
I used watercolor crayons for the background because they give a nice saturated color, Micron pens for the center journaling and doodle, colored pencils for splashes of brightness, and then shiny blue and silver beads to add some pizzazz to the outer borders.
If you would like to see what Michelle and Sandra have been doing on their art cards, we set up a Flickr group to share photos of our cards.
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Terri's Notebook 
~lovely~
I have not heard of watercolor crayons? what are they, and can you pick them up just at Michael’s or something? fun!
Thanks Niki! I bought my watercolor crayons at the art supply store. I don’t know if Michaels or Joann’s sells them. Amazon offers a couple sets:http://www.amazon.com/Faber-2dCastell-Watercolor-Crayons-Brush-15-2dpk-2e/dp/B001J2G3AY http://www.amazon.com/Caran-DAche-Neocolor-Watersoluble-Crayon/dp/B001S0KH6I
This is the set I have: http://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Aquarelle-Watercolor-Crayons-24-Color/dp/B0027AATT8
You just cannot go wrong with blue;) Those watercolors are fabulous!
I love these cards, Terri. So probably a dumb question: are you sewing on paper as a base? And the watercolor crayons–can you use them on fabric, or just watercolor paper? Would they be appropriate for little ones? (just thinking of more art projects…)
Thanks Cindy! I sewed those little squares on a piece of cardstock the same size as our deck of playing cards (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches). I have never tried watercolor crayons on fabric. Just on Bristol paper, which I have a stash of for my art classes. I don’t have a lot of experience with little ones, but I guess these watercolor crayons would be fine. They are quite easy – just color your card, dip your paint brush in water, and wash over the crayon markings. The water spreads out the color so you don’t see the strokes.
Cindy, I have used them on fabric before – they are used quite a bit in art quilts and bags though not on items which would require washing. There is a tutorial on my blog about using them on fabric and at the bottom of the tutorial is a link to some other sites where you can see some fabulous examples (hope you didn’t mind me adding this comment Terri)
I can relate to the blues:( You’re smart to use your creativity to give yourself a boost!
Your cards are beautiful!
Goodness – I love your card this week! It might be a card about winter blues but it’s so lovely I couldn’t be blue looking at it. I love the fabric side with the ric-rac and patchwork and the spiral journalling side is so calm and relaxing to look at. Really gorgeous work :0)
Love those blues. You cannot go wrong with them. I know the feeling of being caught up with staying inside. I think it was getting to everybody. Yesturday was like a heat wave here it got to 40. Now were do in for another strom Tuesday night into Wed. and they don’t know just how bad it is going to be yet. Spring get here soon!!!
…i love the colors and the mixture of textures..i know you weren’t feeling tip top but it really made me smile
Sandra
p.s you have snow,we now have tons of rain! Where i lived in Texas they have had loads of ice and snow!
Dear Terri, your new cards are fantastic! I love always blue but you have made it jus adorable! You have great talent and imagination! All this idea for the pack of cards – one for each week, is so good! Really wonderful idea to use fabrics, ribbons and water crayons!
I wish you sunny and creative week with only ups!!!
xxx Teje
Your blog is always so cheery that you wouldn’t even know you have “downs”. But, I guess we all do. It’s fun seeing how your art journal is progressing!
I’ve had my weeks of downs too…and we haven’t even had multiple feet of snow! I ALSO know that nothing helps chuck me out of my self pity mode like a project! The cards are really great and though they may be “blue,” they are beautiful (and my favorite color)! I think I even see a little bit of Daisy Chain and perhaps a little Garden Party in the corner? Who can be blue with those guys around!?
Hello Terri,
Oh that ric-rac would brighten my day instantly.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
Terri, these art cards are amazing…I love them!
Sorry you’re having the winter blues, I know how it is. Your cards are amazing and creative. I hope the sun stays out and it warms up there.