Art by Ursula Wollenberg

A Little bird brought the story to me....

A fun little mini journal I have created from a 1967 diary found among my Mother's things.  She didn't want to give it up, but I persuaded her that I would use it in the most resourceful way.

I was inspired by a group of on line artists, exchanging Artist Trading cards.  I am among the group and as the cards come in, I will share them with you.  I wanted to begin practicing and creating ideas I could use for the cards I will be sending out.  This is very exciting to me, as the artists live in different parts of the U.S., and other parts of the globe.
The measurements of the cards are the exact size of the pages inside my mini journal.

I kept the front inside cover as is.  The year 1967 has significance to me, it is the year I graduated from high school.  So, yes, I too am vintage.
I love the size of this little gem as I can keep it in my purse and sketch, write and paint while waiting for appointments and riding in the car.  Keeping thoughts and ideas close at hand.

I didn't spend too much time on the outside covers.  I used DecoArt gesso, fluid acrylics and Washi tape.  Sealed it with DecoArt matte spray sealer.

A peek at supplies used to create the pages, along with a couple of the trading card beginnings.
The pages of this book are thin and slightly fragile.  So, I glue two pages together with a glue stick.  I then gesso the pages and add stencils, sketches, tape, artist paper and so on.  I then have a wonderful background ready to go.

              My first entry, inspired by Gustav Kimt.  An artist that I want to study in more depth. 

One of my favorites, as it was so much fun to do the roses.   I did this one while at work, during a slow period.  Shhh, don't tell anyone!

As you can see, the gesso is thinly applied, allowing the text to show through.  You can even use clear gesso, which will alow more to show through and give you a little more texture.  It is more gritty than the white.

This is the one that inspired my last blog entry..." She took the leap".....................................

                                                 A poem found on a website that spoke to me.

I have many more pages to fill in this little book.  It is addictive, I must warn you.  If you can't find a small vintage book, make your own little journal.  This book measures 4 x 2 3/4.  Cut a piece of paper double the size of each and attach washi tape to secure the pages together.  Add cardboard or card stock to the outside for strength.

"You can't use up creativity.  The more you use, the more you have."  Maya Angelou

See you soon.
Ursula