Last page for Marianne (my last page too)

When Sjimmie arrived here in London a few days ago, all the cats in the neighbourhood came over to play. They loved my wool (of course) and had such fun together.
I hope I send the right cat back to Marianne! (You are gonna love your book Marianne, it sings with fun, colour and joy.)
This is my last page of my last book.
It's been an absolute 'Blast' sisters.
Thanks you all so much for coming along with me on my journey. My book is here on my window sill where I can admire it each and every day.
Big hugs and kisses to you all.

KATE'S PAGE FOR CAROLINE

This is my page for Caroline's traveling sketchbook. I wanted to try an Origami Envelope Fold for this page. I have never done much paper folding but I've always been intrigued by it. It actually was pretty easy.

I liked this particular fold because it allowed for a lot of little extras, like attaching more paper for secret compartments and more folds. Carolines theme was color and I think I have some here. I used a lot of materials for this collage. Paper party napkins, tissue, magazine cut-outs, paint and rubber stamps went into the making of this. So much fun.

I wish I could take credit for this beautiful design but it is really scrapbook paper. It does give me ideas for some new paintings, though. My page is the last to be done for Caroline so her book will be flying home to her this week.

Katie Jane's Book Is Compete With Lynn's Page

I stamped bark and leaf pictures to card stock and then sewed patchwork quilted leaves on top to add to Katie's nature theme for her book, which is now complete and will be mailed to her tomorrow.

It was Kathy who first introduced me to traveling sketchbooks, this SoulSisters Book following on the pages of her Girlfriends traveling sketchbook & blog, both which led me to start the next traveling art book at Artshine! Thank you Kathy, what a joy this all has been and continues to be.

TA DA! MY BOOK ARRIVED

I was so excited when my book arrived yesterday, wrapped up beautifully by Lolo with a golden ribbon, just like a present, which it is: a present from 9 very talented, gifted and loving artysoulsisters.
I have scanned it very big, so hopefully you can enlarge it and see each page.
Marianne, Mim, Lynn, Suki, Kate, Caroline, Lisa and Lolo, you are all such good 'team' players, such warm and caring women, such great artists, who have each created something so very personal for me, and it all fits together in this amazingly perfect little book, which I will treasure forever.
I am so glad that I started this project, (thanks Lisa, you were the first person to show a huge response and excitement when I first suggested it, and this spurred me on to make it happen).
Here it is on my window sill, where I can see it every day and think about a special cover I want to make for it. I do so wish we could display our books in some sort of arty magazine, as they are all wonderful achievements, and now Lynn has started a second round with more wonderful artists from round the World.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart one and all, you make my heart sing and my cup runneth over.

Marianne's back pages by Lolo

What I love about this patterned paper is often times it can be as it is. For instance, this little bluebird is sitting in the middle of a mandala shaped design. All I did was write this in the middle..."This little birdie brings a message of love from lolo in Rhode Island to Marianne in the Netherlands."

The larger piece of paper (because it overlaps the first) is filled with these wonderful organic shapes like flowering branches. I wanted to put a raven in there but I think a Red-Winged Blackbird is quite a better choice this time. Besides, he's such a hopeful sign of Spring!
I colored in some shapes here and there to give this side more color.
There you have it. Now tomorrow it will go to Joss!

suki makes a page for Caroline

I was a little stymied at first by the theme of "color" and "shapes" but eventually made this collage using self-painted tissue paper, purchased handmade paper, acrylic paint, stensils, faux jewel.
The back has another bit of self-painted tissue paper and a list of the materials. I will now send it to Katie Jane and then she sends to Caroline I think!! I have received books from all except Lolo.

Marianne's front pages ala Lolo

Well I can tell you we've all been waiting for Sjimmie to show up from The Netherlands!

Bliss has been waiting by the big studio window for weeks now.

Wait!! What's that shadow behind the stained glass window? Poor kitty is cold and wet from the snow. Oh my goodness, it's Sjimmie!! He's finally here! Let's let him in and make him warm and cozy. Bliss, will you share your food? Emma, will you be nice??

After a nice meal and a little grooming, Sjimmie, Bliss and even Emma became fast friends.

I gave Sjimmie a tour of the studio and he cuddled up next to Bliss, taking in all there was to see.

He kept being distracted by my beautiful birth mandala that his mom Marianne painted for me. We all knew he missed her. The three new friends spent a wonderful few days together before we sent Sjimmie on his way to London where Jossie would see to it he gets home safe and sound.

We're going to send him first class with a special blanket in case he gets caught in more snow!

Bye-bye Sjimmie! We loved having you here! Next time bring your mom!

The back pages will be worked on today as well. I'll post them asap ;)