Caged In...

 I covered up some old journaling that I had already done on this double page spread with gesso and then covered it with some striped tissue paper.  I applied the tissue paper with matte gel medium.  I left it like that for a while before I decided what would go on the pages.  I drew out bird on an old piece of map paper, cut it out and colored it with oil pastel.  Then I stuck it on the page and drew the cage  and the heart - also with oil pastels.  I journaled using a black Sharpie marker.

This page was covered with gesso and then I added some torn map paper here and there with matte gel medium.  I used water color pencils to fill in the color on the background.  I also did some light journaling just to get some "stuff" off my chest and then promptly covered it up.  My bloggy friend, Lea, sent me a sweet package a way back when and there was all kinds of ephemera and goodies tucked in it.  One thing that was in it was a piece of material that was painted.  I've had it in my drawer forever waiting for a special use.   I tore it into strips and then used Mod Podge to adhere it and I also covered it with Mod Podge.

I added some details with the oil pastels again and also some Tim Holtz Distress Stain.  I love that stuff.  They come in bottles with a little dauber at the end for application.  Title was added with a black Sharpie.

When working in my soul journal, I am more interested in what I have to write or say than I am the "art" work usually.  However, because of the personal nature of the journaling, I often end up covering my words.  That's okay.  I'm still getting the journaling out there and I'm also allowing myself to be expressive.  There are times that I write out my words like a prayer and there are other times where they are just random sentences, thoughts, rambles that just come to mind.  I was speaking to a friend about this recently and I think I will be approaching my journaling a little differently and see what happens.  I really feel like I'm playing it safe sometimes and not being fearless with my art or my words.  That has to change. It's just something I know.

When you art journal, is it serious? Light-hearted? Does it mean anything?  All of the above? =)