Panning For Gold

Sunday in the city.  All weekend I've been rummaging through scraps of paper.  Finding all the old pieces calling out for a new life.  Some are vintage, most are not, just random collage bits or thick slices of paper I've been meaning to do something with.  But haven't.

I sat on the floor and pulled down box after box of scraps and began sifting.  Panning for gold.  I store EVERYTHING in labeled rectangular plastic boxes that are about 1-2 inches deep and 9 by 12 inches wide.  It certainly looks efficient and orderly.   Until scraps began to migrate into boxes not their own.  It's bound to happen.

I began building my prototype.  As I cut, folded, stitched, and assembled things, new ideas swam to the surface.  Old ideas gave way to better ideas.  Which is why I hatched the plan to not only build the journal with you, but to FILL IT UP with you too!  Who needs another fabulous blank journal sitting around gathering dust? 

Imagining, then basting together ideas for an online class is a real boon to the creative psyche.  As I whittle down and sharpen my ideas for SHABBY SCRAPS, naturally I'll share them with you, kind and indulgent readers.  An enormous, but quiet thank you for being such a constant audience for all of my creative impulses.

Comments

[Janet]

You haven't posted a sign-up yet, have you? I don't want to miss this class. I have tons of scraps of paper that I need to use.

[Roberta]

Love the idea of filling up the journal...I'm one who has a collection of blank journals...lol But that's okay...there is always someday :}

[susan w]

Adding the filling process is GENIUS! Yes yes I* do have too many beautiful journals that I just occasionally take out, flip through and pet the pages. Saving them for "good" or some such goof. You, dear M.A., are a continually expanding idea fount. Boy are we lucky to have found you!
*by "I", I mean more than me, most likely.

[Renate]

This looks so tantalizing!

[Paula Bogdan]

Looks like sooooooooooooooo much fun! It's really hard to wait, you know! Oh, I did some of my own panning this weekend, much simpler than yours, but panning none the less!

[Shelley Noble]

"It's Bound to Happen"<<<<

[Shelley Noble]

^That right there?^ That's your first book title!

[Jacqueline]

Oh, I love to take this class, I have tons of scraps laying there, and they screem: use me!

[Eveline]

I need more scraps. I didn't think I did, but seeing this, oohhyes, I need more scraps!

[carol sloan]

I'm a new fan and so glad that I "found" you! I've enjoyd reading old posts and the new ones too. The class sounds awesome! Are you going to create a sign up list for everyone or just allow the "rush" to happen when you announce its opening?

[Chris]

Hey, no need to thank us for enhancing our own vision by coming here! What a great idea to go through scraps. I tend to just stick them in the big rectangular box (yes...I got one!) and forget them! But now I can't wait to get home and rummage.

GREAT that your class is about to start. As one who knows, it's going to blow the skullcaps right off the students!

okay, figuratively speaking...

[kas]

'Oh, I can hardly wait to sign-up! I've already talked to Santa about getting your new class for Christmas. I have been a mostly good girl this year, I mean, today!

[daniela]

what a fantastic way to spend a weekend, rolling around in scraps (oops, projecting again!) every one of your pieces and photos is such an incredible yummy delight.

[Erin Perry]

Ah, the curse of the migrating paper scrap! Actually, everything in my studio tends to migrate - and not just in the spring and the fall! It's one of the reasons that pulling down a cigar box to look for something specific always ends up following two or three other paths as well. The joy of the unexpected in the depths of our "stash".
Erin in Morro Bay

[magpie]

have I said before that I'm totally obsessed by the lanterns against the turquoise walls?
every time I see them I'm tempted to hop on a plane and come find you and make you take me there. one day I WILL.