Here it is! The big mother of a post that's only slightly overdue. When I'm off on an adventure in my art room. I always think this is it, 'I'm in FULL TILT BOOGIE! ' Swimming in pure narcotic bliss. I wanted a name to convey that gorgeous feeling of being lost in the moment. Absorbed and transported by enthusiasm and love for the creative process. And FTB sounded better than Vintage Photo Album or The June Class.
By day I've been monkey whispering, but by night I've been moonlighting in my laboratory making class samples (some featured in this post), spinning idea after idea on my spinning wheel. Now that they're mostly ready, I'm off to the next chapter in online class creation: videotaping. When I'm done with that I will be able to be more specific about price, supplies, registration logistics, and dates.
In the meantime, I can tell you about some of the supplies you will need.
1. Vintage photo albums like these (check back in my categories under online classes to find tips on Ebay auctions and search terms)

OR these:

Celluloid, velvet, leather. They'll all work. Decide what size feels most comfortable to YOU. Clasp intact or not, doesn't matter. The condition of your album and your personal preference will dictate the type of journal you make. I'll be making 2 different journals with the COVERS of the albums and 2 other journals with the inside photo frames. If you have 2 vintage photo albums you can make all 4!
For those who can't find a vintage photo album. You can use books like these:

OR these:

If you can't find books like those you can use ANY BOOK you have on hand. If you're afraid of not finding a vintage photo album fear not! Ideas will blossom in your art brain during class that you hadn't thought of before.
If you don't have photo frames you can use cardboard or whatever your imagination deems appropriate. If you're a crafty gangster I know you can find alternatives! I'll be teaching you 2 chimp-proof binding stitches that are surprisingly simple, and that I haven't taught before. Both are very common, classic bindings. Neither are complicated. Both will make you feel like an Awesome Genius when finished.
You'll also need a small bit of fabric - under a 1/2 yard in total, but can be composed of scraps like this:

The pages of one of the journals will be a jumbled mix of fairly sturdy papers. Unlike ROD, these pages will not get the sewing treatment. They will also lie flat. During class I will demo working in a longer, odd-sized album, and a small album of perhaps 6 by 9. You can work in an oompa loompa sized album, a monster album, or any size you choose.
A sewing machine will NOT be required, however it may be useful. You can get by without one.
My intention for FULL TILT BOOGIE is to open a can of ideas. The journal-building portion of the class will be detailed, explicit instruction. Once you have your journal made we'll switch gears to begin the visual journaling process on the inside pages. This will be less instructional. I won't play teacher here. I'm just going to be ME doing MY thing (lots of different things) and you can watch. Simple. If you have questions I'm here for you. As a student I always learn the very most from watching people and I think this is the beauty and wonder of online classes - the ability to watch someone make something.
I will talk about my process, but mostly I'll SHOW not tell. I will be using a combination of photos, collage bits, various papers, tape, glue, ink and a little paint thrown in for good measure. FULL TILT BOOGIE will be rooted in my ongoing visual journal practice.
If you are a novice or seasoned visual journal keeper I invite you to climb on board and relax into a natural rhythm of visual journaling that is uniquely your own. Your big world. Through your eyes. On your pages. Captured on paper. Through repeated dedicated practice my hope is that you will grow bolder, more confident, less critical, more enthusiastic about this rich wise act of mess-making.
FTB will be ongoing and open indefinitely. You can revisit the videos and pdf's as often as you like for as long as you like. (providing you don't lose your password!) Start immediately or watch the videos and let your ideas simmer for as long as you want. No stress or guilt allowed.