origin~aLi_ty: Nature Journal

Inspired by a online art class The Art of Wild Abandonment 2 with Junelle Jacobson, I started my "Nature Journal Project". AND I TOTALLY ADORE IT & Can't get enough of the fall scenery!

On a gloomy day, I ventured out to Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC for inspiration and leaf gathering. I found amazing leaves; some I have no clue what they are, but I like 'em. (Mind you...I tend to feel a bit like the girl from Hunger Games documenting herbs and roots etc. minus the loverboy to sketch them for me.) Plus I captured some great pictures - especially using the Panoramic option on my iPhone :)

You can get ideas ANYWHERE...your backyard, tree-lined streets, movies, old photos, holiday decor, etc. ...Nature is EVERYWHERE!!

After nature collecting, I wanted to find a perfect book. So off to Barnes & Noble clearance section. You can use whatever kind of book...I just happened to come upon a $3 book relating to my theme. Some friends went to a used book store which is a great idea.

Next, go through the book gluing together 3-4 pages at a time, then ripping out 3-4 pages and repeat until book is finished. Apply Gesso to random areas you would like to draw on.

I decorated my cover, but learned ...ya might want to prep that surface first...OOPS.

It tends to peel & scratch off easily, so I ended up applying masking tape all around the edges.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." -Albert Camus

Then I added a burnt page element to the entire book. The prep part probably took the longest due to the fact you have to wait for things to dry...(not helping if you are combating with old, clumpy gesso :(

.......BUT on to the next...,,,

Take the leaves and trace onto the page in whatever form and fashion. You can also freehand sketch which I did on some while looking at a photo. Then apply whatever color you desire. I used Neocolor 2 WaterColor crayons plus added a small photo or wording (TOMS new catalog had awesome sayings) as a final touch before detailing.

NOTE: Let the work dry for a night before apply generous amounts of sealant to avoid too much smear/smudge of your watercolors. I used ModPodge before detailing....

Yes Virginia...you have to wait again.

THE FINAL STEP: I used a Scarlet Lime pen, Sharpie Paint Markers and went to town detailing. On some pages, I found words from the text and embraced those. Some just spoke for themselves. But I did finalize each page with a tiny, simple heart.