Saturday 16 March 2013

A BETTER MOTHER?


I made this page because some of my recent encounters with my (now grown and flown) daughters have been nothing short of wonderful, and I was full of a need to record how proud I am of them.

I had already made a simple background with Caran d'Ache crayons and added these Washi Tapes and one or two other bits and bobs, including this wonderful picture of a little girl.  She reminds me so strongly of my youngest daughter ... I think its the way her bottom lip sticks out!
And then I simply wrote down what I was feeling - I am trying not to be such a straightist so although I did write in more or less straight lines, I did make the lettering lots of different sizes, which is progress for me!
It didn't take much to finish the page off, just a few extra touches of shading and the obligatory decorative dots!  Well you've got to have those.  I suppose this is quite a simple page, but then it was a fairly simple thought.  I did worry a lot about being a good mother (mine was awful) when they were little, and then I came across the concept of a good-enough mother, which liberated me from trying too hard.  I made lots of mistakes but can only believe now that I did some things right as well!
I find it exciting that I've just started work in this, my 7th journal.  Hard to believe I've been journalling away since August 2010, and since I discovered it have only occasionally done anything else!  My journals come with a white gesso cover which allows me to decorate each one differently.  This one was painted metallic black (I was in a slightly steampunk mode at the time) and I added metal effect studs and hinges, with a Tim Holtz plaque to finish it off.  I always tie ribbons and all manner of bits and bobs to the journal spine, including a numbered tag.  I used to date my pages but don't bother now, but I do make a  note on the inside cover when I began and when I finished.
And here are the other six sitting on my shelf!  I love going back to them and musing over the journey I've made, and how far I've come (or indeed not come).  I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered this wonderful art form which fits me to a T (although I do still sew, scrapbook etc etc), and it gives me much joy and delight to share them with you ....
Rosie

6 comments:

Cath Wilson said...

Gorgeous work, Rosie and I'm so glad you do journal because I so love your stuff! Nice to hear of someone feeling they did things right as a Mum - right now I'm wondering if I did anything right at all in any part of my life... thank you for your continuing inspiration.

Carol Q said...

lovely pages Rosie - and how good to feel so proud of one of life's difficult achievements. You never can tell how it's going to turn out can you? Bet your journals are interesting to look back at and see how things have moved on and changed since you started (with you art as well as your life).

viv said...

Lovely page Rosie. I think every mother wonders whether they are being a good mum. I think I am a better nana and great grandma

Julia Dunnit said...

I love that you do share..your journal making is my favourite of all the ones i see. Colour, style, brevity and real life...so unselfconscious, i just think you're marvellous. And i like straighist. Could be the word of the day!!!

Strictly Come Craftin' said...

Loving your work hunni!!

Linda Vincent said...

Lovely to see all your journals together like that Rosie. And the latest page is very special.... xx