{how do you define beautiful}...

The new art journal is done.  Well, done in the sense that's it assembled.  Are they ever really done.

The cover photo of course was my inspiration.

I just love this dress.  Makes me wish I had somewhere to wear such a beautiful dress.

And 30 years younger.  Or maybe 30 years older.

This dress and many others was made by Nattyboho at http://www.etsy.com/shop/nattyboho .

This particular dress has been sold.  But Nattyboho was so generous to allow me to use her photo.

Which is almost as wonderful as being able to wear the dress. 

 Above ~ the covers opened out showing the binding.

 And the complete book page by page

 including six blank pages.  That's a blank paper page on the right. 

Ready to add additional thoughts to or whatever.

 I must say I have gotten over my, shall I say phobia, of loose threads.

Loose threads were always a big no no when I was taught to sew.

Not any more.  I've been allowing more and more frayed and loose

threads in all my journals.  But this one is over the top with them.

And I am loving it.  Although I must admit I still trimmed the thread after sewing

with the machine.  Oh well.  Maybe next time I can leave them long too. 

It's size it really fun to hold.

{the pages}...

In no particular order.

I've used a bit of the erosion bundle fabric on the edge.

 I think these little wires make for some

really cool hair

I really like these little wires.  I could have used them on every page.

 The cover

 and the back of the book.

I'm almost ready to finishing binding the journal.   I just want to add a few blank

pages for personal journaling and a few surprise pages.  All in all I think there should be about 19 pages including the front and back covers.

{in the studio}...

I've been  inspired.  So into the studio I went to begin

a small art journal.  More on the inspiration with the completed journal.

For now a sneak peek and a look into

my creative process.

This is where I am at now.

 The book is only 6" x 3.5"

and 10 pages in length ~ counting the covers.

The layers are building and the pages are nearing their final appearance.

I still want to make a few more edits and additions before assembling the book.

But hope to have it completed soon.

The following 3 photos show the earlier beginnings.

 It can be really hard for me to cover up the lower layers as

I tend to like a simple look.

 But all the layers add a greater mysterious beauty that draws you

even deeper into the pages, so cover them up I do.  Perhaps that's why I

photograph them now so I can enjoy them too.

Except for the inspiration photo I am using only what I have on hand.

And because of  it's small size I can use up lots of remnants.

Can you see my little helpers paw?