Frida's Going Around the World

I recently signed up for a circle journal collaboration organized by the lovely Tracy Woodsford.
There are 7 of us spread out over 5 different countries!  We each had to create a journal (8 x 10 or smaller) and this month they will embark on their journeys!

We each picked themes for our journals.  Mine is "Exploring the Inner and Outer."

 
I made front and back covers from cardboard.  I painted the cardboard black, and used metallic paint to stencil with my Hebrew Calligraphy stencil.  Then I mixed fluid acrylics and glazing medium to tint the stenciling.  (This is the same technique I used to make these trades for Art is You next month.) 

I was a little stuck about what to do next, until I received the gorgeous stencils Pam Carriker designed  for Stencil Girl's September Stencil Club!  They are of, and inspired by, Frida Kahlo.  And her whole body of artwork was inspired by exploring her inner and outer worlds.  Serendipity!






I found a profile picture of Frida, and created a silhoutte. 

I rubbed around the mask with a mix of gesso, glazing medium and yellow paint, and then scribbled some of my thoughts about being part of this circle journal.  I've never participated in anything like this and I'm very excited!  

I  mixed Modeling paste and different colors of red and yellow for the roses in her hair.

Inside the front cover, I created a random pattern using the leaves Pam designed. 

Inside the back cover, I stenciled Frida surrounded by the roses she loved so much.

I used duct tape for the spine.  Inspired by Carolyn Dube's class, Transform Your Tape, I stenciled the tape with my dots and dashes stencil.  I created one folio with sheets of watercolor paper bound with a simple pamphlet stitch.  I used the Hebrew Calligraphy and Hamsa stencil to add interest on the back cover. 

I am so happy that the September Stencil Club stencils arrived in the nick of time and inspired my handmade journal!  

And ... I am the designer for October's stencils for Stencil Club!  They are inspired by my yoga and meditation practices and I think you're going to love them.  They are exclusive to Stencil Club members and there's still time to sign up!  Stay tuned for some sneak peeks!

 

Tomorrow, this journal will travel to California, to artist Susan Jane.  Bon voyage Frida!

Linking to the challenges at Anything But a Card (hit the Books),  Mix it Monthly (hope it's ok that I was inspired by Frida and not Da Vinci!),  Tuesday Taggers (Make Your Flowers - hope my  Modeling paste roses count!),  Frilly and Funky (Anything Goes!).

Linking also to my favorite Friday hops: Paint Party Friday and Art Journal Every Day.

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.