I started a new project today. Like so many of my projects, it was unplanned. Here's how I ended up where you see it in progress above:
I ordered some new watercolor paper to make some new journals and thought I was ordering 10 pieces of what I always do, Fabriano Artistico 140lb hot press, but mistakenly ordered Fabriano Artistico 300lb hot press. Such a drag! I'm horrible at returning items; I'd much rather be very very careful when purchasing anything, anywhere, than have to do a return. Ugh, hate returns. Add that to the thought of how to return the giant package of paper that I'd already opened and the shipping process of it all, and I found myself motivated to find a way turn it into a happy art accident.
I cut it in half (too thick for me to tear, I tried), so it was then two sheets of 11x15". I folded each in half width wise and ran a ruler along the edge for a crisp fold. They reminded me of a very large pair of journal pages, and I decided to turn it into a big book of dreams and wishes. I'm having lots of fun. Here's where it was earlier today, placed on a chair so you can get a sense of size.
It looks different now, (you know I can't leave well enough alone,) but's too dark to photo, I'll take some more and show you soon. I plan on writing every single wish and dream that I want to manifest in my life in there. We'll see how many pages that takes. As the long weekend approaches, I'm happy to have a new project to play on. Here's to happy accidents! Hope you enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend!
Yes...that is B.I.G.!!!! and you're making it beautiful!
Posted by: Marilyn Podoll | May 27, 2011 at 07:45 PM
OMG Gorgeous!!! I love happy accidents!
Posted by: Michelle Rydell | May 27, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Your return thought process sounds so like me!!! Lololol.
Smiles, andra
Posted by: Andra | May 27, 2011 at 09:09 PM
Great you accidentally bought the wrong paper. I'm mean, dreams should be (on) big. ;-) Looks so wonderful!
Posted by: Somliga dagar | May 28, 2011 at 12:15 AM
I. ADORE. THIS.
Posted by: Chelsea Talks Smack | May 28, 2011 at 11:43 AM
What an inspired way to use the paper. And the journal already looks amazing. I love the idea and the title.
Posted by: Seth | May 28, 2011 at 02:41 PM
It's beautiful - can't wait to see more! (and I'm completely with you on the return thing - my husband has to do that for me).
Posted by: Jackie | May 28, 2011 at 02:59 PM
I LOVE 300lb hot press. Love what you are doing with it. I've signed up for your class in Malibu, will you be bringing any packets of wallpaper to purchase?
Posted by: laurie | May 28, 2011 at 05:30 PM
I like "hApPY aCcIDeNtS" sometimes they turn out to bee things that bring BIG smiles to our face...& like the gal beefore me said "dREaMs should bee BIG"... have a honey of a night ~ sweet dreams ;O)
Posted by: Marlene | May 28, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Love it. You got forced into something new from which good things have come. It's a good way to get out of ruts you didn't even know you had.
Break down the invisible walls of resistance-to-change!
It's perplexing to start with... but good for you. : )
Posted by: Gillian : ) | May 28, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Happy accidents are a blessing - they push our borders and force us to think out of the box. I'm sure you will be very glad that it happened to you. You see, you started dreaming immediately :)
Posted by: Bozena | May 29, 2011 at 02:26 AM
What a creative way to turn an error into art! I love your lettering, and have decided to try mimicking some of your whimsical techniques! Whoever ends up with this journal will be very fortunate!
Posted by: Jenny Petricek | May 29, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Beautiful! You turned an oopsie into WOWZIE! Ha!
Posted by: The Dreaming Bear | May 29, 2011 at 07:23 PM
I'm so in love with BIG!!!
Posted by: Trece | May 29, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Beautiful. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Lorelei | May 30, 2011 at 09:47 PM
You gotta love a happy accident! My work as a result of a whoops! is always some of my best - what a way to turn some lemons into lemonade - I hate returns myself- rarely do them ;) And of course anything with watercolor makes my heart sing! xo gina
Posted by: gina armfield | May 31, 2011 at 07:25 AM
Amazing! Something I would like to challenge myself to do, too.
You're a true inspiration!
Monica.
Posted by: Monica | May 31, 2011 at 10:56 AM
you are a beautiful example of
this, as you create such BEAUTY.
xox
Posted by: rachel awes | June 01, 2011 at 03:44 AM