Thursday, May 5, 2016

Alter Book Journey

 So last month I started a new altered book project. I thought it was just perfect for Art Journal Journey this month since the theme is Journeys.  
One of my life travel goals is to visit all 50 states in the United States. I've made it to 38, many of those several times, but not all 50 yet. Maybe because I love to go places, not just within my own country. But how could I not want to visit  other countries too because there are so many beautiful and interesting places all over the world?
So when life lets me, I hope to get to the other 12 states I need to visit one of these days.
Anyhow, my book is about the 50 states. And it is about my visits to those states, not really about the states themselves. I plan on leaving some mostly blank pages on those states I haven't yet visited. Then whenever I manage to visit them, I can go back and finish those pages.
So today I have the first few pages in the book to show you.
 A few years ago I found this used set of Quick Kutz dies on eBay for under $20 with 50 dies, one for each state. They work out perfect for this project.
I'll have more to show you another day but hope you enjoy these first little view.

Thought I would show you a few more views from my little trip to Vermont for baking class last week.
And no calories today!
Not even any baking.
Baking class started at noon so one morning I had a bit of time before class and I went to this old mill building that had been renovated for shops. What surprised me, besides the beautiful inside of the building, was all this fun circus theme art inside.  Here's a few of the pieces they had.



And here's a shop in this came building you don't normally see in a mall, at least in my neck of the woods.
A violin, viola and cello shop.
And before I sign off, why don't you journal one of your journeys, whatever kind it is, and link up to AJJ too.
That's all for me today. Have a great day.

10 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely journal pages, and a great idea to document your travels, so hope you manage to visit those last 12 states one day! Love the photos, looks like a great place to visit, and that monkey bench is fantastic. Glad you had a good time there. Thanks for doing so much for AJJ!! Hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

This AB is a fantastic idea.. oh wow.. gorgeous!Fabulous pages so far! I am impressed that you managed to see 38 states until now...
I just managed to visit our 9 different districts in Austria(lol) and some other countries mostly for summer holidays .
This place looks great.. lovely impressions - thank you for sharing and thanks a lot for so many support to Art Journal Joureny!
Big hug!
oxo
Susi
( managed more than the half of my brother sitting time now )

NatureFootstep said...

I write journals when I travel and post them in my Travel blog :)

Your images brought back one image from my travels. But now I don´t know from where :(

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Not sure how I missed this, but this is a wonderful thing to put on your bucket list. I really look forward to seeing old memories and new as they occur.

I've been to all contiguous lower 48 states AND have made it a point to take photos of each of the capitals in those states. So I truly look forward to your stories.

What a unique mall. Gotta love the decor and the various shops. Never heard of one that catered solely to violins, violas, and cellos before.

Hope your day went well. Sorry I missed this earlier.

Electra said...

What a glorious post! I really love your first journal page!

~*~Patty S said...

Thirty-eight is nothing to sneeze at Erika!
You are off to a great start with your 50 state bucket list.
Fun seeing your cool pages.
What an amazing journal it will be.
Those paper lanterns are fabulous!
I seem to have a thing for those and paper parasols too
Happy Weekend to you and yours
oxo

Becky said...

Wow gorgeous page love the photos.Hope you manage to visit all the rest of the states

Sue said...

Brilliant pages. I love the bright colours you use.

Jeanie said...

That mill building is fabulous. I just love the lanterns -- so festive!

I've never tallied how many states I've visited but I'm pretty sure it's not 38! A really good start on your goal!

Margik said...

Fabulous art journal pages, especially the first one is amazing!
A great post!
Mar :)x