Jacquelyn... Faux Couture Mini Dress Form

Jacquelyn, (that's her name...), think I've discovered an amazing passion. I wasn't able to stop with this piece of art. I named this first piece Jacquelyn after my mother who has always been an inspiration to me as an artist.

I have always loved both mixed medium arts and paper arts as well as fashion design but never learned to draw the human form well enough to actually excel in fashion design and pattern design. I bought a simple paper mache' mini dress form that is blank and thought why not... worst case scenario is I have to throw her away because she looks worse than any Good Will mannequin or even the worst garage sale mannequin. But, at least I'd have fun trying. And boy did I have fun trying!!

What an amazing feeling as I sat and molded the papers with my fingers. The hardest part was waiting for the glue to dry, I have no patience! I used a heat gun to speed the process a bit.

I then used straight pins to attach each "skirt" to the dress form and assembled it with other details like the knots covering the pins, the corseted back, the broach and I mixed my own paint and painted the wood base.

I love the outcome, she turned out beautiful! Can't wait to make another!

I created a Visual Journal historically recording my grandfather's life for his 90th birthday.
I'm posting several of my favorite photos here.

I chose a vintage feel as he is from the WWII generation and fought proudly during that war.
I also used more of a collage feel so that I could incorporate memorabilia from that era.

Rather than using a traditional photo album I chose a leather bound scrapbook with tissue paper separating each page to protect the photographs from being damaged by the three dimensional elements I used on each page.

My embellishments were either entirely handmade or altered. I used mostly found objects, I also scanned original documents and used them as they would have appeared in their original forms. I hope you'll ask lots of questions on techniques. I really enjoyed just digging in and trying whatever weird ideas came to mind.
I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Scrapbook Formula or Project Formula (Adapt for Projects)

Scrapbook Formula (this entire Formula can easily be adapted for any project be it an altered project, a knitting project or a mixed medium project. Just use your imagination and a bit of common sense).

PURPOSE
1. Why am I making this album/journal?

• Who or what am I celebrating (child's life, vacation, relationship or a hobby)?
• What emotion do I want to capture or convey (romance, gratitude, remembrance, joy)?
• How will I use this album/journal (gift, showcase, or yearly update as with a calendar)?

FORMAT

2. What size and style of album or book will I use?

3. How will I organize my album/journal?

• Chronological highlights (monthly pages or by event).
• Theme (holiday, school, sports, wedding, etc.).
• Favorites (photos I love, collections, people, places).
• Aplha numeric (ABC book, top ten lists).
• Question and Answer (interview style, use of questionnaire).
• Dedication (to someone, or something- about something you love, to God).
• Journal with photos or clippings (I call these Visual Journals).
• Other

Comments:


Ideas for Title Pages:


4. What frame work pages will I include in the album?

• Title Page
• Dedication Page (Often, this page gives you, the artist, a chance to explain to the reader/observer why you are creating your project. It gives them a glimpse into your soul, your very being. It will be their guide as they visit pieces of your heart on each page of your work. It will also give them insight into the content of the book or project. Especially if it is for or about someone else, an event or a beloved hobby).
  
• Table of Contents
• Section Pages (Introduces and separates each section of your book)
• Filler Pages (Basically fills up your album, journal, book or sections of. These are sometimes later added as updates to your book. The content of the filler pages is based on the book's organization - either simple or detailed. Design coordinates with the other pages but typically they are NOT as detailed (More simplistic in color or in the design elements that are used).
• Closing page (last page of the album and a place to add an "ending" to your book with summarizing thoughts, inspirational quotes, scripture or parting photo. I often use at least a portion of this page as an "about the Author page". It gives the reader an opportunity to get to know you, to understand what is important to you and to better see your work through your perspective.)
• Other

5. What is my color scheme? (Print this card and attach color swatches to the back). The fastest, typically, way to complete a journal, album or book is to use a similar color scheme throughout while adding coordinating and complimentary patterns to solids.

6. What decorative accents will I use?

• Embellishments (findings, hardware, quirky etc. )
• Or in combination with handmade Embellishments
• Stamped Elements
  
• Tags
• Fibers
• Ribbon
• Stickers
• Photo corners
• Charms
• Beads
• Brads
• Eyelets
• Other

DESIGN SCHEME
7. Framework: How will I arrange my photos and journaling on the framework and filler pages to create a unified look and feel?

• Try drawing thumbnail sketches on the back of this card

PREPARATION
8. Do I need to gather additional information (I know this part is boring for us creative types but it really will save you time and get you to the best part a lot faster!) i.e. stories, background information, names and dates?

• What if anything?

• Who do I need to contact?

9. What photos do I need to complete this journal/book?

• Photos I already have (set these aside, preferably in a small accordian album in the order you will be using them):

• Photos I need to take (use the same organization system as above):

MATERIAL FILE:

10. How will I file and store this information?

• Try using a plastic storage container that will hold hanging file folders and leave some room for a shoe box or cardboard photo box keeping all of your project materials together in one place.
  
• The best advice I can give you is to LABEL, LABEL, LABEL from the very beginning it saves so much time. Any time saved is time that can be used to create! And isn't that what it's all about anyway?
  

To encourage yourself to do the parts of projects that don't appeal to you set aside 10-15 minutes for the mundane and award yourself with an hour of creating! It works for me.