Sketchbook Pages: Strong is Beautiful

This page started out with a page I half-started back in the fall.

At that time, I gessoed the page before collaging a mix of papers with fall colours. Mostly, I was just cleaning scraps off my desk. I had no idea where to go next, so I dripped some brown India ink from the bottom, wiping away a few bigger splotches. And then I stalled, putting it aside for months. 

Last week, I wanted to start with a clean slate, so I gessoed over everything. Needing to unload a bit, I journalled messily with a gold Sharpie pen. Since it's a paint pen, I sprayed the page with acrylic sealer so that it wouldn't smudge when I added the next layer on top.

Forgetting to take photos, I moved on. I had a magazine scrap with an inspiring message: strong is beautiful. So I chose tissue paper and washi tape with colours that were similar to those found in the cut out as well as bits of gold to match the writings.  

The black was overwhelming so I needed to add more to balance the page. First I doodled with a Sharpie and then I added circles and splatter with India ink. And then it was complete: 

I love these simple pages full of layers. I use some of my favourite techniques and my favourite supplies and just go. It's very relaxing and satisfying. I really think I'll be able to cross off my long-standing goal of completing this altered book this year - and then I'll jump right into the next!