Monday I filmed myself creating this journal page. Here’s the video:
This video is a peek into how I work in my visual journal. It took a little under an hour and a half for me to complete, and I sped up and edited the film so you can watch the whole thing in 10 minutes. I did not plan out what I was going to journal about–I work as I normally do, just letting come out what needs to come out without censoring myself or being concerned with the final product. I’m not trying to make a piece of art because the process is what’s important to me.
I positioned the camera so that you could best see the journal while I worked, which meant you couldn’t always tell what my hands were doing outside of the journal. This doesn’t affect the video or watching my process other than you can’t tell at times that I’ve applied gel medium to a piece that I’m gluing down, or that I’m dipping my paintbrush, watercolor pencils or crayons in water.
The materials that I used in this piece are gesso, Golden’s Heavy Body acrylics and fluid acrylics, watercolor pencils, crayons, watersoluble oil pastels, markers, pens, rubber stamps (both hand-carved and stamps from my line of art rubber stamps that I sell), ephemera (a self-portrait, an incense box, and a candy bar wrapper), and tape.
I frequently receive questions about how I am able to write on top of paint, so I will answer here to keep from getting deluged with more questions about it. I can write on top of my painted journal pages with just about any kind of writing tools–pens, markers, etc. The key is to not apply too thick of a layer of paint. As you will see in the video, I use several (sometimes many) light layers of paint. That is better than one thick layer. If you can’t write on your page after painting, the paint is too thick, or maybe try something different to write with.
I teach visual journaling workshops as well as other mixed-media and fiber workshops. Please visit my web site for my workshop schedule. The large alphabet stamp I used is Blind Melon, the stamp I used for the lines is from my Journaling stamp sheet. I also used a monkey stamp and a hand stamp. You can also visit my blog.
The music that is played while I’m working is recordings of Shortwave Numbers Stations, all from the Conet Project created by Akin Fernandez. The mysterious sounds and voices are believed to be encrypted messages from short-wave radio stations operated by government agencies as a way to communicate with spies. Just like my visual work, I layered many different recordings from the Conet Project to create the final soundtrack. Many thanks to Akin Fernandez for allowing me permission to use these recordings in my video.
Thanks for watching!
Loved your video. You are so cute! I have loved your classes and I hope to take a journaling class from you someday. Keep up the good work but take care of yourself!!
xoxo Pam
Thank you for posting this.
It helped me immensely.
I need to get wax paper
Fabulous video! If this is your first, you sure can't tell…it's really awesome.
Peace & Love,
~Barb~
awesome! hope you don’t mind if i post a link to this at the facebook journal pages page. (that sounds redundantly stupid)
anyway, loved this peek into your process and that’s kinda what i wanted to bring up as today’s topic over there anyway.
Hey everyone, thanks for the nice comments!
And Francie, I’m on facebook, and have the video posted there, But of course only the people that are my “friends” would be able to see it. Yes, it’s fine that you linked to it. I’m hoping the video will encourage people to take a workshop from me!
VERY cool! Thank you for sharing this! (I think I’m going to need to come shopping at your store after work today…)
lulu
Thanks so much for making this video! and for sharing it! I’ll be back to look at your stamps!
toni
traci, that’s where i saw it… was on my home page on facebook.
promotion is good, yes? anything we can do to become full-time (paying!) artists. i loved your work in the creative entrepreneur, btw. wonderful book.
Thank you so much Traci ! I didn’t know your blog before ! I added it to my fav’ links !! Can I ask you another question ?
The mask (hand form) you used, what is it ? Have a great weekend ! And thanks again 
Smooch from Belgium
Great video, I’ll have to try some of your techniques. Great meeting you at Art and Soul.
Sandrine: The hand stencil that I used is for henna tattoos.
Thanks for posting the awesome video. I wish I could have taken one of your journaling classes (in addition to Maguyver printing) in Hampton. Next time!
Johanna
Wow Traci this is fantastic. And those SOUNDS!!! My gosh, they are like a migraine in the ears, so compelling and strange. I’m now reading all about shortwave numbers stations… I never knew about this. Anyway when I’m done with the sounds, I’ll see about your next class!
I love this video! It’s so great to see your process in action. I am now inspired to get to work, work fast, and have fun! Looking forward to taking one of your classes for the first time this year at Journalfest. I’m in your Love and Fear class. Thanks again!
Love this video! I’m new to visual/art journaling and I’m currently trying to find my way style-wise. It’s great to see how you create a page step-by-step. I love it!! Would love to take your workshop in WI in June but don’t know if it’s possible.
You are amazing ! having such ideas ! henna tattoos GREAT !!!! XoXo
Traci, Fabulous video… the best process video I think I’ve ever seen. Keep it up!!!
That was great!!! I love the music and the video was even better! Thanx for the inspiration, I’m going to get some paint on my hands!!!!!
Wow, I’m impressed! I haven’t taken a class from you, YET, but have bought a little journal you covered, enjoy it a lot. The video is amazing, really like it. Don’t forget to breathe! Take care.
Wonderful Video, It is great to watch how others work ! I look forward to seeing more.
Thank you for sharing your techniques in such an easy to follow manner! Great process . . .
Thank you for your post, I love the journal video, I really need to do this.
so awsome info!!
YOur blog is so pretty
I follow you now.
I am hosting an arty giveaway to end this weekend.
http://www.papermoonies.blogspot.com
Traci,
This is such a great gift. I love this video.
You rock!!
Excellent video, Traci, and loved the kooky music! Thanks for sharing! ;o)
Awesome, Traci! You’ve inspired me to get out my dusty journal and Play a bit! See you at Journalfest…take care, cindy
Great video! Really enjoyed seeing your process and think you are an outstanding artist. I love your work! Keep it up!!
Tracie, i follow your blog in my reader and enjoy your work a lot.
If one day you decide to teach an online class, I want to be part of it!!! So, i will be paying attention closely to those news.
Thank you for being this way too.
and congratulations on the feature of your studio on cloth paper scissors (i love it)
Hi, Traci! Love your video! I'd love to know what stamp set you used to create your page title. And what sticky-backed thing you used as a mask to create the henna/mendhi looking hand. (You can reach me via my e-mail link on my blog, under my photo in the right sidebar!) Thanks!
Hi Anne, It's easier for me to answer your questions here than to go to your blog to find you.
And, guess what . . . your questions have already been answered! There is a link to the specific stamps I used for the heading, right under the video. I previoiously answered the question about the hand thing that someone else asked about–it's a stencil to henna people's hands.
Thanks!
Traci
Loved that! Thank you Traci!
Catherine Witherell
great work and video! but the blind melon alpha is not anymore in the shop..?
Traci, I was interested in knowing what the large mendhi looking hand thingy was that you used towards the beginning of the page. Is that something you made or can that be bought somewhere? I really love hand things.
ALso, I don't know what the nature of your pain is, but I hope that you can be pain free, as you wish. I know what that's like (boy do I ever!) and it wears on a person's soul.
Thanks for posting this-it was inspiring.
Oh I loved you video, I'm totally inspired. Love the colour scheme you use in your work. I haven't touched paper for years, been just messing around with fibre, but now I'm super keen…