Another post on using memorobilia to create layouts.
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I've had a small group of paper cut-outs that the girls made when they were really small. It didn't feel right to part with them, and once I realized the reason for that my journaling came together effortlessly.
I kept thinking I should add something more, but nothing else felt right. Minimalism draws your eye to the journaling, which is really what this page is all about. Also, with the bright, girly colors and imagery I wanted to be careful not to make this page look to precious. I decided to stick with a clean editorial look.
I can't tell you how good it felt to use those American Crafts remarks stickers that I've been holding on to forever. I love that font: runway, and had them reserved for something special. This felt right. The smaller embossed label lingo stickers are by EK success.
Re-reading Ali's book, Life Artist, this week I found this particular passage tailor made for the moment: "I bet there's something right in front of you ... that tells a story about your everyday. I bet there's some piece of paper near you that could become the basis of a layout." She may as well have written Molly in that line because Ali's words met me right where I am. That happens a lot :)
The journaling reads:
When you were small — especially when we lived in the little house — there were times when I found myself in doubt as a parent. I wish I could say it was because I was very clever, but in truth it was mainly the simple unknown: What does one do with two very young children to entertain? To educate? And to guide them? During those times, I would turn to art for the solution. With plenty of paper, old magazines, crayons and pencils we would sit for long stretches at the tiny table. Me on the floor; you two in wee chairs endlessly cutting, folding and producing things. I think it’s the reason you could write your name at age two, Helen. We folded paper and cut dolls; hand in hand, designing outfits for each girl individually. the paper dolls below were made when Helen was about five and Joan three, your maturity showing in their expression and details. Of the many things we’ve made I just couldn’t part with them. Such sweet memories of rainy afternoons discovering you both, and discovering my own parenting style are tied to these bits of paper. I know -- with your amazing memory -- that you remember those times, Helen. I still tend to turn to art when I need ... something. And I’m happy to say that you both do too.
