G8: P&P Moleskine Feb 2012 - Sept 2012

[BlueEclipse]

Collaborative Moleskine Swap, Group 8


Thanks very much to potbellyarts who did all of the hard work on putting together the details and information.I've used her write-up here... and I've borrowed this from Sal... as well as info I added in for the G7 -- Thanks everyone! :)

The Details:
First mail-by date: February 1, 2012
Subsequent mail-by dates: Mar 1, Apr 1, May 1, June 1, July 1, Aug 1, and Oct1, 2012. Mark your calendar NOW!
Due back in hand: Late September/Early October, 2012
# of Participants: 8
Sign up by: ASAP
Withdraw by: WITHDRAWALS NOT ALLOWED after October 31, 2011
Materials required: One blank Moleskine JAPANESE pocket album (http://www.moleskine.com/catalogue/classic/hard_black_cover/japanese_album__pocket.php). Size is roughly 3.5" x 5.5". Find on Amazon here (http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Japanese-Album-Pocket/dp/8883701046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243706515&sr=8-1). Find at MoleskineUS here (http://www.moleskineus.com/japanesebook.html).
You're responsible for: Choosing and explaining your theme. Creating a four (4) page spread (3+ pages in some cases) in each journal you receive. Shipping to the next artist participant. Paying for First Class mail and MANDATORY tracking/Delivery Confirmation.
Theme: Artist's choice. You may choose "No theme" if you want participants to "follow their muse."
Mediums: P&P mediums only

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PARTICIPANTS & THEMES

1. BlueEclipse - "The Book of Elven" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=123753#post123753)

2. Skyjules - "Sea Bed - Ocean Floor" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=129779#post129779)

3. Langelbleu - "Rainbow of Delight" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=129734#post129734)

4. nzflutterby - “People of the Village” (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=124874#post124874)

5. Grrrdjules - "In the Kitchen" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=130357#post130357)

6. HeavenPhoenix - "My Chemical Romance" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=129544#post129544)

7. Waterblossoms - "El Dia De Los Muertos" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=130585#post130585)

8. Catpratt - "Undersea Caves" (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=130278#post130278)



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TRAVEL PLANS

Please note that the order of mailing will differ for each journal. Yes, this is absolutely more confusing than mailing to the same artist after each round of creating. The reasons behind jostling the order of mailing are (1) To keep the swap lively and challenging, by changing the person you're "working toward" in each round; and (2) To balance shipping costs across all participants, so no one player ships ONLY internationally to the next player in each round. Once sign-ups are complete, I'll create a "Travel Plan" master list, and distribute it to players via PM.

RED = RECEIVED/ACTIVE. Received journal, and/or actively working on pages.
GREEN = TRAVELING. Journal en route to next player.
BLUE = FINISHED. Journal arrived to next player on travel plan / completed.

1. BlueEclipse > Skyjules > Langelbleu > Nzflutterby > Grrrdjules > HeavenPhoenix > Waterblossoms > Catpratt

2. Skyjules > Nzflutterby > Catpratt > HeavenPhoenix > Langelbleu > BlueEclipse > Grrrdjules > Waterblossoms

3. Langelbleu > Catpratt > Grrrdjules > Skyjules > Waterblossoms > Nzflutterby > BlueEclipse > HeavenPhoenix

4. Nzflutterby > HeavenPhoenix > Skyjules > Catpratt > BlueEclipse > Waterblossoms > Langelbleu > Grrrdjules

5. Grrrdjules > Langelbleu > Waterblossoms > BlueEclipse > Catpratt > Skyjules > HeavenPhoenix > Nzflutterby

6. HeavenPhoenix > BlueEclipse > Nzflutterby > Waterblossoms > Skyjules > Grrrdjules > Catpratt > Langelbleu

7. Waterblossoms > Grrrdjules > BlueEclipse > Langelbleu > Heavenphoenix > Catpratt > Nzflutterby > Skyjules

8. Catpratt > Waterblossoms > HeavenPhoenix > Grrrdjules > Nzflutterby > Langelbleu > Skyjules > BlueEclipse

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REQUIREMENTS
Because this swap requires a huge, very long-term commitment of time and resources, and because it is absolute heartbreak when a journal goes missing (unfortunately, it happens), there are special requirements for participation in a swap of this type. You must:

Be an actively trading iATC member (defined as: positive iTrader across 2 swaps in the last 3 months)
Have 3+ months in good standing (no neutrals or negative iTraders)
Have an iTrader rating of 25+
Be willing and able to do your very best work on a strict, inflexible time line, over a long period
Be willing and able to complete four (4) 3x5 journal pages in the themes chosen by your fellow participants
Have the cash resources necessary to ship eight journals around the world using First Class mail with mandatory tracking
Note: AFA members of iATCs can use their AFA stats to fulfill these requirements.

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NEED TO KNOW
- When finished, each journal will be full!

- All page elements must be flat (or mostly flat.) Nothing hanging off the edges either, please.

- A Round Robin of this type is time consuming and not inexpensive, and requires your very best work. So please be absolutely certain you have both the resource of time, and the resource of cash, to participate through approximately October 2011, before signing up.

-Once you've committed, withdrawals are not allowed after October 31, 2011.

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HOW TO JOIN
Just post to this thread! Slots will fill in a first-come, first-served fashion. In your initial sign-up post:

Please indicate where you live, so that I can map out a route for your journal which aims to keep shipping costs low.
Please indicate your chosen theme. I encourage you to post at length about your theme when you sign up. Discuss color palettes and subject matter. Include photos or links if you'd like to direct participants with even more specificity. I'll create a link to your theme description in the Participant list, for easy future reference.
Please send me your address and telephone numbers. I'll be creating a mailing list of swap participants which I'll distribute via PM.


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SWAP GUIDELINES

ARTIST INSTRUCTIONS


Purchase a blank Moleskine JAPANESE pocket album. Size is roughly 3.5" x 5.5". Find on Amazon here.
Decorate the covers, if you choose. This may be completed either before or after the journal travels through the rotation. Some prefer to decorate before, to establish theme, palette, and mood. Some prefer to decorate after, to prevent damage to cover art. You decide!
Please include: (1) Your real name and address; (2) your username; (3) your assigned "travel-plan" (see below); (4) a sign-in area for artists; and (5) any special instructions; in the opening pages of your book -- which you should also decorate. These first pages are a great place to establish tone, mood, theme, and/or color scheme for your journal. If you want players to decorate their four pages consecutively, be sure to specify that. If you prefer they break their four pages up across the accordion pages of your Moleskine, let them know that, too. You get to set the guidelines for your own journal. So use your first pages to do just that!
In addition to decorating your opening, informational pages, please create at least one, 2-page spread in your own Moleskine journal. Yet another opportunity to establish theme.
Reminder: All artists are to create pages according to their iATCs membership (P&P only in this case)
Be sure to "fix" your art well, to prevent smudging. Allow plenty of time for drying before shipping. Wax paper between pages is a great idea.
Please communicate regularly via email, PM, or preferably, in this thread, whenever you have (1) received or (2) shipped a book. Include tracking numbers. We're all investing a huge amount of time, talent, and care in this project, and we want to see everyone's Moleskine journal home safely.
Most important: Be creative, do your very best work, stretch yourself, and have a blast!


SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS


From the date a journal is received, each artist will have about three weeks before the journal is due in the hands of the next artist on the "travel plan." The mail-by date, every month, is the 1st. Please watch your timeframe carefully and think in terms of "mail by" dates in your planning; I'm going to be a stickler on timing. (If the 1st is a weekend or holiday, the next business day will be fine.)
Please be extra considerate when mailing to international participants; it will take longer for them to receive the journal you sent, cutting into their creating time. If you can ship sooner than the 1st and the artist is ready to receive from you, or if you can expedite delivery by using Priority or Express mail options, please do so, as a courtesy.
If, on the 1st of the month, the person you are about to mail to is behind schedule and still has an unfinished journal in hand -- naughty, naughty! -- skip that person, and send your in-hand Moleskine to the next person in your "travel plan" instead, so no backlog with any one participant is created. Then, PM the swap host to determine next steps.
When the "travel plan" for each journal is complete, the journal will return to its original owner. I'd like to wrap this swap up on time, by late October or early November 2012.
Please do not use Media Mail instead of First Class mail. It typically takes longer in transit, and might mess up our timeline. First Class mail is mandatory. Delivery Confirmation/tracking is mandatory. Priority (expedited) Mail is recommended, but optional.
Remember to pack your journal carefully (use a box or bubble mailer,) but also, to keep your parcel as small and light as possible, to minimize shipping charges. Please reuse/recycle packaging whenever possible. This means opening those boxes and envelopes carefully. Thanks!
For US residents, an FYI: The USPS Priority Mail "Small Flat Rate Box" ships for $4.95 to anywhere in the US, at any weight up to 70 lbs., and is plenty large enough to accommodate our Japanese Moleskine journal. Bonus: These boxes are FREE at any Postal Service location. And Priority Mail shipping takes just 2-3 days, domestically.
G8 Shipping Instructions: Any tracking under $5 we all pay for but if it goes across an international border and raises the cost (and you want to keep your own journal safe through it's travels), it will be completely up to you to send your own funds, whether it's cash or PayPal to the person who has to ship it out. Otherwise it goes without tracking across the borders. Just remember to reimburse players within 5-7 days. This method worked really well for the G7, and will continue to use it for the G8.


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JUST FOR FUN
Here, some examples of what Japanese Moleskine journals look like with art inside. Fantastic!

http://moleskinex12.blogspot.com/
http://moleskinex46.blogspot.com/
http://moleskinex70.blogspot.com/
http://moleskinex61.blogspot.com/

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[Credit and thanks to AFA's Japanese Moleskine swap for designing swap guidelines worth adopting. I've borrowed heavily from their experience and suggestions.]

[catpratt]

yay! THank you Matt, welcome everyone!

[Skyjules]

Yay another great group with a great host!

[BlueEclipse]

You're welcome, Cathy!! I'm looking forward to another great group!

thanks Julie! I'm happy to have to have you - and everyone - playing along!

[grrrdjules]

Woohooooo! Gonna be a great group!

[Waterblossoms]

Hmmmm...Might there be room for one more??? Fingers and toes crossed...:)

[nzflutterby]

Yes please! Can I join????

[BlueEclipse]

Waterblossoms, welcome to the G8!!! We're happy to have you join us :D

[BlueEclipse]

nxflutterby, as of right now, I added you to a potential waitlist. I'm waiting on a confirmation from HeavenPhoenix for the G8. I'll be in touch with you as soon as I find out :)

[Amerasu]

Nzbutterfly can have my spot. I have lots of moleskines from other groups, plus adding someone else new will change up the art some from our previous group. I can just wait for the next one to start and am in no rush!

[BlueEclipse]

In that case, Welcome to the G8, nzflutterby! We're glad you could join us :D

Sal, I put you on the waitlist if that okay?

[Amerasu]

Yep, works for me!

[langelbleu]

What a great group! I am mega psyched!
I am contemplating my theme for this round. I want to do something that will be fun, interesting and delightful for all of us.
I am thinking RAINBOW of DELIGHT! It will be a color themed book going systemically through ROYGBIV. Each section would use its dominant theme color with sprinkles of accent colors, so that when the whole book is done it is is an obvious gradient from Red through everything else to Violet. The first person would start with Red, second with Orange, third with Yellow etc etc etc. The subject for each color would be what delights/inspires/amuses/brings you pleasure I'd love this book to be gloriously beautiful, blissful, luscious, decorative and colorful. THINK YUMMALICIOUS!

[Skyjules]

that sounds beautiful Jen!

[nzflutterby]

Langelbleu that sounds like awesome fun.

I'm scratching my head - so many things I could choose.

And thank you Sal :)

[BlueEclipse]

that's a really clever idea, Jen! I like the gradient of colors per section concept, a lot!!

I'm kicking around two ideas, between "The Book of Elven" which would be filled with elves, fantasy creatures, mysterious forests, castles, etc. or "The Book of Medieval Fellows" which would be Kings, queens, knights, peasants, etc.

[langelbleu]

that's a really clever idea, Jen! I like the gradient of colors per section concept, a lot!!

I'm kicking around two ideas, between "The Book of Elven" which would be filled with elves, fantasy creatures, mysterious forests, castles, etc. or "The Book of Medieval Fellows" which would be Kings, queens, knights, peasants, etc.

I like both ideas Matt, tho I must admit I am partial to the elven one!
I am not sure from your reply if you meant rainbow gradient through each person's section or through my whole book. So to clarify if I had not been clear enough is that it is a gradient through the whole book. First person Red, second Orange, third Yellow, fourth Green, fifth Blue, sixth Indigo, seventh Violet/Purple with an opening rainbow sequence introducing the book.

[Waterblossoms]

Ooooo! What fun this wil be...;) I am loving what you are all thinking...:)

I brainstormed last night into the wee hours of the morning and have lots of ideas...but nothing really firmed up yet. I loved the feeling of your muses being honored (Cathy's theme) in your G7 go around. In a like vein I am currently thinking about a way to incorporate our artistic Muses in some visible fashion...maybe in a theme of "Secret Inspiration Gardens" or "The Heart of my Muse". I want to make my theme broadly delicious enough to tantalize your artistic imaginations yet defined and focused enough to flow smoothly from artist to artist in my book. I need to give this a bit more seasoning time in my brain...:)

[BlueEclipse]

I like both ideas Matt, tho I must admit I am partial to the elven one!
I am not sure from your reply if you meant rainbow gradient through each person's section or through my whole book. So to clarify if I had not been clear enough is that it is a gradient through the whole book. First person Red, second Orange, third Yellow, fourth Green, fifth Blue, sixth Indigo, seventh Violet/Purple with an opening rainbow sequence introducing the book.

Haha, yeah I knew what you meant. I think my post was too early in the morning... my mind wasn't clearly putting my thoughts in the correct order to type them out just yet at that time. LOL

I think i'm partial to the Elven theme, too.

[BlueEclipse]

Ooooo! What fun this wil be...;) I am loving what you are all thinking...:)

I brainstormed last night into the wee hours of the morning and have lots of ideas...but nothing really firmed up yet. I loved the feeling of your muses being honored (Cathy's theme) in your G7 go around. In a like vein I am currently thinking about a way to incorporate our artistic Muses in some visible fashion...maybe in a theme of "Secret Inspiration Gardens" or "The Heart of my Muse". I want to make my theme broadly delicious enough to tantalize your artistic imaginations yet defined and focused enough to flow smoothly from artist to artist in my book. I need to give this a bit more seasoning time in my brain...:)

Great ideas so far!! I think the hardest part of starting up these swaps is narrowing down your theme, lol. :D

[grrrdjules]

I'm pretty sure I want sideshow freaks in the same way that Sal had her Mad Hatter where you do four panels not in order and with a plethora of freaks from which to chose.

[BlueEclipse]

I'm pretty sure I want sideshow freaks in the same way that Sal had her Mad Hatter where you do four panels not in order and with a plethora of freaks from which to chose.

I can't say how much fun that theme would be!!!! ^_^

[Waterblossoms]

that's a really clever idea, Jen! I like the gradient of colors per section concept, a lot!!

I'm kicking around two ideas, between "The Book of Elven" which would be filled with elves, fantasy creatures, mysterious forests, castles, etc. or "The Book of Medieval Fellows" which would be Kings, queens, knights, peasants, etc.


This sounds so cool...I love the idea/format you have for your book titles Matt..."The Book of......"

Now I have got my "theme ideas" flowing in a totally different wonderful direction...I am beginning to see a new light...and can't wait to develop it a bit more...:) I'll be back.......:painter:

[Waterblossoms]

What a great group! I am mega psyched!
I am contemplating my theme for this round. I want to do something that will be fun, interesting and delightful for all of us.
I am thinking RAINBOW of DELIGHT! It will be a color themed book going systemically through ROYGBIV. Each section would use its dominant theme color with sprinkles of accent colors, so that when the whole book is done it is is an obvious gradient from Red through everything else to Violet. The first person would start with Red, second with Orange, third with Yellow etc etc etc. The subject for each color would be what delights/inspires/amuses/brings you pleasure I'd love this book to be gloriously beautiful, blissful, luscious, decorative and colorful. THINK YUMMALICIOUS!

What a fabulously super-expressive idea! :) Love it! :)

[nzflutterby]

Freaks and myths and rainbows - these sound really great.

I am leaning towards landscapes of some sort. Have to refine what I'm thinking more.

[HeavenPhoenix]

Wow, that sounds exciting!! Sorry for being so slow on answering but yes, I'd love to be a part of this!! Can "My Chemical Romance" be my theme? I'd write a theme description with lots ideas/suggestions and where I'd like the book to go. I know that a band can sound narrow as a theme, but I swear that, on the contrary, it's very, very wide (I personnally relate almost everything to MCR XD).

[BlueEclipse]

Awesome Audrey, we're all happy to have you on board!! I think that is a great theme Audrey!!!!!!! MCR is a great band... I was actually listening to a few of their songs yesterday lol.

[HeavenPhoenix]

Awesome!!! I'll post some explanations later for those who need it.

[Skyjules]

I for one would need lengthy explanations, I've never heard of them!

[Waterblossoms]

I for one would need lengthy explanations, I've never heard of them!

Ditto...:)

[Waterblossoms]

Well, tonight I am totally brainstormed out so I am letting my heart make my final decision here. My theme will be a book about the celebration of life in the style of "Dia De Los Muertos"... Details, links, format options, and other good stuff will be coming soon...:) I am soooo excited...:)

Whew! What a process!!!!

[Skyjules]

sounds like a good one Waterblossoms!
And Matt - love both ideas!
and Jen and Jules and Audrey since she says her theme has very very wide ideas!

Yes, I'm with Jules on the 4 panels.
Amerasus Mad Hatter moley was so amazing - everyone did 4 random panels. And it wasn't a difficult one and everyones styles really shined I thought.

I really like Eraserqueens swap idea she has going on right now with the "themed madonnas" could be 4 different themes (DoTD, Hippy, Cultural, hip, traditional...)
or maybe Sacred hearts or just decorative hearts.
More details to follow...we have some time to think....

[catpratt]

Jen, I love the rainbow idea. These books are shockingly wonderful without even being tied together in that way. Perfect idea.
Matt, elven theme, really really fun.
Margaret, have I said how excited I am that you are in this? VERY. You and I are on the same track somehow. You probably did not know that the theme of my very first moley, over on AFA was...yep, Secret Garden! ha!
I am uncertain what my theme will be. I am liking the idea of separate panels, like Sal's mad hatters last time. But you all are geniuses at blending spread to spread. I'm also throwing around...woodland scene, mermaids, monochromatic portraits, feminine menagerie, outsider surreal art. hmmmmm.

[grrrdjules]

These themes are fantastic! I'm loving the MCR theme!

[nzflutterby]

I have my theme - People of the Village. A long line of houses (or living places - whatever) and the different kinds of people - wierd, wacky, eccentric, - that live there. Already I have too many ideas to fit on the first 3 pages.

Question - the art is just on the front of the pages - right? Can we use the back for anything? I was thinking the 'landlords' for each section of street could put their details there and even a brief note about a resident they like/ avoid.

Would that work?

[nzflutterby]

I too will have to google MCR and Dia de los Muertes - but the challenge of something always helps inspiration so looking forward to all the theme suggestions. Love the elves.

This is exciting.

[grrrdjules]

OMG Elaine, what a wonderful theme!!!

[BlueEclipse]

I have my theme - People of the Village. A long line of houses (or living places - whatever) and the different kinds of people - wierd, wacky, eccentric, - that live there. Already I have too many ideas to fit on the first 3 pages.

Question - the art is just on the front of the pages - right? Can we use the back for anything? I was thinking the 'landlords' for each section of street could put their details there and even a brief note about a resident they like/ avoid.

Would that work?

Great theme!! sounds like it will be a lot of fun :D

And to answer your question, yep, art is on the front only. Sometimes markers bleed through, though.

[BlueEclipse]

My theme:

"The Book of Elven"

What I'm Hoping For:

I’d like to fill my journal with elves, castles, Magical forests and places... the primary focus being elves.

Please Do:

I’d like my journal to be one continuous flowing piece… so working with possible irregular borders where the previous artist left off would be awesome!

Draw in your style, have fun, and I’m sure whatever you all create will be amazing. I am just so happy to be working with such a creative group of artists!!!

Please Don't:

Nothing religious or anti-religious, dark, or ‘morbid.’


Color Schemes:

I don’t really have any set color schemes in mind. I usually work with goes best for the piece I create… so go with the flow and work with what feels right. ^_^

Links for theme inspirations:

[nzflutterby]

The Book of Elven sounds terrific.

[BlueEclipse]

if anyone needs a japanese moley, Utrecht art has a 40% off coupon for their art smart customer!! w00t!!!

[HeavenPhoenix]

For postage, will it be like G7 or is it mandatory tracking?

[BlueEclipse]

For postage, will it be like G7 or is it mandatory tracking?

yep! it will be exactly like the g7.

For all the newcomers, here are the postage/tracking rules that worked out really well last group:

G8 Shipping Instructions: Any tracking under $5 we all pay for but if it goes across an international border and raises the cost (and you want to keep your own journal safe through it's travels), it will be completely up to you to send your own funds, whether it's cash or PayPal to the person who has to ship it out. Otherwise it goes without tracking across the borders. Just remember to reimburse players within 5-7 days. This method worked really well for the G7, and will continue to use it for the G8.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask :)

[grrrdjules]

I'm in Canada and have done 2 moley swaps - one is a month away from finishing - and we've mailed to/from Canada, the States and Australia and nothing has ever gone astray. To mail a moley in the latter months as it is getting heavier costs me around $7-$8 to the States via air with no tracking. It takes 5-7 business days... never had one take longer.

[nzflutterby]

My Theme:

“People of the Village”

Once upon a time, there was a village in a valley at the back of beyond.

Although it is not on any map, it has attracted the type of individuals who are very individual and haven’t found a fit anywhere else.

There is always something going on in a village, in the square, market place, village green, the byways and shops.

Please do:

your own style

Coloured drawing (water colours, pencils) rather than thick painting.



What I'm Hoping for:

A great mix of fun characters – from your imagination, fiction, mythology, sci-fi, real life – hippies, different nationalities, occupations. Characters can be humanoid or animals. Anything goes except morbid.



Colour Theme:

None.

Links:


This is an example only. Not a mandatory style.
http://mattiasa.blogspot.com/

Don’t lose yourself in his pages LOL.

I have revised this to be more a sketchbook of the inhabitants.

[Skyjules]

good theme! Love that link!
I'm going to scan what Amerasu did on my last moley - you'll love it.

here it is! Awesome huh?!

[langelbleu]

Jules I love what Sal did in your moly & how that sun face makes a perfect bookend to the happy girl I drew in the pages before!

[nzflutterby]

I do indeed love those pages by Amerasu, Jules. I think each portion of the street will be quite individualistic and fun. I'm so looking forward to this and working on everyone elses.

I bought my moley today. I bought two because I want to have a play and see what the pages are like to work on. Do some practice ideas.

[Skyjules]

Yes Jen! It does match really great! the colors, big eyes...so happy, I love my moley!

[grrrdjules]

Great theme Elaine, it will be very fun to make!

[BlueEclipse]

I do indeed love those pages by Amerasu, Jules. I think each portion of the street will be quite individualistic and fun. I'm so looking forward to this and working on everyone elses.

I bought my moley today. I bought two because I want to have a play and see what the pages are like to work on. Do some practice ideas.

Really fun theme for your moley!! Very creative :D

[grrrdjules]

I just received my moley back from a group at AFA and it is fricking AMAZING!!! So I'm going to do that theme again for this group because it worked so well.

Okay, this what I'd like to do. It can be as easy or as complicated as you want really. These are incredible examples of the possibilities: They Draw and Cook (http://www.theydrawandcook.com/)

[Skyjules]

I love that theme, I recently ordered their new book too!
I've been wanting to try something with that idea - now I can. (probably wouldn't spend the time to do one for myself!)

Will you have any guidelines? As in - vegan or not? Deserts only? etc...

[nzflutterby]

Yum. Great theme!

[grrrdjules]

Yes I put it in my intro pages in the moley- no coconut, legumes, game meats, etc. lol. I have one recipe on They Draw and Cook, it's such a great idea. Definitely getting the book too.

[Skyjules]

My book came today! It's pretty darn cool.

[BlueEclipse]

That is a great idea for a moley!!! I never heard of this cookbook before... i'm tempted to order it. However, I doubt it will improve my culinary skills, but, visually it'd be a lot of fun to read through!

[BlueEclipse]

Hey Everyone, just checking in to say hello!! Hope that everyone is doing well.

I will be creating and posting our travel plans within the next week or so.

Enjoy the weekend!! :)

[Skyjules]

February will be just about perfect for starting this...way to busy until then.
Yay for Matt and his psychic abilities!

[BlueEclipse]

February will be just about perfect for starting this...way to busy until then.
Yay for Matt and his psychic abilities!

Julie, it's taken years, but I think my psychic abilities are finally getting to where they should be. Still, a lot of tweaking though. lol.

[BlueEclipse]

Hey Everyone!!! Hope you all had an excellent holiday season, and kicked off the start of the new year with lots of cheer :D

At the end of the month we will be preparing for our first mailing! Can you all believe how fast the time has flown??

Sorry I haven't posted the travel plans yet, the past month, particularly, has been kind of crazy for me. Since October at work we have been going through a restructuring process in my department, which is hectic enough when it's not the holiday season... and I moved a couple weeks ago. SO if you were in the G7, my old address is out of date, but I will be sending out a master copy to everyone will all our addresses soon.

Enough of my rambling for now, but to give you guys an update, travel plan will be posted within the next day or two :)

Hope everyone is doing well, and ttys!
-Matt

[Skyjules]

Yikes! we have to mail soon! I better get to work on a theme...

[grrrdjules]

Wow, this sure snuck up on me! I'll expand on my theme post and send you the link Matt.

[HeavenPhoenix]

Time flies... wow! Gotta get to work =)

I came up with some explanations/ideas for my theme.

My Chemical Romance

MCR is my all time favourite band. For my moley, I would like you guys to created images that can relate to MCR. I don't necessarily want portraits of the guys. If your really want to do portraits, go for it but I'd prefer to have your interpretations of the songs. And I'd really love it if you could actually write some lyrics in your art. The lyrics to all they're songs are here. (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-1vppn/lyrics) Also, I'd like my moley to be a continuous piece of art.

Here are some infos about their concept albums and some themes that I thought of. Don't stress out, you can go wild, really. Don't hesitate to message me if you have any questions!


''Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge''

It's the story of a man and a woman who are separated by death in a gunfight. The man makes a deal with the Devil and he has to bring him the souls of a thousand evil men to be reunited with the woman he loves. He kills 999 evil men and then he realises the last evil man he has to kill is himself. The song "Demolition Lovers" from their first album I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love also relates to that concept.

"The Black Parade"

The Black Parade is a rock opera centering around the character of "The Patient". It centers around his passage out of life and the memories he has of his life. "The Patient" dies and death comes for him in the form of a parade.

"Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys"

The album is based around the lives of the "Fabulous Killjoys", in the setting of a post-apocalyptic California in the year 2019. The Killjoys are a group of outlaws who are fighting against the evil corporation Better Living Industries (BL/ind.) and it's various "Draculoids" and exterminators. The Killjoys are always dressed in lots of colour while everything that comes from BL/ind is in black and white and has a very clean look.


Hospital/illness

Hospital is a safe yet scary place. According to the lead singer, "it is just like the last safe place".
"This is the best day ever" (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-this-is-the-best-day-ever-kdjzhpb) is all about hospital, real great song.
In "The Black Parade" the main character is "the Patient", a man dying in the hospital. Represented by a very skinny and pale man receiving blood transfusion.
Also in "The Black Parade", there's a great song called "Cancer" (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-cancer-qzgk3v2). Very beautiful, brutally honest song. Try to listen and not to cry!

Living dead/Cemeteries

Cemetery Drive (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-cemetery-drive-55lwblb)
This night, walk the dead
In a solitary style
And crash the cemetery gates.
In the dress your husband hates
Way down, mark the grave
Where the search lights find us
Drinking by the mausoleum door
And they found you on the bathroom floor

It's Not A Fashion Statement, It's A Deathwish (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-its-not-a-fashion-statement-its-a-deathwish-gzm8jgz)
This hole you put me in
wasn't deep enough
and I'm climbing out right now

F****d up love stories/star-crossed lovers

Demolition Lovers (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-demolition-lovers-7w351c9)
Drowning Lessons (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-drowning-lessons-dp1ffq5)
Honey, This Mirror Isn't Big Enough For The Two Of Us (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-honey-this-mirror-isnt-big-enough-for-the-2-ofus-x1773b2)
The Ghost Of You (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-the-ghost-of-you-1622pn7)
To The End (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-to-the-end-h4xfxwx)
Cubicles (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-cubicles-pmjvhlx)

Angels

Heaven Help Us (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-heaven-help-us-t7hg9vn)
Hear the sound
The angels come screaming

Skylines and Turnstiles (http://artists.letssingit.com/my-chemical-romance-lyrics-skylines-and-turnstiles-8wfpsfh)
Hello, Angel.
Tell me, where are you?
Tell me where we go from here.

[BlueEclipse]

At last, everyone the travel plan is completed!!! :)

1. BlueEclipse > Skyjules > Langelbleu > Nzflutterby > Grrrdjules > HeavenPhoenix > Waterblossoms > Catpratt

2. Skyjules > Nzflutterby > Catpratt > HeavenPhoenix > Langelbleu > BlueEclipse > Grrrdjules > Waterblossoms

3. Langelbleu > Catpratt > Grrrdjules > Skyjules > Waterblossoms > Nzflutterby > BlueEclipse > HeavenPhoenix

4. Nzflutterby > HeavenPhoenix > Skyjules > Catpratt > BlueEclipse > Waterblossoms > Langelbleu > Grrrdjules

5. Grrrdjules > Langelbleu > Waterblossoms > BlueEclipse > Catpratt > Skyjules > HeavenPhoenix > Nzflutterby

6. HeavenPhoenix > BlueEclipse > Nzflutterby > Waterblossoms > Skyjules > Grrrdjules > Catpratt > Langelbleu

7. Waterblossoms > Grrrdjules > BlueEclipse > Langelbleu > Heavenphoenix > Catpratt > Nzflutterby > Skyjules

8. Catpratt > Waterblossoms > HeavenPhoenix > Grrrdjules > Nzflutterby > Langelbleu > Skyjules > BlueEclipse



Next I will be making our address list and sending out a pm with our addy's to everyone in the group :)

[BlueEclipse]

Audrey, I updated your theme on our main post :)

Also sent a PM to everyone with our addresses... if anything is incorrect, let me know asap!! Thank you :D

[langelbleu]

I'm making it official my theme this time is: Rainbow of Delight
I want to do something that will be fun, interesting and delightful for all of us.
It will be a color themed book going systemically through ROYGBIV. Each section would use its dominant theme color with sprinkles of accent colors, so that when the whole book is done it is is an obvious gradient from Red through everything else to Violet. The first person would start with Red, second with Orange, third with Yellow etc etc etc. The subject for each color would be what delights/inspires/amuses/brings you pleasure I'd love this book to be gloriously beautiful, blissful, luscious, decorative and colorful. THINK YUMMALICIOUS!
Here is the order...
Langelbleu (intro rainbow)
Catpratt RED!
Grrrdjules ORANGE
SkyJules YELLOW
Waterblossoms GREEN
Nzflutterby BLUE
BlueEclipse INDIGO
HeavenPhoenix VIOLET

[Skyjules]

My theme:

Interesting People![/COLOR]

I would like to have people with interesting clothing, large, small, sitting, standing, dancing, floating...all holding hands.

Those of you that were in the last moley where Sal had all the mad hatters, you know how she had us do the 4 random panels? It turned out so fantastic, I was thinking about that, do you think that would work?
Where you'd have your drawing hold hands with the other drawings but in 4 random panels.

[langelbleu]

Jules I love it! Sounds totally doable as individual panels, perhaps some could hold hands, some could hold a hand to a foot, or a piece of clothing etc etc etc

[Waterblossoms]

A newbie question...:)

In our own book..do we complete the 2 intro/sign-in pages plus 4 more??? Or is it the 2 intro pages plus 2 more...???

[catpratt]

Margaret, I believe yes PLUS 4 MORE. Someone else confirm?

Julie, love that idea!

[BlueEclipse]

A newbie question...:)

In our own book..do we complete the 2 intro/sign-in pages plus 4 more??? Or is it the 2 intro pages plus 2 more...???

We do the into/sign in pages, and then I think it's 3 more pages after that... I may be wrong, i'll double check mine haha

[grrrdjules]

I love orange as my rainbow colour!!!

Great idea with the hand holding Jules - boy it's going to get confusing with us two Jules in the same group. I'm rethinking my theme now, was going to do the recipe thing but I may go to something else. Just have to decide what. Quickly. Would anthropormorpihic food be too odd? I have a thing for talking veggies and steak.

[Skyjules]

We do the into/sign in pages, and then I think it's 3 more pages after that... I may be wrong, i'll double check mine haha

3 pages, We do the inside cover, both sides of next page. Then the first 2 folded.
1. instructions or other
2. route or other
3.4.5. your art.

(don't forget the fun back pocket!)

[BlueEclipse]

3 pages, We do the inside cover, both sides of next page. Then the first 2 folded.
1. instructions
2. route
3.4.5. your art.

Yes!!! Thank you Julie!!! :D

[Skyjules]

Ok, I'm refining my theme - here it is:

My theme:

Sea Bed - Ocean Floor
Panoramic Photo

Things on the sea floor - sunken ships, weird real or fantasy plant life, outrageous Seuss like creatures or those that are camouflaged, the odd item that may have fallen to the sandy bottom that could be (or not) rusted or covered in barnacles and coral...ooh and those creatures that produce their own luminescence, and also those old metal diving bell helmet people used to use to walk on the ocean floor -and pages can flow one to the next if wanted.

[nzflutterby]

Great theme Jules.

[nzflutterby]

Is it OK to have inside front cover as sign in, then the intro/instructionpage & then the route in the pocket at the back?

[Skyjules]

That's a good idea. I always love what creative things people do for their instructions or sign in or what they do with the pocket in the back. I'm just now sitting here contemplating what creative thing I can do for the pocket!

[BlueEclipse]

Great themes everyone!! :)

I have all the links to your individual themes updated, and linked over. I hope everyone is getting excited!!! :)

[Skyjules]

.....boy it's going to get confusing with us two Jules in the same group......
...... Would anthropormorpihic food be too odd? I have a thing for talking veggies and steak.

I'm Julie and she's Juli - which is a much cooler way to spell it I think. Or call me sky and her grrrd!
And anthropomorphic food sounds like loads of fun!

[nzflutterby]

Great themes everyone!! :)

I hope everyone is getting excited!!! :)

I'm getting ecited. It's taken me all this time to think how to start my village :)

Everyone's got awesome themes. This is going to be fun.

[Waterblossoms]

Ooooh YeaH! I agree...Really interesting themes!

Thanks for the visual on the page info Julie!

I will be posting some detailed specifics and links regarding my theme hopefully by the middle of next week. Theme will still be Dia De Los Muertos...:)

And, yet still, another newb question...What are some of the things people have done with the back pockets? I have a few ideas but would love to hear some that you have seen done so I know I am on the right track...:)

[nzflutterby]

Hi Margaret
I'm new too. I figure we can decorate it too. And the Cover. I wonder whether gesso sticks to it? How has anyone else decorated a cover on the moley? Any tips or anything to watch out for?

[catpratt]

You can decorate any fun inspired way you can think of. Or not. The cover, I usually sand mine lightly, THEN gesso, and it sticks just fine then. I paint my covers, then seal them some way. I love mail art, and watching how art ages after being handles a bunch. So when mine come back to me they have aged a bit. I think the artists who work in moleys are extremely respectful of each other's books. You don't have to make it bulletproof but protect it a bit. Lots of people do a wrap, keep it in a ziploc, make a fabric bag, something like that for it to live it, as extra protection.

[Skyjules]

Someone in the last swap had a little booklet in the back for us to sign in and draw a quick self portrait and I think write something too. (It was Livia I think?) It looked pretty cool. Some ask us to leave "something" in the pocket, some have left things in there for use to "take" (I had custom fortune cookie fortunes in mine last time to take)

Catpratt always has hers wrapped in pretty fabric and yarn. Blueeclipse had a nice custom made fabric book cover for his last time. I think I'll do that extra touch this time - I usually send mine in a plastic sleeve.

In one of my other moley exchanges, there was someone that asked for each person to add a little creativity to their cover - she started with some splatters of paint and each person added a little more. I was one of the first to get it, so I didn't get to see how it ended. But I loved that idea!
Here are a couple of my covers, I have been keeping mine simple.

[Waterblossoms]

Ooooo Wheeeee! What fun! Now I cannot turn my mind off! :)

[grrrdjules]

On my last recipe moley players added recipe clippings from their local papers or mags in the back pocket. On my circus chunky I included collage pieces that were used in spreads and generously added to so I now have a good collection of precut (gotta love that!) collage bits.

I was in an amazing moley group where the player's theme was Starbucks and she included a loaded gift card and we each used it to buy a beverage and then put the receipt - usually arted up - in the pocket!

[grrrdjules]

Can I please ask that people don't add heavy embellishments to their moley until they get it back? I had one to send that cost $15 because of a giant - but gorgeous - key fob type dangley bit on the cover!

[Skyjules]

amen on the heavy embellishments - sheesh!

[Waterblossoms]

Wow...That Starbucks receipt thingy sounds like it was really cool...What a clever idea! :)

[nzflutterby]

I've revised mine a little and edited the post where I outlined my theme. I found I was wanting to concentrate more on the inhabitants of the village rather than try and incorporate the buildings and the village itself. I have revised this to be more a sketchbook of the inhabitants.

Details on the Intro page.

[catpratt]

The theme of my moley this time is going to be UNDERSEA CAVES. Anything you can think of that would be inside this cave, or coming out of a cave, it is up to you. Nothing too cute or morbid. I would love for the art to flow from one artist to the next, making one giant undersea scene. Perspective can change, colors anything goes.

My moley will hit the mail toward Waterblossoms on tuesday. Let me know when it arrives Margaret!

[Waterblossoms]

The theme of my moley this time is going to be UNDERSEA CAVES. Anything you can think of that would be inside this cave, or coming out of a cave, it is up to you. Nothing too cute or morbid. I would love for the art to flow from one artist to the next, making one giant undersea scene. Perspective can change, colors anything goes.

My moley will hit the mail toward Waterblossoms on tuesday. Let me know when it arrives Margaret!

Holy Moley Moliness! I thought they were to be mailed out Feb 1st???? HEEEEELLLLPPPP!!!!

[langelbleu]

Holy Moley Moliness! I thought they were to be mailed out Feb 1st???? HEEEEELLLLPPPP!!!!
Margaret you just get a head start with a little extra time with Cat's book our mail by date is Feb 1st.

[Waterblossoms]

Margaret you just get a head start with a little extra time with Cat's book our mail by date is Feb 1st.

Thanks Jen... I. Am. Now. Again. Breathing. :) Whew!

[Skyjules]

changed my theme (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/showthread.php?4610-G8-P-amp-P-Collaborative-Moleskine-Swap-START-Feb.-1-2012&p=129779#post129779), tried to draw something with my people theme and it just wasn't flowing out of me...
(new theme - Sea Bed - Ocean Floor)
I edited my theme post and messaged our dear host.

Trying to finish fast, not as fast as the speedy catpratt, but trying so I can get it off to Flutterby so she'll have it on time.

[langelbleu]

Jules are mermaids acceptable?

[nzflutterby]

I hope to get mine finished this coming weekend.
And I had such wonderful people planned for yours Julie !! :)
But ...
Ideas are appearing for the sea floor so it's all good .

[Skyjules]

yes, mermaids, people, volkswagon beetles, balloon vendor...pretty much anything - it just happens to be underwater on the ocean floor.

[grrrdjules]

Well after much waffling I've decided my theme is "in the kitchen". It can and in a perfect world would include any number of the following:

anthropomorphic food or talking flatware, etc
a drinking housewife
anything 1950s vibe
a recipe (no desserts or other sweets please)
rotten children
things not quite right - cat sitting in frypan on the stove, kid in oven, giant eyeball in cookie jar! etc

Think odd, fun, satirical, silly, drunk foodie.

What do you think?

[Skyjules]

sounds pretty good Juli! I can think of lots of ideas!

[nzflutterby]

Sounds like it will be open to all sorts of interesting things :)

[BlueEclipse]

Fun theme, Juli!!! :D

I still need to finish my cover... lol. I should probably work on that now.

[Waterblossoms]

Cathy's book arrived in sunny Arizona this afternoon...Yipppppppeeeeeeeee! What fun it will be!

Now all I have to do is finish mine...all inking was completed yesterday...with plans to add color tomorrow. Then to think up something clever for the secret pocket and the cover...:) Hmmm *putting thinking cap on*...:)

So...How far along is everyone else???

[nzflutterby]

Gosh! Cathy is Speedy Gonzales.

I've almost finished the cover. Done the intro and sign-in page, drawn two pages and have the third to do then colour and finish thing for the pocket.
Busy weekend ahead. All put aside for this.

[grrrdjules]

First two pages finished, may or may not do the cover...

[HeavenPhoenix]

Whew, made my illustration today, yay! Should be ready to mail soon. At least I hope!

[nzflutterby]

Pages done. Now to make something to mail it in.

[Waterblossoms]

Cool pages Audrey...just saw them in the gallery...:)

On mine...Color has been layered in...just a wee bit more to go...then the cover and back little pocket...:)

[grrrdjules]

Just have to do the back pocket!

[Skyjules]

love the sign in panel! super clever!

[Skyjules]

http://skyjules.com/G8routes.pdf

I made a new route chart for printing...

[catpratt]

Sweet chart Julie. Love the boxes at the top for the moleys I will work on, great idea!

[langelbleu]

I love this chart Julie! Thank you ever so much for color coding my route!!!!!

[nzflutterby]

Great sign in page Jules. Happy kitchen pages. This will be great to work in.

Julie, you are so organised. It's much better than the list I made myself. :)

[Waterblossoms]

Great chart...love everything about it...Thanks Julie! :)

[Waterblossoms]

Gotta love that fridge Juli! :)

[Waterblossoms]

So...finally...ideas and guidelines for my G8 Moly theme "El Dia de los Muertos" ...:) I would love to keep a traditional old world Mexican feel to my theme/book...but I am open to whatever your Muse might like to do. Please PM me with any questions or concerns you might have at any step along the way.

Here is a fun link to check out for some ideas: http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/skeleton_folkart/altar.html

They also have great background info on El Dia de los Muertos and an Offerenda checklist there...:)

Here is a partial list of things you might consider in your planning:

Elaborate offerendas
Virgin of Guadalupe images
Decorated skulls
Calavera girls...(I am a huge fan of Silvia Ji (http://www.sylviaji.com/)...)
Catrinas
Votive candles, Luminaria, Tree of Life Candelabras,
Monarch Butterflies
Marigolds
Good luck Amulets and Bottles
Papel Picado Banners
Saints, Sacred Hearts, Religious medals, Elaborate crosses
Angels

Chose to divide you spread however you like. If you design 4 separate panels (ie. like 4 separates catrinas...or four other individual artifacts/items) I would love for you to make a simple colorful border for each panel...( Similar to Sal's "Mad Hatters" Moly completed last year.)

I love spreads that are intertwined from one artist to the next...Feel free to overlap pages to get that effect. (For example...I actually made my first spread 3 1/2 pages wide hoping that the next person in line (Juli) could then weave her art with mine.) I hope you don't mind Juli...:) Be sure to sign your work within your spread as well...:)

I love beautiful, vivid color...and elaborate and decorative pages. No blood, guts, satanic, violent, dark, or gross things please.

Use my book to celebrate the lives of those who have passed...with color, and joy, and jubilance and extravagance. I am actually planning to use my book as part of a personal Dia de los Muertos offerenda in November and cannot wait to see how she evolves.

Most importantly, let your artistic Muse dance...and enjoy this fabulous journey...:)

[Skyjules]

That all sounds wonderful Margaret!

I have my sign in ("diver log book"), cover and route pages complete, still have to complete my 3 pages.

[grrrdjules]

That looks great jules, especially the model in the last shot!

[Waterblossoms]

So clever Julie...:)

Here comes another newbie question ...Should I have a routing page as well as a sign in page??? or just one or the other?

[Skyjules]

guess you don't need a sign in page, but you should show your route so people know who it goes to next (without looking on line)
The sign in page I guess is just for fun, something extra - each time I've had them, not every one signs them.

[nzflutterby]

Wow Julie. This is going great!

[nzflutterby]

My route will be in the back pocket - hopefully this is OK? Do we put addresses on it?

[catpratt]

Julie, wow, fun fun! Love those little colorful creatures on the sea floor.

[Skyjules]

I love the back pocket! Yes, use it for routes if you like,
I've never put addresses on the route, what does everyone else think?

Wow, its like I'm talking to someone in the future!
It's already Tuesday in New Zealand.
It's still Monday, 11pm here.

[nzflutterby]

Well. Found the acryllics didn't like moleskine pages too much so swapped to Coloured pencil. Not sure whether to finish the sky but anythings goes.

I have done somoe small and some large but happy whether you do all large or a mixture like a sketch book.

Cover, inside cover and sign in page, my 3 pages.

[nzflutterby]

Haha Julie. Talking to your future.
I don't think the address are necessary as we have those on the PM. I think the route is just a reminder.

[Skyjules]

fabulous book! Love the beautiful cover, love the story too! Can't wait to work on this one!

[BlueEclipse]

Thanks, Julie, for the chart!!! They are definitely a big help ^_^

[grrrdjules]

Chart rocks! Mine is on the way to Jennifer!

[langelbleu]

Grrrdjules I'll be keeping my eyes open for it. I already have some fun ideas. Let's just say your kitchen won't be spotless by the time I'm done with it ;-)

[langelbleu]

I mailed my Moly out to Cat (along with her snow queen returns) today. USPS Delivery confirmation is 03093220000101655711
I created a rainbow for sign-ins on the back page. I opted to leave the artist route order for each person to sign themselves on the remote chance that anything happens to the process over the course of the next 8 months, that way if there is a delay or the book goes out of order for some reason it won't be necessary to leave spaces open to be filled later. I'll work on the outer cover upon return of the book.
The idea is really about rich SATURATED luscious color, beauty and delight. I want you to focus primarily on your color while using other accent colors and black and white as you wish. The subject matter is what ever brings you delight, it can be decorative and design oriented and/or it can be representational of objects/subjects/events of/in the color of your choice.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6772965451_1aa25fb65b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/langelblue/6772965451/)
Rainbow of Delight for G8 Moly Exchange on iatcs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/langelblue/6772965451/) by langelbleu (http://www.flickr.com/people/langelblue/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6772977875_61cf4619b8_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/langelblue/6772977875/)
Rainbow of Delight for G8 Moly Exchange on iatcs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/langelblue/6772977875/) by langelbleu (http://www.flickr.com/people/langelblue/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6772989067_8c22e19ebb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/langelblue/6772989067/)
Rainbow of Delight for G8 Moly Exchange on iatcs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/langelblue/6772989067/) by langelbleu (http://www.flickr.com/people/langelblue/), on Flickr

[Waterblossoms]

Mmmmmmm...How yummy Jen!!!!! ♥

[Skyjules]

holy moley! thats really pretty Jennifer!

[Skyjules]

My 3 pages are complete, mailing to NZFlutterby tomorrow or monday!

http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/914/large/2_oceanfloor.jpg (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/914/2_oceanfloor.jpg)

[Waterblossoms]

Love the whimsy and magic here Julie! :)

[nzflutterby]

Julie - Terrific pages. Great imagination. I'll be looking out for it! I have the pages planned already.

Jules - luscious indeed. This will be a delectable moley.

[grrrdjules]

LOve the rainbow colours!

Jules that is stellar!

[Waterblossoms]

My book is now completed...and scanned...and will be out in the mail to grrrdjules first thing Monday...:)

Juli...You and I will be splitting the first of the four pages in your spread...so only plan for 3 1/2 pages total...I got a little over zealous...I will blame it on newbieness...:)

To all...be sure to PM me if you have questions on my theme...as I know this holiday is not celebrated everywhere. I will also have a theme idea page, similar to the one I posted here on the thread, tucked in the pocket in the back of my book just in case you may need it...:)

[BlueEclipse]

Great intro to your moley!!!! Always so exciting to see the start of them all ^_^

[grrrdjules]

Wow, that is incredible, hope I do the first spread justice!

[Waterblossoms]

Thanks Matt and Juli...I am sure you and your Muse will happily dance Juli...no worries...:)

I am already beginning to have separation anxieties...Has anyone else experienced that??? :)

[nzflutterby]

Awesome work!

[nzflutterby]

I have just found that to have tracking mail to USA or Canada will cost NZ$42.50.

How much does it cost from USA/Canada to NZ? Anyone know?

[grrrdjules]

Hi Elaine: i don't do tracking on any of my mailings from Canada. 2 moleys, 18 mailings, never a problem.

[Skyjules]

ditto what Juli said, I've never done tracking to Canada or international, never a problem.

[Skyjules]

awesome work Margaret!

[nzflutterby]

Whew. Thanks Julie & Jules.

[HeavenPhoenix]

Awsome pages everyone! Can't wait to get started!

I mailed my moley to Matt on Friday.

[langelbleu]

Margaret everything is stunning! I can hardly wait to work in your book. (and everyone else's too)

[nzflutterby]

Thanks Matt and Juli...I am sure you and your Muse will happily dance Juli...no worries...:)

I am already beginning to have separation anxieties...Has anyone else experienced that??? :)


LOL I'm finding that and I won't even be posting until tomorrow - Tuesday. It's a holiday weekend here and PO closed today.

[Skyjules]

Mailed my moley to Elaine in New Zealand today - hope it gets there fast!

[Waterblossoms]

...and mine is flying from the Arizona desert to Juli in Canada as I write. One book down....7 more to go...now on to Cathy's...:)

[catpratt]

Langelbleu's Rainbow of Delight book is here!

[nzflutterby]

Mine is on its way to Audrey - Heaven Phoenix.

[BlueEclipse]

Awesome everyone! Travel plans are up to date, and Julie, I will be sending out my journal to you tomorrow!! :) I'm trying to fix a glitchy cover on my journal lol... for some reason the paint is chipping on this one... and I sanded, gessoed and painted like I did on my g7 :(

[BlueEclipse]

Here is what I have so far in my moley :) I hope everyone has fun with the theme!!!!

Oh, and also, I am in the process of making thank you gifts for everyone, and will be mailing them out at the end of next month... they are too bulky to mail along with the journal, my bad. lol.

[catpratt]

wow Matt. I really like what you have done. You've created such a feeling sort of place on your pages. Love the details on your sweet elves.

[Skyjules]

really beautiful Matt!

[langelbleu]

Matt I can hardly wait to get my hands on your book! I LOVE what you have done so far?

[nzflutterby]

That's magical Matt. Love the details.

[grrrdjules]

Really nice Matt, love their faces.

[langelbleu]

Grrrdjules moly arrived today!

[grrrdjules]

It made it there in decent time - have fun!

[BlueEclipse]

Received Audrey's moley this afternoon!!! :)

[BlueEclipse]

Hey guys, so I just wanted to let you know that my moleskine cover isn't sealed properly... I'll seal it when I get the journal back because I want to fix the edges. So it might look like it's chipping or flaking slightly, but it should be fine :)

[Skyjules]

received Matts moley! Cover looks cool Matt, looks like an old leather book. And I bet it will look nice and worn when you get it back.

Hope Elaine receives mine soon!

[BlueEclipse]

Awesome! That was the look I was hoping to go for on the cover, just had some issues with the paint adhering on this moley. Glad to hear you received it :D

[nzflutterby]

I received Skyjules card yesterday - wow.

[grrrdjules]

Waterblossums your moley arrived safe and sound - it's gorgeous!

[grrrdjules]

And might I say that I am somewhat freaked out - I have never done anything in your theme!

[nzflutterby]

Bummer. I'm having shoulder surgery possibly end of April (rotator cuff/torn tendon)- arm in a sling for 6 weeks but Specialist said he could sign off OK to go back to work if it is desk work after 2 weeks so hopefully art will be OK. Nolifting for four months.

I can always practice with my left hand for some real original art :) or do some now and paste in. But I will have 2 - 4 weeks off work so I'm sure I will manage .

I'll let you all know when I have a date.

[Waterblossoms]

Waterblossums your moley arrived safe and sound - it's gorgeous!

Ooooooh! What good news to hear...I needed that today! :)

[Waterblossoms]

And might I say that I am somewhat freaked out - I have never done anything in your theme!

Hee hee... I cannot wait to see what that creative little Muse of yours comes up with...:)

[HeavenPhoenix]

Got Elaine's moley =)

[nzflutterby]

That took a while but at least it's there!
I'll post earlier for the other ones.

[HeavenPhoenix]

It's a bit my fault too because I've had it for like 3 days but haven't posted... sorry about that!!

I was wondering, can I add some kind of houses/buildings/trees or things like that for some kind of background or do you only want people? I have a few ideas and I can't wait to get started =)

[nzflutterby]

Hi Audrey

I didn't post straight away that I had received Julie's either.

I would love to see some of the houses belonging to these people. And, yes, trees/landscape is fine too along with some 'people'.

I had started out by planning it that way but it didn't end up that way except on the cover LOL

[BlueEclipse]

Bummer. I'm having shoulder surgery possibly end of April (rotator cuff/torn tendon)- arm in a sling for 6 weeks but Specialist said he could sign off OK to go back to work if it is desk work after 2 weeks so hopefully art will be OK. Nolifting for four months.

I can always practice with my left hand for some real original art :) or do some now and paste in. But I will have 2 - 4 weeks off work so I'm sure I will manage .

I'll let you all know when I have a date.

Oh no :( Sorry to hear about your surgery!!! Hopefully you'll have a speedy recovery, though!! Thanks for letting us know in advance, i'm sure we'll all figure something out about rotations when the time comes -- so no worries there!!!

[BlueEclipse]

So as of now, all travel plans are up to date, and journals are where they should be, yay!! ^_^

[Skyjules]

Here is an Elven Wanderer for Matt...
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/914/large/1_elven.jpg (http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/914/1_elven.jpg)

[catpratt]

oh oh oh Julie, this is really stunning. I love the tree, the leaves are too cool. The magic stick, wow! The purple mountain's majesty, of course. And what a peaceful curious face. LOVE.

[BlueEclipse]

Julie... wow. I can't say how amazing your spread is!!! The composition of the piece really draws you in... from every little aspect! I'm ecstatic that it will be a part of my collection when my journal arrives home, thank you ^_^

[nzflutterby]

Terrific work, Julile . The little details are wonderful - castle, magic tree,

[Skyjules]

Thank you all, glad you like it Matt!
I'll mail to Jennifer this week.

[langelbleu]

Matt's journal arrived safely yesterday!

Thank you all, glad you like it Matt!
I'll mail to Jennifer this week.

[catpratt]

Langelbleu, here is your red spread. After I scanned it I went back in and layered some iridescent paints, to give it more sparkle. They tend to scan really wonky, so this does not show them. I hope you like it. On Tuesday the book hits the mail to grrrdjules. Juli, be on the lookout!

[Skyjules]

really awesome Cat, great job!!

[grrrdjules]

That's gorgeous cat! I think I'm over my DOTD panic and inked the spread today so I'll be finished and ready to send in good time.

[Waterblossoms]

Langelbleu, here is your red spread. After I scanned it I went back in and layered some iridescent paints, to give it more sparkle. They tend to scan really wonky, so this does not show them. I hope you like it. On Tuesday the book hits the mail to grrrdjules. Juli, be on the lookout!

OOOOH MY!!! What gorgeous yummilicious color Cathy! :)

[Waterblossoms]

Yippee!!! I finished your book today Cathy...It was soooo much fun! I will be mailing her out at the end of the week after I show it around to my art club friends Wednesday...and family Thursday...:) I will post here again once she flies...:)

[Waterblossoms]

That's gorgeous cat! I think I'm over my DOTD panic and inked the spread today so I'll be finished and ready to send in good time.

Yea!!! Can't wait to see what you and your Muse came up with Juli...:)

[nzflutterby]

Gorgeous colour Cathy!

[langelbleu]

Cat that is PERFECT!

[langelbleu]

Sorry I've been a bit MIA around here. I hit a creative block wall a few weeks ago so I've been taking a break to hopefully stop making mediocre ATCs.

[BlueEclipse]

Cathy, that is awesome!!!!!

It's okay Jennifer, I've been MIA a bit too, lately... I need a vacation from work, lol.

[grrrdjules]

Okay, finished! Hope you like it, my first crack at anything DOTD!
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/images/132/1_Margaret.jpg

[Skyjules]

oh man, love the little houses, great job Juli!
If you can't think of anything for mine, think little houses!

[Waterblossoms]

Ooooo YEAH!!! I just saw this posted over on Facebook and "ran" right over here to leave a comment here too...Juli...I...LOVE...IT!!!!!!! How super cool those little sugar houses are...Wheeeeeeeee! I am tickled to pieces!!!

[HeavenPhoenix]

Wow, the spreads are turning out so great!! It's exciting =)

I'm just about to upload mine in the gallery and the journal will be on it's way to Skyjules today.

[nzflutterby]

Great work Julie. looove those skulls with blinds and curtain eyes/windows.

[nzflutterby]

Sorry. Not good pics, Julie. The neon colour doesn't show. But just to give you the idea .....

[grrrdjules]

Oh that looks so cool!!! Love the baby, nice one!

[grrrdjules]

Audrey, I saw your spread in the gallery - fabulous!

[nzflutterby]

Posted Julie's to Catpratt today.

[Waterblossoms]

and...I posted Cathy's to Audrey this afternoon...:)

[Waterblossoms]

Here is my spread in Catpratt's "Undersea Caves" Moly...:)

[grrrdjules]

Wow. It's gorgeous.

[Skyjules]

Oooh Elaine, love my spread, what fun! Thanks so much!
Margaret, beautiful undersea caves!

[nzflutterby]

Oh wow margaret! The is superb!

[catpratt]

wowza all the way around everyone!
Elaine, beautiful, love that mermaid.
Margaret, thank you, your art is wonderful, it sparkles and I love your details!!!

[BlueEclipse]

Wow, what awesome pages everyone has created this far!! They all look amazing!!! :)

[BlueEclipse]

I finished up Audrey's book today, and used the song "Teenagers" by MCR. It was fun, hope you like it!! ^_^

[grrrdjules]

I want to see!!

[HeavenPhoenix]

I want to see too!! lol I'm sure it's amazing!

[BlueEclipse]

Here is the spread I did for Audrey's MCR book :D

-- colors are a little bit off :\ Looks much more vivid in the real.

[HeavenPhoenix]

WOW! Matt, thank you so much!!

[catpratt]

Matt, how wonderful!

[Skyjules]

pretty cool Matt!

[grrrdjules]

Dang I want to see mine! Langelbleu? Mailed WB's to Matt yesterday.

[langelbleu]

Well the snow storm stopped me from getting to the post office today, so grrrdjules book is going out tomorrow. I did get it scanned so here's a peek. "Jells Yeah! Mommy Dearest's Coffee Kitschen!"
12035

[Skyjules]

holy moley Jennifer! That is really wonderful!
and love the colors of the kitchen!

[grrrdjules]

Oh my god!!!! Where to start, okay the jello mold - truly awesome! and the honey AND a cat, it's brilliant!

[catpratt]

Jennifer, wow!

[nzflutterby]

What a fun kitchen. That is going to be one fantabulous moley.

[HeavenPhoenix]

GREAT kitchen!

Got Cat's moley from Margaret today and it looks FABULOUS!! I'm kinda scared to break that fabulousness XD

[Skyjules]

Audrey whatever you do is always fabulous!

[Waterblossoms]

YAY! Great to hear she has safely landed Audrey! :)

[BlueEclipse]

All travel plans are up to date :D

Glad that your moley arrived safely to it's next destination

[Skyjules]

Matt, Jennifer received your moley from me on the 18th

[Skyjules]

woo! I just received Elaines (nzflutterby) moley!
What a beautiful cover you did - the colors are awesome.

[catpratt]

I have Skyjule's moley in Vermont, it is a beauty!

[BlueEclipse]

Received Waterblossoms book today from Grrrdjules :D

[Waterblossoms]

Langelbleu...Any word on mailing or tracking # for Grrrdjules Moly???? *sitting anxiously awaiting ...:) *

[Waterblossoms]

Received Waterblossoms book today from Grrrdjules :D

Yippeeeeeee!!!!! :)

[grrrdjules]

Langelbleu's moley arrived safe and sound last week; could have sworn I posted it already!

[Waterblossoms]

Juli's book from Langelbleu has landed safely here in the desert just minutes ago...Yipeeeeeee! :)

[BlueEclipse]

updated travel plans :D

[BlueEclipse]

Hey Elaine, I was just wondering if Audrey's book has turned up as of yet??? I hope it gets there soon, it's been a while since I mailed it.

Also, maybe I missed it in the thread, but, Julie, did you receive Elaine's journal?

Just want to make sure our travel plans are all current ^_^

[Skyjules]

yep, I posted I received her book.

Haven't got to it yet...but almost there.
Probably start this week. I've been doing preliminary sketches....but only in my head

[nzflutterby]

Hi Matt

Just received Audrey's book today. It was mailed 1 March so took longer than normal to arrived. I was also waiting on some ATC 's and they arrived yesterday.

I'll work on it this weekend.
I Know already what I'll be doing. I want to get it away a little early so I won't get held up with and delays for holidays around easter.

[BlueEclipse]

Julie, sorry I missed the post!!! I will update now :)

Elaine, no worries, I just wanted to make sure it got to you safe and sound ^_^

[HeavenPhoenix]

I'm done with Cat's moley, it's up in the gallery =)

[catpratt]

absolutely fantastic Audrey. I love it, thank you!


I'm done with Cat's moley, it's up in the gallery =)

[Skyjules]

holy moley Audrey! You really rocked that cave dwelling - Cat that is going to be the coolest moley!

[Waterblossoms]

holy moley Audrey! You really rocked that cave dwelling - Cat that is going to be the coolest moley!


OOOOh Yeah I totally agree......I want a copy of it...Is that possible to do...with each of our books...when we are all through with circulating them?????

[HeavenPhoenix]

Thanks for all those great comments!! And I agree that copies of all our moleys would be pretty cool. But hard to make, I think.

[BlueEclipse]

That is so awesome!!!!!! Great job, Audrey!!!!!

Hmmm... as far as copies go... I think that would be great! It would involved quite a bit of scanning though... but maybe we can figure something out.