Khadi papers journal Part II

Journal page by Mary M Payne

I found this Greek word Meraki,  "to do something with soul, creativity or love , to put something of yourself into your work. "   I think that is what this personal journaling is all about. 

These two chickens are cut out of a paper napkin.  The paper is thin enough to collage easily onto the pages of this latest recycled cotton rag journal. 

 I have a special fondness for chickens . There are eleven hens living across the street from us and I love to hear them "talking" and we certainly love eating the eggs still stuck with straw.  The owner gives us a gift of eggs from these hens each week.

 I even like the looks of a strutting chicken:  proud and upright. 

Khadi Journal

 John W. Gardner quote,   watercolor journal pages, Mary M Payne

This image of a "target" was something I created years back.   I found it in my "scrap-box" .  The quote is from John Gardner, an American writer and essayist. 

Journal page by Mary M Payne

And here are a couple of quotes on the next two page spread with one quote used as a border. Underneath that is writing with a silver pen that shows only as a textured, graphic background. 

Collage pages, Mary M Payne

In this collection of ephemera is a family photo (from monsieur's side), my first and perhaps only telegram, a passport piece and a diary entry from a world traveler I knew,  a piece from a 19th century  hand written accountant's log book ( in French) and a piece of gold colored burlap.  The butterfly is a transparent paper sold for "decoupage". 

Journal Pages, Mary M Payne

The printed paper glued down on the right is stenciled with acrylics.  It came from Amazon as package wrapping.  The quote reads: "Soyez vous meme, Tous les Autres sont déja pris. " Oscar Wilde.  

 Sorry, but as much as I try, I cannot get a circumflex on my Mac for the word "meme".

Journal pages Mary M Payne

The "seals" of gold colored acrylic paint are dried  and glued down with gel.  Like most magpies, I have a "faiblesse"  for the color "gold".

Journal pages by Mary M Payne

In the next arrangement on the left side are book pages attached with gel and painted white to make a background.  Both pages are sprayed with a fine mist of acrylic ink.  Ink and rubber stamps are used to complete the page.  
 The butterflies are added from an old wall calendar. 

 I vowed no hearts, butterflies, cutesy sayings or formulaic flowers in my journals... but as you see,  I have not entirely kept that promise.                

 I prefer not to fall into exaggerated sentimentalism...."Schmaltz" as the Jews and New Yorkers say.    But somehow it creeps in.