I'm baaaaaack!

Or is that, "They're heeeeere!" (Did that movie not scare the crud out of you?  I know it did me!  Now, it's kinda funny, but at the time...that maggot steak ooching across the counter...BLAAAHHHHH!).  But I digress...forgive me.   

And they are here, but not for long.  Fixin to head to the customer.  Whew! is the word!  As in "whew, glad I got those finished".  Eight little mini albums all in a stack.  {Smile}.

And while I don't like to do the same project over and over, there was something in the repetition of these that I found that I rather liked.  Because each one was different in its elements.  Such as different papers, different trinkets that could be added, different things that could be used for tags, etc I did not feel like I was doing the same thing over and over.  But yet, there was repetition in that I was doing only mini books. 

So, why was the repetition good?  It was good because it allowed me to become so comfortable that I began to take chances with what I was doing.  For me, this is a good thing.  Cause when "Anal Annie" (as I was lovingly called on Sunday evening) can loosen up, that's not just good, it's awesome. 

I think I create better when I'm comfy with what I am doing and not so afraid of my own perfection.  And not perfection as in "mine" but a fear that keeps me from being the best I can be.  Because I fear NOT being the best I can be.  And it can be very hindering (for me).  But, let me do something, say eight times and hey....that's the ticket.  A doodle here, great!  A pair of Dorothy shoes as a tag?  Why not!  Bunch everything in the corner...sure. 

And isn't that what creating is all about?  Doing something different, putting your own spin on it.  Trying something new.  Not being afraid.  And for me, to hit that zone, I loved it.

It was funny (to me) to look back at the first few little books and see how, well, boring they were!  LOL.  And the last few little books really began to take on a life of their own, a personality.  They almost seemed BOLDER than the first few.  If they had little legs, they would strut.  And preen!  LOL.   

I was once told (during my very short stint as a book illustrator) that a lot of artists start the illustration work with the middle of the story and work their way out.  Why?  Because of this very comfort factor.  Once they get to a point that they know the characters and the scenery, etc, it becomes comfortable and looser and full of life. Well.  And by starting in the middle, no one can see that progression.  The illustrations look "balanced".  That was what I was "told" anyway.  LOL.   And after this project, I think it's true.  Especially for me. 

I won't bore you with every little mini book.  My gosh, that would probably make you run screaming through the streets.  But I will share a few of my favorite pages.  (Click to make larger if ya need too!) 

Thought this cover was cute.  Kinda fun.  I'm so into Cupcakes right now.  Perhaps it's mental, cause I'm on Weight Watchers and can't have them.  Well, I can have them.  But then don't want to spend the rest of the day eating nothing but veggie soup.  Any way, no matter what the reason...cupcakes is fun.

Had to put my little snarky writing in.  Of course.

Here is the page in its entirety.

Loved this funky little page.  I think I put in everything but the kitchen sink. 

But this one.  This is my favorite.  It was all based on a vintage post card (roses image in the center).  And I tried to use more vintage images through out.  I wanted this one to have the feel of little book that had been added to, bit by bit, over time.  So lots of little places and slots for tags and photo's.   

The last two pages from this book. 

How do you feel about repetition?  Is it a good thing?  Does it make you more comfortable with your own artwork or just bored?  I'd like to know what cha think.   Whether it is eight little books or thirty tiny folded cranes, does creating a piece over and over make you more creative or less?  For me, it was one of those "A-ha" moments.  But you may be the opposite. 

Share your experience if you want.  I look forward to seeing how everyone else feels about it. 

Happy Wednesday.

Comments

[Wonders Never Cease]

Yey! You're back! And oh so dripping with creativity!
What lovely work!
I missed you while you were gone!
Becky

[psmullican]

I dunno. I guess a little of both. I think I get bored easily. I look at a new project or technique as a challenge and so I am always wanting to try something new. But I can see what you mean because I find if I do something more than once I get a little braver to try to put my own spin on it. Great post btw. Very impessed with your production. :)

[3rdEyeMuse]

yippeeeeee! missed your most excellent posts. :)

ok, that scene was bad (maggots are seriously icky), but the one with that clown under the bed and his arms coming out to strangle --- I'm gonna "p" my pantsies just thinking about it --- forever cemented my fear of clowns.

the books look marvelous! I especially like the cupcake cover, too. I love all the details you put into them. :)

I think you might already know that I like the rythm of repetition ... a lot ... I find it to be a form of meditation and it often lead to moments of perfection, BUT I do get bored. It's those moments that I take chances, explore, experiment and challenge my habits ... just to start the process all over again. :)

[Lori]

yay!!! so glad you are back:) your little journals look amazing...that's a lotta work and i have to commend you for that...it would have taken me about two months to get those done...the page close~ups are gorgeous...i love your writing on the pages!!! oh, and the colors and mix of pattern is nothing short of fabulous!!!

[Pam]

Hi C
I got knocked out of commission for awhile-see blog-
But I was just answering mail and saw you'd blogged. I can't believe you use the word "snarky" too. That's what I call my Oz Dorothy :)
Hugs,
Pam

[Maija Lepore]

They are wonderful!

[Lynne Laura]

Hey Girlfriend...you have been busy...love them both. Do you do all the pages or just the beginning and the end? You do such a fine job!...and creative.

I like both as repetition goes...don't want to get bored but part of it can go faster when you are sticking to one thing.

Kindredly, Lynne Laura

[Beth Leintz]

I think I'm like you when it comes to repetition- I can get kind of bored, BUT it also lets me start seeing where I can make little changes that will improve things or make them more interesting.

I love your books and your doodle handwriting- I think you've really gone a long way with your art since I "met" you- everything has a fun twist or an "extra"- that might not make any sense, but I mean it as a sincere compliment.

[sherri]

Can't do the whole repetition thing. Each time has to end up different. I do manage to do it for swaps & such, but kills me. What an awful thing to call you--anal annie--hmm, some people!

[Kim V]

What cute, sweet, beautiful creations! Oh my they are great! What a lot of work went into each page! Great job!
Have a happy day!
Kim

[cindy]

Awwwwwwwwwwww! Thanks Beth!
-yap cat

[Wendy]

Hi Honey,
Your work is just beautiful! What a great job you did. (As always!) Hope you can relax--at least a little. Ü

[Dee Dee - Brownpaperpackaging.blogspot.com]

Love all of the pics here. Just something pretty for my eyes to feast on.

I don't really like repetition. I always want to do something new. If ever anyone was going to reinvent the wheel I wish it could be me. That being said, there is a certain perfection that can be achieved with doign something time and again.