sending off some journal pages

Down to last-minute packing for my winter visit with my middle son's family in St Maarten. While there, I hope to share more photos of beautiful island scenery again this year. Meanwhile, we're having odd winter weather here in Virginia, with temperatures today in the 60's. But that can't last, can it?

Before heading off, I mailed both my book and my first guest pages for a round robin book swap that includes 11 talented ladies. My super-organized first swap buddy obligingly mailed me her book early so I could finish her pages in time.


For my book, my "Tales of a Creative Life" covers are made of fun upholstery fabric swatches picked up at JournalFest buddy Michelle Geller's favorite Good Will shop during my visit with her in Portland. She knows where all the best places are to find vintage goodies. I'm hoping the heavier brown textured leather, leftover from another of my book projects, will help protect the softer fabric as my book travels the country. I think the book feels so nice to hold.

Sign-in pages inside my journal, with doodles and watercolor.

My first guest pages were asked to be in a soft neutral and pink palette,

so I opted to draw these two delicate sketches for her theme,

using faces I found on Pinterest for my reference.
I drew and lightly shaded the two faces with pencil,
then added just a bit of watercolor for contour and warmth.

Off to finish packing! Mustn't forget my camera and doodling supplies!
.