and "hello" from me!

Hi all.  My name is Jan Allsopp (yes, double 'l' and double 'p', not quite right in the sidebar) and I live in Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast, Australia.  I have been painting and drawing on and off forever.  I too discovered Danny Gregory's "Creative Licence" about 2 years ago which led me to journalling and blogging, both of which have turned into two of the best things I've done, and reignited my artistic flame.  In that time I've begun an online Bachelor degree in Art and my creative output has increased and diversified dramatically, all thanks to journalling.  I have not participated in anything like this before and I'm really looking forward to the experience.  I will have to mail order my Japanese fold Moleskine because I can't buy them locally, so I won't have it for a week or so.  I already know Alison from her blog and her memory drawings (they are fantastic!) and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone else.  I am toying with a theme for my Moly too!  Does anyone have experience in these swaps and can give an opinion for and against themes?

On the move

On the move
Originally uploaded by 3MW

I picked up my moleskine this weekend. It's ready for a fun journey.

Hello My Name Is. . .

Melissa from Pennsylvania, USA.

I'm a high school art teacher. I got into illustrated journalling as a way to start making art for myself again (instead of just showing my students a technique) while reading Danny Gregory's book during my maternity leave. Married 6 years with a 3-year old daughter my art making time is limited and I like the format a sketchbook/journal affords.

Looking forward to trying this art exchange with everyone.

Hello, my name is

...Alison. I live in Canberra, Australia. I started learning to draw just over two years ago after stumbling across Danny Gregory's book, the Creative License. No sooner had I started, than a series of memory paintings (on my Scribbles Adagio blog) of my first 10 years in Scotland, began 'falling onto the page'. Now I have nearly done 100 of these. They capture all sorts of happenings and musings that could never be caught in family photographs. I also joined Julie Oakley in her year-long project to 'take some exercise everyday and stop along the way to do a sketch' (on my Five K Radius blog). Through that I learned that there's always something to draw and to do it quickly and in public. I also got fit and returned to my childhood habit of cycling everywhere. I also like making books, art quilting and contemporary embroidery.

Hello, My Name Is...

Tracy.

I live in Tipp City, Ohio.
My husband and I have been married for 19 years, and we have 2 children, a 12-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. I like to draw, paint, carve stamps, journal, and make books and jewelry.

I am happy to participate in this project. So many ideas are buzzing around in my mind. I'm trying to decide if I want to use a theme or not. How nice that the books are going to log some mileage!

Thanks for inviting me and all your work in putting this together.

Your new friend,
Tracy

Hello My Name is:

Clare.
I live in Victoria, Australia.
When I am not busy with work, I play!!
My favourite 'play things' are, journals, drawing, camping, collecting swap cards & owls, book binding and building my dollhouse.......oh...... and anything else I get pleasure doing.
I have decided I will choose a theme for my Moleskine, but it will be fairly loose.
Welcome to our members!!! ;0)

Melissa and I are putting our heads together working out all the details to ensure this project is an enjoyable and productive journey for all of us.


We have decided on two main rules for this particular group....(1)We would like 90% of the moleyX content to be drawing, sketching & painting (illustration) any or all with some text...........just not into too much collage. (2)Total commitment, with all communication and mail out. That said, Life can get in the way and if you have problems with deadlines etc just let the group know asap.

Any Q's , ideas or suggestions to enhance our MoleyX experience, post here.
I shall be off line Friday evening through to Sunday evening, (Aust time). Can't wait for it all to get started.
Kind Regards to you all.

Hello my name is. . .

Melissa.

Just thought it would be nice if we each post an introduction to get to know one another. We are currently at four members (Tracey will be added soon by Marty) and would be open to a few more. If you have any suggestions, please add them in the comments section of this post. At some point we will need to determine things like:

-rotation order

-how long we have to complete each round before sending off

-themes (if desired)

-number of pages

On a side note, I think it's pretty cool that we are the silver anniversary of this project. I look forward to meeting all of you and sharing our creative talents. So won't you please begin a post to introduce yourself so that we can get to know each other.

Best,
Melissa