Tuesday, June 21, 2011

My Garden is My Inspiration

Recently I was given a box of brand new paper shopping bags
from a friend who closed a boutique in our town
so I decided I would use some of them
as the basis of a
 new journal



and as I was wondering around our Winter garden I gained my inspiration


from this vegetable artichoke plant sitting right in front


of the Chinese Lantern.
So I photographed this plant which is just in its early stages of growth
being winter
and
looking at me at the same time through the fence of their huge paddock
were


our feathered friends eyeballing me as they do
in the hope of getting something to eat.

So once more inside


I started to tear and cut the paper bags apart
and
thought the lovely grey cord could also be recycled
in binding the pages together

and before long I was started with
a new journal.


I had collected a very beautiful Italian Calender from 2001
which I trotted out and found
the most beautiful drawings of an artichoke



which I have used in my collages.
Hopefully there may be more pages to see as I go!

Hope you are all having a most creative and relaxed, worry-free week.
Love, Suzy

36 comments:

  1. I really love turning all those bits that appear useless into works of art.
    Can't wait to see the rest Suzy.
    Hugs and smiles,
    Angela.

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  2. What a lovely way to upcycle shopping bags, seeking inspiration from around you to create such a beautiful journal. Have a wonderful week. Tammy

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  3. your work has such a beautiful rustic feel about it - just like your garden. there is something very organic and uplifting about your work.

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  4. What a beautiful garden you have, and your artwork is so very inspiring to me...

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  5. lookin' good Suzy. There's so much in the garden to inspire us with. I looking forward to the next pages.

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  6. Sweetest Suzy,
    always the most inspirering and beautiful garden to visit my dear friend-I love the statue- and all your beautiful photoes,-don`t look much like winter, to me, with all the bright flowers,sweetie.
    And your page, oh it is a most gorgeus one- (but I think that every time you shows a new one, Suzy)- with all the rich colors, and fantastic fabrics - and the use of the bag is a great idea--never throw anything-- as you can see in my photos ,hi,hi-----
    I love how your walk in your garden, became this wonderful story in cloth.
    Much love and hugs- you will hear from me -well must be tomorrow for you-as I will write you tonight,here :)
    kys,kys- Dorthe

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  7. Hi Suzy,loving this new journal.Love the artichoke leaves.I think a Winter garden cas be as lovely as a Summer one- more subtle..love the tracery of bare branches.

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  8. Lovely garden.....serene buddha......tactile pages....

    ..bliss...

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  9. Fotos inspiradoras mesmo de seu jardim! Lindo trabalho!!

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  10. I can hardly wait to see what you do wit your inspiration Suzy!
    I love to look in my garden at what is peeking out waiting for me to notice. Sometimes I feel like camping out there so I don't miss a minute of it's growth.
    Have fun today with your journal!
    Tina xo

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  11. I can see why you are inspired by your garden. It seems to be filled with texture and life!
    Lovely journal.

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  12. Just happened upon your blog. Love your textile work. I was toying with the idea of a journal in fabric--you've given me the inspiration!...well, once I finish painting the house. Your garden is great. I'll stop by again.
    best, nadia

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  13. Suzy your new page is looking good, love the drawing of the artichoke, you have a wonderful garden.
    Hugs Anni

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  14. Suzi, the pages are so pretty. It is always a delight to see what you come up with next. I enjoy the pictures of your garden. Never being out of the US it is a treat to see other parts of the world. Hugs, Jackie

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  15. Fabulous use for those wonderful heavy boutique bags!!! Love your garden inspiration - that is where my inspiration begins as well!!!
    Hugs!

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  16. Hi Suzy,
    Ahh, Another gorgeous journal in the making!
    Lovely photos of your yard, chooks and flowers.
    Very inspirational!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Creative hugs,
    Anna

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  17. Rich dark work here. Chickens are quite beautiful and so much still seems to be blooming in your winter yard. xox Corrine

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  18. You amaze and delight, from discarded bags to beautiful art and lovely nature thrown into the mix. Love it.

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  19. Hello sweet friend, it's just wonderful to recycle such things and turn it into art. Your new journal is fantastic already and I can't wait to see more pages. I would love to take a walk through your lovely garden. Nature is such a great inspiration. Your chickens remind me of some chicken graphics I had downloaded a while ago. I wanted to sew some chicken pillows but haven't gotten around to do it yet.
    Have a great afternoon, dear Suzy!
    Sending you big hugs and love,
    Julia

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  20. What a great start to a new journal. The colors and structures are gorgeous! I´m curious for more.

    You have a wonderful garden!!!

    Have a lovely week!
    Gaby xo

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  21. Your garden is a delight! I love seeing your chickens in the background. What a lovely way to begin a new journal ~ you are amazing my dear!
    Happy Week ~ filled with blessings! ~ me

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  22. Wonders never cease when I come to your blog.
    You have a way of making journals look easy to make. Maybe I should try my hand at making one...I have soooo much vintage fabric and ribbons I'm sure I could make several!
    Thank you for the inspiration!
    hugs,
    Teresa in (hot, summer) California

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  23. Oh wow, Suzy, you are ALWAYS such an inspiration!!! Pure beauty here on your blog--and absolute talent and JOY!
    XO
    Cindy

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  24. Suzie - I think your creative journals are amazing - what a wonderful way to put your inspirations to task - this one is especially beautiful. I am just so impressed with your talents - all I can say is WOW! Great job~~

    Vicki

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  25. Oh we are in synch, lady! We both love our gardens and we both feel impelled to journal about it, lol! And...you have chooks!!!! Well we must be living parallel lives or something....
    Anyway, thanks so much for your lovely comments about my garden inspiration- from you it means the world, because your work is SO precious and inspiring! I think I may have found a fix too with this whole comments fiasco. Let's see if it works. We'll know just as soon as I post this comment, aye?

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  26. Your use of color inspires me! Everything you do is fabulous. Just love the new journals.
    dix---

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  27. Dear Suzi
    I adore this journal - the rich tapestry of fabrics combined with the pages from your Italian calendar work like a dream.
    The embroidered fabric in your last image is exquisite - can you tell me more about it??
    You're just the inspiration I need to get going - thank you Suz!
    hugs
    Shane

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  28. Suzy it was fun to see your garden. I love the collage just below your header too. Of course I love your latest gorgeous creation. Textures and colors all beautifully done. Hugs, Sharon

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  29. What a beautiful blog! Enjoyed the stroll through your garden & your journal looks fabulous!

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  30. I couldn't be without my garden either, so inspiring! Just catching up with all your latest stunning journals, not surprised they've left your shop already! Just lovely.

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  31. Hi, Suzy!
    I'm a new follower; stopped by from Vicki over at 2 Bags Full
    I LOVE your creations!!!! So so so pretty! I love the Kookaburra from a few posts back! He is charming! I look forward to reading more of your posts, both past and future.
    Love from Atlanta, GA, USA,
    Jenny at The Modest Peacock

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  32. your creations are amazing! thanks for sharing!
    hugs,
    peggy aplSEEDS

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  33. Hi dear Suzy,
    what a lovely garden you have and it doesn't really look like winter at all.Your new journal is so very beautiful!!!Love the idea of recycling.Wishing you a wonderful week sweet friend.
    Hugs,
    Marie

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Thank you so very much for stopping here to say hello and to see what I have been creating. I really treasure each and everyone of you for your comments. It is so appreciated....Suzy

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