Ask Unmask page

And so, almost unnoticed, the end of my most recent sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project has been reached. Called Ask Unmask I have added the very last fabric mask to a page that was collaged with bits of paper from a variety of sources, mainly mail order catalogues but also wrappers for Amaretto biscuits. I also added stamps and washi tape, and then coloured the page with water colours. It's amazing how life like masks become if you put real eyes behind the openings. This has been a sketchbook that was a joy to work in once I got over the fact that I had signed up for the Capes, Masks and Tights tour and that the sketchbook was expected to contain: "extraordinary stories in comic or graphic novel format". I took heart from the fact that the accompanying information also stated: " The theme you chose is a great starting point, but it's not meant to be a restriction. Don't feel limited by it, just loosen up and have fun".  So I did! And I'm sorry it has ended. But not to worry. I already have my next sketchbook (for 2014) at the ready and this time did spend more care and attention to selecting my theme which will be Borders and Lines. Now doesn't that just sound made for a quilter! If you are interested in signing up for a sketchbook of your own, you can do so here.

And my previous sketchbook which was made using an old cotton nightie that I had dyed, for all the pages is currently on the Sketchbook Project Summer Tour, going to all kinds of exciting places some of which I have also visited (such as Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Montreal) but most of which I'll probably never get to, and I can only guess what borrowers will think of my upcycled Victorian night gown! You can see digital versions of all my previous sketchbooks here.

I'll share the outside of this sketchbook with you in the very near future together with a re-hash of all the pages and then it will be winging it's way to the Brooklyn Art Library in NY.