Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Cross the Line


I chose to become a member of the Spellbinders Blog Team as I share with them a similar desire to explore beyond and remove the arbitrary divisions that exist among creative groups. I am a firm believer in inclusivity and feel lucky to have the opportunity to spread that word.

Wednesdays on my blog are typically saved for posting blog tutorials that show how I integrate products from Spellbinders, which are traditionally associated with card makers and scrapbookers, into my own mixed media style. Today though, I am posting the first in a series of personal stories from other people who have explored beyond, crossed a line, and broken the boundaries. Perhaps these stories will inspire you to do the same!

----------------------------------

Rachel Whetzel

"Hello. My name is Rachel Whetzel. I'm thrilled to be coming to you as a guest here on The Altered Page. I'm 37 years old, and mom to three boys, ages 19, 13 and 9. We recently moved to the country and I have discovered that I was MADE to be a country girl. I dabble in a million things. One of these things has been scrapbooking. I have been a scrapbooker since I was about 21 years old. Recently, I have drifted toward art journaling. Now I float between the two...because now I believe they are one in the same. This is the story of my journey.

I started out as a pretty traditional scrapbooker.



In 2006, Emily Falconbridge started an art journaling project called deck of ME. The idea was to create an art journal page on a playing card each week for a year. I was instantly hooked. I loved the idea of using images like I would on a scrapbook page but using them in new ways.


I found my subject matter and the things I wanted to do in my scrapbooking changing. I hated being limited by the "rules" of scrapbooking. Why did scrapbook pages have to be happy? What about scrapbooking memories of things I didn't have pictures for? I felt constricted by the limitations the art journaling and scrapbooking worlds put on what was and wasn't allowed. I didn't see any reason for the two to be separated. Before I knew it I was spending more and more time creating things that I wanted to, and worrying less and less about what rules I might be breaking.




I now see how those lines that scrapbookers and art journal artists draw between themselves are only imaginary. They are only self imposed. The two actually live in the same space. They are interchangeable and NOT exclusive of each other. Still when Seth asked me if I scrapbooked, I hesitated - even though I long ago decided that what I do IS scrapbooking. Silly of me, I know. Yet I did. Even after all this time. The reaction is the reason for my sharing here with you.


I want to encourage you. Whether you are a scrapbooker or an art journaler. Step to the other side of the line you see drawn. Join the dark side. Be a rule breaker. Try making your art journal a bit more scrappy. Try scrapbooking with a touch of paint or a touch of angst...whatever the line is that you face. Step over it! Don't hesitate."


----------------------------------

Thanks Rachel for sharing your thoughts and experiences. If you want to learn more about Rachel and see more of her artwork, you can visit her at her website or blog.

17 comments:

Kathryn Dyche said...

It is funny how we get so caught up in rules, in boundaries, in titles of some kind. I know I've been guilty of this myself. Here's to rule breaking and the wonderful creativity that occurs as a result.

Mrs Pretzel said...

Hear, Hear!! Thanks for stopping by, Kathryn!!

Caroline D. said...

Great post and fantastic projects!! I believe the crux of true creativity is that there is NO rules.

Anonymous said...

this really hit home for me today. Last night I actually purchased a sewing pattern to make something to wear. It has been years since doing so. Growing up with two expert sewers, mom and Nana, they taught me to follow the rules. I'm stepping out for the first time to break those rules, altering the pattern. I'm nervous and hoping it will work, but I won't know unless I try. Wish me luck! Thank you Kathryn for giving me some courage today.

Mrs Pretzel said...

Caroline: AGREED!!

JoannA, YOU GO!! I hope you let us know how your rule bending turns out! :)

Anonymous said...

sorry, I meant "thank you Rachel"

Mrs Pretzel said...

PS... you have no idea how weird it feels to have one of your creative 'heroes' saying thank you. <3

Anonymous said...

There are way too many lines drawn in the art world! The thing with scrapbooking and art journaling has been a long standing debate of hair splitting(paint brush wise)! I hope conversations like this will encourage more thoughts about exclusivity. I know many women who admire other's art, but haven't the confidence to explore for themselves because of attitude from some. I think that's a real loss for themselves, but for others too.
Olivia

Mrs Pretzel said...

Olivia, you are SO RIGHT. There are so many women afraid to cross that line, because of the agressive attitudes of the "elite" (whoever THEY are... lol) In my experience, I have witnessed line drawing on both sides... it intrigues me, and I agree. It's a loss for both the timid, and the judge.

Jane Wetzel said...

WOW...What a GREAT POST today..LOVE IT! Leave it to Seth to have it:)
thanks for sharing and I am off to check out her blog!

KellyCreates said...

Well, this is certainly the best blog post I could read at this point in my creative journey. Thank you SO much...both Rachel and Seth.

rivergardenstudio said...

Seth, this is a wonderful post, thank you so much for sharing this interview with Rachel. I love reading about her story, we are all art maker... here's to creativity in any form!!
roxanne

Stacey said...

Rachel, thank you so much for sharing your story! I'm so happy to see the creativity of so many truly finding "freedom"! You are an inspiration. We are all creative souls and its a wonderful moment when we realize there truly are no limits or boxes we must create it! Thats what explore beyond is all about!!!
Seth ... You continue to inspire and amaze me with every post. I honored to call you my friend :) xxoo

Patti Sokol said...

Thank you so much for helping my boundaries to explore. You are such an insipiration as is your guest blogger!

Glenda T. said...

I couldn't agree more Rachel and I love your work! Also that black and white pic of you is gorgeous!! Here's to breaking the rules!!! woot!!

Anonymous said...

okay, so i'm back to write that I took the challenge, thanks to Rachel and you Seth for posting this. i just did a post on my blog called "Breaking The Rules" and dedicated it to you two. That was fun!

Mrs Pretzel said...

Thank you so much for sharing, JoAnnA! Glenda, I lurve you. :)