Yes, it has been a while since I have shared an art journal spread! This spread took its sweet time, probably because it ended up being about something sweet . . . my husband and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary this Saturday, our 6th one. Only six years? Yes, just six. Even though Steven and I originally met back in 1972, we did not get married until 2005. Our story is almost like a fairytale… You may have heard it before, but I want to share a little before showing this spread with it . . . .

Steven and I were friends and we even shared a house together in 1980. It turns out he had feelings for me but he kept them hidden because I was married. Then, my first husband left me in 2004 because of an affair. I was dealing with my 26-year marriage dissolving when I found out that Steven was divorced for the same reason - his spouse had an affair. I called him at work and we starting talking and emailing. As crazy at it seems, 3 weeks later we knew we were going to be married as soon as my divorce was final.

This spread started with me covering the original pages with paper. On the right side I used dictionary paper and on the left, a piece of scrapbook paper with the words Crazy Love, given to me by Connie Senyitko. Connie wrapped up the skinny page she made for me on my theme of LOVE with this paper! I did not set out to create these pages on this theme or create about our anniversary but those words really guided me.

I added a transparency photo of Steven sailing Starfish that I took recently (used my xyron to attach) and a photo of us that he took on the evening of our wedding, June 11, 2005. This was "tipped-in" to the journal the night before with Tacky glue along the spine. Then I added color with watercolor crayons. The photo is printed on textured paper & water makes the photo inks migrate like you see above.

The "courtesy, friendship & letters" opens to show an email I wrote to our best friend Garth, telling him about how Steven and I had fallen in love. Yes, I save things like this.

This took me a little while to produce, but it was worth it. Happy Anniversary, Steven!  xo 

 : ^) lenna