moly_x_12

there'll be crocuses to bring to school tomorrow

2011-10-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well, guess who turned up on my doormat last week? Only my little Green Moleskine. Yes, folks, the traveller has returned. After backpacking around the world for three years one might have thought he'd look a little dishevelled but, no, he's looking gorgeous. AND, he came bearing gifts. Not only a back pocket full of little souvenirs from his travels, but some of the most beautiful drawings I've ever clapped eyes on. I'm so touched to finally have him home, I don't know that I'll ever be able to let him go again (and, let's face it, if I do it could be another twenty years before he returns).

Anyways, below is a little teaser of Suzanne's contribution. Thank you, Suzanne. Thank you all. I'll post more photos shortly.

Didn't we miss your smiling face?

2010-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is the scan I made before Suzanne's moley should start its last after traveling around the world.
Lucky Suzanne, she's got it back! Isn't it nice to be home again?

blogged by freekhand

something is in the air

2010-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Contrary to the last post's title, I 'don't rock'...I stink! Here's a confession. I've been keeping a moleskine hostage for ~~days~~ ... ~~weeks~~ ...a long, long time! You see, my mail-themed moly made it around the world and back to me quite some time ago...but, I haven't posted it until now. I was keeping it all to myself.

Perhaps you can understand why.

It's like that the bite of dessert, simply too good to share! Miguel, when are you going to stop blowing my socks off? You're incredible...and you're in good company. I am SOOOO pleased with my moly.

Many thanks to each of you for sharing your talents with me!

Suzanne Rocks (again)

2009-03-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

Yikes. Now I have two.

So finally, I'm getting around to posting this. I've had it for some time now, but, when I was packing stuff for the move that hasn't actually happened (a long story) I filed away my camera's USB lead safely. And, well, yeah, I couldn't find it. Until now.

So, here she is. Suzanne in France's Moley. I often feel like I'm repeating myself, at this point, so I'll try not to. Just one thing, Suzanne, how can you be so cool? I can't tell you how much I'd love to draw like this.

On the back Suzanne says "The connection between France and money may appear random but I assure you it isn't. This is the cash we're saving in hopes to travel, see the world and visit our Moly friends." But, that's not right, WE are coming to see YOU! I'm saving up right now. Well, I say saving, but I actually mean hoping for a lottery win.

(I don't know if I chose the best photos, here, but trying to choose from about a hundred is an impossible task. I'll put more on Flickr soon.)

The amazing ideas of Professor Juj

2009-02-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

Are you sitting?

Well, now you will see how...
(drumroll here)

... Juj did it again!

She went beyond (once more)...

...to leave us open mouthed

and tell this wonderful snail story.

blogged by freekhand

Green again for "Little Green"

2009-02-01T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Seems Andrea will have a funny moly full with differents kinds of imitations of her style. (When I wrote imitations, you should read tributes).
This was at home for more than a month waiting for me to start drawing. I made it in the last days of the past year, and finished january the 1st. Here is my work diary (written on the back).

bamboo frog's cousin

2009-01-31T18:35:00.000-08:00

Can I just let you know how incredibly lucky I feel to have these beautiful Moleskines pass through my hands? Really...

Miguel, I continue to be awed.

Andrea, look at the Moleskine you're getting!!!!

And this one smells good too! What an added bonus.

Looksee!

2008-11-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

Look what I got in the mail this week - Suzanne's moley from Gabi!
I was waiting for a sunny day to take lots of pictures to show you, but now that we've finally got one it's too windy to take the thing outside. Hate depriving you all of the pleasure I've been having looking at it so am posting the flat scan Gabi was kind enough to send. Hopefully there'll be pictures galore sometime soon.

autumn leaves revisited

2008-11-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

I've now uploaded the photos of Gabi's moley to Flickr. You might like to check them, and all the lovely comments, out HERE. I didn't do to well with these pics, I'm afraid. But, there'll be LOTS more when I add my bit! Cheerio, my ducks.

‘What’s in your Moleskine’ Contest Deadline 11/14

2008-11-11T14:21:00.001-08:00

Promote yourself and moly_x. Enter your fabulous moly_x entries.

Moleskine, the heir to the legendary notebook, wants to know what’s inside your Moleskine! With over 140 different formats and styles, there are many different ways to use a Moleskine—to sketch, write, watercolor, reflect, collage, collect mementos and as photo albums.

In celebration of creativity and imagination, Moleskine is looking for readers to share photos and comments about their Moleskines. Email pictures of what’s in your Moleskine to webmaster@chroniclebooks.com with the subject line “MOLESKINE.”

Five submissions will be randomly selected to receive a Free Moleskine Pack of Notebooks. The pack will include a Pocket Ruled Notebook, a Pocket Sketchbook and a Pack of Plain Kraft Pocket Cahiers.

We’ll post the images on an upcoming post announcing the winners! Also check out our Facebook Company Page to see the latest entries. Entries must be submitted by Friday Nov 14th.

autumn blew it's leaves at me

2008-11-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

So finally, guys, here it is. Suzanne's contribution to Gabi's Moley.

Looking really beautiful, I'm sure you'll agree.

The colours are just so good. SO good.

Can't wait to get working on it. But, I think I might just look at it some more, for a little while longer.

It's dreamy.

(Click on photos to view)

Gambling snails

2008-10-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

I always feel that opening the packs that come from Kansas City is worth the length of the wait.
In this case it took 20 days (maybe the moley was carried by a snail to continue on topic).

Juj's art makes me always think of intelligence and smartness and this is not an exception.

As you see this moley seems a joyful tribute to Andrea's art.

Seems like those albums with songs of an artist sung by other artists in which each version keeps the art of both.

There are blendings here rather than the usual transitions.
Touring over the pages is a never ending surprise, they are full of little secrets, writings, pieces of stories and living episodes.

PS: Do you like the table? My father made it in the 70's. He worked all sunday mornings for more than one year. (Excuse me please me for the intrusion but I'm too proud).

Thank you France (& co.)

2008-10-14T02:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for your kind comments, and thank you France for your drawings.
I tried this little joke (you were right, estaba bromeando) because I've been always jealous of your portraits and your amazing technique but as everybody can see... you're inimitable! (actually, Q.E.D.).
I used some Pigma Microns and a Copic Drawing pen for the blacks and a Faber Castell OHP-PLUS 1523 for the green. Here is the flat scan I made before sending.

france on paper

2008-10-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to see Miguel's unbelievable contribution to France's Moleskine?

Are you really, really ready?

Perhaps you should sit down for this.

Really.

Ok, here goes...

Isn't she lovely?

Pray for me. I have to draw next to this.

Bamboo frog has some reading to do

2008-10-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

After much procrastinating I'm finally posting France's fabulous follow up to Andrea's pages on Miguel's moley. Let me guess, I think France likes Paul Auster. This moley, by the way, is the second on my desk waiting for my own contribution. The pressure!

what it is ain't exactly clear

2008-09-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am more than pleased that France didn't find this drawing's secret on first viewing. I feel I achieved my objective.

Once I'd got going, I had fun with this one. In fact, I'd made up a story to each piece of jewellery, and how granny had acquired them. I would have put notes on the drawing but, I felt, the page was a little too small. Anyway, I've decided to revisit this theme in the future. Notes and all.

And finally, the plug for the whole set of photos so far. See them HERE.

Jewel

2008-09-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest jewel by Andrea, folks! Can you find the little caged bird? How about the Molex?! I love it when Andrea works with black.
It's a Moly traffic jam at my house now. The pressure is back on. I have to complete Miguel's Moly and then it's on to Juj's.

what was the question?

2008-09-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a little quiet around here recently. I'm actually quite relieved. Because once again it's taken me ages to finish a drawing. But finally it's done. My first contribution to Juj's Moley.

I LOVE Juj's book. I'm sort of jealous of it too. I love the questions it's asking us. I love that even though there was no theme to begin with there seems to be one emerging. Revealing itself. Unfolding in front of our very eyes. Now that really sparks my imagination.

This is on it's way to France tomorrow.

Andrea strikes again

2008-08-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

I decided to film the opening of Miguel's Moleskine bearing Andrea's latest contribution.

See it on Vimeo.

Or fast forward to the scan and a photo:

Unveiling secrets

2008-08-08T04:28:00.000-07:00

The moment of truth is arrived (by mail) and now we finally know that Juj is actually a groundhog trainer. As this image clearly tells, Juj has some skilled contributors (will some of them become some day independent artists?)

On the next pic we can see better some face expression that makes me think the groundhog was negociating its fees.

Finally (and now seriously) a flat scan Judy sent to me in which we can see the fantastic drawing (see the fur) and the great idea of repeating Gabi's forest on the easel painting to continue the moley.

But I keep on wandering, who did the scan?
Is the idea really a Juj's idea?
Is it a portrait or a self portrait??

Good things come in small packages

2008-08-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

I don't have a whole lot to say about this - the pictures speak for themselves. Gabi's contribution is absolutely amazing. Andrea, we could stop now and your moly would be platinum.

I will say it is sooooo much fun to see this work in real life. As amazing as it appears here, it is absolutely no comparison to the reality. I will also say that this particular moly is traveling with some nice surprises, but since no one else has mentioned them I've decided to let them be a surprise for the rest of you as well. Just something else to look forward to!

Finally, I've got to say it's so inspiring to have this work in my hands - my head is already buzzing with ideas - and I am honored and appreciative.

Now, without further ado:

Gabi's work (the flat scan):

(click to enlarge)

Gabi's work (the photo):

(click to enlarge)

France to Gabi (SEAMLESS!):

(click to enlarge)

The whole enchilada (this part's getting harder! lol):

(click to enlarge)

"Little Green" is in the mail and "Mail" is here

2008-08-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

Hola fellow moleskineXers. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to share France's goodness on Suzanne's "mail" moley. I just had too much moley action going on here. "Little Green" from Andrea is on its way to Judi now. Give the pix a good click to enjoy France's beautiful line work and commentary.

still unfolding

2008-08-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Miguel's Moley has left the building. I adore this view of it. All those colours working in harmony. Anyway, chums, I'm sorry for holding stuff up at this bit of the chain. I am the weakest link. Goodbye.

juj, did you ever think you'd see your Moley on the roof of my shed?

2008-07-26T16:43:00.000-07:00

Seriously. How cute? Here's Suzanne's contribution to Juj's Moley.

This drawing makes me smile every time I look at it. Basically, it makes me happy. The funny thing is when I used to spend my summers fruit picking I would have two tents - one to sleep in the other as a store. At one point a frog made a home in the store tent. I let him stay there (I wasn't going to move him after all), so we had a tent each. Therefore, the answer to the question is (kind of )yes!

It's so cool to see artwork from a different 'artist' every time you get a new Moley. You almost forget that. It's like an extra little surprise. Juj your work is so clean, it's an absolute pleasure to have your Moley in my possession. And good to see the turtle in the flesh. I feel like I know him so well already. I have an idea where I'm going with this one, but I really must put the finishing touches to Miguel's first. I will, I WILL, put that in the post to France this week.

France's homage to Andrea

2008-07-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

I'm really speechless. I have this moly and Suzanne's on my desk and I have no idea how on earth I'm going to follow these amazing drawings. France, mon amie, extraordinaire! Andrea, you're getting an awesome moly here, I hope I don't mess it up too much!

par avon

2008-07-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

(click to enlarge)

France's moly is on it's way to Miguel ~

Back from Paellaland

2008-07-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I'm back home again after a little trip to Javea, where my parents will soon move leaving Madrid. It's a very very very nice little town, with a fantastic weather, nice beaches and coves, beautiful places to visit and a fantastic cuisine (many rice recipes most of them paellas). Here you can see Fabio and Roberta licking their lips before an "arroz a banda" (paella with fish) and a "paella de marisco" (paella with seafood).

Apart from sea, sun, sand, swim and swallow, there was obviously much scribble and sketch (I'll let you see on the next days).
Back at home one of the first things I did was to take a look to the mail because I hoped Gabi's moly should be at Suzanne's and... wow, you made my day, thank you all!
I drew this with some remote psycodelia influence after the leaf turtle (and some remote memories of Moebius/Arzach atmospheres in mind, France sure knows and maybe you all). Here is my flat scan, hope colors haven't changed this time. It was made with a Copic Drawing Pen (fantaaaastic tool!!) for the linework and Stabilo 68, 88 and Faber Castell Pitt for the color.

unfolding horizons

2008-07-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in the mail this weekend! I'm speechless. Really. Miguel's talent with perspective and color are absolutely breathtaking. I feel so honored to get to draw next to this.

Eeeek! I love seeing the three perspectives together! Great theme Gabi!

Beautiful transition here:

and another one bites the dust

2008-07-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

After a long pause on my end, Juj's Moly is on its way to the UK!

Suzanne's Moly is off to Washington

2008-07-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

No earth-shattering news here. Just wanted to let you guys know i have mailed Suzanne's Moly to Gabi. Suzanne's theme is mail, hence the sticker i put on the plastic wrapper of the precious book.
I kept the flow clogged for weeks while i was moving into a new house and finishing our school year. But all this is behind me now, and i am more than ever itching to draw in these little Molys.

all this talk about drawing bugs now

2008-07-02T01:39:00.000-07:00

It's been funny hearing all the drawing bug talk go on. Especially when I knew that I'd filled Suzanne's Moley with bugs galore. I was going to blame the loss of everybodys drawing bug on Miguel and the bloody MoleyX project! A few weeks in and none of us could pick up a pen. But I won't. How can I? Sandwiched in between Suzanne and France. Ain't I the lucky one?

I've uploaded some more photos to Flickr. You can see the whole set of Moleys, as they make their way through my hands, HERE.

Andrea in Suzanne's Moly

2008-06-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

I kept Suzanne's Moly hostage, unable to even open Andrea's envelope, for about a month. I still had Andrea's Moly to which i yet had to add my contribution. Once that was done and out of the way (it's coming your way, Gabi!), i was able to face Andrea's next stroke of brilliance.

I think we've all said it in one way or another: seeing someone's work on paper, in the flesh as it were, is an enhanced experience from what we are used to seeing on our respective computer screens.

First, Suzanne's drawing and collages, her ever restrained use of the marker to add just enough color, put a smile on my face. Then, Andrea's mark, so fine and delicate that i am still gazing at her dead bugs in disbelief. I have a vague idea of where i am going to take this one... and i promise it won't take as long as with the previous one.

Just gaze, guys. Just gaze.

Here's a not-so-good shot of the Suzanne-to-Andrea Moly so far.

more Gabi-France goodness

2008-06-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

As promised, a couple photos of France's moley. Be sure to click and enlarge so you can see how cool it is where Gabi's color merges with her sketch.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

And then I just had to share this terrific invention that Gabi sent me - a mini moley! Gabi suggests it's much easier to handle and I have to agree. Just yesterday, trying to take pics of the big one as the wind was blowing across the deck, I was noticing how much more well-behaved this little one is. He also pointed out it's quite easy to fill, and fits nicely in a pocket. I'll add it eve tucks into a small pencil pouch! How convenient is that?! What do you think guys? New format for the next round? ; )

(click to enlarge)

sheer genius

2008-06-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

When I first saw France's moley, I couldn't imagine how Gabi was going to continue (and I said a secret prayer of thanks that it wasn't me that had to figure it out! lol) but when I opened the book yesterday and saw what he had done I realized he'd found the perfect answer. But don't take my word for it. See for yourself:

(click to enlarge)

Acid blots

2008-06-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

When I received Juj's moley I was working on an ad campaign for which the art director wanted a sort of atmosphere on a 1960'ish style. I seized the opportunity to reopen my old books by Mouse & Kelley, Victor Moscoso and obviously Robert Crumb. The first sketches (made when I had no idea of how to continue Juj's drawing) where considered "too acid and psychedelic" so I just did a cheesy op-art design that pleased everybody (but me). The agency cancelled all I really wanted to do but give me the idea of what to draw for Juj's moly. Surely it has been better this way.
(Unfortunately) I used an old Edding 600 Black C730 for the large black areas. Apart from the ugly stains it made on the opposite side, it expanded more and more for a large time with an strange orange hue. I covered it with a gel white pen and made this scan. I thought I had won, but when I put the sketchbook into the envelope I felt like Ripley seeing again the alien after the supposed total destruction. Ripley killed him but I though anything I should do would make things worse.
I intended to make a non colored drawing but seems the stains got even more visible while traveling (maybe it's a live drawing).

what a long strange trip its been

2008-06-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

After a long pause here at Moleskine Central, there is a new sketchbook to share...and boy, is a it a goodie! Juj's Moleskine, having traveled to Italy is now in North Carolina...and what a mark it's Italian host, Miguel, left in it. This is simply greatness unfolded.

Evidently Miguel has seen a leaf and thought it was a turtle, all while drawing on acid...ok, maybe not that last part...but in Miguel's own words, he was looking to create something "with the atmosphere of the psychedelic and acid art of the 60's."

I think you achieved your goal Miguel! This is incredible!

Ladies and gentlemen... France's moly!

2008-05-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

The experience of seeing France's work without the interference of the computer screen is hypnotizing, your eye wanders from stroke to stroke enjoying such an amazing technique. You'are going to love it when you get this moly! But first I'll have to overcome the anxiety of making my own mark on it. That's going to be interesting.

not in my backyard

2008-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Actually, that's exactly where it is.
Miguel's Moley in my backyard, which isn't a euphemism - can I say that? If not, I apologise and blame it entirely on the British sense of humour.
Anyway, how gorgeous does this look? Even on a typical grey Derbyshire day.
And, in answer your question, Suzanne, it's very much like this.

See more of this stuff HERE.

I was about to write a comment on Andrea's post...

2008-05-06T05:06:00.000-07:00

...this morning, when Roberta came home with this:

Even if Judi sent this as "letter" and not as "parcel", since the other moley took 4 week to arrive, to see this at home in just 2 weeks it's been a fantastic surprise (I expected it for next week). Then I opened the envelope and I've found the key: Judi put this irish turbo-enhancing-amulet inside (btw. are you irish descent?)

This is the second time I receive your stuff and I must admit it's touching. I've suddenly loved the way this drawings meet, and I've read the shuttlecock as a metaphor of a little japanese sketchbook flying overseas (the moley my friend is blowin' in the wind).

Here is the flat image of Judi's continuation to Gabi's horizon.

progress report

2008-05-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's not cheating really, is it? I was just wondering where you guys are up to? Anyone sent off the second Moley? Anyone started the second Moley? I've just finished Suzanne's. This is the point where our two drawings meet. Or should that be collide?

Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-24T03:43:00.001-07:00

Uncross your fingers: seems that all our spells, vows, candles and calf sacrifices have had a good result and our prodigal son is here.

We can forgive him the long wait: the joy's worth it!

Maybe this little guy was scared about the long run he has yet to do
(I love this lettering!)

Hey Juj, do you see into the future?
How did you know that this japanese-folded leaf would make the road from Kansas City to Bologna at turtle speed? (Wait some days till Fabio's drawing for Sophie arrives and you'll see even more prediction mysteries!)

Now seriously, a flat scan of Juj's fantastic drawing with that half coloring I love so much, and her amazing, freaky, smart, unique point of view (literally i this case) I love even more.

Where in the world is JuJ's moly!

2008-04-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist to do something with Andrea's mileage research. After doing this I realized how lucky I got having to send my moly to JuJ's, who lives pretty much in my backyard, only 1,860 miles away, compared to most of you who send yours on transatlantic journeys. I wonder if we should alter the order in the future so noone gets always stuck with paying for overseas shipping. And that way our drawings will also get to mingle with drawings that before were a few folds away. And now the more urgent and important question: where in the world is Juj's moly?

our vital statistics

2008-04-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's not that I have nothing better to do than cock around on the internet all day. Really. But the other day I calculated that our little books will have done 40,000 miles (ish) when they have completed their journeys. IF they complete their journey, that is. Because, the law of averages states that the Royal Mail will lose at least half of them. Yeah, I'm a glass half empty kind of gal!

Oh, and one observation I will have; these little Japanese Moleskines are bugger to draw in. Don't you agree?

(I was kicking around some ideas for Suzanne's theme here. It will look NOTHING like this.)

I got MAIL

2008-04-11T11:24:00.001-07:00

I love this project, have I mentioned that? There's not many things that are more exciting than finding a little Moley on your doorstep - especially when it's from Suzanne Buchanan. Well, that's what happened to me yesterday.

This, I'm sure you'll agree, is classic SB. Cool, stylish and fun. A great theme too. I can't wait to start drawing in it. I'm just going to pluck up the courage first. Oh, and because I'm as obsessive with a camera as I am with a pen you can see much more of Suzanne's Moley HERE.

Little Green by Andrea

2008-04-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have just received Andrea's very green package! I had to pause to keep my heart from racing.

When i opened it, I found this treasure -- and then some. But you will see for yourselves when you receive Andrea's Little Green, because she went above and beyond with her theme.

This picture doesn't do Andrea's work justice. I had seen her scanned work before, but i was dumbfounded by the fineness of her art. My lines in comparison look like tire tracks. I am more intimidated than ever. And i haven't yet sent my own Moley to Gabi.

holy moly!!

2008-04-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

(photo at my house:click to enlarge)

(flat scan sent by Gabi:click to enlarge)

Gabi's moleskine made it's way to my house in record time, and look how fabulous it is! It's such a treat to be able to see his work in real life without the filter of the web. My favorite part (besides the fabulous lines and colors) is the "draw bridge". Is that a command? or a description? lol! and the "this is not my car" - so funny! Now the hard part - figuring out what to draw. I think I'll just spend a few days making friends with it first.

Bamboo Kermit

2008-04-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

Here's the scanned version. Trying to imitate the real colors of the drawn frog, I don't know how the letters became green (like Andrea's theme ;-). Some days ago I used to open and close the moly, now I use to open and close the mailbox...

miguel's masterpiece

2008-04-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Look what showed up in my box this weekend!!!!!! Wow Miguel...way to set the bar high! Beautiful, beautiful work. I also love the way Miguel included information about the drawing on its reverse side. Why didn't I think of this?

All packed and ready to go

2008-04-07T00:37:00.000-07:00

Horizon is in the mail!

celebrate good times

2008-04-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

After much, MUCH deliberation I finally chose a theme for my sketchbook. So, not only is it in the mail (look out Andrea!), but it is also about mail.

I'll be with you in a jiffy

2008-04-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

So, I've bought a pile of Jiffy bags and tomorrow my little Moley will begin her journey. All the way to France (France in America).

Note to self; scan picture before getting to the Post Office!

#2 leaves the nest

2008-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here it is - waiting to make it's trip to the post office.
Shortly after this I sealed it tight and rushed out the door late to get my daughter from school, planning to post the package on the way back home. As I'm pulling up to the post office I realize I've forgotten to scan the pages!! At first, I'm thinking I'll just throw it into the hands of the gods and send it without, but caution got the better of me soooo instead picture me standing in line ripping open first the wrong end of the envelope then the other (all the while trying not to damage it so much that I can't tape it back up again) while Soph runs around the post office looking for tape, then holding everybody up and looking like a complete dork while I try to balance everything on one knee and convince the accordion pages to open just enough for me to shoot a quick picture...good grief!

going green

2008-03-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, I took delivery of my Moley the other day. It's so cute. I was surprised at how small it was, but even more surprised at the amount of paper it held! I've already started 'doodling' and hope to post it off next week, sometime.

I have decided to give mine a theme. Personally, I like the idea of the having something that ties the drawings together. I didn't want to make it too restrictive, though. I know how it feels trying to think of something to draw for the EDM and IF challenges. You can get paralyzed by thought.

Anyway, my theme is GREEN. So, meet Little Green. You'll be getting to know each other better soon.....I hope!.

Leaving (on a jet plane I hope)

2008-03-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

My moly is packed, ready to go.
Since I don't trust mail services I've scanned the drawing, but I hope I'll not post it because it would mean that the pack didn't arrive to Suzanne.

Theme for my moly

2008-03-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't started drawing inside the monster yet, but after more time of getting to know each other —as you can see above— I think I have a theme for it. It's going to be "HORIZON". I am a sucker for photo panoramics, those where you snap several photos of a skyline and stich them together. I have several at home waiting for a frame. My favorite is one I did of San Francisco from Alcatraz that spans from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate. So, I thought my moly could be the drawing equivalent of a photo panoramic, with a continuous horizon line that each of us follows through the pages. Does it sound okay? Hope this doesn't make it any more harder than it already is!

Moleskine in Moleskine

2008-03-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

Here's my zig zag!

to theme or not to theme

2008-03-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, I'm itching to get started, my pencils are poised ready to embark on this exciting new project, just waiting for my Moley to arrive. I was wondering whether anyone has thought about setting a theme for their book? It occurred to me last night - you know, late at night, when your creativity refuses to let you sleep - that one of the other MoleyX groups had done this. Each member of the group had set their own individual theme. Some of those themes included travel, carnival, people in your neighbourhood. Just wondering if you had any thoughts on this?

BTW, it was MoleyX group 4 that I was referring to. You'll have to scroll down the page to read about their themes. Cheers!

as soon as I finish unpacking...

2008-03-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

(click to enlarge)
I'll be ready to go (hmmm, somehow that sounds backwards...)

Marvin approved

2008-03-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

I finally got my Moleskine. I didn't realize it was a rather small size -- which makes it manageable and easy to ship too.
Marvin got immediately nosey.

Open, close, spread...

2008-03-19T08:28:00.001-07:00

I bought my moly last Sunday. In these days I've often open it, spread it, imagine it full of your drawings, close it, put it on the shelf, open, close, spread, imagine...
Yesterday I wrote my name and address (and open, close, spread, blah, blah) and this morning (while open, close, etc) I finally had an idea of how to start.
But at the moment I just open...

It's a beast!

2008-03-17T22:16:00.001-07:00

Hi folks. I got my zig zag moly. As soon as I opened it I was like, wooohooo, what is this? Then it tried to attack me. But I put that rubber band back on and it was fine. I think we'll get along eventually and I'll send it your way as soon as we have some quality time together.

Access to Post

2008-03-16T10:07:00.001-07:00

Each of you has been set up as an author for this blog. You will need a Google account to get started. I will need your email addresses in order to set up access to posting on this blog.

https://www.google.com/accounts/LoginAuth

You should then be able to post to this blog.

Cheers.

Welcome to moly_x_12!

2008-03-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

(edited to reflect the activities of this individual group)
This group, founded by Miguel Herranz (Spain, Italy), is an extension of the Moleskine Exchange. This blog will follow the adventures of this group of artists from around the world, in a Japanese-fold Moleskine sketchbook exchange.

Each artist will set off with a small Japanese (accordian) folded Moleskine. After creating a drawing, collage, or painting on a spread of approx. 2.5 pages they will send the book on to the next artist (the order is listed in the sidebar). In order to encourage more interaction, each book will make 2 rounds before it is filled. When the next artist receives the book, they will scan the previous artist's work and post it on the blog for everyone to see. When the book is filled, it will be returned to the owner with images created by artists around the world. Each artist has approx. 2 weeks to make an entry. The outcome will be a pleasant and surprising adventure, as artists interact and merge their art with others.

The concept:

1. Each artist starts with a Japanese fold Moleskine - Name, address, email address written inside book.

2. Each artist gets 2 weeks to make a sketchbook entry, and mail it to the next person. The order is listed to the right.

3. Each artist will do approx. 2.5 pages each round. Each book will make 2 rounds.

4. Artists are encouraged to interact with other images in the book. Please be respectful.

5. When the book is full (when one side of the unfolded book is filled) the book will be sent back to its original owner. That artist may continue by buying a new book and sending it to the next person.

6. If a person decides not to continue, he/she will simply keep her book when it comes back to him/her. She should email all of the participants to say she is not going to continue. The group will then decide if they want to find a new person.

7. Please communicate regularly via email. Let each person know that you have received/sent the book. The goal is to have a dialogue. Any comments and questions are welcome.

This moly_x_project was begun by Marty Harris, Minnesota, USA.