In this email I'll be going over details on how to create sections for your 21 Every Days Art Project. This includes a video tutorial on how to tape up the sections and other suggestions to try if you prefer not the use the tape. There's also a quick check-in and I share a short update on the prep I've done so far! (If you won't be doing the art project, feel free to skip to the bottom for the check-in.)

Below are some suggestions on how to create your sections however, feel free to do what you want! It can be totally different from the ideas listed below and that's OK. This is your project! :)

This is my favorite way of creating sections because I like having the white negative space as the separator so it doesn't clash with how any of the sections look, it creates very clean edges, and taking off the tape for the final reveal is so much fun! Below is the link for the video tutorial as well as a brief written description of each step. (Refer to PREP EMAIL #3 for the exact paper and tape I use.)

1) Before working on the actual paper I'll be using, I like to draw the number of sections I'll need on scratch paper. This isn't to copy it, it's just so I have an idea of what 21 sections visually looks like, how large the spaces are, and how the space of the paper is used. This step is optional but I do find it very helpful! 

I use the same process as on my actual paper. I start off with a pencil and randomly drawing straight or curvy lines or a mix of both and purposefully leaving some sections bigger. Once I feel like I have created a decent amount of sections I stop and count how many there are. As I count each section, I write down the number in the section. Let's say I count 18. That means I am 3 sections short. So I will split up the larger sections I have to create those additional 3 sections to get 31. I take a look at it and move on to my actual paper.

 

2) I repeat the same process on my actual paper. I use pencil and try to draw the lines as lightly as possible to make erasing them later easier. 

 

If you are only using straight lines, use a ruler and make sure the lines are straight and even at this stage.

 

If using curvy lines, I like to free hand it and draw the lines randomly.

 

Once you have created 21 sections, take a look and see if you are happy with them. If you see some that are maybe too small or too big, you can erase the lines and adjust them. Once you are done with this step, erase the numbers you wrote down (and this is a second time you can make sure  it's time to add the tape!

 

3) Use your pencil lines as a guideline for where you will put your tape. I try to put my tape directly on top of that line. If you accidentally miss in some spots, that's OK, you can erase any pencil lines that show after this step. 

For straight lines, follow the pencil lines as close as possible to keep things straight and neat.

 

For curvy lines, gently guide the tape to fit the curves--there will be folds in the tape and it won't be smooth. See video for tips / examples.

 

4) After the tape is down, press it firmly one last time to make sure it is stuck on well. Check to see if there are any pencil lines, smudges, or numbers that are still there and erase everything. Now you're sectioned paper is ready for you to fill in! :)

 

I tape the tape off at the end because I like the white borders but if you like how your tape looks, you can leave it on!

You don't have to use tape! You can draw the lines with pencil and use that as the borders for your sections. Once you are done with your project you can either erase any pencil lines that may show or go over it with a pen or marker to emphasize the lines so that each section is outlined. 

 

You can also choose not to use any borders at all for your sections! This way, each item you add can blend into the next. I did a project where I documented each month of the year and didn't create any sections, just eyed a square-ish shape for each month, and let the sections all combine. Here's how that turned out:

How's your prep going? I still need to iron out some specifics for my break but I have made progress in getting some things that will help me out! 

 

I went to the library and checked out 2 books so I can get started on reading and begin making it a habit! Here's my reading list:

If you'd like to read any of the above or have, I would love to discuss with you when we've finished them!

 

I also got a disposable camera! It has 27 photos so I am excited to get to take 6 and not have to wait until the 13th :)

 

And I've printed out my calendar and list and need to jot down some notes / fill it in. If you'd like to use these items too, you can find the PDFs in the library link below. 

I hope the above helps and I can't wait to start the break and project soon! If you have any questions please let me know and please feel free to share with your friends and have them join us--the more the merrier!

 

I think there will be one more email going out before we start as a final reminder and it will include a sign up for a summer postcard snail mail swap.

 

I hope your summer is off to a great start and I will talk to you soon!

PS: Do you know somebody who would be interested in this break or project? Forward them this email! Sign up for the project here. 

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