31 Days {Day 14}

How was your weekend? Did you enjoy "shopping" in your closets this weekend, girls? Not only did I find some "new" outfits but I took this as a chance to totally clean out my closet and begin organizing it. I have a large walk-in I share with my husband. These clothes were literally stuffed on shelves in a jumbled mess.

I sorted through them making piles for sweaters, jeans, skirts, tops I wear year round and tops I layer with others. I also had a big garbage bag for clothes I had outgrown or just hadn't worn in years. The rest of my clothes are hanging up and categorized by color.

I have a ton of gray and black tops!!

Here is a sample of ideas I came up with to breathe life into my old clothes...

This jacket is a thrift store find from 8 years ago. I paid less than $10 for it!! The orange sweater was a Penney's find from 2006.

This will look great with jeans!

This blueish/green sweater was one of those deals I couldn't pass up. I paid $4 for it at Maurices.

The white undershirt is from Wal-mart and the black necklace was a clearance find...$2!

Here's another way to wear that sweater...perfect for church. I bought the skirt at a yard sale last summer for 75 cents!!

 

I'm really looking forward to wearing the next outfit on my next date night. So cute!! Can't believe I had never put these pieces together!!

The pink cardi is 5 years old...the patterned top was a steal at $5 last summer.

Okay, so I had that cream colored Tee in the yard sale pile until I paired it with my brown long sleeve tee...love this!

I rarely wear blouses but I have to admit this would be cute with a brown skirt...

Or this...

Definitely wearing these to church very soon. See that necklace? I wear it just because it is sooo fun! And the best part? Found it a yard sale for 75 cents a few years ago!!

One of my dear friends from Church was wearing the cutest jacket and skirt Sunday. When I commented on it she smiled and said, "This outfit was inspired by your Challenge!! I haven't worn this skirt in YEARS but pulled it out to see how I could make it new again!"

I LOVE that! And I hope you found some new ways to wear your clothes. Remember to share them in your BLOGS and leave a link here so we can come visit!!

Let's get on with Today's Challenge!! 

Challenge #14

 I am sooo passionate about this art form that I have dedicated the entire week to...Art Journaling! Not only will I share my journals with you, but my fave idea books, blogs, techniques and magazines on the subject. AND be inspired with FIVE Art Journaling prompts to use in your books!! So get your journals, your watercolors, acrylics, brushes, ephemera, letter stickers, stencils, stamps, inks, ribbon, fabric, pens, pattern paper and whatever else you use and get busy!!

Today and tomorrow I want you to focus on creating a few backgrounds in your journals so you can be ready to journal at a moment's notice. Here are  few I have ready to go.

 

Sometimes when I create these pages I like to have a prompt already in mind. I usually print several at a time on my computer.

I don't always say "Dear Leslie". That is just something we did in my Soul Restoration class. But I would challenge you to try it...

I use everything on my pages...acrylics, patterned paper, masking tape and stamps.

One of my fave stamps "Be Happy". Such a nice reminder.

Here are two pages I journaled on...

Most times I use a Sharpie Fine Point to write with.

When working on your backgrounds today...don't worry about what you're going to write on the pages...just create! Be free! Turn on your fave tunes and get busy. When I've had a stressful day...this is the best thing I can do for myself. I just lose myself in the gluing, the painting, the searching for just the right image. Wonderful!

For further inspiration on Art Journaling backgrounds click here.

If you finish a few backgrounds and feel like you MUST write something here's a little prompt for you today...

"Listen to your Heart. What is it telling you today?

31 Days {Weekend Challenge}

Instead of a Saturday/Sunday weekend challenge I am giving you 3 days to complete these assignments...yes, there are two!

I have been looking forward to this particular Challenge all week...I think it is one of my favorites...sure hope you like it as well:)

Weekend Challenge #2

"To choose clothes, either in a store or at home, is to define and describe ourselves."  -Alison Lurie

I adore clothes. If I could go shopping every single day and have all the money I would ever need...I would spend a good chunk of it on clothes and accessories. Unfortunately, in today's economic state my clothes shopping has become less frequent. And even when I do get to splurge a bit if I want to get more than a shirt or two I must be frugal. Sales racks, thrift stores and yard sales have become my new best friends.

It really has all worked out though. You see, because I can't buy every little thing I think I need it has forced me to really take a look at the clothes I already have. {and let me tell you...I have a lot}Over the past two years I have learned to put outfits together that look brand new all with the change of one undershirt or cardigan. Even a chunky necklace can transform a worn out sweater into something fresh and hip.

Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of "Simple Abundance" says this about the clothes we wear...

"Remind yourself today that you are an artist. In searching for your authenticity you will uncover your own signature look. It may be the great way you wear hats, highlight stunning eyes with smoky gray kohl, showcase a chic short cut with fabulous earrings or have enough pluck to pair a white cotton T-shirt with a tailored wool jacket."

source

Chances are you have a closet full of clothes that fit your style...and  chances are you have dozens of "new" outfits just waiting to be put together that you didn't even realize you had.

This weekend we are gonna go through our closets!! I want you to take everything out. Make piles for sweaters, tops that could be layered with other pieces, jeans, pants, skirts, jackets and cardigans and t-shirts.

Go through your jewelry box and find your favorite pieces as well as stuff you haven't worn in awhile.

Then the true fun begins!! It's time to "shop". It's time to look at your wardrobe in a whole new way! Start creating outfits. Oh, and be sure to have your camera handy because I want you to take photos of the outfits you put together...tops, bottoms, jewelry and shoes. Take a photo and keep on hand for future reference!! You know what I'm talking about...all those times when you look around, sigh and say to yourself "I have nothing to wear!"

"This year, be willing to experiment to find out what works for you and what doesn't. then stick with what works, no matter what everybody else is wearing. Your own sense of style may come in fits and starts, but trust that it will come and when it does, it will be glorious."  -Sarah Ban Breathnach, "Simple Abundance"

This weekend, find your style. Create outfits that tell the world who you are. Pair a cardigan with a shirt and skirt you haven't worn together before. Wear a dressy shirt with a faded pair of jeans and and "loud", colorful jewelry. Pretend like your a fashion designer and go wild!!

I would LOVE to see what you find. This is a GREAT challenge to share in your Blogs next week!! I will have photos of my "new" outfits on Monday...Be sure and leave link in the comment section if you post in your Blogs.

31 Days {Day 10}

Life isn't slowing down one tiny little bit here in my part of the world. I have been gone the past two days with doctor appointments, a dinner theater with Mom and running errands. I apologize for not having this Challenge up last night. I know you understand...and are probably as busy as me...or even more so;)

Challenge #10

So today's assignment is super easy and won't take long at all. In fact it is the perfect way to add creativity to a long day because it won't take but 15 minutes or so! Seriously...I made these tags in just under that last night. Love it!

One of my fave quotes!

Pick out 2 or 3 of your favorite quotes and type them on your computer {or use your own handwriting}. Remember we are making Quote Cards...you will want them small enough to fit in your purse, by your computer or to keep in a tin or drawstring bag.

This particular tag is a 2x3 inch Artist Trading Card. You can purchase these at Michael's or cut them out of a thick, white card stock yourself. After printing your quotes out...head to your artsy space and paint or color or decoupage pattern paper on the card or tag. While that is drying gather a few small embellishments that go along with your quote.

I used watercolors here. Love the "light and airy" feeling of these.

Then just Mod Podge everything down. If you are using a tag, tie a pretty ribbon on the end.

There ya' go...that's it!! Easy peasy and CUTE, CUTE , CUTE....AND you get to be creative!! Keep your cards close by to give you a boost of energy throughout your day!!

I can't wait till this weekend's Challenge!! Been looking forward to is all week!! Stay tuned....;)

"The important thing is somehow to begin."  -Henry Moore

31 Days {Day 9}

 

Hey, Girls!! It's hard to believe we are already on Day 9 of our Creativity Challenge!! I am having a blast and hope you are, too!!!

 Our Challenge for today is simple...take some time to catch up on past projects or flip through a scrapbooking  or art magazine for a burst of inspiration. Yesterday I picked up the latest issue of Somerset Studio and can't wait to devour it later today!! You could also paint a few Art Journal backgrounds or even {gasp!} catch up on housework. When I'm in a creative frenzy, I tend to ignore my house and after awhile we all go a little nuts looking at the clutter-LOL! To me, it's a nice change and most times while I'm busy dusting, mopping or scrubbing I'm also thinking of my craft projects and feel refreshed and ready to go when I'm finished. My home and family are blessed with a clean space and I usually have a new idea to work on. 

 I love the Challenges coming up later this week. I just know you will, too!! So take today...rest, read, clean, whatever you choose and be ready for tomorrow!! 

HINT: If you don't already have large tags or ATC size cards you may want to purchase a package today. 

How is the Challenge coming along for you? What projects are you currently excited about? I am off to see a play this afternoon starring Klinger from Mash...can't wait!!!

31 Days {Day 8}

Whew! Life is crazy here at the Ackman house but I am still making time for my art...I especially need it when I'm stressed. Art brings me peace...I am grateful for even 15 minutes with my Art Journal, paint and Mod Podge.

"Creativity not only invigorates, it re-balances and energizes mankind."

Congratulations to Kristy!! She is the lucky winner of the Brave Girl Prize Pack from our Brave Girl Blog Hop over the weekend!! Thanks again for all the comments. I appreciate each one and am enjoying stopping by so many new and inspiring blogs.  

Challenge #8

I am a list maker. There is always a list running through my mind, on scraps of paper laying around my house and in my planner. Without my list I am lost!

There is this really great book called "Journal to the Self" by Kathleen Adams. I have talked about it before on Words of Me...it is my absolute FAVORITE book!!  So many light-bulb moment type journaling techniques. Genius!

Chapter 12 is called "Lists". Here is an excerpt...

"In our society, we most often use lists as a time-management or memory jogging tool. There's certainly nothing wrong with this task oriented approach; lists have done long and faithful service to help keep us organized and on top of the multitude of details inherent in any busy life. But journal lists...ah! That's another species! Journal Lists are wonderful for:

*clarifying thoughts

*identifying patterns or problems

*brainstorming solutions/ideas

*getting below the surface

*getting past the obvious

*gathering a lot of information very quickly

*focusing attention on what's really going on

There's a catch, though. Make your journal list L-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-N-G...as in 100 entries!!!"

About now you must be thinking 100 entries?! Yes! I want you to make a list of every creative thing you want to accomplish, have an idea for, dream of, etc. 

100!! 

It can be done!

To help you on your way here are a few of Kathleen's tips:

*It's okay to repeat...in fact it is an important part of the List process.

*Write as fast as you can. Writing as fast as you can allows you to capture the essence of the thought and move along to the next.

*You don't have to write in complete sentences.

*Your entries do not have to make sense.

I am going to make my list in my Art Journal...I may not fancy it up...but rather just write, get every creative thought down. By keeping them in my Art Journal they will always be close and I won't risk losing the list.

Enjoy this Challenge and see you for Day 9 Tuesday night!!

31 Days {Day 7}

THANK YOU to everyone that stopped by my Brave Girl Blog Hop. I enjoyed meeting each of you and will make it to your blogs throughout the week!!! Also I will announce a winner of the Brave Girl prize pack no later that Wednesday!! Best of luck:)

Alright...we are in our second week of the 31 Days Creativity Challenge. How are you doing? I hope you have finished a few projects and I hope you are having FUN! I just found out today that Em's friend Maddie is taking the Challenge with us...HI, MADDIE!!!:)

Challenge #7

Quick!! Make a list of TEN things you like about YOU! In order to have peace in our hearts we gotta learn to love ourselves...I mean it's so easy for us to see the gifts in our friends and family...but when it comes to us? It can be very, very difficult and even frustrating. So come on now...take out a pen and paper or your keyboard and get going.

Once you have the list you can do two things {or both}.

1. Share a photo of yourself along with your list in a Blog Post this week

2. Create a page in your Art Journal

Here is how my page turned out...Don't ya' just love that 50's woman? These types of images are my favorites to work with.

 A vintage Queen from 7 Gypsies looking regal with a touch of glitter.

See all that writing peeking through the background? Before I added any paper, paint or images I journaled in pencil over my entire journal page. Love this look!

Here's my list...

Here's the entire page...

Now it's your turn...If you post any of your Challenges in your blogs make sure and leave us a link so we can see them!!

Happy Creating:)

Brave Girl Blog Hop and Day 5/6

Hello and welcome to Words of Me Project!! This is my first ever Blog Hop...sooo happy to be participating in this with my fellow Soul Restoration sisters:) If you are following the Hop you came here from "My Brave Soul"...thanks for visiting, to continue the hop you'll visit "Colorful Moments". 

To add to the fun I am giving away a Brave Girl's Prize Pack!!! This amazing journal is my favorite. Filled with 100 pages of watercolor paper...this book holds up to lots of paint, Mod Podge, etc.

Love this journal!!!

I turned this book into my Soul Restoration Art Journal...

The goes everywhere with me, reminding me of my TRUTHS!!

Along with the book I am throwing in ribbon, vintage images and a few other goodies. Be sure and leave a comment at the end of the post to be entered into the Blog Hop give-away!:)

So happy to have my regular readers here this weekend, too. This month we are busy with our 31Days Creativity Challenge...our weekend challenge will be posted towards the end of this post.

Earlier this week I shared a bit about Melody Ross and her Brave Girl vision. Melody is one of my mentors...I strive to live my life like her...with honesty, integrity, love and joy. The Soul Restoration class I took in January and February were life changing for me-truly. There are no other words to describe it but phenomenal. 

One of our assignments was to create a Time line of our life...for many women this was the hardest part of the class. For me, however it was my absolute favorite. THIS was the project that impacted the way I'm living my life today.

The vintage images are from the class.

This page reminds me of all  I've overcome and that JOY awaits.

The last page in my journey so far...such peace and beauty.

This darling accordion album comes with the class.

Melody and her Brave Girls invite you to sign up for this amazing class!!

"Join us for the powerful and fun online workshops taught by Melody Ross that are being enjoyed and loved by women all over the world! Soul Restoration on-line classes-NOW expanded to TWO sessions: Soul Restoration Part 1-"Finding Your Truth" (6 weeks) April 5, 2011. Session: $99. Register HERE. and Soul Restoration Part 2-"Living Your Truth" (6 weeks) For graduates of Soul Restoration 1 only. June 7th, 2011 Session $99-Register HERE." {I am already signed up for Part 2!}

This class will...

change the way you see yourself
help you understand that everything you went through was necessary to get you here today
boost your creativity level to the MOON!!!!
will put a dance in your step;)
will feel so very, very right.

On to our Weekend Challenge!!!

Weekend Challenge #1

This Challenge is just tooooo fuuuun. Love it!!!:)

  Take five to ten dollars to your local Dollar Shop or Thrift Store. As you walk through the aisles look at everything as if you may use it in your next project. Ask yourself..."Where could I use that?" "How could I make that look different?" "What supplies do I have at home that can be used with that?" Lose yourself in the store for a few hours {if you can spare the time}.

Yesterday afternoon I spent 2 hours searching for birds, unusual shaped glass ware, flower pots, words, anything that may have been the spark I needed to create something just for me. Here is what I found. A book filled with paintings of Van Gogh, an old date book and a birdhouse.

 

To be honest none of these things is what I was looking for...but they were such nice surprises! The Van Gogh book is wonderful and I can't wait to show you what I'm gonna do with it!! I mean look at these pages...

 

Soooo many possibilities....;)

Then this date book from 1984...look inside!! Oh my heck!

It is filled to the brim with vintage images, poems and stories!!

And did I mention all the BIRDS?!?!?:)

They are throughout the book just waiting...

When I first saw it I thought I would cut the images out and use them on collages and stuff. But then I realized that this book is a treasure just the way it is. I'm gonna add to it!! I will show you a few pages later next week...

Then there is this...my birdhouse.

To be honest...I don't like the butterfly or flowers on this nor do I particularly like those pastel colors. But what really drew me in was the shape of this quaint, little house....it reminded me of this...

My Soul House I created in Melody's class. Pretty great, right? Looking forward to sprucing this up, maybe adding some words and flowers, a different color...Can't wait to see what happens.

So, girls...go shop! Go seek and you will find. Your next great find is out there just waiting for you to alter and make it your own. I truly can't wait to see what you all find!!!

“A truly creative person rids him or herself of all self-imposed limitations.” — Gerald G. Jampolsky

31 Days {Day 4}

I have been thinking of you all today as you go about creating your "Smile" pages or Art Journal covers or perhaps you are still deciding on an image that reminds you of where you need to be in this life. Where ever you are I am glad you are here. Makes my heart so very happy:)

Challenge #4

There is rarely a day that goes by when there isn't some kind of music playing in my home, my truck, my mind. Music, for me, is a refuge...it provides peace and solitude after a hectic day or can lift my spirits when I'm down.

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.  ~Confucius

And I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that there are songs that can take me to a place I haven't been to in a very long time. Sometimes I hadn't even thought of those times for years. In a way, music is a keeper of memories.

Source

Music, when soft voices die
Vibrates in the memory -
~Percy Bysshe Shelley 

I can't tell you how many times I've meant to grab a paper and pen and scribble the memories that seem to flood my mind. But I never have...until now. 

There I was, working on my Soul Restoration Class when "I Can't Fight this Feeling" by REO Speedwagon came on. My goodness, I was instantly transported to my Junior year in High School. So many good memories filled my thoughts...school dances, cruising with friends and the REO concert I went to with Dave. This time I did grab that pen and paper and began jotting everything I could think of down. It was such a good feeling.

So today I want you to begin your very own Musical Memories journey. Take 15 to 30 minutes and listen to your favorite tunes. Be sure and have either your Art Journal or just a piece of paper in front of you...as you listen to the music begin writing any memories, any feelings that begin to surface. As you write, you'll be surprised how one memory makes you think of another memory and so on. Before long you'll have an entire page or two to be kept as is or go ahead a create a page about the song and your connections to it.

Hope you have a wonderful Friday!! Along with listening to my favorite 70's & 80's music I'm gonna begin working on a project I'll share with you over the weekend.

Also...don't forget about my Brave Girl Blog Hop this weekend. I'm giving away a Brave Girl prize!!!:)

Leave me a message and let me know how you're doing!

31 Days {Day 3}

Before Challenge #3...just want to tell you how much I am LOVING seeing all your art journal covers. Thank you soooo much for sharing in your blogs and on FB. Keep it up, girls!! Share your light with us!!

I am excited about all the Challenges that lie ahead...so many ideas to help ignite your creative fire. My sincere wish for this Challenge is by March 31st we are all so high from our creativity, inspiration will be pouring out of us!!

This Saturday and Sunday along with Challenge #5 I am participating in the Soul Restoration Blog Hop. Be sure and stop by for the Challenge along with a chance to WIN a special "Brave Girl" prize;)

Okay...off we gooooooo.....

Challenge #3

Be ready to play and have some fun today as we create an Art Journal page or scrapbook layout or canvas centered on this word...

Everyday I wake up and tell myself that today I am gonna smile more than I did the day before. There is so much power in that one little word, isn't there?

A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life's worthwhile.  ~Author Unknown

I can think of so many times when I didn't feel like smiling, but did it anyway and immediately felt better...can't you?


And what about when you see someone in the grocery store or while you're out walking...have you ever noticed how their whole demeanor changes when you give them a sincere, from the heart smile?


Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.  It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.  ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.



Most days I have much to smile about...I have a loving family, a beautiful home, my Church, my Mom close by and a computer I get to sit at everyday and spill my heart out to. 


Life is pretty good...definitely worth a smile or two:)


Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it.  ~Author Unknown

So our Challenge today is this...take some time and think about what truly makes YOU smile. Make a list of everything you can think of...everything, no matter how small, no matter how long. 

Now the best part...use your list to create a page in your journals or maybe match up your list with a favorite photo and use in your scrapbook. The choice is yours.

Here are two projects I was inspired to make...the first one is a 5x7 canvas panel. I painted the letters free hand with acrylic paint then used a black sharpie to outline.

See my Bird...she is there reminding me that when I smile I am happy:)

I know this panel is a bit juvenile...but that is the look I wanted.

So, while this was cute it wasn't exactly what I was going for...so this afternoon I made my way to my craft room and began drawing, cutting, painting and Mod Podging. It was so peaceful. First I painted the background with orange and yellow acrylic paint then drew my sun on patterned paper and cut out.

After Mod Podging it all down I took black acrylic paint, a teeny, tiny brush and painted on my words...

Smile is in the center of my sun while each ray shares what makes me smile. Here is the list...

*Art

*Warm days

*Dave's smile

*Little Gizmo yawning

*Jack's silly side

*Em sharing my blanket

*Birds

Speaking of birds...here is my beautiful blue bird telling me that all of these things bring me happiness:)

What is the sunshine without a few pretty flowers?

Another look...

I drew those clouds on foam, cut out then inked with a sky blue ink.

This page just makes me SMILE!!!:)

Now it is YOUR turn!! Make a list of what makes you smile and enjoy!! Be sure and share in your blogs or on FB or tell us what you are up to right here in the comment section:)

**Remember you are NEVER, EVER behind. Never! Just jump right in and play!!