Work Hard/Inspire Others

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 
― Eleanor Roosevelt

The past few weeks I have been creating in our family computer room. With a few baskets here and there, words and phrase sheets scattered across the floor and minimal supplies I have tried to recreate my studio...without success! I miss my beautiful sun-filled space soooo much but it's all been worth the time away. You see my incredibly talented daughter, Emma has been busy as a bee...working day and night (literally) on her art portfolio for her college application.

Her work is stunning.

Heartfelt.

Thoughtful.

I am so proud of her!

A quick sketch with gel pens

My sweet girl has been creating since she was old enough to hold a crayon in her hand. Always drawing, coloring and having "art shows" for her family.

A sketch using Prism color pencils along with a sweet cup of chocolate chips to keep up her energy!

Her dream is to attend MECA...The Maine College of Art.

A sketch in progress

Last fall we drove to Portland for a campus visit and portfolio review...the college is amazing!

This is the city of Portland!

  All of us fell in love with the charm and beauty of Portland...it's breathtaking!

MECA

One of the unique aspects of MECA is every Junior and Senior gets their OWN small studio!

One of the many large studios at MECA

To watch my girl work so hard for her BIG DREAM has been one of the most inspiring things I've ever witnessed.

One of her many oil paintings

 “Everything you can imagine is real.” 

― Pablo Picasso

This one is my favorite!

So yeah...I haven't been in my studio for the past 20 days...but no complaints here. For instead of spending time in my space, painting, journaling, dreaming....I have been able to rejoice with my daughter each time she yells..."Mom, come here! I want to show you my latest piece!" I get to hear her sweet voice as she sings merrily away, paintbrush in hand, eagerly creating her latest masterpiece. My greatest JOY has come from her happiness. 

My girl. 

The artist. 

Throughout her life Em has always been inspired by one of her favorite artists...Leonardo Da Vinci. This past June we were blessed to travel to Europe and see Da Vinci's home, his tomb and of course his magnificent paintings including his most famous...The Mona Lisa.

Here is my girl...her beautiful light shining...at his home.

Emma has always put 100% into whatever she is doing. And when it comes to her art...well, I think her work speaks for itself. I believe this Da Vinci quote fits her perfectly!

Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art. 

Leonardo da Vinci

What she has taught me these past few weeks is to go after MY Big Dreams! No more excuses! When your heart speaks you can do nothing else but listen...then get to work...and do your VERY best. 

Focus.

Be Diligent.

Be positive.

Take care of your body.

Listen to the Spirit.

I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. Leonardo da Vinci

Take Three Challenge: Week One

 Creativity is always a leap of faith. You're faced with a blank page, blank easel, or an empty stage.

Julia Cameron

Our Take Three Challenge began on Monday in our Mind.Body.Soul Facebook group.

Each week for the next five weeks join us for weekly inspiration as we take TWO products and ONE word and create something wonderful! This week our products were alphabet stickers...

I don't know about you but I have oodles of them and don't know what to do with them all!!

  And washi tape.

I LOVE washi tape for it's versatility...you can use it for soooo many things!

Our Word this week is BLOOM.

Now to show you my take on the challenge.

I have had these Thickers from American Crafts for YEARS. They have really lost their "stick-a-bility"...but this font is just so COOL I wanted to use them!

They worked perfectly as a mask! Since they don't stick I just laid them on my page in my art journal and sprayed over with my favorite Dylusions spray ink "London Blue".

I wanted to add just a POP of color to my page...
the washi tape was just the thing!

At first I thought I would only add it to the top right corner...but I liked it so much I thought the bottom left needed a burst of brightness, too:)

Before I even began this challenge I knew where I wanted to go with this page...when I think of BLOOM I think of what we are capable of when we finally stop listening to all the negative nonsense in our heads and replace it with positive words and phrases.

I chose one of my favorite vintage girls and made a speech "bubble" with white cardstock.

Doesn't she just look so authentically HAPPY?!

After cutting out the speech bubble I took my letter stickers (along with a few word and phrase stickers) and began filling it up with goodness!! I then used black ink to outline the bubble to add dimension.

I hope you like my take on this week's challenge! If you haven't found our Facebook group yet be sure and join here!!

Embrace Your Creativiy

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

Scott Adams

What a great reminder on this Monday!

I encourage you to take this week and CREATE.

Don't worry about making something so extraordinary everyone will love it.

When I began art journaling 6 or 7 years ago I thought EVERYTHING I created had to be perfect.

That mind-set paralyzed me.

Instead of creating...

I only THOUGHT about creating.

I took Soul Restoration from Melody Ross and slowly my mind began to change.

I began to realize that I was unique.

My thoughts are unique.

My ART is unique.

The most important thing we can learn when it comes to creating is to just DO IT.

Your art

my art

is just for 

US.

Why do we feel the need to make sure others like it, too?

Throughout the past few years I have come to 

EMBRACE my messy art.

I used to not use my vintage girls...

even though they are what spoke to me the most.

I was always more creative and happy when I used them in my work.

But one day I read a comment from a woman who said that using vintage women images was overdone. She didn't like them and was sick of seeing them.

So 

I 

quit.

That's when my inspiration just 

dried 

up.

I didn't set foot in my studio for months at a time.

Slowly

over time

I made my way back...

creating backgrounds

and pages with Words.

The more I posted my work again and the more

I created challenges in my Mind.Body.Soul group

the more I began using my vintage girls again.

Now I don't even think about it.

I have EMBRACED my grungy, messy style

using my sweet, old-time girls...

I am 

Happy.

I am in my studio almost daily.

I go wherever my creativity takes me.

Lil Wayne

Be 

YOU.

Never compromise.

 

Weekend Tag Challenge

I think it's imperative to follow your heart and choose
a profession you're passionate about,
and if you haven't found that "spark" yet,
if you're not sure what you want to do with your lives -
be persistent until you do.
- Steve Kerr

I have a weekend Challenge for you girls.

Let's make TAGS! They are soooo easy and soooo fun!

Don't have a tag? Don't worry...no need to buy some.

*Take index cards or cardstock

*Cut the index card in half

*Cut the cardstock to desired size (small-ish)

*Grab 2 or 3 favorite colors (acrylic paint, spray ink, colored pencils, gelatos)

*Color

*Add favorite image (try to choose just one theme like I did here with hearts)

*Add your fave word or saying

Happy Friday!!

Join our Facebook group!

Our Take Three Challenge is on it's Way!!!

For with each dawn, she found new hope that someday, her dreams of happiness would come true.  -Cinderella

I am a big believer in supporting one another. None of this competition stuff for me . It always makes my heart so sad when I hear of women bashing on other women...especially when it comes to each other's art. 

Every ounce of creativity we have should be shared...put out into the world. Whether it's in the form of baking a delicious Birthday cake for loved ones, refurbishing an old chair, painting on a canvas or pouring our hearts into our art journals with paper, paint and glue...we are born to be creative beings. 

It's time we lift one another up...encouraging each other, lightening the load, praising the woman that is Brave enough to GIVE. 

This is my goal in our Facebook Group Mind.Body.Soul. I had been to so many on-line communities that were filled with beautiful art but made ugly by petty jealousy, competition and the "I am better than you" mentality. Or there seemed to be so many rules on posting that it took the fun out of it.

I will ALWAYS support each person in our group.

I support your art.

I support you Truth.

I support you sharing.

I support your creative endeavors...your blogs, your own art challenges you may wish to share. 

We should not be in competition with one another. 

But rather LOVE and cheer on.

Throughout my OWN artful journey I have offered women like you FREE classes and challenges in hope to FILL YOU UP with love and gratitude for yourself. If you haven't taken any of my classes please take time to check them out then choose one. They are all self-paced and always at the top of my blog...

Thirty-One Days

Journey to the Heart

Six Week Word Challenge

Mind.Body.Soul. Challenge

And my most popular one with over 70,000 views and pins...

52 Weeks

I am proud of each class and LOVE it when I hear from girls like you that have gotten something out of them!!

This month we are doing something different in our Facebook and I am super excited to share it!!

It's called the "Take Three Challenge". What makes this one so different from my other ones is I have invited FOUR other artists to help me out...

Here's how it will work...

Starting Monday February 22nd I will posting in the group and on my blog...

ONE Word

TWO products

An example would be...

Word: Charity

Products: washi tape & chipboard

I will show you what I made using at least those two products and one word then you create whatever you are inspired to! As always we LOVE it when you SHARE in our FB group!! 

The following weeks we will hear from other artists from our Mind.Body.Soul. group...

Mary Langley

Kassity Matthison

Cheryl Lavender

Sherry Canino

Girls, this is going to be SOOOOO FUN and inspiring!! Please share in your art groups, blogs, on Pinterest...wherever you are inspired to!!

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment on message me in our FB group. 

We have built a WONDERFUL, caring and loving enviroment in or Mind.Body.Soul. group. I am so proud of everyone there!!!

Here's to being creative together!!!

Becoming Connected in 2016

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

Francis of Assisi

As part of holding myself accountable to my Word of the Year each month I will be checking in...sharing how it's going. What's working and what's not. If there is one thing I have learned in the  years of blogging...writing about it helps me stay on track. 

My Word for 2016 is CONNECT. Here is how dictionary.com defines the word...

to join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind:

2.

to establish communication between; put in communication:

3.

to have as an accompanying or associated feature:

4.

to cause to be associated, as in a personal or business relationship:

5.

to associate mentally or emotionally

The past few years I haven't done so well when it comes to making connections. I mean I do okay on-line...but face to face...not so much. I tend to be shy and I like to stay all safe and cozy in my Home. And when it comes to Connecting to my Father in Heaven...while it's so important to me, my Bible study has been anything but stellar. 

My other connections include my sweet husband, my mom and my kids. Each relationship could use a step up! 

And then there is my Health. Ugh. I have Hashimoto's and honestly I have ignored it for YEARS. My body has been screaming at me that something is just not right but I haven't made that Connection until now.

So here I am...in the last week of January and I must say...things are going pretty darn GOOD! Here is where I am today...

*I have joined a church, making new friends, reaching out and hey, I am now in charge of our Sunday morning breakfast/coffee bar!! It's awesome!

*My sweet husband and I have gone out on  a few dates...just us. We have laughed and acted like twenty year olds...it's just what I need!!

*I am seeking ways to improve my health based on my Hashimoto's Disease. It's gonna be a process but I have begun!

*My Mom and I are communicating better and I am more patient, giving and understanding. We are playing cards weekly and Connecting!!

Life is so good and I can FEEL myself becoming Connected again. It's been a wonderful journey and I look forward to February and welcome new friendships, new memories and new growth!

How is YOUR Word being implemented into your life?

Heartfelt Intentions

Whatever good things we build end up building us.

Jim Rohn

Eight Weeks ago we began our "Journey to the Heart" art journaling challenge. And today it comes to an end. What a WONDERFUL time we have had!! 

Listening, writing, painting, cutting, gluing our way to finding what's in our Hearts. Not only have I grown from my own experiences but seeing YOUR art work and reading YOUR stories in our Facebook group has been so inspiring! Thank so much for sharing!!

Your last assignment is to go back and look at your art...

the colors you chose...

the words and phrases you used.

Does there seem to be repeating shapes and symbols on each piece? For me it's arrows, hearts and circles.

Throughout our journey we have dug deep, made lists and maybe even tried a new technique or two.

Now it's time to create a "Master List"...a reference guide for when you are stumped what to do with your next blank page in your journals...jot down words you use/want to use...

*jot down words you use often/want to use more
*what are your favorite color combos
*what techniques do you LOVE and want to use more
*what seems to be the overall mood of your pages

Now take your journals and answer one more set of questions...be sure and share in our Mind.Body. Soul group!!

What Heartfelt Intentions do I want to fill 2016 with?

My list includes...

-entering DT calls
-participating in monthly mixed-media challenges
-trying new techniques and using up my stash
-exercising daily
-fill up on veggies and fruit

Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit.

Lillie Langtry

Girls you are ALL amazing!! Keep creating and sharing and digging deep in 2016. I can't wait to share another Challenge with you in a few weeks!!

Journey to the Heart

Journey to the Heart: YOU CAN!

You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.

Ralph Marston

This is our last week of Journey to the Heart. I know I said that last week...but I honestly didn't feel like their was any closure and anyway I promised you 7 weeks and since we took Christmas week off...this needs to happen!

If you missed last week go here to get our Challenge...creating a canvas to inspire you in 2016.

I Can...

Throughout the past 7 weeks we have tried to connect with our Hearts...what is TRULY inspiring to us...motivating us to wake up everyday. And while we may not be DOING those things...I hope by now you know you ARE strong and capable of living your life YOUR WAY! 

Remember it's not about having enough money or time or even energy. It's about taking baby steps, building on each of those steps...gaining momentum...until you wake up and go..."Oh WOW, I am doing it!"

I find myself in that situation...looking back on my creative life I used to set goals for myself to spend more time in the studio. The baby steps I took in 2015 have led up to me creating almost daily! In fact when I think about it now....creating has just become second nature to me. It's a habit...one that FILLS ME UP! My Heart is SO FULL!

In 2016 I have promised myself to get more movement into my life. By setting small goals for myself I find myself in the gym, meeting my daily step goals and choosing fruit and vegetables over sweet treats. It isn't perfect but I am seeing that every little thing I do DOES turn into the BIG thing I am going after!! Being healthy is in my Heart and I am determined to get there one teensy step at a time!

Our Challenge

Take the next few days and answer this prompt...

"I can and I will"

Make a list of all those things you CAN do and that you WILL do. For me it's all about pushing and stretching myself. I may not want to go to the gym when it's 5 degrees outside but CAN I? As long as I have a car that runs and I am not sick then YES I can. The true test is WILL I? If I answer that question with a YES...then I am on my way!  

Girls...to take what's in our Hearts and put it out into the world we MUST be willing to go outside our comfort zone and go for it!!

You CAN!!

I promise!

Once you create your list of statements  create a journal page to remind you that you ARE stronger than you think you are.

Enjoy this Challenge, girls...it's a powerful one!

Oh So Blue

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” 
― Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds

I am quite enjoying my 2016 so far...lots of creating going on in my studio and sharing not only in my Facebook group but this year I have committed to putting my work out there...and I have! It's a bit frightening but I figure it will stretch me and help me grow as an artist.

Speaking of growing...we have TWO more Challenges left in our Journey to the Heart Challenge. If you want to participate be sure and go here. Each lesson is there and ready for you to enjoy! 

Instead of posting our Challenge today (Monday) I will post it Tuesday and our last one on Friday. I also have a package of Happy Mail ready to mail to one of our participants...more details on that tomorrow:)

Today's post is to share my latest journal entry...

"Unwrap Peace"

I was inspired by Stamps and Stencils Blog Challenge this month..."Oh So Blue".

I LOVE this little girl...such a sweet grin on her face! She is the perfect reminder to Just Be.

Be sure and stop by their blog to check out all the amazing entries or to enter the Challenge for yourself!

See you back here Tuesday for our Journey to the Heart, girls!!

Mama, You Look GOOD in my Journal!

“Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind.”
-Kahlil Gibran




Ever since I found the inspired world of Mixed-Media Art I have been fascinated with vintage images. I use them in nearly all of my work...in my art journals, on canvas and tags.

A page out of my Dylusions Journal

An index card from last summer

My favorite canvas starring Audrey Hepburn

My Favorite Image to Date!

This past Christmas my Mom gifted me with three photos from HER childhood. She thought I would enjoy using them in my art work! I was over the moon excited to incorporate meaningful images into my works of art....I LOVE the results!! Thanks so much Mom!!:)

I started page by swiping a few of my favorite colors down...lime green and bright orange. My sweet friend Sherry had given me this amazing elephant a few months ago and I was anxious to try it out!

Using Dylusions Spray Inks I used various colors including teal, green and pink. I loved the patterns within the elephant so much I decided to use those instead of the actual elephant shape for my page. I then took various other stencils including arrows, doilies and waves to add more beautiful depth.

My Mama grew up during the Depression and from what she has told me had very little. But just look at her smile!! She was full of light and JOY. And through the years she taught ME to be that way, too...no matter your circumstance! 

This saying was PERFECT to describe her...

I doodled using a white gel pen. I love how it looks!

I knew I wanted to add a few words to my page (something I always do)...selfless, resilient and sparkling seemed to be the ideal fit.

The star represents her shining smile through it all!

Here is the finished page...

My Mama...always shining, always counting her blessings, always looking her best. 

Yes, this is my favorite image in any of my work...I will be using it often!

I am hooking up today with Simon Say's Monday Challenge and Anything But Cute Mixed-Media Challenge...

Thanks so much for looking!!!