Journey to the Heart/Mixed Media Monthly Challenge

Don’t try to present your art by making other people read or hear or see or touch it; make them feel it. Wear your art like your heart on your sleeve and keep it alive by making people feel a little better. Feel a little lighter. Create art in order for yourself to become yourself
and let your very existence be your song, your poem, your story.
Let your very identity be your book.Let the way people say your name sound like the sweetest melody. - Charlotte Eriksson

This is our last week of "Journey to the Heart"....I can't believe 7 weeks has gone by so fast! The very best part of any Challenge for me is the amazing PEOPLE I meet...the art you all create and SHARE in our FB group is so inspiring!

Thank you for sharing your art and your hearts with me, girls!

Today's Challenge was so FUN for me!! Each year I create a New Year canvas...something I can hang in my studio (or bedroom, or kitchen...wherever you will see it the most) that inspires me to stay on the path...stick with my Big Dreams. Sometimes I incorporate my Word in the piece, sometimes I don't. It's a bit like a Dream Board but more generalized...here is my New Year canvas from 2015...

This cute chunky 6x6 canvas hung in my studio all year reminding me to love MY art...to go for it...to FLY!

As I thought about my canvas for this year I was inspired by an amazing group of ladies over at the Mixed-Media Monthly Challenge Blog. I first heard about them from a FB group celebrating the art of my favorite art journaler Dina Wakley. I would peek around their blog, admiring all of the gorgeous work I saw. A big part of me wanted to enter their challenges...but a big part of me was too scared. You know that Fear/Doubt Monster we all have telling us we are not good enough? Yeah, well I listened to him then...but I have promised myself in 2016 I am kicking him to the curb!

So here I am today...sharing our Challenge for Week 7 of "Journey to the Heart" that I am also going to share with the Mixed-Media Challenge Blog....GO me:)

Their theme for January is "Time Flies".

As I thought about this theme this saying popped in my head... "Time Flies So Why Don't We?" I mean each one of us is given the EXACT same 24 hours a day!

As I began putting my 8x11 canvas together I KNEW I had to use an image of Audrey Hepburn...she is just put together and cute! I added a butterfly wing to remind me to FLY...

Then added a wooden cut-out BELIEVE I painted with gold acrylic paint then rubbed black ink for depth. Birds are very symbolic to me and turn up in lots of my work...

I had this cute little guy forever! Once he was perching perfectly on my canvas I knew he needed something to further get my point across..."She sprouted wings" was exactly the ideal fit!

Audrey still looked bare to me so I thought about adding a crown yet didn't think a crown fit what I was trying to say...

Before I set out to add elements to my work I had spread out various different treasures on my work desk including a wooden birdcage...

As soon as I placed it on her head I KNEW it was meant for this piece!! I covered it in Mod Podge and poured dark golden sparkles all over it.

I am SO PLEASED with the results!! It is 100% ME and gives me a visual to look at daily to GO AFTER MY BIG DREAMS!!!

So girls...I want you to take all that you have worked on these past 7 weeks...your lists, your journal pages...your goals/Big Dreams and create a canvas. It can be a 6x6, 8x11, 11x14...whatever you have. No canvas? No worries....create in your journals. You can always take the page our and frame it to hang or place on a cork board.

If you would like to see how other artists interpreted this challenge or participate in it yourselves here is the link...

Go here

Journey to the Heart:Shake it Up/Do What it Takes to Listen

‘“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.” – Dave Barry

There are times when I just want to think.

 I don't want my mind cluttered. 
I don't want to worry about others...
I just want to think.

Yesterday was a day like that. I woke up with a Heart filled with anxiety and fear. Instead of seeing the bright side of everything I was only seeing the negative. From the clothes hanging in my closet (I have NOTHING to wear/I look fat in EVERYTHING) to my hair (I threatened to cut it all off....LOL) I was a big, ugly ball of negativity. 

One of my first mixed-media pieces. I create so differently now!

As I continued to spew pessimistic sarcasm throughout our home I suddenly stopped. What the HECK was I doing?? 

I went to the kitchen, made myself a healthy lunch and sat at the table. As I looked around at our clutter I could feel my heart tighten...I knew what I needed to do...

This may sound crazy to you but when I am so over the top unwilling to even crack a smile I know what I NEED...I need to put some of my favorite tunes on and CLEAN!

Yep!

Clean!

There are few things more rewarding to me than an orderly,  fresh-smelling home. And while I am sweeping, mopping and putting things away I am thinking. I am submersing myself and connecting to my Heart. It's one of the few times in my week when I don't check my phone, stop by the computer, sit down to watch a favorite show. 

I just clean.

And think.

I have had some of my best ideas while scrubbing the toilet!

What My Heart Told Me

During my Scrub Fest I heard my Heart tell me I need to bust out of a rut. It is the New Year after all and I have Big Dreams to Dream, goals to reach, blog posts to write! I thought about what NEW Challenges I have started and what practices I want to keep in 2016. There are quite a few...maybe almost too many...and yet this is the year I want Grow and CONNECT to people, to my art, to my body...to my Big Dreams. 

Today's Challenge

This weekend take a few hours to break out of your rut. Try something NEW...Find something NEW! Sometimes it's just fun to Google a new art technique or head over to YouTube and watch a few videos. Here are MY NEW Challenges for 2016...I am so excited to try them all!!

Mixed Media Monthly Challenge

Here is what I am working on for their January Challenge...Time Flies.

His Kingdom Come
I have been a member of this faith-based group for a year but never participated in their challenges. My intention this year is to complete each monthly challenge and post on their site. Shonna is a wonderful leader! If you want to enrich your relationship with God I encourage you to check this out!

52 Card Pick Up
My cousin actually told me about this and I loved it! A fun and very easy challenge creating ATC's (I am using index cards) with their weekly prompts. Here is mine from last week...

I have ALWAYS loved lists so it's a natural for me to participate in the Reset Girl's Lister's Gotta List Challenge!!   Cori even has FREE downloads that fit perfectly in your planner or in an art journal. I am using a small journal for my lists...all I need is a pen or marker and I am good! Super simple and VERY do-able!!!

Girls, the bottom line is this...if your Heart is telling you to be creative...then BE CREATIVE. I found mixed-media art 8 years ago...and even thought I DID create...it wasn't much when I look back. I thought about it, I made plans to do it...but I always put something ahead of MY TIME. In the past 2 years I rarely make excuses for my art time...I just DO IT! And this year I am SUPER EXCITED about these challenges...they will hold me accountable to my ART! When we create we become more creative...it's TRUE!!

So take time...find a new challenge to shake it up a bit. Listen to your Heart...scrub a toilet...do whatever it takes to HEAR those Heart Whispers. It will be so worth it!

Week 4-Lesson 1: What's Your Word?

“The chief beauty about time
is that you cannot waste it in advance.
The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you,
as perfect, as unspoiled,
as if you had never wasted or misapplied
a single moment in all your life.
You can turn over a new leaf every hour
if you choose.” 
― Arnold Bennett

I absolutely LOVE new beginnings. Mondays, the start of a new month...there is something about a FRESH start that fires me up. And this Friday is the beginning of a whole new YEAR! And not just any year, mind you. 

I

turn

FIFTY

in

2016!!

So I MUST do something BIG, right? Follow my Heart! Reach my Goals! Live like there is no tomorrow!

For the past ten years or so I have chosen ONE WORD to act as my Guide throughout the year...a compass to keep me on track and remind me of where I want to go. Some of my past have Words have been...

Possibilities

Reinvent

Story

True

Move

My Word last year was COMMIT. My intention with that Word was to actually STAY committed to my weight loss goals, art goals and house goals. What ended up happening was unexpected but in the very best way possible!! Even though my weight is still on (ugh, I have gained, too) and my house isn't anywhere NEAR organized (although I DID clear out quite a bit) and I never got around to sending in that album I created for Somerset Studios (THIS YEAR!) what I DID Commit to and STICK with was finding the very best place for my girl. Anasazi proved to be the guiding force in our life that has healed us and made us whole again. My girl has PEACE in her Heart and plans for an outstanding future!!

My Word for 2016

This year I thought long and hard about my Word and was CERTAIN I had it picked out! The Word JOY kept coming up...actually it has come up throughout 2015 and has become my secondary Word this year!! I have tried to implement JOY in my Heart daily (not always succeeding!) so I thought I would just extend JOY into 2016. 

But

then

as 

ALWAYS

happens...

I decided to brainstorm Word ideas cause the more I thought about JOY the more I wanted to be SURE. I take this One Word thing VERY seriously! So I created a list of Words...

Consistent

Heart

Receive (I ALMOST chose this one)

Joy

Alive

Connected

Awake

Present

Open

Perservere

And then it HIT me!!

What do I want this year?

More friendships

Closer to my husband

Really listening to my Heart when it comes to my Art

Closer to my Mama

More writing

Etc....

I want CONNECTIONS...

to my Heart

my Art

Friends

Dave

Mama

My Word for 2016 is 

CONNECT

I have let that sit with me for a week now and the more I think about it the more excited I get!!

YOUR Challenge this week

If you haven't all ready...take out your journals and start listing Words that resonate with you. Think about what you want MORE of. Go back to your collages from a few weeks ago and LOOK at what you gathered on your page...here was mine again...

By the end of the week try to have your 2016 Word picked out and ready to create with!! 

And remember to join me here Thursday for our second Challenge of the week. 

Thanks for being here girls!!!

Fresh Fridays: Just Stamp it!

"Creativity is not a driving force. It happens. It creates itself and you have to be open."  -Mayumi Oda, Artist and Writer


Welcome to Fresh Fridays! I absolutely LOVE my tip for today and need to remember to use it in my artwork more...especially my art journals.

So many times when we journal it's easy to stuck repeating the same old techniques over and over...especially when it comes to writing down our thoughts, a quote or a word. Either we use our own handwriting or print it out on the computer. I like to mix it up a bit and use my stamps...but instead of stamping directly on the page I do this...

I take my letter stamps, put paint on them then stamp the letter onto a piece of cardstock. After it dries I use my papercutter to cut each letter, ink around the letters then Mod Podge to my page.  I LovE this look! It's also fun to outline each letter in either black or white paint. This gives a real hand-drawn feel.

When journaling or using a quote just stamp it onto cardstock...cut out each word, ink the edges and doodle lines or dots around each word. Finally Mod Podge to your page.

Super simple yet so different. Try it the next time you journal!

Fresh Fridays: Adding Flair to your Canvas projects

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” 
― George Bernard Shaw



How many times do you create something, look at it, get frustrated and tell yourself that YOU ARE NOT AN ARTIST??

When I first began this journey nearly three years ago I did that with almost everthing I created. My very first painting was just awful!! {someday I will share here...i just don't have the courage quite yet...lol}

Now, most times when I sit down to create I am either trying something totally new or art journaling...this has taught me to be patient with myself...to take art all in. To experiment, learn and grow. Instead of getting ready for another craft show I am just creating for the joy of it. What a difference that has made!!

Today is Friday!! Welcome to our second week of Fresh Fridays!!


Today's tip is super easy yet adds an artsy flair to your canvas projects.

The next time you paint a canvas why not add a favorite word or shape to the sides of it??

This particular canvas was created with the word Courage in mind.

Once it was finished I realized I hadn't used the word Courage anywhere on the canvas!! I understood what "hello There" meant but knew others may not. After several minutes I took a small paintbrush, white paint and wrote Courage on one side. I added the heart to remind myself to always be True:)

What kinds of things do YOU put on the edges of your canvas's?? Please share!!!

Week Six: Be Nice!

"He who would be useful, strong and happy must cease to be a passive receptacle for the negative, beggarly, and impure streams of thought; and as a wise householder commands his servants and invites his quests, so must he learn to command his thoughts he shall admit into the mansion of his soul."  - James Allen  

How do you talk to YOU?? Last winter it dawned on me that half of my problem was all the negative self talk I was doing. Sure, we were stressed out with all the bad stuff going on...but honestly...I know I would have felt better if I would have been nicer to ME!

When I really stopped to think about how I "talked" to myself...I realized that it had been a VERY LONG time since I had given myself a break. I was constantly putting myself down about the food I ate, the weight I had gained, the clothes I wore, the way I kept house, created, wrote in my blog, talked to others...it was really getting out of hand!



One morning I decided to do an experiment. Instead of bashing myself I decided to find all my positive attributes. So my pants were getting tighter...but my hair and make-up looked really nice that day. I even sat down with my journal and made a list of what I loved about myself. It was amazing how different I felt. On days I was constantly chastising myself I could literally feel the energy being drained from my body. It did nothing to help with my stress level either.

However on those days I made an effort to be nice...those days weren't so stressful. Those days I actually felt light-hearted and smiled more. I knew I was on to something.

This week I want you to BE KIND to yourself. NO negative self-talk allowed!! When you find yourself putting you down...just stop. Think about what it is you are saying. I think by the end of the week you will be AMAZED at how GOOD you feel about YOU!!!!

Just a bit of homework...along with your journal page...keep track of all the bad things you say to yourself. Keep a running list in your journal or even just a piece of scrap paper. The point is...is to really SEE where it is you are self-sabotaging yourself the most. For me I am AWFUL to myself when it comes to my body and my body image. I can be so MEAN to me!!!!

Cheerfulness, it would appear, is a matter which depends fully as much on the state of things within, as on the state of things without and around us.

-- Charlotte Bronte



I challenge you to CHANGE yourself from within this week by being kind to yourself. We can do this, girls!! And when we do...that is when our dreams really do start coming true!!How is the Challenge going so far?? I LOVE seeing your work!!52 Weeks

FB group

Week Three: Where Does your Time go?

“Your hand can seize today, but not tomorrow; and thoughts of your tomorrow are nothing but desire. Don’t waste this breath, if your heart isn’t crazy, since "the rest of your life" won’t last forever.”
― Omar Khayyám, Quatrains - Ballades

Time...we all want more of it. More Time to spend with loved ones, more time to create, more time to have FUN! Where in the world does all our Time go?

Back in the 90's I was introduced to a wonderful Life Coach....Cheryl Richardson. The first time I saw her was on the Oprah Show where she was talking about her book "Life Makeovers". My kids were just babies then and more often than not I was completely overwhelmed. Like so many of you I craved alone Time. Time to be with my thoughts, to find myself, to shower!:) Richardson's book was a life-changing one for me. Simple and to the point, I gained the tools I needed to have more balance in my life. This week's Theme is inspired from her book. I just KNOW it will open your eyes and make you go...I had NO idea how much Time I really DO have!!!

"Time is a created thing. To say I don't have time is like saying I don't want to..." Lao-Tzu

Richardson says...

"The truth is that WE control where our Time goes. Time is finite. We only get a certain amount 168 hours a week, 52 weeks a year; and that's if we don't die first. Time is a gift that most of us take for granted. We get so caught up in the busyness of our daily lives that we rarely stop and take  serious look at how we're spending this gift."

Change IS necessary! NOW is the Time to take control of yours!! This week I want you to answer the following questions:

*How long do you really work each week?

*How much Time do you spend caring for others?

*How much Time is spent caring for YOURSELF?

*How much Time do you spend on Social Media {this is a HUGE time waster for me}

*How much Time do you spend watching TV?

Now here is where the real fun begins. In Richardson's book "Life Makeovers" she suggests making an Absolute Yes List. Creating a list helps you remember what your priorities are...I have used this list throughout the years and it works!

To begin your list answer these two questions:

*What needs my attention at this Time in my life?

*What do I need to let go of?

Be sure and be HONEST with yourself here...write everything down that comes to mind. Answer these questions for all areas of your life, too...relationships, family, community, work, emotional, finances, etc. I know one of the Priorities in my life right now is my physical health. My goal this year is to eliminate my near dally migraines and lose 20 pounds.

Once you have made your lists {and they may be LONG} choose the FIVE that jump out at you the most. The ones that when you see them your heart tells you..."That one!". Now put your Absolute Yes List in your art journals so you can refer to it daily.

A sweet GIFT created by one of my son's friends just for ME!!!:)

Girls...the goal of my Life is to LOVE it!! I will create MY Absolute Yes List this week and strive to say YES to those things in my life that fill me up and make me whole.

Here are THREE reminders from Richardson on why it's so important to say NO to those things not on our YES list:

*Your self-care is extremely important 

*You don't need to over explain yourself on why you are saying NO...Just saying NO is ENOUGH!

*Doing things out of guilt and obligation is not doing things out of Love

Let's take our minutes and hours and days back, girls. Let's start saying NO to those things that bring us down and hurt our souls. 

If you haven't joined our 52 Weeks of Being Me class...click here. It's completely free:)

Join our FB group here

Studio Time

"Only when one is connected to one's inner core is one connected to others. And, for me, the core, the inner spring, can best be re-found through solitude."  -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Since I began my Morning Routine I find myself creating more and more. It's a practice I have wanted to be in for a few years now but never could see myself creating daily...I always thought "How do I fit it all in??" I am learning when I make myself sit down for 30 minutes {to at times an hour} in the morning...I make that a priority. And like I've said here before...sometimes it's just adding another layer to a journal page...but the very act of creating gives me so much energy and inspiration!!

It had been awhile since I spent any real time in my studio. You know...more than a few hours:). So yesterday I gave myself permission to shut the world out and write, paint, ponder and just enjoy  peace. It was much appreciated!!

How are you coming along on your Mission Statements, girls?? I have a few more questions to answer then I will be ready to put on this spread I made yesterday.

I am finding the more backgrounds I create the more layers I'm adding. This has become my favorite process!! Painting, adding a few strips of paper, words, painting again, doodling, a few more swipes of paint, stencils and stamps, more doodling, white paint then finishing it all with oil pastels. LOVE IIT!

Next week I will show you my process in a series of photos:)

Not only did I make several backgrounds yesterday but I started on three pieces of bird art including this background for my first nearly all painted piece I'm working on. It is 11x14.

VERY early stages:)

And last but not least along with "Being Me"...I am participating in my dear blog friend Kristin from Twinkly Twinkle...she is in her third year of "Summer of Color". If you don't know Kristin...stop by and say hi. You will LOVE her!! Anyway...our color combo this week is Citron and Turquoise. Here is what I came up with....

It is book paper with paint doodles...so easy and fun and relaxing:)


How is YOUR Mission Statement comiing along?? Thinking of you all and loving our sharing in our FB group!!! Also THANK YOU so much for spreading the word about "Being Me". I appreciate it sooo much!

52 Weeks of Being Me
Our FB group
Follow me on Blog Lov'n

Morning Routine Journal Page

Can I just tell you that art journaling is one of my very favorite things to do??! I LOVE it!! Everything from painting the page to stenciling to doodling to adding the images and words. Sooo peaceful!! Love!

Another thing I am sooo loving is my Morning Routine!! It has been several weeks now and I feel like my life is moving in a very good direction. Waking up, having a set routine and actually doing it is building momentum in life. One good practice is opening up doors to other good habits. Love it!

When sitting down to create my Morning Routine journal page the first thing I thought of was WINGS!! I love the symbolism of wings and my new routine has definately given me wings to fly through my day!!

Words inspired by a Brave Girl's class I took.

Girls...my Morning Routine has made me realize how much time I was wasting without it!! Seriously...when I get up and spend some quiet time on just me and my day...some pretty amazing things happen. I am choosing how I spend my time. I do have more joy in my days...I don't feel so rushed and stressed.

How is YOUR Morning Routine coming? Are you noticing any little changes in your day?? I would love for you to share with us!!


**Here is Week One of "Being Me" in case you missed it:)

Words Challenge-Week Two

It's Week Two of our Word Challenge!! So what did you think of Courage last week?? Did you find yourself being more Courageous? Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things??

 Keep working on your Courage List this week, girls...and if you feel the need to share...please do so!! We are all here to cheer each other on!!


If you are NEW to my blog and/or our Words Challenge then go here to catch up!! We would really love to have you.

Okay...on to Week Two....

The Word I have picked for this week conjures up all kinds of thoughts and feelings for me...

   

Embrace

1.

to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.

2.

to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.

3.

to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity.

4.

to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.): to embrace Buddhism.

5.

to take in with the eye or the mind.

With so much craziness this past year and down right heartbreak...the last thing I have wanted to do was actually feel anything...I mean so many days it was just too painful. But life is looking up and I have realized that I am done letting life...even the hard to live parts...pass by. I am ready to EMBRACE my life...all of it. Every joyful, pain-filled, icky, wonderful, heart-breaking, uplifting part. 

I want to EMBRACE everything that comes my way....the ideas, the opportunities, the curve-balls, the rough roads...every little part!!

When I sat down to journal this page my heart was telling me to EMBRACE my family...Jacks, Em, Dave and all the chaos and just enjoy.

Sooo many days I am overwhelmed and don't know where to begin or how I can fit it all in. Then I remember that my sweet Jacks graduates this year and Em won't be far behind. 

Soon our home will be quiet and I will have to decide how to fill my days. 

Right now is where the sweetness is. Its the school activities and laundry and work and crazy schedules that I truly love.

“There are ultimately two choices in life: to fight it or to embrace it. If you fight it you will lose - if you embrace it you become one with it and you'll be lived.” 
― Rasheed Ogunlaru

What will you Embrace this week??

Baby Girl

How is your courage list going, girls?? 

Twenty years ago today I took a leap of faith and married my husband Dave.

Oh how I love this man. He is amazing and I am very blessed!!!

This is a piece of Brave Art I was inspired to create with our Word this week. 

Don't you just adore that sweet, pudgy, little face??

Have a COURAGE-filled day, girls!!