Disrupted by Change

dreaming of being free

2010-03-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

6 months left of work . . . counting down the days to freedom! Next will be the minutes:)

Blog Identity Crisis

2010-03-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone ever change their blog template so much that you just get confused about what you really want your blog to look like? That would be my blog. Ever since I discovered free blog templates, I have been having lots of fun changing the look of my blog. So probably the next time you check back, it will look completely different until I find the right template.

Lazy Sunday

2010-02-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

Just enjoying a lazy Sunday in the art room.

A New Travel Journal

2010-02-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

My friend had a great idea to each create travel journals and swap each month. This is travel journal #3. The last one was so full that the back cover fell off. I recommend this idea to anyone that is separated by distance from their close friends. I feel like it has kept us connected in ways that email, texting, or phone calls never would have & we have keepsakes for years to come.

Spontaneous Journaling

2010-02-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

I love when I go into my art room with no plan and just start working in my art journal. That's what I did with this journal entry. The finished product is a little crazy, but when I look back at my old journals I see symbolism or notice things that I didn't see at the time so give it a try have no plan and just start creating & see what happens!

3 day weekends:)

2010-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

I love three day weekends. It makes my top 10 list of things that make me happy. What makes your top 10 list?

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, I can't think of anything more fitting to blog about than my daughter goofing around before she attended her 8th grade Valentine's dance. She said, "I'm so excited and nervous at the same time". Hope your Valentine's is as exciting as it was for my 8th grader:)

Inspiration Found

2010-02-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling to find the time, energy, and inspiration to work in my art journal. I went to a new coffee shop yesterday, happen to find it by chance. Enclosed in the coffee shop was some amazing art. Art items from papayaart.com were all through the store (including Sabrina Ward Harrison bag). I left feeling so inspired. I found this card with a great quote on it, "Behind all this, some great happiness is hiding". I hope this is true with all the changes that are coming this year.

Back 2 Blogging

2010-01-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

This has been the longest break from blogging that I have taken since starting. The holidays got the best of me & my time:) I am looking forward to working in my art journal in the new year. What are you looking forward to in this new year?

Moving

2009-12-14T20:44:00.001-08:00

I woke up Sunday morning and felt like I wanted a change. I decided to dismantle my art room and move it into the bedroom. I am hoping that this will inspire more art and more blogging (sorry for the long break). Now, the guest room is just the guest room (1st picture above). I have no idea why during the holidays I chose to start moving. My husband says its my cure for the desire to "move move" - maybe?!

Thanks for all your comments about the gym and procrastinating. I did make it to the gym that day! My goal is 3x/week with my daughter. Last week was 1x (yikes!), but here's to this week! We are talking about signing up for a Marathon, now if we can just make it to the gym:)

No More Procrastination!

2009-12-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have been procrastinating on working out lately. I seem to find one excuse or another. Why can't Biggest Loser be on tv every night:)? I will exercise today & here are my top 10 motivating factors to leave the house & hit the gym:

#10. Decreases my irritability (so my family tells me:)
#9. Feels like an accomplishment.
#8. Biggest Loser show (no guilt when watching the episode)
#7. My pants will fit better (be able to breathe properly again:)
#6. I love to run!
#5. No thinking about the fact that I should be working out while spending time in the art room.
#4. Get to listen to my ipod.
#3. A check for the calendar (I mark off the days I workout on my calendar, can you say nerd?)
#2. Get to eat more chocolate (at least that's what I tell myself:)
#1. To be healthy!

Ok now that I have made the list, its time for the gym (no more procrastination:)

Life pL@nS!

2009-12-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

On our 10 year anniversary, we had such big plans. We were headed out the door when a phone call came through that altered the plans for the day (lets just say it involved an ER visit, everythings fine). It took me way too long to adjust to the idea that our plans went out the window. I kept thinking maybe we could recover part of the day at least. The funny thing is that we had such comical moments throughout the day that I'm sure we will be laughing about 10 years down the road. Here's to adjusting faster & flexing with life!

"Ugly journal pages"

2009-12-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

In Zom's blog, http://pinchmetoseeifyouaredreaming.blogspot.com/, she talks about "ugly journal pages" and she encouraged me to post one. This ugly journal page I actually posted it to my blog in the past, but cropped it because I really disliked it. One of the comments on Zom's blog, talked about focusing on the process not the outcome. I find when I do less thinking/planning that the page actually turns out better. I like the idea of not worrying about whether the page is "ugly" or not because its really about the process which for me is therapeutic. Here's to stopping the insane worry about whether the page turns out to be good, bad, or ugly:) Thank-you Zom!

Celebrating

2009-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

I took the day off today to spend with my spouse. We are celebrating 10 years of marriage.

Credits: Photo altered at www.befunky.com.

Art Journal Page

2009-12-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

I had taped the Biggest Loser (love this show!) to watch tonight and usually I just go to bed after watching tv, but tonight I felt so energized after watching the show. I felt like running a marathon, but settled on working in the art room instead:) I have no idea what this art journal page is about. The word "lost" just kept coming to mind so instead of over thinking it, I just put it on the page and let the page unfold.

Rain

2009-11-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Its raining for the first time in a long time. I love the sound of it and it always feels like it gives me a great excuse to spend the day in the art room, well at least the morning:) Good thing I don't live in Seattle, I'd spend every waking day in the art room!

Random Thoughts

2009-11-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

I think this is the longest time span that I have gone without blogging. I have no idea what caused the delay - life I guess:) I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Its exciting to watch the neighbors hang Christmas lights today. I can't wait to get the Christmas tree, this has to be my favorite part of the holiday. Have you bloggers started Christmas shopping & decorating your place?

Making of a diamond

2009-11-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

I was talking to one of my coworkers this week and she was talking about life challenges and how she has to remind herself that a diamond is not made through a gentle process, but through a rough one. I found a quote that I love that sums this up: "When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oak grows strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure". by peter marshall

I wanted to say thank-you for the comments about my last blog entry. Very encouraging!!

The Present

2009-11-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

I'm working on accepting that I am here in this place for now. I am so ready to move. I find myself counting down the days when the changes are months away. I have to constantly remind myself to enjoy the present. Here's to dreaming, yet embracing the here and now!

enjoying 2 days off

2009-11-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

I love having days off during the week. I always make big plans then I realize I just enjoy sipping coffee and standing in the sunlight. What would you do with a free, unscheduled day?

Happy Accidents

2009-11-15T13:19:00.000-08:00

I love when accidents become art! I don't even know how I got a picture of my smile on my camera. I was taking pictures in the car and must have snapped one of me without realizing it. I had planned to use one of the sky pictures (in previous post) in my journal this morning, but when I printed it out & tried placing it on the page ~ it just didn't work. I was looking through my pictures & this one of my smile (didn't even get my face) just struck a chord & voila ~ it turned into a journal page.

the sky

2009-11-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

The sky was so amazing yesterday. I couldn't help, but share it.

Saturday

2009-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

I wish every day could be Saturday.

hope

2009-11-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your words of encouragement in my last post! I am enjoying my morning off from work and feeling more hopeful. Hope you are enjoying your Friday!

Credits: Stamp by Teesha Moore.

Questions Unanswered

2009-11-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

I was talking to my husband yesterday & I was asking him why he thinks things don't seem to be working out (life things not marriage wise:). He responded that possibly the purpose is to show us what's not meant to be. Here's hoping the purpose will be crystal clear in the future. I came across this quote & I hope it proves to be the truth:

"Difficulties are opportunities to better things; they are stepping stones to a greater experience. Perhaps someday you will be thankful for some temporary failure in a particular direction. When one door closes another always opens." author unknown

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T20:12:00.001-08:00

Walls of Graffiti

2009-11-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

The first time I happened to find these walls of graffiti I was without my camera (something I try not to leave behind). So the next time I was in town, I made sure I had my camera and took some pictures to share with all you bloggers! You may have to click to enlarge the graffiti walls. My favorite on the walls are the radio heads - so random I know:)

Zetti Style Attempt

2009-11-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

This is my second attempt at art journaling zettiology style. Its so much fun to just try something new.

Inspiration

2009-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Last night, I went to Teesha Moore's blog, http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com, and watched all of her videos. There is a succession of video tutorials on how she creates her journal pages. I have always wondered how she makes her pages look so unique. I was thrilled that she shared her secret. I gave it a whirl tonight. A few mistakes, but I enjoyed the process. Check her videos out & try it out - just play:)

First Page of New Art Journal

2009-11-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

I am loving my new art journal. This is my first page.

Credits: Images from artchixstudio collage sheets, rub-ons from dee's designs, and 7 gypsies black tape.

bag of wishes

2009-11-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be so cool to have a bag of wishes to hand out? I passed out flashlights at a football game two weeks ago for a domestic violence awareness vigil. When I altered the photo, it looked like I had sparkled gems in the plastic bag. I have no idea how I reached the conclusion that it looked like a bag of wishes! If you had a bag of wishes to give out - what would you give & to whom?

Sewing 101

2009-10-31T14:59:00.000-07:00

My daughter bought her first sewing machine yesterday with the money that her Grandmother sent her. It was an interesting day that included a trip to the library for a sewing 101 book - a day of laughter & a little frustration:) Now its time for trick or treating.
Happy Halloween Bloggers!

Art Journal Page

2009-10-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

When I created this art journal page it was Sunday evening. I journaled about my hopes for the week. I am trying to stay more positive about the start of the week, enjoying something each day. I have to say though I am still looking forward to the weekend! One day away . . .

My New Bound Art Journal!

2009-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

I finished binding/creating my own art journal. Now I just hope that it holds up:) I'll let you know if it makes it through all the gluing, painting, ripping, and collaging.

Art Journal Pages

2009-10-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is the result of just playing in my art journal and not thinking while creating. I just glued, painted, and then journaled. It was kind of fun to just stand back and look at the finished product & try to make sense of it!

A Movie Recommendation

2009-10-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy few days with having to work on Saturday - yuck! I am so glad that it is Sunday. During this busy, chaotic week I made time to go to the movies with my daughter. We went to see the movie, Where the Wild Things Are, on Friday evening. I recommend it to anyone - its magical!

Past Photos

2009-10-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love looking at past photos & thinking about the changes that have occurred since that time. Wow its almost insane too consider all the changes that have taken place in my life.

I completed a journal page with this old photograph of my daughter & I & then wrote about the changes (the journaling occurred in the evening not the morning - still working on that goal:) .

Ocean View

2009-10-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love the Adobe Photoshop program. I decided to change my view from my front window. No longer is it a view of a house, but of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. If only life was like a photoshop program:)

Journaling

2009-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

After using that small book for my art journal, I felt overwhelmed looking at the large blank pages staring back at me. So I decided that I would journal on one side and create a collage on the opposite side. My plan is to journal in the morning and collage in the evening. I'll let you know if I stick to it, mornings are a little hectic here:)

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-10-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today's theme for Think Monday . . . Think ATC was punk. I loved the theme. I used images from Teesha Moore's Zettiology collage sheet - thought they fit punk perfectly!

Art Journal Page

2009-10-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to try the Caran d' Ache water-soluble crayons. I finally picked some up at the craft store & I am already in love with them! You just dip the crayons in water and start writing or doodling. The doodles/writing on my page is the black water-soluble crayon. I highly recommend buying a set if you enjoy art journaling.

Art Journal Completed!!

2009-10-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

I love the feeling of completing an art journal & the starting of a new one. My mom sent me the journal behind the completed one. I love it & its small so I plan to use this art journal while I bind my own. I plan to use Traci Bautista's book, Collage Unleashed, to walk me through the steps of book binding. Wish me luck!!

"Bucket List"

2009-10-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

A coworker was telling me that after watching the movie, Bucket List, her & her friend created a bucket list (i.e. list of things to do before they die). One of the items on their bucket list was to see Cher in concert & guess what - they flew to her concert in Las Vegas & said that it was an unforgettable experience! You have to wonder if they would have made it happen if they hadn't recorded it on their "bucket list".

I journal back & forth with my friend & we created our own version of the bucket list - I figured why wait, might as well start now! Our list is 30 things to do in our 30s! & when we hit 40 it will be 40 things to do in our 40s:) What would you put on your bucket list?

Morning Journaling

2009-10-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking at a recent blog post about morning pages (see pinchmetoseeifyouredreaming - link on side bar of my blog) & I decided to try it out. I usually am in the art room late in the evening, working in my art journal. I never really thought about the difference between recording events vs. just being in that moment & journaling whatever comes to mind. It was fun to just change things up. Give it a whirl, when you wake up in the morning tomorrow - start journaling!

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-10-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today's theme for TMTA was autumn impressions. Autumn makes me think of home with the trees turning bright, beautiful shades of red, yellow, orange, & gold. Just thinking about it makes me miss home:(

On a lighter note for today, my daughter & I went to the movies to watch Fame. It's a good one, catch it at the movies if you still can!

Credits: Time stamp & home image from Life's Journey collection from K & C Co.

Good Finds

2009-10-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

I went to Barnes & Noble bookstore today & spent time looking through all the new art magazines (i. e. Somerset Memories, Art Journaling, & Somerset Studio, etc.) & browsing the art books (i.e. Image Transfer Workshop, Journaling Bliss, & Wreck This Journal, etc.). There is so much inspiration right at our fingertips - check out the craft section next time you visit a B&N and you'll see what I'm talking about:)

enjoying Saturday

2009-10-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

After working 12 days in a row, it feels like such a relief to have a day off. I haven't blogged for a few days because of my work schedule. I really missed the art room aka "bat cave". This week helped me realize what is important to me.

Credits Female image & ruler transparency from artchix studio collage sheet.

Searching 4 Balance

2009-10-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

"What I dream of is an art of balance". by Henri Matisse

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-10-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today's theme for TMTA was cities. So I chose one that I would love to visit . . . Paris, France. I did something different for this ATC. I took a photocopy of one of my chubby book pages and cut it up and used on the ATC background. I have read that other collage artists use photocopies of their art journal pages/art work and use the photocopies in future art. I enjoyed updating the elements from the chubby book page & recreating the look of my original collage.

Credits: Artchix collage sheet images.

Art Journal Page

2009-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

I had to work this weekend. I really missed being home, spending time with family, & of course the art room (which my husband has coined as my "bat cave"). I managed to complete one journal entry this weekend amongst the work day.

Credits: Images from artchix studio collage sheets.

Art Journal Page

2009-10-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons that I love art journaling is that at times it becomes more about self-discovery than documentation of daily events.

Credits: Sculpture in Taos, NM & transparencies from artchix studio collage sheet.

Collage Canvas Friday

2009-10-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

looking for hope.

Credits: Female image from artezine, Clock stamp by Stampin Up, Grunge board by Tim Holtz, and rub-on transfers by 7gypsies.

Stop & Smell the Roses

2009-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder to slow down & enjoy every minute. At times I dread the days ahead because of some anxiety provoking task or another, but I'm trying to just remember that every moment holds potential even in the most unpleasant of situations.

Credits: Girl image from artsy collage & time stamp by stampin up.

ATC

2009-09-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

a reminder to keep dancing . . .

Credits: Female image from artchix studio collage sheet & flower (colored with Tim Holtz' s inks) from Paper Studio.

Art Journal Page

2009-09-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have been trying different techniques for transferring images. I haven't quite achieved the desired effect yet. I plan to keep trying various techniques until I find the right one for my journals. I'll let you know when I find it & share with everybody:)

Credits: Time stamp from Stampin Up Co.

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-09-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

The theme for today's TMTA challenge was bottles. It took me awhile to find the right bottles image, then I didn't like it once I stapled it onto the ATC (too modern looking). I happened to notice my artchix studio collage sheet transparencies & placed the girl transparency over the blue bottles & I was satisfied with the end result:)

Color Found

2009-09-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I posted about trying to find color in my surroundings. When I first started this blog, my goal was to find color amongst our brown landscape. I was reminded of this today when we happened to take a different street & voila these 3 houses just popped with color!

Art Journal Page

2009-09-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

waiting 4 changes.

Collage Canvas Friday

2009-09-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am trying to stop thinking so much when I work on collages. So even if an image doesn't seem to make sense, but its what I'm drawn to - then voila its on the canvas! Here's to less thinking, more impulsive creating:)

Art Journal Page

2009-09-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

I find that I am dreaming less of travel & more of finding a place to call home.

Credits: Dream Stamp by Vap! Transparent glasses from artchix studio collage sheet, London and place stickers from Gail's Travel sticker sheet & architectural rub-on designs from 7 gypsies sheet.

Art Journal Page. . . from last Saturday

2009-09-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday is only 3 days away!

Credits: Princess image from Once Upon A Time by DCWV & dance stencil (co. unknown)

Art journal page

2009-09-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is my latest art journal entry. I'm thinking about binding my own journal book next time because the binder is already screaming for help & it will not close:) That will be my next project!

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-09-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

The theme for TMTA today was girls with dolls.

Credits: Girl image from artchix studio collage sheet & background stamp from Hero Arts.

Altered Suitcase

2009-09-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

After weeks of working on my altered suitcase, its finally finished! Now for the inside renovation.

Wonders of Gesso

2009-09-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

I decided to rip apart the first canvas and use the main elements in my journal (in previous post). Then I covered it with gesso & started over again, landscape layout this time. & voila a whole new piece created!

Canvas Collage Friday

2009-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

No cheating this Friday, I actually completed a canvas collage. The image was actually a store front & I came home and immediately altered the photo in Adobe Photoshop program. With this photo program, the options are endless. If you enjoy photography and altering photos, I highly recommend it.

Art Journal Page

2009-09-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking at a canvas collage that I created in the past & realized what a big mess it was - so I ripped off the main elements & created a journal page with them. Now I plan to go throw gesso over the canvas & start again. Ahh thank goodness for gesso:)

Credits: Female face from artchix studio collage sheet.

Artist Trading Card Colors

2009-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

I happened to stumble across this color scheme, orange, gray, & black, when I was mixing paint and paper. I hope it doesn't make you recall Halloween because I am loving this color scheme!?

Artist Trading Card - "Different"

2009-09-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was feeling like I was getting in a rut with images so I decided to use something different - embossed, duplicated stamp. It's always fun to just mix it up.

Credits: Stamp by inkadinkado company.

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-09-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

The theme for today's TMTA challenge was mixed-media (great theme!). I took one of my preexisting ATCs & made some "mixed-media" updates.

Credits: Look inside stamp by catslife press.

Art Journal

2009-09-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

On the morning show there was a segment on the Soap Opera, Guiding Light, coming to a close this week. One of the interviewees reported that now "truth is stranger than fiction" and there are no more boundaries to push. I don't know why a segment on the ending of a soap opera inspired me to think about changes - but it was the first thing that came to mind when I sat down to work in my art journal today. So this one is appropriately titled "Changes". By the way, I am taping the last episode of Guiding Light - what can I say I'm a sucker for drama!?

Saturday

2009-09-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

Another great Saturday! This picture is from the Mexican restaurant where we ate dinner tonight. The tamales were very tasty. Feeling a little too full - definitely a long run needed tomorrow to work off the savory meal.

Canvas Collage Friday

2009-09-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

I'm cheating (just a little) this Friday on the canvas collage. I actually found a really small canvas at Hobby Lobby that ATCs fit on perfectly. As you can see in the picture, I mounted one on the small canvas. I painted the canvas brown & glued the ATC on & voila - Canvas Friday Completed:) I love the idea of having ATCs on canvas for a wall display of my favorite ones. How do you display your ATCs?

Reflection

2009-09-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is my first art journal page that I ever created. It made me laugh because some things really don't change (still praying to be free of work on Monday & dreaming of or enjoying a cup of Starbucks coffee:)

Credits: butterfly/female image & horse image (sources unknown)

Art Journal Page

2009-09-09T07:30:00.001-07:00

enjoying my new art journal.

Credits: boy image from teesha moore's collage sheet

last day of vacation

2009-09-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

After having 5 days off, I am wishing for more. I always thought I would go stir crazy not working, but I think I now have enough hobbies to keep going for days, months, & years. I guess it makes the time that I do have free - precious!

Think Monday . . . Think ATC

2009-09-07T12:28:00.001-07:00

The theme for today's Think Monday . . . Think ATC is architecture. Its great having the day off & starting the day in the art room. I am loving Monday!

Credits: Image from Artchix Studio Collage Sheet & Compass Stamp by Dawn Houser.

New Art Journal

2009-09-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

I found my new art journal! I wanted a smaller book this time & I found one at Barnes & Noble bookstore. It was so fun working in this book. I was reminded last week to . . . just pL@y! (Thanks fellow bloggers for inspiration.)

Credits: Female face from artchix studio collage sheet & foam letter stamps by paperbag studio.

Chile Capital of the World

2009-09-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

the banner throughout the town announcing the chile festival

Ok, I had to post this sign on the blog:)

chile peppers were hanging everywhere!

chiles on the rooftops!
multicolored chile peppers?!

fun at the festival!

-We had a great time today. I happened to hear about the Chile Festival in Hatch, NM this past week so we decided to take a trip to join the festivities. It was so much fun. The day was full of laughter and food sampling (i.e. chile mangos, jalepeno lemonade, green chili cheese chicken, & of course sampling of chiles!). We actually bought a box of freshly roasted green chiles & the aroma of the festival remained in the car for the entire drive home. If you are in southern New Mexico next year, I recommend that you check out the festival over Labor Day Weekend - very enjoyable!

Canvas Collage Friday

2009-09-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

just finished! (still in the process of drying:)

Celebrating!

2009-09-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

I have the next 5 days off from work! I am so excited. I am looking forward to spending time with my family, lounging in the sun, drinking chai, and working in the art room (of course). Loving Life Tonight!

Another Art Journal Completed!

2009-09-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is a record for me, completing an art journal in one & half months. Typically, it takes about one year or more for me to fill an art journal. It feels great to know that I am making the time to work in my art journal on a regular basis. I love art journaling, its probably my favorite art activity. I can't wait to start a new one!

Thanks for your comments on creativity. I plan to use the tip of just . . . . play!

Creativity

2009-09-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

I was able to work in my art journal tonight. The page is still drying as I type. I will post it tomorrow. It felt great to have the energy return so quickly. I always get worried when it happens because I have had months go by, feeling as though all creativity was drained from me. Right now I am feeling grateful that it was a fleeting feeling. Thanks for your positive comments yesterday, it helped:)

Monday

2009-08-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

I had every intention of kissing my daughter goodnight and heading to the art room to make my ATC for Think Monday . . . Think ATC, but I just sat at my art desk and couldn't get inspired. I think I am just adjusting to the new routine of my daughter's school and now swim lessons. I'm hoping that tomorrow brings a new day & new inspiration:)

Art Journal Page

2009-08-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is another art journal page. I tried a new transfer image technique and have fallen in love with it. Its transferring the image with gel medium. Below the art journal page, is my latest project, altering a suitcase. The suitcase will hold my art journals. Loving spending so much time in the art room!

Credits: Time stamp from Stampin Up & stickers from various scrapbooking companies.

Friendship Book Entry

2009-08-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

My friend and I send travel journals back and forth to help us stay in touch. One of her entries had all the words about her on one side and a designed page for me to enter all the words that describe me. This is a fun exercise. Give it a try, write down all the words that describe you.

Credits: Travel Girl Image from creative imaginations stickers.

Collage Canvas Friday

2009-08-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

I've decided to stop "Wish Friday" and instead I plan to create a canvas collage every Friday. I wasn't thrilled with the results of this one (this was the 3rd or 4th version later), but I'm hoping that each week I will see an improvement!

"Seeking Color in My Travels"

2009-08-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much fun creating ATCs. I plan to buy a smaller journal book next time because I am really enjoying the little collage surfaces lately. Sometimes I look at my art journal & I think do I have the time to create a collage, but with an ATC I just jump in.

Credits: Girl image from Artchix studio collage sheet & coin from Karen Foster metals.

Garden of Lights

2009-08-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

In my photo pile, I noticed this picture from Santa Fe with the star lights hanging in a shop window. I decided to cut out the star lights from the window and create a garden of lights.

Credits: Woman Image from Artchix Studio collage sheet.

Art Journal Page

2009-08-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

just day dreaming . . .

Credits: Wings by doodle genie & female image from artchix studio collage sheet.

"Dreaming of Chocolate" ATC

2009-08-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

The theme for Think Monday . . . Think ATC is desserts. My favorite dessert always includes chocolate!

Credits: Female image from artchix studio collage sheet.

Art Journal Page

2009-08-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was experimenting with different background textures in my art journal today. When I lifted the plastic wrap (once the paint was dry) the outline looked like wings. It looked really cool, so I just went with it.

About the feelings attached to days. I never thought to ask her why she doesn't attach feelings to days. I was worried about my perspective because it shows that I don't embrace each and every day (however I really enjoy Friday, Saturday & Sunday:) I plan to work on waking up in the morning and celebrating every day, even Mondays!

Saturday

2009-08-22T14:44:00.000-07:00

I said to someone yesterday, "Aren't you glad its Friday?" She said, "I don't have any particular feelings attached to days". Is it wrong to have feelings attached to days? When I wake up on a Monday, I feel ill. When I wake up on a Friday, I feel elated! When I wake up on Saturday, I am smiling. When I wake up on Sunday, I feel peaceful . . . . You probably get the point. Do you have certain feelings attached to days? Please make me feel better about this:)

Credits: Letter stickers by cosmo cricket.

"Wish Friday"

2009-08-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wished to have knowledge of what your pet is thinking? That's my wish today. I think my dog is just patiently (& not so patiently sometimes) waiting for these words, "Walk, dog park, & go for a ride". Ahhh, if only my needs and desires were that simple :)

Art Journal Page

2009-08-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Another journal page. My mother bought these photo hinges and I love the idea of covering up my writing with hinging an image on top. The hinge is from making memories company.

Credits: Journal stamp by diffusion & face stamp by hampton arts.

Random

2009-08-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

I laughed out loud when I saw this license plate, 1 Grouch. This is me before I have my coffee in the morning:)

Sunflower found

2009-08-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen a sunflower since I moved to the desert. I entered a funky, eclectic store and the shop lady said, "Don't forget to check out the patio area around the back". There were all kinds of different art sculptures in the back area, but when I spotted a sunflower I felt overjoyed. My daughter said to me, "Mom there is art all around and you are taking a picture of a sunflower". The sunflower was art to me.

Breaking Free ATC

2009-08-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure that I would have time to make an ATC for Think Monday. . . Think ATC, so I decided to post an ATC that I made this weekend. I got frustrated halfway through making it, so I began to poke holes in the card. Then I couldn't get a string through the holes, so I decided to just cut an opening. I never thought of cutting the ATC into strips before. Now I have way too many ideas & not enough time:)

Credits: Artchix Studio Woman Image & Butterfly image from collage sheet (company unknown).

Light

2009-08-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

“An optimist is a person who sees only the lights in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadows, but in addition sees something else: the possibility of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows.” author unknown

Journal Page

2009-08-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

I read a book by Holly Kennedy titled, "The Silver Compass". In this book, was a passage from Winnie the Pooh (click on journal page to read). I actually have this passage written in the front of my daily work planner. When my confidence is wavering, I read this passage to remind myself that I can complete any task that I am assigned.