Strathmore Workshop (link to sign up at bottom)

I'm taking a free workshop from Strathmore, taught by Pam Carriker, one of my favorite artists. It's on using old journal pages and art images to create new journal pages. I'm a little behind, only at week two so far, but the above images are what I have going...I don't know why I never thought of doing this before. I love the idea and will use this technique a lot from now on. Art journaling is my safe haven. It's where I feel the most comfortable putting paint to paper. My goal is to move onto bigger canvas more often. I have done several paintings on canvas, but it's always so intimidating and I have several laying around that I have gotten "stuck" on. That needs to be another goal for me: finish all of the unfinished projects!

You can register for free workshops HERE

Wise Advice from a Facebook Friend...

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it.  You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad and focus on the good.  So, love the people who treat you right.  Forget about the ones who don't and pray for them.  Life is too short to be anything but happy.  Falling down is part of LIFE ... Getting back up is LIVING! ...Amen!

On Balance between Life and the Creative Journey...

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I lack balance in my life...


I am an all or nothing kind of girl.  I've always thrown myself into everything I do, with a very strong desire to be successful and accepted by my peers.  So when it comes to art, I have a really hard time leaving a project once I've started it.  Let's be honest...I lack self-discipline.  I become consumed with my creative process...



This doesn't always sit well with my husband, because the house becomes a disaster and the cooking doesn't always get done in a "timely" manner.  I cause myself ungodly amounts of stress because I end up letting some of my daily responsibilities fall to the wayside, while I'm in "Mega Creative Mode".  I tend to get really cranky with everyone around me when this happens and then comes the overwhelming sense of guilt and frustration over it all!!!


I know this is self-inflicted, but how does one organize their time to include God, Family, Friends, Exercise, Cleaning, Cooking, Grocery Shopping, Laundry and all the other household and family management type things...and still manage to complete art projects, remain inspired, learn new techniques, practice new techniques, blog, take workshops, maintain an online presence, manage their etsy or other art business etc...., make art tutorials (well you get my point...)?  What's even worse for my ego is that I don't even work a regular job!  I'm a stay at home mom, so I should be able to do this!!!


Well here is another one of my goals for this year...


Dig deep, find self-discipline and use it to create balance in life, so that success in art doesn't come at a price measured in stress and self loathing!  


I'm really not that negative of a person, but in trying to stay honest here....I need some help in this department.  Anyone have any resources or helpful tips and/or insight?  I would love to hear from you!

...And, thanks for listening to my rant!

On Living Life Creatively...

I've been thinking about this statement a lot lately.  With the new year in full swing it's time I started establishing some goals...and committing to them by posting them here (yikes...)  In am 45 years young and I am just beginning to realize how "creating" yourself begins with committing to your dreams, your passions, your goals.  If we wait around for life to "happen" in our favor, we are fooling ourselves and wasting precious, God given time in doing so!!!  Life is about embracing the unique gifts that God created us with, and USING them.  So join me if you will in becoming a more "active" participant in what life has to offer you. Align your actions with your dreams and enjoy your success.  Make things happen, no more excuses...Sit down with yourself and really listen to your heart...write down, or tell someone YOUR goals for this year.  Don't worry about what anyone else will say or not say about them, don't create goals based on what you think you "should" do, but based on what you really want.  If you could see into the future...what would this year look like?  We can do this!  Baby steps right?

Here are my creative goals for the year:

Open an Etsy shop to sell my artwork...

Continue blogging and posting a minimum of 2 times a week...

Surround myself with people who support my dreams...

Do something to promote creative growth every day, whether it be surfing the web for inspiration, learning a new technique, getting started on an art project, sketching, art journaling etc...

Give back to the creative community by posting an original art tutorial once every few months...

Research the Artist's Market and begin learning how I can create an income with my art...

Organize my art space and materials (that's a tough one!)

My very own art tutorial: Recycled Dryer Sheets for Mixed Media Art

For this project you will need used dryer sheets and freezer paper (shiny side up).  You will also need some adhesive, I suggest using an acrylic gel medium or a book binding glue (that's what I used).  I love the book binding glue because it's meant to be flexible and dries super quick!  You will need an inexpensive brush to apply the adhesive as well.

You will want to have some papers to collage onto most of the surface, as this is what gives the dryer sheet the strength to be used in sewing projects and such.  I've tried tissue paper, napkins (stripped down to one ply) and painted or dyed paper towels.  I think I like the thickness, texture and strength of the paper towel the best.  Scrapbook papers work well too, but I would use the thinner variety.

You need a variety of acrylic paint colors.  I used Golden fluid acrylics, but anything should work well.  I also used colored copic markers, a sharpie, stamps and different objects to scrape and spread the paint around.

I am still experimenting with this technique (using the dryer sheets), but so far I am really impressed with how well they turn out!  I plan on using them to make handbags, wallets, pencil pouches, eyeglass cases, etc...I may also back them with sheets of fused plastic bags for more durability and to make them 100% recycled art.

Let me know what you think, and show me what you come up with if you decide to try it out!