• Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Art Journaling & Perspective

    The world is full of different perspectives, especially right now. An art journaling page, some sketching and a reminder to me that we are all coming from different experiences, places, backgrounds, and perspectives. Knowing this, let’s be patient with one another. Products used on these pages: Pink Fresh Washi which I actually purchased at Stamp Fever for you locals Gel Press (Hexagon Shape) Warmest creative wishes to you friends,

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Mixed Media

    Be Silly

    Especially today, right now, there is a lot of stress in life. There’s worry about a pandemic, and the future. There’s strife about politics. Several tasks that used to be fun or relaxing are now work or a ‘chore.’ With all the stuff going on in life . . . it’s good to be a little silly sometimes. I created the below art journal page as a reminder of the importance of being silly and carefree. As adults I think we get caught up at times in having so much responsibility and forget to let loose a little. Run in the sprinklers, enjoy some ice cream, play a funny game…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Mixed Media

    Beautiful Differences – An Art Journal Entry

    Dina Wakley does an art journal challenge titled “Show Us Your Media.” This month the challenge is . . . “I’m grateful for color.” I was thinking about the beauty of the different colors – the orange, pinks and reds of a sunset or the shades of green on the coast of Ireland. The blues of an ocean or lake, and the variety of colors found in flowers. Just like the contrasts of colors found in nature, so it is with us as humans. We are each unique with a special DNA, personality, gifts, talents, skin tone, hair color and more. If we were all the same, what a boring…

  • Planning

    Back to Creating in my Planner

    I picked up a MAMBI Happy Planner last year and I love it. I got a deal on it. I started really planning and keeping my appointments, birthdays, events, etc. recorded in my planner earlier this year. Then I got sick with pneumonia. But I’m back to planning, creating, and decorating. I find that planning in your planner can help your outlook for the future, even if they are small things or reminders. I thought I’d share some images from past layouts earlier this year and the current month of July (not finished yet). The weather in California has been heating up in July so I pulled out the sweet…

  • Art,  Crafts,  Life,  Thoughts,  Tutorials and How to's

    Organizing – With What You Have

    I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the money to purchase a large organization cabinet with all the bells and whistles or to redo every container to match. Would I like to, yes, but I’m being real here. Getting your art studio or creative space organized with what you have or inexpensive options can boost creativity and productivity. I think if I had the choice and won the lottery tomorrow, I just might purchase a bit of a better system but I’d keep it eclectic and where I could see it. I do like my system now, it’s just it could always use improvement. But one of the…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts,  Tutorials and How to's

    Be Wise – Lil’ Butterfly

    I created this art journal layout as a reminder that all that goes into my mind, effects my heart. Being careful of what we do with that we let in is so important, and plays a role on our health, our well-being, and on those around us. This page resonated with me, and I’ve also shared some thoughts below. People are people. We are all humans and there’s a certain dignity and respect we should show one another as mere humans. There is a bigger perspective. So often we see things just from our experiences and upbringing. There is a bigger view than just ours. Yes, there’s a bigger and…

  • Art Journaling,  Creative,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    A Good Distraction

    I find art journaling brings me a great and creative distraction. Maybe it’s a moment away from all the happenings in the world, or maybe just using my hands. Either way, I find it encouraging and therapeutic. Life for all as a nation and world , hasn’t been easy lately. I want to encourage you to do something that calms your spirit and is therapeutic. I used the following supplies on the above art journal spread; Dina Wakley Gloss Spray (Lime, Cheddar, Turquoise, White) Tim Holtz Distress Crayon (Tumbled Glass) Misc. Dotted Stencil (Recollections) Deli Paper Sponge Black Permanent Pen Here’s a quick how to on the above pages: Page…

  • Crafts,  Creative

    Favorite New Paper Crafting Finds

    Well a girl can dream, right? I thought I’d share some new and beautiful paper crafting items. Looking for a new paper collection or some stamps? The following are some of my favorite picks. Oh this cute ‘Fresh Bouquet’ Collection is new from Crate Paper and ready for pre-order! Absolutely darling. Below are just a few of the cute elements. See the whole collection HERE. What a great collection by P13 perfect for Summer Memories. This collection is titled ‘The Four Seasons ~ Summer.’ Those Summer florals and fruit are classic! More HERE. I’m loving P13 collections and this new one is no exception titled ‘Sunshine.’ You can see it…

  • Uncategorized

    Celebrating Freedom

    Rodney, Abigail and I have lived in other countries and let me tell you, there is nothing like the freedom we have in America. It is certainly to be celebrated with gratitude and goodness. Wishing you a safe 4th as we celebrate freedom in our country. I leave you with a new rendition of “I’m Proud to Be An American.” Can we do better, you bet. Do we still live in a country that has dedicated men and women and freedom like no other, you bet. We played this song at our wedding as I married an amazing man and Marine. He was wearing his dress blues and freshly home…

  • Art,  Crafts,  Creative,  Mixed Media

    10 Ways to Add Sparkle Using Stickle’s Glitter Gel – #7 and #8

    Once again, I am sharing at least ten ways to use Ranger’s fantastic luminous medium; Stickles Glitter Gel. Looking for other ways, check out prior blog posts. So many ways to use this versatile medium, Stickle’s Glitter Gel. The 7th way you can create a lovely interest on your pages with Stickle’s Glitter Gel is by using it around a mask, like you would paint. It provides a unique contrast. The 8th way you can use the gel is to lay a layer of acrylic spray or Tim Holtz Distress Ink Spray onto an embellishment. Let it dry and then add a coat of your favorite Stickle’s Glitter Gel on…