• Art,  Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Clearly Transparent in Art and Life

    I love using transparent items in my art journal. They offer a unique and fun element throughout the pages of an art journal. Transparency provides layers you can see. Some clear items you can include in your art journal; Print on saran wrap with acrylic paint Use clear post it tabs Keep packaging that’s clear and colorful. Use it to add surprising bits and pieces. Use your gel plate to print on a transparency Just as in art, being transparent in life has great benefits. While it’s important to have healthy boundaries when ‘putting yourself out there,’ there are so many benefits for those sharing and those listening. Being transparent…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Got Five Minutes?

    Just five minutes? The Ugly Art Club (TUAC) hosted by the fun Tiffany Goff Smith, Kristin Petersen, and DeeDee Cantron, offers a five-minute challenge to create and promote a daily habit of creativity. It’s a blast. Any medium. While I’ve had a lot taking place at work and home and haven’t been able to take those five minutes a day. But that doesn’t stop me from trying when I can. I find it so therapeutic. Feel free to follow the TUAC on Instagram HERE and follow along. Hopefully we follow one another on Instagram as well. Create along with me HERE. Here was my couple of takes thus far .…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Mixed Media

    Instagram Jam

    Instagram is such a visual platform. A lot takes place there. Some of you may be Instagram peeps, others not. I find it interesting that there is certainly a different group of people on Instagram, than on Facebook. I did want to share some of my Instagram activity that I haven’t shared here on my blog. Maybe you’d like to pop on over just to take a peek. You can check it out here. Either way, I’m wishing you a lovely week. Warmest Creative Wishes,

  • Art Journaling,  Gel Press Creations,  Life,  Mixed Media

    Mixed Media Favorite Resources

    Oh how I loved to combine, make old things new, and jazz up my art journaling pages. I thought I’d share a post about just a few of my favorite Mixed Media Resources. Be prepared to be enabled. Gel Press – mono printing at it’s best, these tools create one of a kind prints to frame, use in art journals, on cards, and more. Can purchase at Gelpress.com or at Joggles.com Stampington and Company – several inspiring publications that are sure to spark ideas and to view the amazing work of Creatives. UmWowStudio – Dee Dee Cantron has some amazing fun goods you can purchase at the UmWowStudio. They are…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Faith,  Gel Press Creations,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Life & Art

    Life can get busy. This month has been no exception with work, celebrations, living, caring for yourself, and more . . . time can fly. Art is definitely therapy for me when facing the stressors of life. Well, here we are at the end of the month of August. I thought I’d share a very brief recap. A group of ladies attended our annual Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach for our annual outing. It was fantastic this year and one of my favorite so far! Here are some highlights as to some art I’ve created in August. Is there a message that speaks to you? How are you…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Cards,  Crafts,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Life,  Mixed Media

    ICAD’s and Coming to a Close

    What in the world is an ICAD? Well you can find out more HERE and HERE. While I have about a week more to go on creating ICAD’s, I thought I’d share with you some views from the last couple weeks. How about you? What are you working on. I know some of you here have shared you’re participating as well. Yay. I really feel that creating on a regular basis is so beneficial. I post several of these and other art, prompts, thoughts, challenges and inspiration on my Instagram account if interested. You can find me HERE if you want to follow along. Oh how I love the creative…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Cards,  Creative,  Gel Press Creations,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Art Each Day Helps Stress Stay Away

    It’s proven that creating art helps to lower blood pressure and help stress. While it’s not 100%, creating does help! I’ve had stressors in my life recently and participating in the Index Card A Day challenge (ICAD) has helped me take even just a bit of time to create a small work of art. Most recently, below are some of the most current cards I created with lots ‘o texture. Interested in knowing more? Search #icad. I shared some from the first half HERE. It runs through the end of this month. I’m keeping up although it’s been challenging at times. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for art. Art sure helps save…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Faith,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Thoughts

    Purpose – An Art Journal Spread

    Recently I spent some time in my art journal and created this odd but fun spread with dinosaurs. The title that came to me was from a sticker and it says, ‘Found himself in a strange land.’ It just reminded me that sometimes I do find myself in odd places in my life but there is still purpose in those times and circumstances. Maybe those unusual challenging times stretch and grow us, or possibly they make us more grateful. Those strange times and events may be taking place so that we can help someone walk on this journey called life, or maybe in turn, they are encouraging us. I want…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Artsy Adventures (Outings, Flea Marketing and More),  Crafts,  Creative,  Handcrafted Journals,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Not So Traditional Scrapbooking

    Art Journaling, the Flea Market & an Update

    Life has been busy recently with lots of ups and downs. We traveled to Minnesota where we explored waterfalls, visited dairy farms, cheese stores, a coffee shop in the woods near Duluth, held a memorial for my father in law, spent time with family, spent time at a lake house on Lake Minnetonka, and more. I also managed to get Bronchitis. Upon returning I lost a dear friend to cancer, attended a lovely wedding, and celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. It’s been a little wild. Whew. I don’t know about you all, but I love the adventure of attending a flea market.. Whether to stroll and just view the treasures…