• Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Mixed Media

    Grateful for Smiles ~ Art Journal Page

    I’m wondering if we took advantage of smiles from strangers in the past? Now, under a mask, we need to smile with our eyes, so to speak. Either way, there are ways we can convey a greeting such as a nod , a little wave, or a wink (if appropriate). I don’t know how many of you participate in the Ranger/Dina Wakley challenge. Each month both on Dina and Ranger’s website a prompt is posted. The challenge is to use the prompt and create with Dina Wakley media. You can create a tag, page, or anything. Post it with specific hashtags they provide. This month’s prompt is “I’m grateful for…

  • 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,  Life,  Mixed Media,  Nature,  The Homestead,  Thoughts

    Using Recyclables In Your Art

    The below art journaling page is made from scraps and some paint. I am always picking up things off the ground that have rusty goodness or a look of old to them. I’m always keeping an eye out for things that have had a prior life or purpose and using them in art. I make sure I clean my hands and the item after collecting it, but recycling, or ‘upcycling’ is something can be fun and make your pages unique. I’m thinking more art journal here, but below are some items you could upcycle; Some things I’ve collected along the way and used include; Metal pieces that are rusty (can…

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

    10 Ways To Add Sparkle Using New Stickles Glitter Gel

    Have you seen Ranger’s new Stickles Glitter Gel? Oh my the sparkly bliss! If you’re local, I’m happy to report that Stamp Fever in Orange, California has several colors of the glitter gel in stock. Linda at Stamp Fever is a delight and so is shopping at her store. Such great finds! You will find shopping there a lovely experience whether you’re a stamper or mixed media enthusiast. During this time of Covid quarantine, she’s offering curbside delivery. The colors are so delicious and depending on what you layer the stickles on, it can lend to different effects. Colors include Asteriod, Dark Matter, Moon Dust, Nebula, Solar Flare, and Super…

  • Art Journaling,  Creative,  Creative Planners,  Mixed Media,  Sketching,  Tutorials and How to's

    Bella Crafts E-Book and DIY ‘Be Inspired’ Eileen Hull’s Pocket Notebook

    Eileen Hull’s Pocket Notebook die manufactured by Sizzix is so versatile! The possibilities to create unique books of all kinds are endless. Myself, and several other crafters were a part of Eileen Hull’s Pocket Notebook Release Party in October of last year. My original post can be found HERE. I’m excited to share again within the pages of Bella Crafts most recent E-book published which is chock full of inspiration and ideas to use the Pocket Notebook Die. This E-book chock full of E-nspiration for less than $13, will wow you will so many ideas on how to use this die. To download your own copy you can check more…

  • Art,  Art Journaling,  Creative,  Mixed Media,  Nature,  Sketching

    Natural Dyeing and Embroidery

    What to do with all that beautiful fabric you dyed using fruits, flowers and vegetables? See more HERE. Here’s what I did. Stamp on it: create a sketch, transfer it to a sheet of rubber, then carve a stamp. You can also use a stamp you already have. Ink that stamp up and place on a piece of your naturally dyed cloth. Embroider all or parts of the stamped image. Here are my results. Secondly, I created an art journal page to remember my combinations and the outcome of the dyeing experiments. I encourage you to try something you’ve never done before. It just might be stress releasing and over…

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

    Eileen Hull’s Pocket Notebook Release Party

    Welcome to the Pocket Notebook Release Party! I’m so thrilled to be a part of this exciting release. This is Eileen Hull’s newest book die with Sizzix. On the die, you get all the pieces you need to make an entire book; the cover, pages, latch and pen loop! The Pocket Notebook measures 6 3/4″ x 4 1/2″ with a spine that can adjust from 3/8″ to almost 2″. String it with elastic, hemp, ribbon, or twine. This die is so versatile. Eileen’s Inspiration and Educator teams have joined together to show you amazing Pocket Notebook ideas. Feel free to join in on the Blog Hop to see all the…

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

    25 Cool Ways to Use Washi Tape

    There are so many different ways to use washi tape! The possibilities are abundant and if you’re a paper crafter like me, I’m sure you have more than one roll of washi. It comes in different textures, colors and sizes and is so much fun! For the most part, it’s can be inexpensive too. I wanted to share with you 25 favorite ways to use washi tape.  I’ve included a couple of my own photos as well as some links from others where you can complete your own diy washi projects. Enjoy. I’d love to know if you try any of these.  25 Favorite Ways to Use Washi Tape Jazz…