sneak peek: art journal page

Combining a little book paper, some sketching and inks, upcycled stencils and a white out pen.

studio storage: accordion files & collage papers

It is no great secret that I love to be organized. And it is obvious by looking around here that I love containers and storage systems, but until now, I just hadn't found the perfect filing system for my collage papers. You know the ones? Those odd shaped and indeterminate sized scraps that we just have to keep! Enter these awesome little accordion file jackets. Oh my- is that a CHEVRON PATTERN I see? They are the perfect size for storing all of those odds bits and pieces I want to hang onto for collaging, mail art and card making. Have bigger scraps or a need to file your larger book pages and paper? I love these accordion files by Martha Stewart Home Office! Do you want to know the very best part about this little studio storage project? These little puppies were only $1 each in the Dollar Section at my local Target. Now making this will be a snap!

art stuff: a new stencil & chevron pattern love

The Chevron Pattern is hot right now! I love this fresh and funky motif and gravitate to it over and over again. No shock then, when I saw this Heidi Swapp stencil, and I had to have it! This pattern is modern and chic and just plain yummy when added to an art journal page.

I have spotted this pattern all over this week. A few of my favorites are these colorful bouncy balls, I found here, and these delicious folding step stools that caught my eye here!

I think I will explore how I can incorporate this new favorite pattern into my home decor. Stay tuned!

my style: sparkle mod podge

I just have to start by saying what hundreds of other artists are saying out there - "mod podge rocks." Seriously. There is even an entire blog devoted to mod podge called just that - MOD PODGE ROCKS. It is filled with ideas for crafters of all levels using mod podge as a medium. I know that here in Florida it gets a bad name because of the humidity - but trying it on a different base may be all it takes to change your mind.

I admit - I have struggled with using it on chipboard and paper at times - but the more I work with it, the better I get a feel for it. I am really in love with it lately and have learned that I can use it on anything. Like this beautiful art journal I created for a friends birthday.

I created the base out of canvas. In the process I began painting on the canvas. I really liked the way it was looking, but it was lacking something. It needed a pop of something, that in this case, color wasn't giving me. I decided to try smearing on a coat of SPARKLE MOD PODGE. The recipient of this gift likes bling and so I knew she would love the glittery look. You could use matte or gloss finish as well.

When I was creating the cover of this journal I did all of my painting and stitching first, then I added a single coat of SPARKLE MOD PODGE over the top of all the exposed canvas areas, covering the paint and stitching alike.

I love the feel of this journal now. And it is not sticky. NOT. ONE. BIT. -and I love the pliable stability it gave to the canvas. The added sparkle gave it a pretty zing too! So - if you haven't played around with mod podge lately, I would give it another go. The perk for me? The price tag!

I created this project on my own and the makers of MOD PODGE, PLAID CRAFTS are not paying me to advertise their product. I just love it, so I thought I would give them a shout out!

on the worktable: art journal peek

The story continues in this art journal peek. Incorporating more words with meaning and lots of color.

on the worktable: art journal page

Art journal peek - finally I am getting my story down. Words in art - powerful and healing.

when your heart swells to bursting

Today I woke with a happy heart. I am just home from a quaint art retreat with a small number of friends. I am a not a person that shares their feelings outloud easily, and while I am not entirely "there" yet on that front, I can tell you this - I left that retreat a better, stronger, happier woman than I arrived. The simple acts of kindness and friendship that presented themselves in those few days were so very important to me. I left knowing it is okay to want to slow down. It is okay to be disappointed. It is okay to dream big. It is okay to want and need help to succeed in those dreams. I embraced my disappointments, reveled in kindness and gathered my refreshed strength to come home and try again. No wonder I woke with a full heart. I am so appreciative of the friendships in my life. The ones that are both near and far. The ones that are both new and old. They make me a better, stronger, healthier person. Thank you, friends, for that.

on the worktable: art journal

I had some fun recently experimenting with Gelli Arts, gel printing plates. This thing is SO cool! Once you get started you can't stop - it is totally addicting and super fun! Just squeeze some acrylic paints on the plate, roll with a brayer like this one, lay your paper over the top and press. Don't make the mistake I did in thinking you could only use the gelli plate a handful of times- you can use it forever! Silly me!

My favorite part of this was experimenting with all of the colors. Acrylic paints work best and that means getting to use budget friendly supplies, a bonus in my book. I experimented with book paper, deli paper, journal paper and even tissue paper. Each sheet turned out beautifully. I can't wait to journal on some of these papers. Thank you to my great teacher and friend, Roben-Marie for the tips and mini lesson.

my style: art and a little R & R

I love all of my readers and am so grateful for the time that they give to my little corner of the web each day. With that said, I am overdue for a little art time and R & R, so I am headed to a little retreat for a few days. Nothing but art and laughter and rest....a perfect way to rejuvinate! See you in a few days!

21 secrets: finished project 3 of 21

My third project is completed and it was so much fun! "Following the Wild Winds" with instructor Carissa Paige was endearing and inspiring. I loved her friendly chatter as we wove our way through a process that made letting go on paper easy and enlightening! Here is a peek at what I created in her class.Would you like to join in and create alongside of us? You can here! Want to see the first two projects I completed? Project 1 and Project 2. Enjoy!