15 minutes of mixed media: an exercise in art and time management

You might remember reading here that I have to sometimes give myself small amounts of time in the studio, as opposed to none. I'll take it.

Some days are great and I get in there for hours on end. Others, not so much. I have been debating on how I could make those few moments more productive. This is what I came up with. - set a timer. That's it. Nothing monumental, nothing life altering. Just simple time management.

It works for violin practice. It works for silent reading. It works for time out. Why couldn't it work for art journaling? painting? project planning?

And so I bought a cute timer and I set it. This is what I got on day one. A beautiful art journal page. I worked quickly and diligently, but with no pressure to finish. After all, I get to set the timer again tomorrow.

For those inquiring minds- I set the timer for 15 minutes for this layout and I completed it in that time frame. I worked on foundation page that already had a base print that I created using the gelli plate. (my favorite tool of all time) Sorta like beat the clock only better, and prettier.

art stuff: tag love

I love tags and I use them for everything. They are cheap and you can buy them in bulk. Most recently this is my favorite.

A little art paper, dylusions inks, some stitching and this stamp set (my favorite). Add a little ribbon and and you have a pretty card for that special someone.

the process: simple painted berry basket

I picked up these berry baskets at my local feed store this past spring and have been using them in the pantry every since. Thought I would dress a few of them up for fun!

 

It was a simple process. First I painted the base of the basket with craft paint. I used a lighter wash of the same color for the inside of the basket.

 Next I doodled on my basket. I used a variety of different sized paint pens.

I added a few little pops of color along the way, using craft paint, followed by more doodles.

 Super quick. Super easy. And a pretty way to display your favorite trinkets or present a holiday basket of goodies to your neighbor!

Blessings to you and yours at Holidays and always! Enjoy!

art stuff: pretty stuff & a chance to win

This is on the worktable this week - pretty zipper pouches...

These two bold and bright babies are sold, but look for more in my etsy shoppe next week! If you like this you could try to win THIS ONE in an auction over at this talented girls blog! But hurry - you only have until Friday!

studio stuff: work is good

...even if it means a big mess.

sneak peek: more stamp love

Did I mention I am in LOVE with these new Mixed Media Essentials Stamps by Roben-Marie Smith?

Want to see all the awesome projects I created using this stamp set? Click here for loads of inspiration!

sneak peek: stamp love

More soon - but I just had to share a peek at my new favorite stamps by Roben-Marie Smith - Mixed Media Essentials.

art stuff: art journal layers

Today is another layers day.

art stuff: revisiting a favorite

Is it weird that looking at favorite art journaling pages makes me happy?

art stuff: adding layers

Walking away from an art journal page is sometimes difficult, but coming back to it can be rewarding.