art stuff: 15 minutes of mixed media

I started this a few weeks ago and it has really made a difference at how I look at a few minutes of art time.

Just choose a medium, set the timer and go to work!

I am more inspired than ever to take that time and make it mine! Today I am working in the small (5" x 8") Dylusions Creative Journal.

I created this page from start to finish with the timer set to 15 minutes. I had a few supplies laid out and ready to use, but nothing precut. I also used a heat embosser to help speed up the drying time in between layers.

Not only am I working on a journal layout, I am finishing it. This is the best idea I ever came up with! Enjoy!

art stuff: teeny tiny painted notebooks

Who doesn't love teeny tiny things? These notebooks are my favorite lately. They feel so great when they are all finished and look so much cooler to pull out of your bag or backpack than a regular ole' notebook.

These notebooks are just the right size for those little lists and reminders along the way.

And since I can't remember anything these days, I always have a few of them tucked away here and there - my bag, backpack, the car and of course, one on my nightstand, for the middle of the night - because THAT is when I remember everything I forgot during the course of the day!

Oooh and these make the sweetest little stocking stuffers! Check them all out here! BIG ones coming next week! (you know- for all those BIG IDEAS and LONG LISTS!)

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.

art stuff: she loves pretty

My number one fan loves PRETTY and so I always find myself creating things for her.

This painted pouch found it's way to her most recently and she did what she does best - applaud and drool and make me feel really, really good.

She has a gift for making someone feel like they are worth what they are doing, giving, creating. She has a gift for making someone feel cherished and loved.

I trust her judgement and I value her friendship. She is a gem and she deserves all the pretty she can get. I love you SK.

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!

art stuff: gift card pocket with ART POPS

So you know I love these ART POPS and have already created this sketchbook and this party invitation , but I wanted to share an idea with you on how you can use just one simple card to create a pretty gift card pocket.

I used one of the Lo's Serendipity Cards, painted and doodled the center, folded, stitched up the sides and added a smidge of sticky velcro.

 Super easy. Super cute. LOVE!

newsworthy: win this pretty painted pouch

I gave a little peek of this here, when I talked about Roben-Marie's awesome Mixed Media Essentials stamps and what I did with them, but...

...I wanted to give you a few more shots of what this pretty painted pouch looked like.

You can win this in an auction over at Roben-Marie's blog next week, so be sure to stop over and read all about it!

Good Luck! ...But don't worry if you don't win this one - more coming to the etsy shoppe here soon!

studio stuff: work is good

...even if it means a big mess.

art stuff: more fun with ART POPS

I continue to play with Roben-Marie Smith's new ART POPS! These pretty little cards are so inspiring and fun to create with...just look and see--->

ART POPS allowed me to journal over the fabric on my cover. I am in love. Here are a few more peeks at this yummy journal.

More of these recycled beauties coming to my ETSY SHOPPE soon! Just another way to make old junk pretty.

To read more about the new ART POPS and see my first project click here! Want to play with ART POPS in your next project? Get them HERE!