Art Journaling

I cannot believe that I never uploaded a picture of my art journal before now.

I made it out of half of an old leather folder that I found at Goodwill. I've been in the process of embroidering the strap and have other plans for decorating the outside of it, but of course, that is slow going at best. lol

I apply white gesso on the pages and give them a light sanding before I use them. Here are the latest two pages that I've done:


I started a new page this morning, but wont be able to finish it until tonight. Keeping up with my art journaling is another of my New Year's Resolutions. Wish me luck!

Recently I joined Milliande's Art Community for Women and she has a section on Art Journaling that I am anxious to be a part of. I think it will really help me stay on task with my own journaling. Wish me luck!

'Till later...

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Staying on Track

Staying on track, course, or the right path is sometimes one of the most difficult things that we creatives are faced with.


We see, we read, and therefore we are like Blackbirds, drawn to the next shiny thing that catches our eye...and we most often hoard our finds, sometimes forgetting that we ever bought them in the first place and better yet, we've most likely forgotten what on earth we were going to do with them once we had them.


Also, dare I mention that along with those piles of forgotten new supplies, are even more cubbies filled with projects that are in various stages of completion?


As I've been working on re-organizing my shop, I've found things that I swear I never bought! It's kind of like Christmas! However, being faced with the realization that I've either bought or found, stashed, and forgot about these things is a little bit frightening.


Have you ever seen the show "Clean House" on the Style channel? I wonder if they ever had to deal with an artist or other similar creative type? I can tell you this, if Niecy and her team had to come here and deal with me, they'd be at their wits end. At this point, I'm happy to say I don't live anywhere near L.A. (they only work in the L.A. area), because I'm sure at least one of my kids would be making me an appointment.


So, how to combat this affliction of our most ardent affection of new supplies?


How do you stick with a project till the very end? I think I find it to be most difficult to stick with one because as I'm working, the colors, shapes, and even the tools I use seem to trigger new thoughts and ideas for future projects. I think what happens is that sometimes the thoughts are so strong I have to drop what I'm doing to start the new thing before I forget it.


How about you, what do you do?


Well, I'm off to weed through more! 'Till later...

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Enhancing my Creative Space

This week, in between working on custom orders, I'll be remaking my creative space! I really need to brighten up my space to lift my spirit again.

Like a lot of other artists, I've always loved peeking into other artists' creative spaces. They are all so inspiring!

So, I'm going to be repainting some of the walls in mine and adding more to the funky mural I started awhile back.

I also am hoping that I'll be able to move some things around, like my two large work areas/benches. I'm really tired of where they are and I really don't like to work with my back to the door. Especially when I have my air compressor going and music blaring. The way it is now, if someone walks up behind me and I don't hear them...well, I jump out of my skin if they tap me on the shoulder, or if I turn and they are standing right there! So, that definitely has to be changed for all of our health.

I've always been a fairly disorganized person, especially when it comes to keeping track of my supplies. So, I'm ready to pick myself up and continue my journey from disorganized to organized. I'll be sure to share pictures!

Wish me luck! 'Till later... =)

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Your First News Source for Everything Creative!

Find out the latest news, tips, trends, and more in the world of handmade by reading the newest online news source, Handmade News! It's a great way to start your day.

Handmade News is published daily, covering a variety of subjects such as: Inspiration, Guilds and Teams, Craft Techniques, Marketing, and so much more!

Stop by and have coffee with us each morning. We look forward to meeting you!

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"Handmade News" Needs You!

Would you like to be paid for your expertise by becoming a columnist for the new "Handmade News Publication" http://handmadenews.org ?

Right now we have two openings for columnists in the "Guilds and Teams Dept." ( http://www.handmadenews.org/department/index.php?did=14 )!

"Handmadenews.org is a vibrant collaboration and central repository for information and articles pertaining to all things handmade. With craft, indie, and modern cottage industry related information and articles to help keep you in the know. We are always seeking new Contributors, Columnists, and Editors and welcome fresh perspectives from bright voices."

Here is the link to more information and application:
http://www.handmadenews.org/home/application.php

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Your Creative Spirit

"Discover & Recover Your Creative Self"

I've dusted off my book and am about to go through "The Artist's Way" and would like for all of you to join me!

Julia Cameron, author of "The Artist's Way", "Vein of Gold", and "Finding Water" (to name a few) suggests that in order for us to learn more about ourselves and our world, we should start our own creative cluster and go through the book together. The book leads us to explore and face our dreams, fears, blocks, and personal challenges. The Creative Cluster is not a critique group, rather it is a place to gain creative confidence and courage. The cluster will help us cultivate our ability to be bold in whatever we do by offering group support and encouragement.

To accomplish this, I've set up a Creative Cluster Clubhouse here on ByHand.me. As the book suggests, we would cover one chapter per week in the order the book is laid out. We will use the CCC as a way to record our journeys, share ideas, and encourage and support other members with theirs.

If you don't have a copy of this book already and you'd like to join in, you can get the book for as little as $3.25 from Amazon. Click Here to view this book and select pages on Amazon.

This book is for everyone and all creative types: Writers, painters, crafters, actors, musicians, visual artists, jewelry artisans, etc..

Please join us and take part in this journey. Our start date will be May 10, 2009. This will allow some time for those who need to get a copy of the book and notebooks for our morning pages and other exercizes.

Once we complete The Artist's Way, we will be moving on to other inspirational and motivating books.

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