Fan page Art Journal Project 2012

  In the beginning... there was a title page.  Let the games begin xoxo 

Pretty little mess ;)

We are in this together xox-

Heart The Art Prompts 2010 Week #43 " Spooky "

Okay here it is, 3:30 New Year's Eve and I should be getting ready for our evening out but NOOOOOO   I'm getting caught up in my art journal!!   Crazy??  yeah well a little.   Here is # 43 and #44 is on the table almost complete!  I really wanted to be at 52 by tomorrow a.m but we have some wonderful plans for the evening and as much as I'd love to stay home and paint..... I'm really looking forward to dancing the night away to my hubby's band and cheering to a new year with my friends.  

  2010 was a year filled with many good times, heart breaks, stressful moments, some firsts in the family.... university, reuniting with new found friends and lots of love.   I wish you all a very healthy and happy new year and thank you all so much for your encouraging words and for following me on my journey of getting to know myself a little better through this art journey.   xoxox

Heart The Art Prompts 2010 Week #42 " Birthday"

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  No it's not my birthday yet, however week 42's prompt was "birthday" and that is why I am journalling about what I'd like to do for myself when My birthday arrives.  First I just need to say that I will be turning 42 and the  prompt is #42.  If I was on time with all of these it would not work out that way.... weird!
  Anyway this is the spread I came up with and it's colourful , fun , whimsical  and I think it works.  I have a lot of work to do if I want to lose those 10 pounds because anyone that knows me , knows that when I have free time I'd much rather be painting or creating jewelry.....exercise is not a priority but it has to change.  Getting older means the cheesecake doesn't come off as easy as it did when I was 30!

Heart The Art Prompts 2010 Week 38 "Positive"

This prompt goes nicely with my last post and so I let the artwork speak for itself. Peace , Love and Laughter to all :)

Heart The Art Prompts 2010 Week 37 "Question"

Hmmmm ? If you had to ask yourself a question what would it be? This weeks prompt was all about asking myself a question. I'm always talking to myself so I figured what's one more! Now because I was feeling a bit sorry for myself being stuck in NWO with all these recent snow storms and cold weather the question I was asking myself was "WHY AM I HERE???" Great question ! Arrrghhhh! Well because I am trying EXTREMELY hard to work on my positive attitude, put out only good vibes etc, etc. I turned it around and made it about the big picture. Why am I here? Why was I designed this way? What should I be doing while I'm here??? ok, that was 3 questions..... you get the point. This is the entry I came up with and I'd like to know what question you've been asking yourself lately, you might surprise yourself!

Heart The Art Prompts 2010 Week 36 "Together"

The timing for this page was perfect!! The feeling of togetherness was a true test in our home as our family has been dealing with some tough times and we just can't seem to get ahead. I know I am not the only one with a sob story and I don't want any sympathy or bore you with details, I just wanted to explain how this page has aided me by opening my eyes to the important things. My feeling is that when a couple is faced with a troublesome situation you have choices on how to deal with the issue to make it easier for yourself and those around you. My choice is not to make myself sick because of stress over things that are out of my control, nor will I choose to transfer my anger and frustration at my family. My page hopefully portrays what working together instead of against each other can bring rewarding results while riding out the storm. I'm not saying it's easy, but I know it is better. xo

See No Evil , Hear No Evi l, Speak No Evil

More whimsy ! How To ? Follow same instructions as "Love Blooms " These were painted on 8x8x2 wooden canvas so they can be hung up or stacked....now go play with your papers and paint like good little artists !

Just For Fun

Felt like having some fun with my paints today ,nothing too serious just easy and whimsical . Want to make your own? Here's how!
I gessoed my 12x12 stretched canvas (not necessary but I like to give the surface more tooth ) then using a glue medium I glued down various pieces of scrap book papers . I then sketched out a simple shape with a pencil ( I chose a flower but people work well also) picked out 2 colours of paint and put equal amounts on a flat surface right beside each other . I use a piece of plexiglas. Using a brayer, add the 2 paints by rolling it through the colours then apply around the image you've penciled in wiping off areas with a wet paper towel where you want the papers to show through . I like to wait until paint is almost dry for a distressed look. Gesso in the shape to prepare the image for paint and when dry proceed . Choose 2 more contrasting paints and repeat braying step . Add words using stickers or paint and then varnish to seal. Voila ! See I knew you could do it!

Friendship Book

This is a little memory book I made for a dear friend to celebrate our friendship , her birthday, and all the fun times we had together. I had a blast making it and I was finally able to give it to her last night. I'm so happy she liked it and I thought I'd share it here with all of you.

Nature Walk

Another watercolour from the '90's copied and re-born in my art journal. I have so much fun doing this! The girl in the painting was from a photograph in a Victoria magazine and she reminded me so much of myself at that age, playing in the outdoors, searching for treasures in nature, that it compelled me to paint this picture. Having it displayed in my art journal reminds me of that young version of myself and how I need to feed that inner child .

Art Journal - Colours of Nature

Working in my art journal is such a great way for me to relax and be creative without worrying about the outcome. It's a great way for me to work out any creative blocks and do some soul searching all at once. It really is my therapy. Sometimes even I am surprised at what the final outcome is as I have no plan when I begin . I just go in with the idea that I need to create something to keep the artistic juices flowing and I find something that is inspiring me at that precise moment (something on my desk, a phone call, my family, nature ....) and I let it just happen. Today I took my coffee outside and sat in the sun and looked around at all the beautiful surroundings. The lake, the wildlife, the sun in the trees.... and especially the beautiful birds that come to call. I looked down on the grass and I saw this beautiful piece of birch bark and just like that an idea was born. This is what inspired me today ,nature and it's gorgeous palette. I wonder what will inspire me tomorrow?