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Art Journal Page Using Distress Embossing Glazes
Today I want to share with an art journal page using Distress Embossing Glazes and pastes called “In the Darkness.” Over the last few weeks, I have been processing the events in the United States with the death of George Floyd. It has brought up some strong emotions for me. Social justice is important to me, and to see what is happening in the US is breaking my heart. I Believe I do not want to talk about politics, but I do feel that I should say something about what has happened. I believe that every life is precious and valuable. I believe that we need to love mercy and…
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4 Ideas for Using Gelli Printing in Your Projects
Today I want to share with you 4 ideas for using Gelli printing in your projects. Last week I wrote an article and provided tutorials about how to make Gelli prints. As a follow up to those tutorials, I want to give you some practical ideas for using Gelli printing in your projects. Creative Ways to use Gelli Prints It is not always easy finding creative ways to use Gelli prints in your projects. When I first started Gelli printing, I would end up with a stack of great prints that I had no idea how to use in other projects. I generally just pasted them onto journal pages and…
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In Time It’s Going to be Okay
This week I have been reflecting on the changes in life that we all have been experiencing lately. There is so much uncertainty. How do we effectively handle our emotions when things are so unsure? The thought struck me that “In time it’s going to be okay.” Right Now it Does not Feel Okay Right now it does not feel okay. I found that for the first month of social isolation and distancing I was able to stay quite hopeful and focused. The longer this is dragging out, the more I need to force myself to be focused and to practice self-care. It requires more diligence and more focus than…
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Inspiration Over Manipulation Art Journal Project
The idea of inspiration over manipulation has been on my mind this week and I wanted to share this art journal project with you. The concept of inspiration over manipulation is something I learned from the book Start with Why by Simon Sinek which I did a book review on last week. I really like the concept of inspiration over manipulation. It’s about how we can make the choice to live our lives in a way that allows us to inspire others over manipulating others. I think it’s a great reminder to live authentically and in a way that shows respect for others and for their values and beliefs. The…
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Art Journal Project “I’m Feeling Blue”
Today is Blue Monday and it is considered one of the most depressing days of the year. Instead of looking at Blue Monday as a depressing day, I believe that there are many reasons to have hope on this day. Yesterday I wrote an article about Blue Monday and the tools and strategies that I use to stay positive when I’m feeling blue. Being Blue As I was thinking about Blue Monday, I had a great idea for an art journal project. Instead of “being blue” as a prompt for depression, why not have it be part of something playful and joyful? I wanted to do an art page that…
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Why I Killed my Ego
This week my thoughts have turned to the concept of ego and moving past fear based living to acceptance. Have you had moments where you have said things you didn’t mean and felt instant regret? Have you had moments of wanting to hide something that you’ve done because you were too ashamed to tell the truth? All of us in some point in our lives look at our actions and ask “What in the world was I thinking?” This is why I killed my ego. What is Ego? Ego can be defined as your personal identity or sense of self-worth. In Latin, ego translates as “I.” By nature, our ego is…
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Finding Creativity Through Art Journaling
Earlier this week I wrote about the Importance of Creativity and the need for creativity in our daily lives and the lessons it teaches. I created a video to provide a synopsis of the article. As I was thinking about the Importance of Creativity and how it affects my artistic process, I wanted to share some of my creative art journaling ideas with you. My hope is that you will see the possibilities that come with the medium. Why Art Journaling? Art journaling is very freeing as you don’t have to stick to a particular medium or style. It can be a place for personal meditation and expression. I…
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The Art of Self-Discovery: An Art Journaling Project
As part of my weekly rejuvenation time, I pulled out my art journal to do some reflecting. I was thinking back to the article I wrote last week on Self-Discovery and wanted to record some of the things that I want to remember about this season and these moments. Why Art Journaling? My journal not only lets me get my feelings down and helps me to be able to move past them, but also provides an opportunity to remember the important things and the important lessons. As I flip through my journal, each page brings me back to the emotions and the feelings that I had at the time when…
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Art Journaling Project “How did I end up here?”
After posting the article last week “How did I end up here?” Finding Awareness in our Everyday Lives, I was working in my art journal to find a way to express my feelings about awareness and my journey into awareness in artistic form. I’d like to share this project with you in hopes that you find some inspiration through it. My Design Process My intention with this piece was to convey the emotions of feeling confused and conflicted to becoming aware. The darkness on the left hand side is to represent the darkness I felt in my spirit, the feelings of being trapped, confused and feelings of despair. The raindrops are to…
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Welcome to Hop-A-Long Studio
Over the last few years I’ve come to understand how pivotal art and creativity has been to my own self- care. Having spent most of my working life in a corporate environment, I have always found it hard to “turn off” at the end of the day. How did I deal with the pressure and stress of the workplace? I found artistic and creative expression through mediums such as mixed media painting, art journaling and photography. They have been especially helpful to be able to express my feelings, to understand them and to move past them. In 2018 I hit a crossroad. I was on the road to serious burn…
The Art of Self-Care
