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Mixed Media Art Journal Project “Grow”
Do you ever struggle with bringing different mixed media products together on a page? In this week’s tutorial I will be demonstrating how to do so in this mixed media art journal project “Grow”. In this project we will be using watercolor, Brusho Crystal Colours and pastes through stencils to make a colorful and dynamic art journal page. The Intention I usually start every art journal project with an intention for the project. Sometimes, it is something as simple as trying out a new art product or image. Other times it is a thought, word, or idea to work through as I create. Sometimes it is hard to know where…
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3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours
As part of building Creative Foundations in our artistic practice, I will be demonstrating 3 ways to use Brusho Crystal Colours. These powders are a versatile medium that can be used in multiple applications including cards, journal projects and watercolor projects. What are Brusho Crystal Colours? Brusho Crystal Colours are highly pigmented watercolor crystals. These crystals can be used in a variety of ways including mixing with water to make a watercolor paint and sprinkled onto surfaces and misted to create interesting patterns. What makes them such an interesting product is that there are multiple colors of crystals within each color. This means that a green color will not just…
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Fall Leaf Card Project
Are you looking for some creative inspiration for this fall season? Fall leaves have been part of my inspiration for the last month, including this fall leaf card project. In Calgary I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a beautiful fall. Between the mild weather, changing leaves and sunny, crisp days, it has been a beautiful season. Thanksgiving and Gratitude Thanksgiving in Canada was in October, but as Thanksgiving in the USA is coming up soon, I thought sharing this fall leaf card project was rather timely. During this time of pandemic, it may be harder to visit family for the holiday celebrations. But there is no reason…
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Wet on Wet Watercolor Technique
This week’s project is an easy watercolor card using a wet on wet watercolor technique. I have been watercolor painting more lately as part of my personal self-care routine. Setting up your space for watercolor painting is so easy. All you need is watercolor paints, water and a watercolor sketchbook or a pad of watercolor paper. The easy set up gives you more time to paint when you don’t have unlimited time. Lately, I’ve only had about a half hour a day for painting, but I can do a lot in that time when I am painting with watercolors. Part of building a healthy self-care habit is making a…
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How to Use Watercolor Paint
This week I wanted to share with you how to use watercolor paint. I first attempted watercolor painting a few years ago and found I really enjoyed it. It can be fun and relaxing, but also challenging. Watercolor Painting and Self-Care Watercolor painting is one of my favorite activities when I am working on my personal self care. It does not require many materials. The paint can be re-wetted so I can work on a painting for a short period of time without worrying about wasting materials. It is a paint that requires minimal clean up. Watercolor is an ideal activity when I have only a few minutes for self-care…
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Art Journal Project Using Watercolor Paint and Distress Stains
This week I wanted to share with you an art journal project using watercolor paint and Distress stains. The inspiration for this page was in a moment where I did not feel very creative. Many of us struggle with creative ideas from time to time. I hope this simple page will encourage you to create even when you are not feeling inspired. You are Not Special You might be wondering why I chose this quote for this project, “You are not special, but what you have to offer to this world is valuable.” This thought came to mind when I was running errands a few weeks ago. I had been…
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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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How to Paint Watercolor Backgrounds
Have you ever wanted to paint watercolor backgrounds but didn’t know where to start? Do you feel intimidated about trying watercolor painting techniques? In this week’s Creative Foundations video I will be showing you how to effectively paint watercolor backgrounds. Watercolor as a Self-Care Activity Watercolor painting is an excellent self-care activity. It is a great foundational technique to use on cards and in journals. I often start cards and journal pages with a watercolor painting. Watercolor makes a great base layer. Not only is it quick and easy to do, the effect is very pleasing to the eye. Watercolor painting is very relaxing and meditative which helps foster self-care. The…
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Practicing Self-Care during the Holiday Season
Practicing self-care during the holiday season can be a bit of a challenge. It is a season filled with additional commitments. This can mean finding moments to relax and be mindful can be rare. It made me think of the self-care habits that I have in place over the holiday season that bring rest and restoration. Self-Care through Handmade Holiday Cards One of my self-care practices over the holiday season is making holiday cards. Not only do people love handmade cards, it can be an outlet for slowing things down and finding mindfulness. I find using a loose medium like watercolor is very relaxing. Working with my hands and concentrating…