Having fun exploring backgrounds. It seems that since I've been making my own journals, I've wanted to make more art! I did this book for my Journal Journey Workshop on Roses to share based on Karin Bartimole's video and it is full of pages. So I've been using them to create fun backgrounds, and if I stay disciplined, I'll do a few pages a day! Wish me luck...!

Cleaning out my studio space and thinking maybe I need to take over the dining room table. But, then I paused to admire my work! I know! Sometimes I forget why I enjoy what I do so much until I look at it! So, I started finding a spot for the works I don't want to let go of...and I am working on keeping my collection sized to fit in this nook. I hope. I'll try anyway! I never used to keep things that I made, but maybe I'm getting older or something, because now I want to surround myself with some of my art because it reminds me how happy I am when I creating! When all I have is my studio mess and supplies to look at, I forget! Does this happen to you?

Now back to cleaning! And then, I am back to creating new things!

Karin Bartimole inspired this journal that I made yesterday. I created it based on her video instructions with some variations so that I could do my beadwork. If you have an opportunity to visit her blog and send your support, please visit Karin's beautiful pages.



I used heavy Kraft paper inside to hold all the media I plan to load into it for my mixed media background experiments!

Meet Me In Paris Swap for January!

Here is my journal page for Hands and Heart Journal Group of the Zodiac...

Please come learn about the Penny Tree Auction dedicated to our dear PFATT sister Penny.

These are my recent journal pages. I really feel like the experience of this workshop exploration is insanely wonderful!!

Here are my latest pages!

For those who may wish to FINALLY DO IT!
The Journal Journey Begins...




I'm hosting this group on Roses, and you are welcome to join. This group is self guided, but our goal is to all hold hands and support each other on our journey as we explore and set free our creative voice. It isn't important to share your pages if you don't want to. What is important is that you DO your pages, and pop in and share what you like, when you like. I hope to keep it inspiring, positive, and reflective.

I think journeys are especially exciting, and a journal journey is an exploration that I have wanted to embark on for so long. I've done many diaries: sketch diaries, painting diaries, but I wanted to create a group where women could get together and just share from the heart. No strings, no obligations. Just an honest to goodness workshop that only costs us our time. I'm in it for the long haul, because I am the kind of the person who sticks to things once I commit. Last year I had to delay the journal journey because I needed to get Roses up and going. I had no idea how much was involved (or how much I would love building a community) but now that she is on her feet, I want to get back to basics again and keep the creativity alive and flowing, not only through myself, but I want to share the experience with others in a genuine atmosphere of supportiveness.

I have my journal book done, and I have my first few pages done. This weekend another prompt will be posted and I can't wait to start on it. It doesn't feel like a pressure anymore, it feels more like a gift I can give myself! My journal time is truly for ME! I will try to share some of my pages here too when I can. If you are interested in participating, your welcome to come on over.

My beautiful newly inspired bottle art...just couldn't help loving her!



I almost always use bright and vibrant colors, however this color palette seemed just right for the sentiments I've expressed here. I really love this little girl so much!

Let the year begin...




Listen...can you hear it? It is the sound of your creative voice calling. I listened and answered. And, I am back to journaling once again. Life interrupted my journey once already and I had to put off the work. But art journaling is work, and don't let anyone tell you that it isn't! I know, there are so many books on how to start one, how to keep one, blah, blah, blah! But for me, it's like looking at a weight loss program...the outcome looks great, but who has the time or energy?

Well, keeping an art journal really is NOT like a diet unless you are looking at the outcome instead of the journey. The journey is what it is all about and not the destination. You can join me at Roses if you want some company with your journal work. We all know it will be work, but there is a satisfaction and a connection that we make when we work in our journals, and I've been missing that!