Showing posts with label journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journal. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Journal and Card Workshops











I truly believe that journaling at a young age saved my sanity and my life. Journaling is the way that I focus and ground myself. I sleep better when I journal before bedtime. Journaling is a personal history, an exploration of my life. As I look back over time through my journals, I have found that my prayers have been answered and I've learned to be much more thankful for all I have and for who I am becoming.











I enjoy teaching and sharing, especially anything about journaling. A couple of years ago I conducted a journaling workshop at a women's retreat. The only problem with giving workshops is that I see all the beautiful things others are creating and I have no time to create during the workshop. However, at this particular women's retreat, I was able to create two quick journals (pictured above). I was able to share in the creation experience with the lovely and talented ladies who attended.

In my neighborhood, there are several ladies who love to come over and make cards. We sit and chat while working on our stash of birthday and thank you cards. I usually give a quick little demonstration on how to use tools or techniques that they can try out. As they get more accomplished at card creation, I have more opportunity to relax and create with them. I am very blessed to be able to teach and create. I am also blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Art Journal Pages

I took a class in making handmade books, back in July 2008 at Yavapai Community College. It was at that time I started my art journal. I haven't been very consistent at adding to it. I seem to go through fits and spurts, experimenting, adding notes about possible art projects and doing some sketching. The following was my first experiment with water color pencils. I really enjoyed scribbling and swishing around the color with my watercolor brush (it has a water vessel in the handle). I can water color on the go (or in bed) without worry about spills.

















What I'm finding is that I'm also using it for spiritual journaling about my personal walk in life. This image was one of my first spiritual drawings in my art journal.
















So I guess that my art journal has become multi-faceted. I'm not sure I like the fact that I'm using my art journal for so many things. I'm so use to organizing and categorizing everything that I find myself a little unnerved by this flagrant disorganization. But it is what it is. I suppose I could pull the pages out and put them in separate books - but then I would lose the continuity. I think it is more important to see the changes and growth through both my art and spiritual journey.