Handmade Little Monsters Journal

I’m starting a new handmade journal inspired by Margaret Peot’s book, “Inkblot.” The book is suitable for all ages and it brings out the kid in all of us.

Remember when you were a kid and you used your imagination to create images in clouds that floated by in the sky? The premise behind this book is basically the same. You create ink blots on your paper and then turn them into some type of image using your imagination.

I haven’t designed covers for it or even sewn the pages together yet because I’m changing the orientation of the pages as I go. So the layout isn’t quite final. But one thing’s for sure, I can’t stop laughing at these little monsters as they come to life. When you view the pages below you’ll understand why. Hope this inspires the kid in you to be a little silly today and create some art. If you’re interested in Margaret Peot’s book, “Inkblot” it’s available on amazon. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“The imagination is the pathway to everywhere.” ~Terence McKenna

PS – each one has a cute and fitting name 😂🤣😂

  1. Miss Bubbles
  2. Sarge
  3. Twinkle Toes
  4. Myrtle

Simplest Things Journal

Before getting back to business in the studio (and there’s lots to do), I had a bit more fun creating in my Simplest Things Journal. I’m finally getting that fall vibe going on and made this new page with splashes of fall colors. I don’t know why, but I really love the messiness of this design. It’s a bit chaotic but also calming.

I also used a few of the wildflower inchies from my stash to create several more pages. For the most part even though they don’t have a fall vibe going on, they’re dreaming they do😊 🍂🍁 My favorite flower inchie is the red one, it really pops!

Which is your favorite page?

Hope this inspires you to create art today, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“I can smell the autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin and crisp sunburnt leaves.” ~Unknown

Simplest Things Journal

I’ve been busy with so many things that I’ve been neglecting my Simplest Things Journal. So I thought it would be a good idea to create something new and give my mind a break. The original inspiration for creating these journal pages came from Amy Maricle’s Simplest Things Challenge at Mindful Art Studios.

What I love most in creating these designs is it’s a great way to unwind and destress. You create interesting art, in a short amount of time with simple elements like lines, circles, droplets or anything else you can think of. There are no rules, just create and have fun!

I’m a huge fan of color, the more, the merrier! So for me to leave a design mostly black and white or with minimal color takes great restraint on my part. Sometimes my inner muse, you know the one who’s color crazy, wins the fight 😂

These are a few new pages in my journal. They’re similar but different.

Hope they inspire you to create art today, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Color is a super power that directly influences the soul.” ~Wassily Kandinsky

Mountains Art Journal

I was clipping images and words from a magazine to add to my journaling stash and came across an image with a lady in a black dress and large hat. I really liked it and thought it would make a nice journal layout.

I needed her to be looking at something beautiful, something that could take your breath away. What kept coming to mind was my dad’s love for the mountains. I remember gazing at them on our trips in awe, they were absolutely serene and majestic. So that’s what I went with. It’s a simple journal layout but I love the color combination on this one.

I finished it off with a quote by Helen Keller that reads:

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”

I hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!

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Botanicals Handmade Art Journal

I created a few more pages in my handmade botanicals journal and thought I’d share them with you. These latest ones are flowers. I’ve been practicing painting loosely which can be quite a challenge for me at times. But I must say it’s been pretty fun!

What do you do to loosen up so you can create?

Have a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.” ~Carl Sagan

Botanicals Handmade Art Journal

I’ve been having some fun creating loose paintings in my handmade botanicals journal. I love being able to create in this journal when I need a break or if I don’t have a lot of time.

The pages are fairly small (4.5 x 5 inches) and fill up pretty quickly. So you don’t have to overthink anything, it’s pretty intuitive and spontaneous. Just go with whatever comes to mind. Plus it’s satisfying to be able to finish something in a small amount of time.

There’s quite a few slides but my favorite is #10 with the blue and green leaves and red berries. My next favorite is #13 which is the one above and then of course all the flower ones. Some I’m not that crazy about but it was a learning experience trying new brushes and paints. Which one is your favorite?

✨Also, don’t forget the 50% Off, Christmas in July Sale going on in my Etsy Shop ends Sunday night at midnight. So make sure you don’t miss out✨

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.” ~George Bernard Shaw

Stay on the Sunny Side of Life Art Journal

This is a fun journal page I created a while ago with Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils. These colors are much bolder and brighter compared to Kimberly Watercolor Pencils which is what I started with. They both work really well but when you want that extra pop of color, Derwent Inktense Pencils are the way to go.

The fun part with watercolor pencils is you can use them in different ways. You can color with them like a crayon and use a brush dipped in water to activate the paint. Or you can dip your brush in water first and then rub it on the tip of the pencil to pick up color. Another way is to shave off a little of the color, then use your brush with water to paint. No matter how you use them, they’re awesome!

Hope this inspires you create some art today, thanks for stopping by!!

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Sun Zentangle

This was a fun zentangle design I made a while ago in one of my watercolor art journals. Creating zentangle art has a way of calming and relaxing your mind. It helps you to focus, relieve stress and improve eye-hand coordination by simply drawing repetitive patterns. Plus it’s just fun to create.

Most zentangle designs are created in black and white. But I’m crazy about color so I had to paint this one with watercolors. Not to mention I couldn’t resist adding a bit of glitter 😊

There are lots of books and videos online on how to get started. All you need is pen, paper and your imagination. The possibilities are endless!

Hope this inspires you to create art today, thanks for stopping by!!

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June Roses Art Journal

Growing up my dad had the most beautiful rose garden. He grew roses of all kinds but Don Juan roses were his favorite. I wanted to have my own and when I asked some of the best nurseries in our area for help, they said it can’t be done in South Florida. I answered, “You didn’t know my dad💖”

I have a Don Juan rose bush and a very fragrant Abraham Darby bush. They’re beautiful but nothing compared to dad’s. I just don’t seem to have his green thumb I guess but I’m still trying 😂

But at least I can enjoy my love for these flowers in my art journal. I started the pages with writing out some of my thoughts. I covered those with paint and added collaged images over that. Then I painted loose roses, made the rose garden gate a bit bigger. The paint doesn’t match exactly but close enough. I love how magical it turned out. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you create some art today, thanks for stopping by!!

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“A rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the Heart.” ~Unknown

Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.com

Rose Mixed Media Watercolor Painting

I wanted to have a bit of fun and created this painting from Gina Lee Kim’s book, “Fast and Fun Watercolor: Painting Techniques, No Drawing Required!” Gina is a very talented artist who creates with bright, fun colors. You can find her on Instagram: @ginaleekim. Her book is well written with step by step photos and lots of inspiration, I highly recommend it.

I did my painting slightly different than what’s outlined in the book but it turned out really nice. I used Golden Glass Bead Gel for the vase. I love the texture and how it shimmers in the light.

I finished it off with a wonderful quote by Rumi that reads:

“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.”

Hope this inspires you to create today, thanks for stopping by!⠀

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