Tag Archives: Joy

Thoughtful Thursday Bucket List

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Photo by Flo Dahm on Pexels.com

Do you have a bucket list? I have one for places that I’d love to visit. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always cooperate with my plans, but Paris is definitely on it! The thought of walking down a street following the scent of freshly baked croissants and ending up in a bakery only to enjoy every morsel seems absolutely delightful.

Italy is another place I’d love to visit. I imagine myself and hubby enjoying a romantic ride on a gondola in Venice, or dining on some delicious authentic Italian cuisine. There are so many places to visit abroad that are filled with lots of history, art and delicious foods.

I also have quite a few places here in the states that I’d love to see and learn more about. Some I’ve been lucky enough to cross off the list as a “been there, done that!” But even if you can’t visit the places you want to, no one can stop you from dreaming about them. There are lots of books, movies and photos so you can drift to these far away places in your mind.

What are some of the places on your bucket list? Would love to hear about them 😊

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Weaving Magic Art Journal

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With summer fast approaching I thought it would be nice to squeeze in at least 1 more spring art journal layout. I love bunnies and trees and wanted to create something magical with the two.

I started creating lots of layers and used paper doilies for the top of the tree. I found the words “Weaving Magic” that I had cut out from a magazine and saved in my stash and thought it would be perfect for this layout.

I was originally going to add more critters to these pages but I liked the idea of keeping it simple and focusing on the bunny’s wonder of all things magical. What do you think?

I hope this inspires you to create some magic this weekend✨

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“Everything is magical when you see it with your heart.” ~Unknown

  • The beginning of something magical…

Simplest Things Journal

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Sometimes the greatest joy comes from the smallest and simplest of things. In filling my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Challenge at Mindful Art Studios I’m finding so much joy and freedom as I create different designs with simple marks.

There are different steps in my process. For some of these I’ll start by creating small tiles, in varying sizes that I stash away until I’m ready to use them. Other pages will begin with a watercolor wash in the journal and then I go from. Really it comes down to doing what makes you happy at that moment and I honor that.

If you’re going through any kind of stress or you just need a break this is ideal and so beneficial for your heart and soul. You can check out online classes, YouTube videos or simply pick up a pen and get some paper and start playing. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels. The best part is you don’t need a big block of time, a few minutes a day is all you need!

Hope this inspires you to create some art!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” ~Paul Klee

“Draw Yourself Calm” Artwork

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Sometimes we all need an unwind and the concept in Amy Maricle’s book “Draw Yourself Calm,” the practice of slowing down has been very sound advice. We live in a fast paced world and this is an excellent practice to help you destress. I try to create one a day. It doesn’t always work out to that but I do end up with several a week.

I like using 140lb watercolor paper because it can stand up to just about anything especially wet mediums like paint and inks. I’ll start by cutting a 9×12″ piece of paper into several sizes: 2 and 3 inch squares, ATC size, 3×4 and anything else I’m in the mood for. That way I always have them on hand and ready for some creative fun. When the mood strikes me, I’ll use my Sakura Pens to create some pretty cool designs.

I’m filling up a small basket of these little gems. Some I plan to use in my journals while others I may incorporate into larger pieces of art. Either way, I have a nice selection to choose from. Plus I have the satisfaction of creating and completing a work of art even though it may be small😊

I hope this helps you to stay inspired and create some art!

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(Note: by clicking on the links above it will take to the corresponding product in your region’s Amazon store. This Affiliate link means that I’ll get a small commission when you buy through my website. Thanking you in advance!!)

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas

Thoughtful Thursday Easter Sunday

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Hard to believe that Easter will be upon us this coming Sunday, April 9th. These first months of the year have just flown by. I hope that you’ll be able to spend time with family and friends on this beautiful day and create some wonderful memories!!

I remember growing up how magical my mom would make Easter for us. It would start with a morning mass and then transition to a fun filled day with family and friends. The Easter Egg hunts were always the most exciting part of my day! I hold those memories dear to my heart and I’m so very thankful for them.

Wishing you a joyous Easter Celebration!!

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April Mixed Media Girl

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Spring flowers are blossoming! I thought I’d share this fun painting I did a while ago because her name is April, and she has a quite dramatic spring time flair to her. I went a bit color crazy on this one but I loved how she turned out.

The flowers were made from a separate piece of watercolor paper that I punched and adhered onto the painting. I distressed the edges a bit and added glitter to the centers of the flowers for a little bling.

Hope she inspires you today. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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Stampington Art Journaling Magazine

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The big day is here! I just received my newest issue of Stampington’s Art Journaling Magazine in the mail and my article along with my Angel Journal are featured on pages 118-122🎉 Angel Valentina, shown above is one of the angels in the article.

Many of you followed me on this incredible artistic journey as I created these angels and filled my journal. It was a wonderful experience and I’m so grateful that my art was chosen for publication and that you were with me on this journey.

Thank you to all of my readers for your love and support. It means the world to me💖💖

This issue is scheduled to hit the newsstands on April 1st so make sure to pick up your copy so you can read the article✨

Have a beautiful weekend!!

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“Angels live among us. Sometimes they hide their wings, but there is no disguising the peace and hope they bring.” ~Unknown

Art Journal Dreams Workshop with Laly Mille

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This past week I joined Laly Mille a very talented artist from France for a free online workshop. It was absolutely wonderful as we created this journal spread together. I find Laly’s art mesmerizing with the lovely colors and dreamy romantic layers that pull you into each painting.

This butterfly spread took several layers but it was worth the wait. Originally I wanted the angels to be fully visible but then I thought angels are rarely seen but you know that they’re there. So I covered them a little, making them much softer and I liked how they turned out. I love pretty much the entire spread but my favorite part I think is the twinkling fairy lights, they look magical ✨ What’s your favorite part?

I highly recommend you hop over to Laly Mille’s site and revel in the beauty of her art at LalyMille.com. She also offers online courses which are available on her site.

Hope this inspires you to create some art!

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“I dream of the painting and then I paint my dream.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

Simplest Things Journal

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I’m really enjoying filling the pages of my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Simplest Things Challenge at Mindful Art Studios.

I made the 3 inch square flower painting last week and wanted to find it a home. I was drawing a blank on what to do next in the journal and then I read a comment on Instagram by an admirer about the flower and butterfly:

“The little butterfly with the trail just makes it, I love how the daisy is reaching out for it.”

So I thought lots of swirly, crisscrossing butterfly trails would make the perfect background, and there simple too which fits with the theme of this journal. It was pure luck that the trail of the butterfly on the painting lined up with the trail in the background. I mean honestly, what are the odds? 😂

But it’s a happy colorful creation. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you to create some art!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” ~Paul Klee

Simplest Things Journal

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I added another painting to my Simplest Things Journal. I’m really loving the slow drawing process. It quiets the mind and soothes the soul 😊 This was a design I made in a smaller version and thought it would make an interesting big design. But instead of painting another circle, I wanted to try a freeform design.

What I love most about this design is how the lines overlap in some areas making thicker lines that look like folds and creases. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you to create this weekend!

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“Art is a natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment.” ~MaryAnn F Kohl

This was my inspiration for the the painting above 😊