Thoughtful Thursday – Show Dad Your Love

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I can’t believe that Father’s Day will already be here this Sunday, June 18th. This is a special day to celebrate those great dads who are here with us today and also to honor and remember those who are no longer with us.

Dads have a unique style all of their own in how they handle life and teach us what they know. I learned so much from my dad and he was the one who inspired me to create art. My love for photography, roses and birds all came from him. So how will you show your love to that great man?

Here are a few ideas for Father’s Day:

  • Make a handmade card with a personal photo.
  • Make a photo collage of memorable moments.
  • Have an outdoor celebration in the park, beach or your own backyard.
  • Take dad out on a sporting adventure of his choice.
  • Go camping for a night.
  • Cook his favorite dinner.
  • Have a backyard movie night.
  • Build something fun together.
  • Spend an evening star gazing.
  • Spend a nice day together talking about fun memories.
  • Take him on a fun road trip.
  • Go to a sports game together.
  • Tour a vineyard or brewery.

Wishing all Dad’s a very Happy Father’s Day!

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“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” ~Unknown

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Song Bird Journal Page

I thought I’d share with you this journal page I created a while ago in my Strathmore 9×12″ Mixed Media Visual Journal. I made this with lots of collaged layers, paint, gelatos and stencils.

The beautiful thing about journaling is it’s a great place to build your artistic confidence. If you don’t know what to create, just look out your window and create what you see. If you say I can’t draw, then start by using a stencil or stamped image. If you’re afraid to start, make random marks on your page and go from there.

There is no right and there is no wrong, only what makes you happy. No one has to see your creation if you don’t want them to. This is your place to be yourself, free from judgement and to create whatever your heart desires. So have some fun!

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

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Simplest Things Journal

Creating simple pages in a journal can bring so much joy. I’m still working in my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Challenge at Mindful Art Studios. I find I’m taking notice more of the wonderful patterns that surround me in my environment that I never saw before.

As most of you know, I’m a huge fan of color, lots and lots of colors. I love playing with paints and creating new colors when they mix. Some don’t go as expected and others are a wonderful surprise. But for me, the color mixing is one of the most fun parts of this art journaling process.

Another great aspect of art journaling is it’s a great way to unwind and destress yourself. You only need a few minutes of time a day to work on the creation of a new page and minimal supplies. So it’s a win win!

Hope this inspires you to create some art!

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

Thoughtful Thursday Bucket List

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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 😊

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Weaving Magic Art Journal

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

Simplest Things Journal

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!

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

“Draw Yourself Calm” Artwork

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

Thoughtful Thursday Easter Sunday

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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

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

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