Handmade Little Monsters Journal

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

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 😂🤣😂

Miss Bubbles
Sarge
Twinkle Toes
Myrtle

Miss Bubbles
Sarge
Twinkle Toes
Myrtle

Simplest Things Journal

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

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

Posted on September 9, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

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

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom by Tom Ziglar

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

As you may know I’m a collector of quotes. These “Words of Wisdom” have the power to lift your spirit when you need it most. I thought it would be fun to create a collection of inspiring quotes on a deck of 3.5×4.5 inch watercolor cards with art. So this is the first one in the deck by Tom Ziglar:

“Never put the key to your Happiness in somebody else’s pocket.”

These words are simple yet so true. Sometimes I think it’s just easier to put your happiness in some else’s pocket. But the truth is happiness comes from within and we all have the ability to create our own happiness. Some days can be a struggle but but it’s well worth the effort.

On days when I’m feeling off, I’ll meditate, go for a walk or create some art to get that happiness powerplant inside of me a kick start. When your day goes sideways, what do you do to create happiness?

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

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Studio Update

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I wanted to give you a little update on what I’m working on in the studio. I thought I should get a head start on making mini Christmas ornaments. I have some fun ideas and can’t wait to get these all going. I have the abstract, shown above that I’m working on. It’s a soft and dreamy painting with the feeling of flowers. Plus I have another larger abstract, shown below also in the works. Let’s see where these paintings go😊

What is really exciting me at this moment is I’m finally seeing a shift in the daily shadows in my yard which means cooler weather is coming, yay!! This was a scorching hot summer and I’m ready for fall with the official first day on September 23rd. How’s your weather been lately?

Hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.” ~Robert Bresson

Inchie Challenge Handmade Journal

Posted on September 2, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I had an absolute blast creating the inchies for Amy Maricle’s Inchie Challenge at Mindful Art Studio. I made this 4 inch square journal for the inchies. I painted each page with coordinating watercolor paint and decorated the outside covers with pens and doodles.

This is a short video of my journal hope it inspires you to create something fun this Labor Day Weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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Labor Day Sale

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

You work hard! Treat yourself with our Labor Day deals!!

LABOR DAY SALE

Original Paintings and Holiday Ornaments on Sale Now through September 4th

Important: Each work of art is an Original, completely Unique! Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. So don’t delay!!!

✨Visit my Etsy Shop now and take advantage of these Amazing SAVINGS✨

Thanks for your support!!

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More available in my Etsy Shop:

Crescendo Abstract Painting

Posted on August 26, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I wanted to share with you my latest 16×20″ abstract painting titled “Crescendo.” I like to think of this as a reminder to go for your dreams and reach for the stars. Never give up and keep climbing to the top. Set your goals high and climb, climb, climb till you reach them!!

Hope this makes you happy and inspires you to create today. Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“The best view come after the hardest climb.” Unknown

Rose Mini Canvases

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

Laly Mille’s online course, “Wild Roses” has rekindled my love for painting roses. So I decided I would work on two 4×4 canvases and paint a single rose on each one. These canvases have lots of layers. I thought of creating the usual layer of texture like I’ve done on my other paintings but that didn’t feel right. So I opted for lace doilies and tissue paper for a more romantic feel.

These paintings aren’t finished yet as there are still more layers to go. It takes a bit of time creating the layers but it’s so much fun. So stay tuned and let’s see where these go…

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

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Inchie Challenge 2023 – Part 2 Finale

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I can’t believe yesterday was Day 12 and the last day of Amy Maricle’s Inchie Challenge at Mindful Art Studio.

I had such fun creating these inchies in varying sizes. I guess what I liked the most is that you’re given a starting point on what to create with the prompts given. You don’t have to burn a fuse trying to decide on “what” you’re going to create. You only need to think about the “how” part of the creation process.

Plus I love seeing everyone’s creative muse at play. There were so many wonderful designs, loved them all! Now I have to make a mini journal to put these into 😊

Hope you enjoyed this adventure in art with me, thanks for stopping by!!!

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These are my creations for the last seven days: