Tag Archives: Pen

Sun Zentangle

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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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Song Bird Journal Page

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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

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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!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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

Watercolor Abstract Art Journal

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I love playing in my journals and experimenting with different techniques. I created this in my Strathmore 8″ x 5.5″ Watercolor Journal using Saran Wrap. I love the odd and interesting shapes the plastic wrap gives you. It’s always a surprise!

To create this effect you need to paint your journal with watercolor paints and make sure it’s fairly wet. While the paint is wet, lay the Saran Wrap on top, move it to where you like it and then let it completely dry. After it has dried, remove the plastic wrap to see what fun design you end up with. Then use your imagination to create an interesting work of art!

I added shading with a pencil, a little glitter, inspiring words and an uplifting quote by John F Wasik which reads:

“You can build any future you want if you let yourself grow, have faith in your dreams or visions and become open to new ideas.”

Hope this inspires you to create, 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✨

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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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

Zentangle Art Journal Village

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I made this cute whimsical zentangle journal page a while ago in my Strathmore 5.5×8″ watercolor journal. It’s one of the smaller journals I like to create in. It’s also less intimidating than the larger ones because you’ll fill a page pretty quickly and you get the satisfaction of completing a new art piece in a shorter amount of time. So it’s a win-win!

I love the wonky houses and the rolling hills in this one. What’s your favorite part?

Hope this inspires you to create!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“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!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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

Springtime Chicks Art Journal

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I was browsing online and came across a fun tutorial for painting birds so I thought it would be cute to paint them in fun whimsical colors 🐤

I created these in my Strathmore 8×5.5″ Watercolor Journal. It’s a really fun size to use because it can also be a bit challenging. I like that it takes me out of my comfort zone and gets me to try new things.

What is your favorite size journal to create in?

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

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“From small beginnings come great things.” ~Unknown

Easter Bunny Art Journal

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I started this journal layout just before Easter but didn’t have the time to finish it until after. Better late than never I guess. This is a pretty simple design but cute and very happy.

I created this in my Strathmore 8×5.5″ Watercolor Journal. I love the heavy 140 lb watercolor paper because I tend to use a lot of water and it holds up nicely. Most importantly, it doesn’t bleed through to the other side which is something that I really don’t like.

You don’t necessarily need a plan to journal. Just start with one thing. For example, I started this layout with the idea of one big Easter egg. Everything else just followed as I went. So it was quite a fun surprise when I finished.

Hope this inspires you this weekend, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainty.” ~Eric Fromm