Mini Art Journal Day 13

Hi there my crafty friends!

I'm so glad you're visiting!  I have another page in my mini art journal for the Art Marks Challenge from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.

Day 13 - Whittle

 

This one was a real challenge.  Even though I have tried to rid my life of things are may not be as important as they once were, or I'm seeing things from a different perspective, it's still a process.  You can look at it as losing things, or as freeing yourself.  Could also be a combination.  I thought about it a lot and what it meant for me.  I have been trying to clean out my life.  Remove what doesn't work, and instead of seeing it as losing something, I'm trying to remember what I gain.  Space in a physical sense perhaps (such as having a garage sale or donating items you no longer want or need), or perhaps you can find peace is deciding what's important to you emotionally.  So in whittling away at my life, it is about remembering who I am, and that it's to help me care for me so I can life my best life.

I'm also entering my page into these challenges:

Creative Fingers Challenge #261

Crazy is Our Fame September Challenge

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows what's she's making for each prompt.  For those who haven't seen my previous posts yet, I'm working in a mini art journal I made out of envelopes, but you can use many different things, including scrap or underpaper, so some pages already had stuff on them.  A hole punch and some baker's twine later and a mini art journal for the challenge ready for art!

I've posted either groups or individual.  We'll see how I'm feeling for the rest.

I have a lot of gelli print papers from printing sessions I've done in the past.  This background paper featured at least two different stencils.  You can see a backwards print of Dylusions numbers stencil.  When you're gelli printing, you can do reverse prints, masking, layered stencils, oh the possibilities!  I used Liquitex Basics in yellow, ultramarine blue, and free flow aqua green.

I stamped a simple message that I felt was a whittled down version of a speech one could give on being true to one's self.  It's a snarky phrase from a Badass Art stamp set I got from a company of the same name out of Poland.  You can also see a die-cut star from my stash.

I also added a couple strips of washi tape and a pair of legs from a larger stamp from a Dylusions set and colored with Tombow markers.

I also added the sentiment die-cut "Seize the Day" is also from my stash.  Lastly I added some doodles with my Sharpie pen.

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my art journal page.  Bye for now!

Mini Art Journal Day 12

Hello there, everyone!  I seriously cannot believe it's already halfway through September.  How did that even happen?  I'm sharing Day 12 in my mini art journal for the Art Marks Challenge from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.

Day 12 - Unfold

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows what's she's making for each prompt.  For those just tuning in, I'm working in a mini art journal I made out of envelopes, but you can use many different things, including scrap or underpaper, so some pages already had stuff on them.  A hole punch and some baker's twine later and a mini art journal for the challenge is born!

I'm planning to post all of my pages, though some may be individual pages and some may be in group.

This art journal page is actually on the simpler side and that's no necessarily a bad thing.  I went with a more literal interpretation of unfold, to essentially reveal. 

 

I used more gelli print paper to start my background.  I used Artist Loft Acrylic paint in red, neon green, and Liquitex Basics ultramarine blue.  Then added some stamping with my Balzer Designs stamp set called Really Useful Stamps.  That's for the triangles.  I'll go into the tag next, and then whats under the tag.  And yes, I said under.  All in due time.

 

The tag is from an old vintage set that I decided I wanted to resurface.  So I adhered some old patterned paper and cut around the edge of the tag.  Then I traced a compass mask I have and added the green with a Craftsmart paint marker, part of this set.  I added some washi tape to allow the tag to swing.

What gets revealed is a Dylusions stamp with a lovely head!  Now the heart is actually chipboard and it's from a set.  I got a set of gold foil heart chipboard at some point.  I didn't like the gold, so I covered the whole thing with gesso and then splattered purple and blue ink all over it.  I grabbed one of those and added some doodles with a Uni Posca Ultra Fine Point Red Paint Marker.  The body with wings is from the Dylusions Dependable Dotty stamp set.  I stamped the image using my Ranger archival black ink and colored it with my Tombow markers.  There is a head and legs, which I had cut off at some point and I used the legs on an earlier page in this little journal.

I'm also entering this into Simon Says Stamp's Monday Challenge.

I am an Amazon affiliate, which just means I get to share links to products I love and get a commission when you make a purchase.  Thank you so much for your support!

And thank you for joining me!  Bye for now!

Join Me for Day 11!

I'm so glad you're continuing on this adventure with me!  Hello, again, and I've got Day 11 of my Art Marks Challenge journal to share with you today.  It's been pretty busy around here, but having a little creative time is just the ticket.  The Art Marks Challenge is from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.  It was technically last month, but I'm still catching up.

Day 11 - Change

 

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows Rae's interpretation of the prompts.  Rae made tiny cards and put them into this gorgeous little pocket journal, which is super thick.  I'm pretty jealous.

I'm going to be posting all my pages.  I've done a few groups, I'm still debating whether I'll do that again, but I'd like to.  

 

 

For the Day 11 prompt of Change, I was thinking of change in my life.  What changes have happened in your life?  Are these changes you wanted?  Or are they changes you needed?  I thought about all the different ways you can make changes and where you start.  You're living life, doing your thing, and sometimes you get caught up in the daily stuff and forget the big picture.  It happens to all of us.  You're on your road and it might take twists and turns, there might be bumps.  But in any road, there's signs.  For actual roads, there's actual signs.  I used road signs as a jumping off point for my page.

 

I used some gelli print paper for my background.  You might be able to see my Dylusions alphabet stencil as well as some green from a different stencil.  I grabbed a bunch of phrase die-cuts from my stash, and used my Badass Art Stamps with my Ranger Archival Ink in black.  I also used my Sharpie pen to do some doodles. 

 

 

 

I've been making a number of changes in my life.  One is an e-mail marketing system called Cliqly and it's great!  And I like toshare things that can help people that have helped me.  I can do it in about 10 minutes a day, I got a list of people to e-mail without having to scrimp and search, and anyone who signs up gets a referral link to help other while earning commissions.  Check it out if you're interested

I've also included affiliate links for the products I've used.  I earn a commission for any purchases you make, with no price increase for you.  I truly appreciate the support!

 

I'm also entering this in Crafting Happiness Challenge.

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my art journal page.  Bye for now!

Adventuring in my Mini Art Journal - Day 10

I'm so glad you're continuing on this adventure with me!  Hello, again, and I've got Day 10 of my Art Marks Challenge journal to share with you today.  It's been pretty busy around here, but having a little creative time is just the ticket.  The Art Marks Challenge is from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.  It was technically last month, but I'm still catching up.

Day 10 - Quit

 

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows Rae's interpretation of the prompts.  Rae made tiny cards and put them into this gorgeous little pocket journal, which is super thick.  I'm pretty jealous.

It also got me thinking about rules.  Art has some rules.  Mix certain colors of paint, like red and green, you'll get mud.  Bookbinding has certain rules and tools to make those gorgeous journals I've seen.  However, the idea of making little cards and then adding those cards to an already existing journal, as Rae did, never occurred to me.  And I love the chunky books, so it makes great sense.  And gives me permission to do the same, which I intend to do at some point.  For now, I'm still working in the journal I made, though I pulled it apart to help with photographing.  I'll share a picture of it once it's actually done and put together again.

I'm going to be posting all my pages.  For the most part it's been individual pages, but a couple have been groups and I may do a few more posts like that.

For the Day 10 prompt of Quit, I had to pause for a moment.  We all know the phrase quitters never win and winners never quit.  We also all know people in our lives that run the gamut from ready to quit at a drop of a hat to those that won't stop even when all the signs are saying to make a smart retreat and try a new angle.  In both of those scenarios, and everything in between, there's the behind the scenes of leaving.  What is wrong with the situation to make a person want to quit or decide it's not worth it and a different tactic is better.  It's usually reasons or excuses.  What the difference?  Excuses gets you out of stuff without blame, while reasons are considerations to either stick with it or leave or come up with a plan that's in between. 

I used some fun paper for the background. I've played with my gelli plate and I have my underpaper, but I've also played with the backside of patterned paper.  Sometimes you get a patterned paper and then later on, you're asking yourself, why did I get this?  Well I took those, flipped some over that were white on the back, and played with my supplies.

The background combines several of my stencils, including an alphabet and circles stencil from Dylusions and a stencil designed by Ronda Palazzari for The Crafter's Workshop called Subway.  Looking through my stash, I found a stamped image of the ladybug woman's head from a Dylusions set I have that I had colored with my Tombow markers.

 

I added a banner die-cut from my stash and colored in the silver part with my Sharpie yellow paint marker.  Sharpie makes oil-based and water-based paint markers.  My paint marker is water-based, which seem difficult to find.  There is this set, which includes yellow.  And it has several colors to play around with, so it's a great find.

 

I added some letters stickers, and a phrase sticker from my stash, as well as stamped "excuses" with a mini alphabet stamp set using my Ranger Archival Ink in black.  I also used my Sharpie pen to do some doodles. 

 

Along the same vein as not quitting, I have a quick question for you.  You could use some extra money, right?  Who couldn't, of course.  I'm certainly no different, and I was in a real bind.  I work a day job, like many of you, and I was struggling.  Crafting takes money, and so does life.  And I thought about and pursued a few different options.  Then, I was having a conversation with a friend, about struggling financially, trying side jobs, and trying to find something that would stick long term.  I wasn't looking to make millions, just a little something extra so I can breathe a little very month.  One thing led to another and I want to share my good fortune with you!

So to help me continue my crafting and have a little wiggle room every month, I have a couple side hustles.  One is very simple, no tech skills required, and takes about 10 minutes a day.  It's an e-mail marketing system called Cliqly and it's a great!  Perfect for those short on time, which is all of us.  It's all set up, and you get your own referral link to up those commissions!  You don't have to bug family and friends, and you also start with a list, so no starting from scratch.  Don't waste another second if you're interested.

I've also included affiliate links for the products I've used.  I earn a commission for any purchases you make, with no price increase for you.  I truly appreciate the support! 

I'm also entering this in Simon Says Stamp's Wednesday Challenge.

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my art journal page.  Bye for now!

Art Journal Mini Adventure - Day 9

Hello there, my friends!  I'm so glad you could join me today.  It's been pretty busy around here, lots of things to do.  I'm glad I have my little art journal to help me get that little bit of creativity in during the day.

I'm sharing Day 9 today in my little journal of the Art Marks Challenge from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.

Day 9 -Invest

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows Rae's interpretation of the prompts.  Rae made tiny cards and put them into this gorgeous little pocket journal, which is super thick.  I'm pretty jealous.

It also got me thinking about rules.  Art has some rules.  Mix certain colors of paint, like red and green, you'll get mud.  Bookbinding has certain rules and tools to make those gorgeous journals I've seen.  However, the idea of making little cards and then adding those cards to an already existing journal, as Rae did, never occurred to me.  And I love the chunky books, so it makes great sense.  And gives me permission to do the same, which I intend to do at some point.  For now, I'm still working in the journal I made, though I pulled it apart to help with photographing.  I'll share a picture of it once it's actually done and put together again.

I'm going to be posting all my pages.  For the most part it's been individual pages, but a couple have been groups and I may do a few more posts like that.  I also took apart my journal to make it easier to photograph, so you may see peeks from other pages.

For Day 9, the prompt is Invest.  

What do you invest in?  What's important to you to invest time, money, your attention into?  Usually an investment means you want to focus on something.  Invest in more time with family, investing in learning a new skill or taking the time to pursue a new hobby.  In a general sense, I think investing in being happy is also important.  And investing usually involves a plan or agenda, it doesn't just happen.  So I'm investing in a happy life for myself and adding it to my agenda or to-do list to give it the priority it needs.

I used underpaper for the background.  For those who are new to that concept, you're gonna love it.  Basically, it's the paper you use as a work surface.  I got a big pack, but I want to make sure I send you to the right one, so if you can be patient, I am going to work on that.

Most everything in the background is my underpaper.  Different paints, stamps, and stencils from other projects I worked on.  You can see one section of orange chevron made using the Crafter's Workshop Chevron stencil.  I have to say that's one of my favorites.  There's also some Balzer Designs and Dylusions stamps, and different paints.  All yummy goodness.

On top of that I have some die-cuts from my stash.  The star and heart are from an old stamp set from Studio Calico, I think.  The star was colored with my Tombow markers.  The heart was stamped with light purple dye ink.

The repeating x's and the "Boom Shakalaka" sentiment are from an acrylic stamp set by a Polish company called Badass Art.  Very interesting art style and lots of nice attitude.  I will warn you that some of the stamps have curse words, in case that's not your thing.

I also used my Sharpie pen to do some doodles.  I also made some doodles with a purple paint marker from Craftsmart for some added fun.  This set from Craftsmart gives you plenty of colors to experiment with.  As you can see from my marks, it's a broader, round tip.  I've used several colors in the past and loved the results.

I have a quick question for you, switching gears a little bit.  You could use some extra money, right?  Who couldn't, of course.  I'm certainly no different.

To help me continue my crafting, I have some side hustles going.  One is a very simple, no tech skills required, and takes about 10 minutes a day.  It's an e-mail marketing system called Cliqly and it's a great system.  You can do it when you have the time, and it's got click and referral commissions, so the potential is there to grow.  I wouldn't waste another second if you're interested.  I've also included affiliate links for the products I've used.  I earn a commission for any purchases you make, with no price increase for you.  I truly appreciate the support! 

I'm also entering this in Simon Says Stamp's Monday Challenge.

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my art journal page.  Bye for now!

 

Mini Art Journal Day 8

Hi there, friends!

I'm working to catch up with posting the pages from my mini art journal for the Art Marks Challenge from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.

Day 8 - Attention

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows Rae's interpretation of the prompts.  For those joining us, I'm working in a mini art journal I made out of envelopes, a hole punch, and some baker's twine.

I'm going to be posting all my pages.  Some may be in groups, or individual pages, but I will post them all.  I also took apart my journal to make it easier to photograph, so you may see peeks from other pages.

For Day 8, the prompt is Attention.  All of these prompts have been giving me a pause to think.  Attention is certainly one that calls to one, right?  What gets your attention?  What needs your attention?  Is there something in life you've been neglecting?  Your art, your health, your peace of mind?  I want to make sure I do things.  Not just give them attention in my mind, but actually do them.  Whether it's getting out more, giving attention to my art, my family, all the things that are important to me.

I made the background in several layers.  There was already some paint on it, so I used blue paint with a stencil from The Crafter's Workshop for the honeycomb pattern.  The stencil is 6x6 and has three side-by-side sections: stars, circles, and hexagons (honeycomb).  Then I grabbed a stencil I used on a previous page.  It's an alphabet stencil that reminds me of school art supplies.  It's made of that thick, transparent plastic that many school supplies seem to be made of so they can handle a lot of wear and tear.

  

First I used black paint, then offset the stencil a little and added white.  I adhered the large journal card and used some orange paint through the same pattern stencil and used little x or plus sign stamps from a Balzer Designs stamp set with some orange dye ink. 

 

The paint drips were made using a Moodclue chalk marker.  Here is a basic set.  Since these are chalk markers they have a matte finish, as opposed to glossy.  I pressed the tip to the spot I wanted until the paint pooled, then helped the paint drip down.

The tab at the top, two sparkly x's, and the heart are from my stash.  It's some packaging I had lying around that I cut a heart out of, and then did the same to some punchinella.

 

To help me continue my crafting, I have side hustles going.  One is a very simple, no tech skills required, and takes about 10 minutes a day.  It's an e-mail marketing system called Cliqly.  It's set up for you so all you have to do is send e-mail and watch the click and referral commissions come in.  It does take time, but you get your own referral link to use with all your e-mails.  You can also post it on social media.  As I said, very simple and takes very little time.  We could all use a little more of that.  I wouldn't waste another second if you're interested.  I've also included affiliate links for the products I've used.  I earn a commission for any purchases you make, with no price increase for you.  I truly appreciate the support! 

Thank you so much for coming and checking out my art journal page.  Bye for now!

 

Mini Art Journal Day 7

Hi there, friends!

I'm working to catch up with posting the pages from my mini art journal for the Art Marks Challenge from Rae Missigman and Sandi Keene.

Day 7 - Create

For some Art Marks Challenge history, you can click here.  And Rae's Instagram account here shows Rae's interpretation of the prompts.  For those joining us, I'm working in a mini art journal I made out of envelopes, a hole punch, and some baker's twine.

I'm going to be posting all my pages.  Some may be in groups, or individual pages, but I will post tham all.  I also took apart my journal to make it easier to photograph, so you may see peeks from other pages.

On to Day 7's prompt, create.  What do you create?  When do you create?  Do you make time to create or do you get involved in all the other day to day things that you let creative time fall by the wayside?  Also, what do you want o create?  As I mentioned in a previous post, that's why I like working small at times.  It's easier to carve out 10-15 minutes of creative time when life gets busy.  And I'm sure we can all relate to that. 

Carving out that little bit of time is also important for other things.  To help me continue my crafting, I have side hustles going.  One is a very simple, no tech skills required, and takes about 10 minutes a day.  It's an e-mail marketing system called Cliqly.  It really is simple, I can do it when I've got the time, and it's got click and referral commissions, so the potential is there to grow.  I wouldn't waste another second if you're interested.  I've also included affiliate links for the products I've used.  I earn a commission for any purchases you make, with no price increase for you.  I truly appreciate the support!

For this page, I made the background with both yellow and orange paint through some stencils.  First I painted it yellow, then used a baby wipe through a Dylusions star stencil to remove the paint in the openings.  

 

Also, in my adventures in arting years ago, I found this large 12x12 stencil that had several designs on it.  Somewhat related, but I really wanted to use the different designs separately.  I had read about cutting up you stencils, but couldn't entirely bring myself to do it.  Then one day I did it, to this one stencil.  And I'm so glad I did!  It actually helps me use the stencil more because I can choose which part I want to use without having to work with a large stencil and parts of the design I may not want on that particular project.  This part is a line of chevrons, and I did the same thing as before but with orange paint.

 

I also used my Sharpie pen to outline some of the chevrons, but I did learn you still have to wait for the paint to dry.  The rest of the layers are a bunch of things.  I stamped the word "create" with my black Archival ink.

 

I used a blue Molotow paint marker for some doodles, added some die-cuts from my stash, and used an older stamp called Boy Star from Dina Wakley with the same black ink as "create."  I adhered the negative of a die-cut butterfly with the other die-cuts, as well as part of a border stamp from Dylusions Bordering on the Edge stamp set.

I'm also entering the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my art journal page.  Bye for now!