Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Alicia Noel

Hello lovelies, TAT-time, TAT-time, TAT-time! 

YAY! I'm so up for TAT-time this week, I need a boost to send my butt back into art so here's to the start of a more art-filled week, yes? Yes! chin-chin!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Hello, my name is Alicia and I live in Brooklyn NY, USA. I have been an artist ever since I was a tiny little rugrat. If I found a blank piece of paper, I was going to doodle on it (whether I was supposed to or not, LOL). Although I do not create for a living (that would have been wonderful), I do create something every single day. Art has been a huge part of my life and it has been even more so for the past 5 months. Around June of this year, I had discovered art journaling which had opened up a whole new world of art that I had never been exposed to before. I think that is when I really began to branch out as an artist. I like to joke that I'm a "Born Again Artist." As of now, I would consider myself a whimsical mixed media artist. I love to play with different techniques, textures, and mediums, and combine them all into one project. I also love creating little craft projects. I am constantly learning and trying something new. 

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I face as an artist is trusting myself. When I am staring at a blank white surface, sometimes I have to remind myself that I CAN turn it into something beautiful and that all I have to do is just START. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and can't seem to figure out where to begin. To overcome this, sometimes I just close my eyes, pick a color, slap it on, then go from there. It's something about that white space that stalls me, but as soon as I put a color down, the intimidation just melts away.

What do you most wish your art to achieve?
In social settings, initially, I tend to be a bit quiet and reserved if I do not know anyone in the room. I have noticed that this doesn't really give people the opportunity to see the silly, bubbly, friendly girl hiding inside. I want my art to show what I am afraid to express to people that do not know me. Through my art, I can show little snippets of ME. That's one of the amazing things about art. One does not have to speak with words in a painting. It is communication with a universal language. 

Do you think you have achieved a uniquely recognisable style as an artist, or do you find it a struggle to find your own style?
Since my discovery of art journaling, I can say that I am slowly developing a style of my own. For instance, I have noticed that whenever I draw or paint a girl, I tend to go with an unconventional skin tone (pink, blue, green, purple). However, I wouldn't say that I have FULLY developed a unique style of my own just yet. I still have a ways to go and plenty to learn (Which really excites me!).

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
You can find me at my blog at where you'll find links to my youtube channel and Etsy shop. If you visit my blog you are more than welcome to subscribe to get updates. You may also subscribe to my youtube channel if you'd like :) I just want to give thanks to Jennibellie for everything you have shared. You have been a huge inspiration and I have learned a great deal from you. And thank you so much for the opportunity to introduce myself and share what I have learned.

Thank you so much Alicia & you are welcome ;) OMG I love your painted shell! It reminds me of a painted rocks, which have been on my mind for a lil while now and may be are going to be the way into my artful week hmmm yes, I think they just may. Oh and don't worry:

we're all 'Born Again Artists' here 

;)

Do you want to take part in TAT??

hhhmmmmmmmmmmmm?

Email me or click the link to find all the details here =)

Friendship Journals

Hello beautiful artifolk =D I’m posting a small vlog right now on friendship journals, something I’ve done for a loooooong time before I discovered art journaling. 

Just sharing as I haven’t done any art or projects ‘for me’ of late as I’ve a few arty requests of me from other people recently (that’s what happens when you’re the ‘crafty-one’ right?!) so for that reason you might not see me posting so much, may be a pic here or there on facebook of what I’m making, but as my usual downtime of art is now taken, my actual downtime is usually doing something else entirely. I may get the inclination to do a journal page or two at some point, I dunno we’ll see.

So here's my vlog for now, enjoy:

Have a great weekend beautiful!

Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Nada Adaissi

Hi guys, second TAT post in a row from me...which means I've not been posting. Thank you to those that have noticed & emailed concerned, I'm perfectly fine, I'm just going through some transitions and may do a vlog-post about that soon. For now that it is TAT and I've got a mini me to share today, not sure if that is much of a compliment actually but a fab young artist anyhow, enjoy =D

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Hey my name is Nada I'm from Tunisia and I'm 14 years old. I started art journaling 2 years ago so I'm new to this but since I was 5 I always find my self drawing and coloring and making collage I think that's what every little kid does! LOL ... but when I was 11 I started loving my art class even though its not that big deal in my country but very soon I started to watch drawing tutorials on youtube and learned how to draw and shade as the basics then I thought maybe if I jump to the next art level just to progress so I started watching art journaling videos and videos that teach you to use watercolors and acrylics and stuff so I decided to make my own art journal mostly inspired by Jennibellie. I actually don't call my self a real artist cause I'm too young and I'm a beginner.

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge that I personally face as an artist that I always convince my self that I'm too young and that I have to quit because in my country being an artist is something that you don't find everywhere its unique but on the other hand people will make fun of you saying that you will never get a job and stuff like that but I always find my mom and my sister encouraging me to keep on practicing.

What do you love most / least enjoyable about your art?
What I love most about my art is that I can be myself and let my art speak about my feelings and about my mood. Also no one can judge on what I'm doing because I'm doing it and I'm happy about it, and no one could ever change that 

What advice would you offer to any perspective new artist?
I just want to say to every artist don't give up just keep working and trying because everything will be alright. All you need to do is to be positive and clear your mind of all negative thoughts that you have and with keeping on the good work you will succeed and be what you always dreamed of :)

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
Actually I don't have any art web things but I’m sure that I will have Facebook page or youtube channel in the future because I think it's so early to do that but you can always leave me a message on here and that’s it I hope you like it, thanks jennibellie and everyone for the interview :*

Thank you so much for having the courage to share with us Nada, your work is beautiful and you share extremely wise words indeed =) I hope you remember all of your advice for yourself in years to come when you become tested as we all do at some point; when you do just remember: never give up - 'clear your mind of all negative thoughts that you have and with keeping on the good work you will succeed and be what you always dreamed of'

Want to join the TAT-ranks??

Email me or click the link to find all the details here =)

Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Jeanie Mossa

Hello lovelies, so it's TAT time and this week we have a 3D artist in the hot seat which I am very excited about *mini jumping jacks* (meaning just the top half arm pumps as the bottom half is sat comfily lol) hope you enjoy and can learn something from what is just a really lovely interview =)

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Hello and thank you for this opportunity to share. My name is Jeanie Mossa, and I currently live in Alexandria, Virginia, USA with my husband, 2 cats and our dog. Originally from monochromatic Baltimore MD, I ran off to California when I was young which had a major influence in my life and art. Sort of like Dorothy opening the door and seeing The Wizard of OZ in color for the first time. Living in San Diego I became a glass artist and had a line of jewelry and art to wear. When my body rebelled due to the environmental hazards of working with glass, I turned to Chinese medicine and later went on to become an acupuncturist specializing in holistic veterinary medicine. Art took a backseat during that time. As things always come full circle, I am back to being a full time artist and a part time Medicine Woman now. My art is influenced by fairy tales, nature, magic and the wooie wooie. Visiting old churches and shrines with sacred icons, old world art and religious deities from different cultures inspires me. Living so close to Washington DC with endless museums to hide in has been a gift that I am so grateful for. I prefer to create 3D pieces such as ethereal art jewelry, primitive sculptures and nature spirit dolls. There is something that flows when making a piece that has more than 2 dimensions. The fact that it can be picked up, touched and is not flat like a drawing is satisfying. Somehow the piece has a mind of its own and comes to life. I go through phases of materials to work with such as wire, clay, recycled objects, glass or fiber when I feel like I have done as much as possible with this medium for now, it is time to move on to another. 

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
Sometimes I get stuck... creative constipation. Nothing flows. I become paralyzed especially if it is during a stressful time in my life. Staring at blank pages, a box of beads or colored pencils like a deer caught in headlights. My muse runs off to some exotic island or Paris and leaves me to fend for myself. To break the spell I have a few tricks. Meditating everyday, even if it is only 10 minutes makes such a difference. So does yoga. Sometimes I put on some happy music and dance in the kitchen. If I am exhausted and worn out, then a nice nap with my cats and dog seem to help soothe the soul. Taking a break and visiting a local nature preserve to watch birds and animals calms my mind. There are some days nothing helps so that is the time to clean the house, do laundry and run errands. Eventually my muse returns! 

What is your heart’s greatest desire for your life as an artist?
Ever since I can remember my heart's desire has been to create a children's book. This past year I finally began drawing and painting the characters for it. Some of the characters have been the inspiration for the Nature Spirit dolls I have been working on. Over the years, I have written a few books on alternative medicine with illustrations, however these were nonfiction and ironically somehow easier to finish. My goal is to complete the children's book in 2014. 

Have you ever found anything that originally daunted you as an artist that you can now overcame easily? 

I was brought up in a very strict Italian Catholic family where it was assumed I would get a “real” job, get married and have children. Being an artist was not an option as a career. Deciding to be an artist full time was very daunting and scary. There was always that voice inside my head that screamed GET A JOB! Many times I have worked jobs in order to support myself and did art on the side. I never believed it was possible to just be an artist and accept it. And my family would never accept that creating art is a “job” too. I will always be the hippie freak daughter and sister in their eyes. It took several years (OK... decades!) to stop worrying about what I should be when I grow up. To not stutter when people asked “What do you do?” Somehow when you tell folks you are an artist they cannot grasp it. You might as well claim to be a plutonium salesman.
I always wanted to be an artist. It is not something that is easily ignored since most of us are different to the rest of the world. We see and think outside the box, see colors more brilliantly and we dance to the beat of an invisible drummer. It took a long time to accept that but one day it just seemed to click in. And as an added bonus, having a husband who encourages and supports my dreams makes me ever so grateful. A special thank you to folks like you, Jennibellie who give us inspiration and thank you for all your wonderful videos. I have learned so much watching them. 

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
You can find more art, jewelry and books at my website which has a link to my facebook page and my blog and shops. If you visit the website please sign up for my free e-Zine The Bohemian Soul which is a fusion of art and healing tips for people and pets.

Your interview resonated so much with me Jeanie, thank you so much for sharing your story. I think I've managed to respond to the 'what do you do?' question only a handful of times with 'I'm an artist' but next time I think I'm just gonna have to say 'I'm a Plutonium Saleswoman' oh yeah! Nicking it, nicking it, nicking it - at least their fogged up bamboozled expression will make me laugh for a good reason than cry for the sheer horrific state of our societies standards lol good luck with your book from the courage I read coming from you I'd put a bet on it being a goal that is going to be achieved, which gives me courage and inspiration also - we all have our childrens book ;)

Want to join the TAT-ranks??

Email me or click the link to find all the details here =)

Recycled Flat Bead Tutorial

Hello beautiful! Yes I have a new tutorial for you, so grab you recycling and let's go! Here's what we're making:

They're very easy, a little time consuming depending on what design difficulty you go for but I'll talk more about that in the video. Gorgeous aren't they? Soon as I have time I'll be making a whole stash of these. 

Here's the video - let me know what you think about this one and please feel free to share any pics of your own beads on my facebook page, I'd love to see them =)

Much love

The Half-Finished Journal Parade

So the past week or so I have been quenching my thirst to make journals, from which I got to thinking about all the journals I have currently sitting in my studio, not able to go in my journal trunks because only those finished may enter that land of journal fiefdom! 

I have many more unfinished journals than what I share in this vlog, and it doesn't really bother me having so many semi-complete journals. I know some people feel guilty wanting to start yet another journal but I don't think it's wrong to love variety or being able to dip into other journals when you need to (this is where the 'theme' thing I talk about in the vlog comes into play). I think of it as having a favourite dish (my main art journal - currently my loose leaf journal) but occasionally having a taste or try of other things on the menu...still I'd be interested to hear how anyone else works, or what they would do with half-finished journals?

Psst just so you know I cut out about 5 mins of me acting (more) crazy in this....you're welcome ;) I blame the cough syrup!

So any suggestions for these? What about your unfinished journals?? Let me know in the comments below & I'll do a blogpost or video or something if I come up with any grand plans for using them up myself.

Much love

Jennibellie

Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Rika Dehombreux

Hello lovelies, it is gone 10pm here and I'm battling a cold atm so I'm going to TAT-n-dash today, leaving you in the very capable hands of this weeks artist, Rika Dehombreux have fun xx

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Hello everyone! My name is Rika Dehombreux. I am from Belgium and I presently live in Germany with my partner Sam and my dog Lupa. I am a spiritual artist. My work is intuitively created in pencil, paint or clay after clearing my mind through meditation in order to line up with the cosmic energy of the universe. I believe that my images reflect tenderness, enchantment and happiness and echo the purity of a child's wonder. Although I realize that I am journeying with my extensive imagination, I am playing with the idea that what appears could be messages from the universe intending to encourage and console us on our often challenging path towards inner peace. That's why I call my art mystic or visionary.

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
Creating art to me is like cocooning. It is a very personal process that comes out of the depths of my soul. Building an art career has created the necessity to showcase my art. I am a very shy person and I do not naturally seek exposure so I have found it very challenging to present myself and my work to the public. Now that I am doing just that I am happy that my art brought me this way. I enjoy meeting people and interacting with them about art and how it affects our lives.

Have you ever found anything that originally daunted you as an artist that you can now overcome easily?
I used to be terrified by artist’s block but now I see it as a period of inspiration. When I feel that I cannot create I turn to the more functional parts of the business like organizing supplies and filing and for the rest of the time I take distance from my artwork and I take a vacation of the mind. When I feel like making art during an artist’s block I do experimental work or I explore types of art making that I do not usually do, like art journaling for example. When the block is over with I feel that I have spent time gathering new ideas and getting organized.

Do you think you have achieved a uniquely recognizable style as an artist, or do you find it a struggle to find your own style?
This is a difficult question. I guess it depends on how you define “having a uniquely recognizable style”. I recognize my hand in everything I do but I like to have the freedom to be all over the place. I have a hard time restricting myself when it pertains to how I proceed, what techniques I apply, what subjects I paint, which media I use or what colors I combine. This is mainly due to the nature of the intuitive work I do and because I go along with what I feel in that particular moment. For now this feels like what I have to do. Maybe I am still in a too experimental phase of my art to stick to one well defined style or maybe I simply like to explore and reconsider my style.

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
You can find me and my artwork on my website. There you will also find a link to my facebook page and my blog.

Thank you so much for being on TAT Rika, I loved hearing about your intuitive process yet at the same time your work looks very tranquil to me - nice to think that creating intuitively doesn't have to be a manic waving-hands-full-of-paint-in-the-air kind of expression but it can be a peaceful connection to ones core too. As I said I am TATing n dashing tonight so I'm gonna go get me some warm water to ease my throat and then force some smushy cuddles outta Sweepiebum (ps love your pup Rika ;) )

Do you want to be a TATTer??

To be featured email me or find all the details here =)

Mini Journaling

Hello lovelies

This is a very quick post from me tonight as it’s very late and I’m all but sleep-walking lol

Here is a quick video I did on the concept of multi-page journaling. If you have watched my previous flip videos especially you will probably have seen that in the past I’ve been rather fond of putting a journal within a journal, and creating many pages at once is what I think they are especially good for. You can find ways to make quick n easy mini journals in this particular video playlist here – I used a simple pamphlet stitch; a true journalers staple.

Much love (and goodnight, sleep-tight!)