Creative Flow and Outdoor Show

Hello

I've not posted much here over the past couple of weeks due to life shizzle getting in the way, yawn! But Friday is my weekly ramble day so I’m eager to get back to it, as this week my creating has come back in spades too (not that I believe it ever goes away of course)

My 'Weekly Ramble's if you’re new here are for me to share whatever is happening in my art world right now, regardless of what I'm currently tinkering around with or where I am with it. These posts are more about capturing a glimpse of the middle process part than they are about showing the shiny finished product. This week has all been about getting a solid creative flow going again and opening my outdoor studio after it’s sleepy time over the winter.

I’ve missed being out here so me regaining my creative flow, and it waking up, collided and means most creativity has happened out here.

I spring cleaned and got it all fresh and lovely again, then I played around with my supplies and got it feeling really fluid and functional for me.

As I was rearranging, a shelf of my armoire opened up and felt really bare. Then I remembered these three tins I brought from the poundshop (dollarstore equivalent) that have been sitting in my indoor studio all lonely without a purpose. 

I had no idea why I wanted these so badly when I was in the shop, but I have learned when I get an impulse as strong as that to buy something, even when I have no need for them (and I don’t just mean the ‘they’re pretty, I want them’ feeling, I mean a REALLY strong desire to have them that’s undeniable) I just get them. The reason always becomes understood soon after buying, and needs or wants I never knew I had get met instantly by an odd, seemingly impulse, purchase. This has happened so often now that by the time I saw these I have given over the ‘it’s irresponsible to buy something when there’s no need’ inner critic voice…plus they were only £1 so what the hey, tins are always useful right?! and then voila…I suddenly needed something extremely thin to fill this awkward space. They also solved a problem of paper pieces that are now too fat to remain in my armoire paper slots, so the tins now neatly contain post-it notes, ephemera and journal spots. Look at that, an empty space that needed to be prettified and a storage problem solved by an impulse purchase….hmm just like magic!

Anyway enough of my law of attraction type thoughts about shopping haha here’s an iphone update vlog of me creating in the outdoor studio:

Spraying the watersoluable crayons with varnish to seal them.

Also if you haven’t seen this week a conversation was aired that revealed my journey as an artist for the 21 Secrets Series. If you want to join us in class there’s still time to jump in, click here for the details: 21 Secrets Spring 2015

or click the image below for the details to joining us in class this April

I hope you've had a great week in your creative flow
Much love

Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Teresa Cash

Hello!!

Hi there!

Yolo Rolo! (...I dunno, just started saying that recently!)

I'm here!!!

It's Tuesday and I'm here woohoo!

That means it's Tell All Tuesday Artist Interview time!! YAY!

I've not been online much the past couple of weeks but I'm back now, and so I've got an awesome artist to introduce you to, in her words a lovely 'late bloomer', enjoy =)

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?
Hello…my name is Teresa Cash. I am a self-taught mixed media artist. I will readily admit that I am a creative Late Bloomer. I was 58 yrs. old when I finally let my creative spirit out. I did not know that I could draw or paint until that warm August day in 2011. I had no idea which direction to go but I was committed to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. Knowing that eventually I would find my way. There has always been a small voice within my soul urging me to move out of my comfort zones and face my fears to realize my true creative potential yet for one reason or another I ignored the urgings. I was convinced there were logical reasons for me to stay in my nice little world. Yet I knew deep in my soul I yearned for more. I just hadn't realized how strong my desire was until I took that first step. Most of my art is thought provoking or delivers an inspirational message all of which comes from my heart to you.

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
I believe my biggest challenge I face as an artist is overcoming the fear of being judged. It disguises itself in many forms so it often goes undetected. The more I stay focused on my reason for creating art, which is to inspire others, the less I care about being judged. When I know that I am doing exactly what I am suppose to be doing, fear has no place to reside. 

What is your greatest personal achievement either in your art, or because of it?
My greatest personal achievement in my art happened recently. (the detailed story can be read on my blog) I was working on a piece that I was extremely excited about. I felt it was going to be my signature piece-the one that would identify me as an artist. On the 3rd day was my final step, to glue the pieces onto a canvas. I did that and left it out to dry over night. The next morning I enthusiastically went to get the piece. I was utterly surprised to see the entire piece was ruined. It had bubbled all over it. I was really bummed out! Fast forward several days – there was a series of events that occurred to transform what was a negative into a positive. That piece is so personal to me and it carries a message that speaks to the very depth of who I am. As it sits on my inspiration shelf, nestled onto a small easel, it will serve as an ever present reminder to be brave.

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?
Right now one of my biggest quest is to establish my style as an artist so that my work is recognizable. I am confident it will happen as long as I keep searching. I enjoy working with joint compound. There is so much you can do with it. And the texture is awesome. My second favorite medium to use is hot glue. This one I have been using for awhile but it still throws me a curve ball from time to time. Then there are those pieces that rock. I LOVE these flowers. There is so much depth to them. I am discovering that one of my strengths is drawing, particularly females. As with life – being an artist is a work in progress and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.

Follow my creative path on my blog. You can purchase my art on my website. Come LIKE my FaceBook page. I host a blog site where I share other stories about creative Late Bloomers. I’d love to share your story. 

Thanks so much for sharing Teresa, I loved your stories and especially your line 'when I know that I am doing exactly what I am suppose to be doing, fear has no place to reside' it reminded me of a quote I think you'd like if you haven't come across it already 'When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid' Audre Lorde. I've heard of many versions of this, from many different voices and I think they are all so right, when you focus on what your are doing, then you and your feelings are longer important in sight of what you are creating. I would also recommend anyone to check our your Late Bloomers blog as it is filled with some truly awesome work and stories shared from other creative Late Bloomers (plus'Give me a slow beginner and I'll show you a winner' is the tag/under-title line which I LOVE, that's reason alone surely?!)

Do you want to see your work here?

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

Living up to a 'Ramble'

Hi!

Happy Friday & end of month eeeek! already?

So I want to give an explanation as to why I've not been posting around here for the past week and a half...but first here's some journal pages:

Okay so, why I've not posted? In short, 

I've had such a crazy week!

A wonderful, but oh-so-crazy, week! As some people know it has been my birthday week this week, both my 31st birthday and my art community's 1st birthday, and on saturday we had a combined party =)

It was INSANE!!!

We art-party-ed on Journal Workshops until the sun came up...and then partyeeed some more...in truth the party's still going on, people are still making & sharing 

fab stuff!

Hundreds of us got together and it was AMAZING, the most incredible energy I have ever felt online EVER. We shared and did lots but we also had a community project (here's mine:)

but I won't go on about it too much in case you were there (in which case you'll know how awesome it was anyways!), but if you weren't then you are more than welcome to still join in - just click 'join' at the top of the Birthday Bash page here: 

Art Party Page

(if you are not a member of Journal Workshops but would like to join in that's awesome too,

simply sign up here first: 

Join Journal Workshops Art Community)

And as an add on to the fabulous party & to celebrate Journal Workshops first birthday tomorrow I'm offering a Birthday Bash price on a new mini class until then:

ONLY £7!!!! Craziness!!

This class is about connecting more deeply with your journaling, and if you’re wondering if this is right for you then please click an image below to watch the short video I prepared to see what to expect from this class:

This class is only £7, which is the absolute lowest I can ever offer it for, until tomorrow so why not take advantage now and come join us =)

I'm also getting the Monthly Challenge ready for the 1st, so Journal Workshops is kinda barmy on art right now (...which is the way it should be of course!). Here's a sneak peek:

So don't forget to come by the Monthly Challenge Group on the 1st, be there or be square...or round...or perhaps a pear shape, you'll have to see what the challenge to determine that lol

If you're still reading, bless your heart thank you, this post really lived up to it's name 'ramble' this week haha but hey, that's represents my week perfectly!
Much love & Arty Hugs

Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Consie Sindet

Hello beautiful creative being you, 

Welcome to today's Tell All Tuesday Artist Interview

I hope you enjoy this interview

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are. 

My name is Consie Sindet and I live in Hunterdon County, NJ, USA. I have been married for over 17 years to my husband, Lee. What kind of artist I am has changed over the years! I’ve painted for a long time and sold craft items for about 12 years. I’ve also taught decorative painting and painted murals in both homes and businesses. I currently spend a huge amount of the summer as a face and body painter and apply henna at fairs. My newest love is the world of mixed media and art journaling. I got my first sewing machine last year and have been painting large pieces of canvas to sew into purses and other items. I just like to try everything!

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
Trying to make a living as an artist is my current struggle. When I was teaching, doing craft shows and painting murals, I worked full time. But with the downfall of the economy, that wasn’t an option any longer. Art is now pretty part-time for me but this year I am embracing that it might not be time to be selling art but just creating art for art’s sake. I want to enjoy the process and not get so caught up in trying to find something to sell! I feel like I am reinventing who I am as an artist and I need time for that to develop in order to make money at it. It will come in time.

What is your greatest personal achievement either in your art, or because of it?
I think the achievement I’m most proud of is what my students accomplished in their art as a result of what I taught them. Some sold at craft shows, some went on to teach others. I loved making a difference in their lives. I would like to teach again but have to find a different way of doing it now that my art has changed from what I use to teach. I know what art has done for me. I would love to bring that to others.

What is your heart’s greatest desire for your life as an artist?
This question goes back to teaching and finding my way back to that. I got burnt out after 10 years and so I need to find a new way to help others find there way with art without losing me. My greatest desire would be to have my art mean something and also give me a paycheck! I’ll just have faith that that is the path I’m on and keep reaching for it!

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art? 

I have a blog where you can find out about my creative journey, and a website for the face and body painting. I am very active on Instagram and you can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy and Society6.

Thanks for sharing Consie I really enjoyed your art & hearing your story. I've been hearing lately from a few artists who are wanting to create meaningful art that too brings them a paycheck and I have to say there is one common thread I have noticed - faith and determination, which makes me believe you will succeed. Wishing you all the best with your creative endeavors.

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

Much love

Jennibellie

Make a Creative Mojo Box

Hello Gorgeous!

I have a little video for you today, it's about making yourself some beautiful creative energy that is personal to you for your studio space, most specifically for your immediate work space - your desk.

It's purpose is to fuel you, to support you, to encourage you and to assist you in anyway that you need so you may need to take a little time thinking about what means, and what would be most useful for you to put in your mojo box. There is no point just sticking a bunch of things in a box, for it to have energy you need to have a connection with the elements of the box and have an understanding of why X will help you deal with negative chatter of the inner critic, why Y will remind you to fill your project with love, why Z is encouraging more freedom in your creation etc etc. It's a project that may seem a little coo-coo or woo-woo, until you try it, and you realise it will make you listen to what you need to make your creativity flow more easily & address stumbling blocks or barriers you may not have realised were even there before. 

So, what do you need in your mojo box?

If you want to join me in turning your Inner Critic into your Creative Coach in my 21 Secrets Lesson then you can find all the details here: 21 Secrets Spring 2015

Have fun making your box, 

much love

PS have you heard it's my birthday and you're invited?

FREE EVENT!!

(you don't even have to bring cake!)

Click the image for details

Acrylic Storage Solutions

Hi Happy Friday!

This week for my ramble I thought I'd share my acrylic storage solutions after this picture of my paint wall -

got lots of interest when I posted it on my Facebook page

So I've done a little vloggy to show you all my acrylic storage including my faaaaaaaaavourite ever drawer - 

which I organise so neatly with...

you guessed it, recycled boxes!

I won't fool you though, I'm sharing a ramble focused on supply goodies rather than projects goodies because I'm planning on posting some of new goodies this weekend (so watch this space journal workshoppers ;) !) in the meantime here's my acrylic storage vlog:

Much love & happy arty weekend

Tell All Tuesday ~ Featured Artist: Anja Voigt

Hello beautiful creative, 

Welcome to today's Tell All Tuesday Artist Interview 

I hope you find this super inspiring & have an awesomely artistic Tuesday to boot =)

Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
I am a mixed media artist and art journaler, living in Germany, Berlin. I learned to be a pattern- designer as a profession. My passion is painting and drawing, but I also like to write, so art journaling was an easy step for me. I struggled a long time to follow the path of an artist, because I made a lot of compromises on my way. I thought I need to help people, heal people, which is awesome, too, I guess. So I studied art therapy, but didn't finish that. I also learned how to educate children, but after while I felt that making art or being an artist is the essence of what I really want to do, although all of these things had to do with being creative and such. I never wanted to admit to myself to be that selfish, lol, because I had very altered expectations of myself. I always felt this unrest. I find myself still in a process of unveiling who I really am, inspite of all the expectations from others, my parents etc. etc.and being ok with what is showing of my real personality. I love to learn new things, because I can get easily bored. I do not like to make an identical reproduction of my work, for example. It always needs to be a bit random.

What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
I think the biggest challenge would be to create something totally abstract. A picture without any visual motive, like a figure or something. I sometimes find that motives in my art are just like alibis to put color into a certain corner of the Picture. I didn't overcome that, yet. Another challenge is my pickyness. I sometimes see little flaws everywhere on my art and keep on working and working. I overcome it with a gut feeling that I should stop now and leave the rest to the observer and mostly it makes me stop.

What do you find easiest / hardest in your art?
It is easy for me to make my stuff look good and to be quick, which I learned as a pattern designer, but that does not always support my artful expression. You know... art does not have to do with beauty all the time. To me the beauty in art is the true and honest authentic expression, that has nothing to do with the used materials,  the quality of materials or the skill of the artist. That is why we find a painting of a child so beautiful, because of its simple, honest and unpersuasive expression.
Art can be also destructive or just an impression that you cannot push away, that is stuck in your memory and works from there.

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?
I find myself at a point, where I have arrived at a certain style I think, but it is still like a fragile little plant that needs to be supported. I found that hard, but the solution to achieve your own style is just to keep on creating, every day a little. Don't back down! You Need to Keep it up! One stroke a day!

Tell us where can we find out more about you & your art?

Right now most of my stuff gets posted on facebook under my name Anja Voigt. All the other stuff, like society 6 and such is in the making. I have a youtube channel called reginaangel. I just started to paint bigger canvases with what I created in my art journals.

Thanks for sharing Anja I really enjoyed your art & insight. 'One stroke a day!' is ringing soooooooooooooooooo true with me right now! That is a path I've been on for a few months and shared a little on here in 'My Daily Journaling Practice' blogpost. I feel it's soooooooo important to do, even when we aren't in the mood and no masterpiece is coming to just do that one brush stroke! Thanks so much for your interview Anja, wishing you all the best with your creative endeavors.

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

Much love

Jennibellie

...on Altered Books

So my ramble this week is on, altered books...because that is what I've been up to and where my head is currently at.

Saying I have thousands of suitable vintage and antique books to alter is probably no exaggeration & it's always something that appeals to me, however when I come to create I'm usually drawn to a journal I have handmade. Not so much at the moment though, at the moment I am just thinking books, books, books.

It's not like I need to start a new journal, I have plenty going but the muse is calling and she usually gets her way (plus I do have a fairly good idea of a particular use I have for the journals I'm making so she has swayed my logic brain somewhat to her thinking too - which makes a change). 

Here is a lil video showing how I am prepping two altered books for my next art journals:

...and I did make something in it, 

I started this lil page...

using the same techniques shared in my recent pastels and charcoal video tutorial here, but this time I favoured the charcoals.

That's it for today my sweets, I am super busy making my 21 Secrets Lesson *awesome*, I have to keep this ramble short and sweet. If you wanna come join in the 21 Secrets LOVE click the link to take a goosey gander at what's on offer:

Much love