What are magpie journals, in the art journaling community…? Well, magpies are known for collecting all kinds of things, especially shiny objects… but that may be just a legend. So, a “magpie journal” is an assortment of things you’ve collected, organized as (or in) a journal… or something journal-ish. I like to use that term loosely. …
Art journaling with magazine images can be relaxing and fun, and make a statement at the same time. It’s something anyone can do, with no art training at all. Since the 1990s, that was one of my missions: To show people – especially women – that they could express themselves in art, no matter what. …
Artists’ journals can be as big – or small – as you like, especially if you make them by hand. You can even start with a single sheet of paper and – in just a minute or two – fold it into a simple journal. Here are some videos to inspire you. Folded Journal One …
Altered books are a great way to create an art journal. It’s recycling, in a way, but with lots of added benefits. Drink up these videos for ideas! The next one is a lovely demonstration by Art by Silas. It shows how to create a mixed media artist’s journal. It includes torn paper collage – one …
This has been a transformative week… in a year of “ah-HA!” transitions and cool discoveries. I’m re-energized and planning very cool projects. To celebrate, I’m sharing a door sign* that I created. It’s where my mind is, at the moment. You have two options. Or you can choose both. (Why make decisions when both choices …
Enthusiasm is Contagious – Free Poster to Color (or Not) Read More »
This project started as my personal notepaper. Then… it sort of grew. At first, I wrote my messages in the white rectangle in the middle. Then, I hand-colored the border design. Last week, I realized I could print these for the children in my family, so they had an area to color, but also an …
Do I color my own coloring pages? Yes, I do. In fact, one reason I create coloring books is so I can color in them myself. Also – as a coloring book artist – I think it’s important to color your own drawings. Then, you understand the experience. Some people want big, bold areas to …
This Christmas – like last year – we started kitchen gardens for friends & family. They’ve been a great success. (My own green onions have been thriving for over a year now. I just keep cutting them back – to use in recipes – and the plants regrow bigger & more flavorful every time.) Today, …
Easy Kitchen Gardens – Green Onions & Mint Cuttings Read More »
Like many people, I’m working my way through “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up…” by Marie Kondo, also called the “KonMari” process. It’s about decluttering, and surrounding yourself only with things that bring you joy. The process has been astonishing, and I’m still early in the process. The following is this morning’s observation, which I …
As you may have noticed, I’ve been on a coloring book binge, this past year. Christmas is no exception. So far, I’ve created two Christmas coloring books. They’re filled with ornaments you can color, cut out, embellish, and display. Each is designed to hang on your tree, your Christmas wreath, or as part of a …
Two Christmas Coloring Books and a Free Download Read More »