don't worry... be happy - Month 2

Here's a continuation of my "Balance" Journal. Just wanted to be playful and happy because these winter months have been rough. Gave this a child-like quality with rough brush strokes and a heart balloon. I found a quote for this month's lesson, and while it didn't fit on this page, it's waiting for another journal page: "We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have" - Frederick Keonig. Enjoy what's left of the month! Happy Journaling!

New Year resolution - Month 1

I have been reading "Creative Awakenings" - scroll down and see it on my Shelfari, on the right. I vowed to make a 12-month commitment to live the artful life I desire. As a start, I created these journal pages. It's a large journal, which is out of my comfort zone, but I kept at it until I completed these pages to my satisfaction. I used some magazine clippings for the woman's face and the birds. I also started a "milestones passport"(See "Creative Awakenings") to record my monthly progress. Since January is over, I recorded my progress tonight which included teaching 3 new journaling students, creating and mailing valentine ATCs, creating Frida skinny book pages, registering for a photoshop course in Spring, and making an effort to spend a little time each day in my studio -- to not beat myself up for not having an idea, but to go in there and play around to see if ideas pop up - and they usually do! And if they don't, if I'm tired, I just turn off the light and say, "I'll try tomorrow".

Skinny pages for Trinka

I completed my skinny pages for this month - my partner, Trinka who likes women's faces, maps and numbers. I chose Frida Kahlo as the face, who inspired the rest of the page. This was a fun collage to create for her book.

Making valentines

It's time to make my favorite - hearts - for my friends. Here's a sampling.

Tribute to Link and Donna

My dear friend, Donna, will be celebrating her birthday this Friday! She also just added a new member to her household - a beautiful kitty named Linkovitch. Here's her card - now on its way in the mail. Hope she likes it!!

Connie's Skinny Book

I've been working on Connie's pages for a while. It seems I have an idea, then no time.... then some time and lost my idea! I think it's all the busy-ness of the holidays. Her theme is vintage children. I never use vintage photos because I find them too lacking in COLOR, so my interpretation of the theme came out as playing dolls, paper dolls, and girly colors. The cutout doll was created using PaperWhimsy art, the rest is mostly rubber stamps. I love using stamps as I feel like I'm "playing". I was having so much fun that I added an opening door,too. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!!

Skinny pages for Trudi

Finally finished my skinny pages for Trudi! Her theme was artist's choice, but mentioned that she likes complimentary colors, butterflies, and postage stamps. I love using complimentary colors together-- but chose one of my very favorite combinations -- yellow and purple. Then I incorporated the lines from John Lennon, "Imagine all the people living life in peace". I truly loved doing these pages, as I felt free to play with my love of color. I hope Trudi likes them, too!!