December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)
I try to make something every day. Most days I succeed, some days I don't. Some days all I manage making is a royal mess. Those are sometimes the most fun days because it means I've tried something new! I love it when my studio functions like a science lab. I'm a science geek, boldly admitted!
Yesterday, I created a blog post about a memorable turning point in my life. I used my heart, my fears, my hopes, and my gratitude to create it. I hope all who read it and know or can relate, recognize that their name and their art could easily be added along with Kerri's. She led me to know so many fantastic people who have affected my creativity in HUGE ways. I want to thank each and every person along the way personally. Clearing some time for it would be a never ending task in itself. So, I'll just have to trust each of you to fill in your name. :-p !
Now - I'm off to create again. Have a great day!
~ky
Monday, December 6, 2010
Reverb10 - Let Go
December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
Earlier (Reverb10, Day 1, One Word), I spoke about accepting. The funny thing about opening yourself to accept something new - it means you must be ready to let something else go. Very few things come into your life, that you want or need, that don't require you to clear some space off your plate, table, mind, house, etc.
"It just means you are letting it go so that your hands are not so filled with past hurts that they cannot grasp onto the goodness waiting to be held." ~Melody Ross, Brave Girls Club
In thinking back over this year, I see a lot of letting go. Just read Day 1's post - everything I accepted was because I had first let go. I was tracing my path that led me to meeting a wonderful and unexpected group of people. I was trying to remember exactly how I came to know this group of mixed media and art journalers that quickly fueled my interest in shifting away from stamping to mixed media. It was a fortuitous meeting - I feel far more comfortable with my art in this venue.
Well, it occurred to me that there was a specific event that propelled me into contact with these people. Like most rockets, a catalyst is the mechanism for such propulsion. For this event - it was the death of my beloved Jinge-bear, my rescued bunny.
I posted the sad news on Milliande's Ning site. I was heartbroken but having just moved, had no one to share the burden with (besides Karl). I reached out. I didn't expect much in return, but it felt good to just send my pain out to the Universe. Bunnies aren't considered pet-material by most people, yet are the third most popular group of pets. I didn't realize, at the time, but I was taking steps in preparation of letting go.
Earlier (Reverb10, Day 1, One Word), I spoke about accepting. The funny thing about opening yourself to accept something new - it means you must be ready to let something else go. Very few things come into your life, that you want or need, that don't require you to clear some space off your plate, table, mind, house, etc.
"It just means you are letting it go so that your hands are not so filled with past hurts that they cannot grasp onto the goodness waiting to be held." ~Melody Ross, Brave Girls Club
In thinking back over this year, I see a lot of letting go. Just read Day 1's post - everything I accepted was because I had first let go. I was tracing my path that led me to meeting a wonderful and unexpected group of people. I was trying to remember exactly how I came to know this group of mixed media and art journalers that quickly fueled my interest in shifting away from stamping to mixed media. It was a fortuitous meeting - I feel far more comfortable with my art in this venue.
Well, it occurred to me that there was a specific event that propelled me into contact with these people. Like most rockets, a catalyst is the mechanism for such propulsion. For this event - it was the death of my beloved Jinge-bear, my rescued bunny.
I posted the sad news on Milliande's Ning site. I was heartbroken but having just moved, had no one to share the burden with (besides Karl). I reached out. I didn't expect much in return, but it felt good to just send my pain out to the Universe. Bunnies aren't considered pet-material by most people, yet are the third most popular group of pets. I didn't realize, at the time, but I was taking steps in preparation of letting go.
{artwork by iKerriLove}
By reaching out, I was opening myself up to a blessing. iKerriLove (screen name) read about Jinge's short life, and was compelled to create this beautiful page. Soon, Kerri and I were chatting online, and eventually she introduced me to her favorite creative people. The rest, as they say, is history. I was smitten not only with the creative outlet (I'm feeling much at home with art journaling), but with the generous people who give of themselves to teach and encourage budding artists.
I had to let go of Jinge to accept the blessing of new friends, healing art, and eventually these two cuties:
What are you holding onto?
~ky
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Reverb 10 - Wonder - Land and Alice!
December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
Today we awaken to fresh snow - half a foot. The neighborhood has transcended into a quiet, magical land. How appropriate that today's prompt is Wonder!
My art focus helps me see things from that most magical perspective - child-level. I'm not afraid to ask those questions that we, as adults, are frowned upon broaching. I ask myself "What if..." a lot. I purposely stop and pick a random item, then imagine what else it might be, or if components can be put to a different use. I love doing that!
I've been struggling lately with life - just getting things done, making sure priorities were met, and finally, I'm close to seeing the end of the tunnel! I rewarded myself by exploring a medium I know little about - encaustics. I spent some time on YouTube watching videos. I spent some time looking at materials and considering how I could try this medium without a lot of investment. I set off shopping and came back with some definite maybe products.
I will do a little video soon to tell you about the products I used, and the mess I made. [Insert very silly childlike grin here!] Here is one view of my Encaustic mixed media ATC:
This ATC features a wonderful image from Some Odd Girl stamps. I just LOVE this image - it's me and Tinker! The background is all melted, colored wax, and I made my own adhesive tape with a text background stamp, Paula, the Journal Artista's glimmer glam paint formula, and medical tape. Fun! I colored Kaylee Cuddle (the image) with my Copic markers. This ATC will be included in an art journaling page describing how I love to enjoy days filled with wonder!
Now - you notice I had "And Alice" in the title? Well, I wasn't able to get my project completed yesterday, in time for the challenge blog to post. So - this is a reminder that YOU can play along with the Oh Alice Twisted Thirteen for a chance at winning your own Some Odd Girl stamps! Hop on over to the Oh Alice challenge blog for all the sweet details! You don't need to do encaustics to play - just use a handmade flower in your project! What are you waiting for? You have until midnight Friday, December 10th!
See you soon!
~ky
This post is dual-purposed: Reverb10 and the Oh Alice challenge!
Today we awaken to fresh snow - half a foot. The neighborhood has transcended into a quiet, magical land. How appropriate that today's prompt is Wonder!
My art focus helps me see things from that most magical perspective - child-level. I'm not afraid to ask those questions that we, as adults, are frowned upon broaching. I ask myself "What if..." a lot. I purposely stop and pick a random item, then imagine what else it might be, or if components can be put to a different use. I love doing that!
I've been struggling lately with life - just getting things done, making sure priorities were met, and finally, I'm close to seeing the end of the tunnel! I rewarded myself by exploring a medium I know little about - encaustics. I spent some time on YouTube watching videos. I spent some time looking at materials and considering how I could try this medium without a lot of investment. I set off shopping and came back with some definite maybe products.
I will do a little video soon to tell you about the products I used, and the mess I made. [Insert very silly childlike grin here!] Here is one view of my Encaustic mixed media ATC:
{click to enlarge and see all the wonderful details!}
This ATC features a wonderful image from Some Odd Girl stamps. I just LOVE this image - it's me and Tinker! The background is all melted, colored wax, and I made my own adhesive tape with a text background stamp, Paula, the Journal Artista's glimmer glam paint formula, and medical tape. Fun! I colored Kaylee Cuddle (the image) with my Copic markers. This ATC will be included in an art journaling page describing how I love to enjoy days filled with wonder!
Now - you notice I had "And Alice" in the title? Well, I wasn't able to get my project completed yesterday, in time for the challenge blog to post. So - this is a reminder that YOU can play along with the Oh Alice Twisted Thirteen for a chance at winning your own Some Odd Girl stamps! Hop on over to the Oh Alice challenge blog for all the sweet details! You don't need to do encaustics to play - just use a handmade flower in your project! What are you waiting for? You have until midnight Friday, December 10th!
See you soon!
~ky
Friday, December 3, 2010
Reverb 10
This is my "catch-up" post for my late start with Reverb10. If you are interested, you can check out the details for this personal challenge at the Reverb10 website. I hope you will participate or at least follow along.
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
I chose a word for 2010, as I traditionally do, on January 1. My word was Accept. There were changes brewing as we moved from 2009 to 2010, and I had no idea which way the year would take us. I realized that if I truly trusted my Saviour, that I would have to accept what He brought into my life. At the time, I was thinking more of home/work/life redirection. Now that I'm almost done with the journey of 2010, I realize my Saviour considers my "whole" person in all the changes He brings or allows.
We had big changes. Karl changed jobs, changed locations, changed wardrobes (no more uniforms), changed attitudes, changed outlooks - ok you get the idea. Meanwhile, I changed too. I changed gears, changed responsibilities, changed houses, changed perspectives, changed attitudes, changed focus, changed doctors, and most of all - changed my ART.
I fully believe that choosing to focus my energy on accepting, that I was freeing myself up to receive a huge blessing. Looking back now? Yep. Big ole fingerprints of God, plainly visible.
What's next for 2011? I don't know the future, but I know who holds my future. I usually spend December considering what word I should observe for the next year. I don't have that word yet, but when I do, I will document it.
December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
There are several things I do that fall in this category. Unfortunately, I can't really dispense with them. We need clean clothes, dishes, floors, etc. My health requires a lot of my time and limited energy. Again - not really an option there. So, what do I do to maximize the time and energy I do have? Here are some ways:
1. when I need rest, I try to take an easy, art-based activity to my recliner. I read, draw, doodle, brainstorm, crochet, watch art-related videos, read blogs, participate in live discussions and demos with people who inspire me, etc. As a reminder - surround yourself with interesting and POSITIVE people. Poison personalities are *everywhere* and they suck the creative life right out of you.
2. when I have things that must be done, I try to multitask to get done faster, or to incorporate brainstorming for an upcoming project. I'm rarely out of reach of pen and paper to at least capture notes and ideas.
3. when managing my health, I choose uplifting and thoughtful music during physical therapy and let my mind go along for the ride - I get a ton of ideas this way. I take those art-based activities that are appropriate with me so I can work or daydream while waiting to see a doctor, etc.
4. when I'm playing with my family (6 furries and a grown 10 year old), my mind is stimulated with future stories to tell, past memories to capture, other perspectives to look at life, all kinds of things.
So you see, even though there are many things we MUST do, we still have choices about HOW we do them.
December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
November 7, 2010. I entered an 8-mile running event on the spur of the moment with Karl. It was a crisp morning, with a pale yet bright blue sky. We ran the race at Danada Forest Preserve - beautiful scenery, still fall colors evident, crunchy gravel trails. There were 200 or so people with us, but I felt like I was there on my own. I had only been back in my physical therapy (walking/jogging) for a little more than a week. I was a little iffy on if I could go the distance, but it felt so good just to be out there again.
I felt the muscles in my legs one fibre at a time. I felt the air flowing in and out of my lungs. I heard small groups of ladies talking as they walked along the course. Men don't gather and walk/jog like women do. I prefer the men's tactic, personally. I can listen to the wind, feel the sun on my skin, soak up everything the event has to offer. It raises me up to a higher appreciation and awareness of my surroundings. I love it. That day, I felt every cell of my being echo the energy of the cosmos. It was a perfect day that I shared with Karl - unique experiences of the same event.
One Word
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
I chose a word for 2010, as I traditionally do, on January 1. My word was Accept. There were changes brewing as we moved from 2009 to 2010, and I had no idea which way the year would take us. I realized that if I truly trusted my Saviour, that I would have to accept what He brought into my life. At the time, I was thinking more of home/work/life redirection. Now that I'm almost done with the journey of 2010, I realize my Saviour considers my "whole" person in all the changes He brings or allows.
(click to enlarge) This art journal page documents my selection of the word Accept.
I fully believe that choosing to focus my energy on accepting, that I was freeing myself up to receive a huge blessing. Looking back now? Yep. Big ole fingerprints of God, plainly visible.
What's next for 2011? I don't know the future, but I know who holds my future. I usually spend December considering what word I should observe for the next year. I don't have that word yet, but when I do, I will document it.
Writing
December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
There are several things I do that fall in this category. Unfortunately, I can't really dispense with them. We need clean clothes, dishes, floors, etc. My health requires a lot of my time and limited energy. Again - not really an option there. So, what do I do to maximize the time and energy I do have? Here are some ways:
1. when I need rest, I try to take an easy, art-based activity to my recliner. I read, draw, doodle, brainstorm, crochet, watch art-related videos, read blogs, participate in live discussions and demos with people who inspire me, etc. As a reminder - surround yourself with interesting and POSITIVE people. Poison personalities are *everywhere* and they suck the creative life right out of you.
(click to enlarge) Zendoodling lets my mind wander while resting.
2. when I have things that must be done, I try to multitask to get done faster, or to incorporate brainstorming for an upcoming project. I'm rarely out of reach of pen and paper to at least capture notes and ideas.
3. when managing my health, I choose uplifting and thoughtful music during physical therapy and let my mind go along for the ride - I get a ton of ideas this way. I take those art-based activities that are appropriate with me so I can work or daydream while waiting to see a doctor, etc.
4. when I'm playing with my family (6 furries and a grown 10 year old), my mind is stimulated with future stories to tell, past memories to capture, other perspectives to look at life, all kinds of things.
So you see, even though there are many things we MUST do, we still have choices about HOW we do them.
Moment
December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
November 7, 2010. I entered an 8-mile running event on the spur of the moment with Karl. It was a crisp morning, with a pale yet bright blue sky. We ran the race at Danada Forest Preserve - beautiful scenery, still fall colors evident, crunchy gravel trails. There were 200 or so people with us, but I felt like I was there on my own. I had only been back in my physical therapy (walking/jogging) for a little more than a week. I was a little iffy on if I could go the distance, but it felt so good just to be out there again.
(click to enlarge) This art journal page is about the 86,400 seconds we have every day.
I felt the muscles in my legs one fibre at a time. I felt the air flowing in and out of my lungs. I heard small groups of ladies talking as they walked along the course. Men don't gather and walk/jog like women do. I prefer the men's tactic, personally. I can listen to the wind, feel the sun on my skin, soak up everything the event has to offer. It raises me up to a higher appreciation and awareness of my surroundings. I love it. That day, I felt every cell of my being echo the energy of the cosmos. It was a perfect day that I shared with Karl - unique experiences of the same event.
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