Some of you asked for some BIGGER pics of the journal pages in the previous post, so here you go!
These pages were created quickly, with text found from some newsletters I was throwing out.
I ripped out the things that spoke to me at that moment and glued them down randomly on several pages.
Paint, paint, and a bit more paint followed.
Texture tools(rag, sponge, veggie wrapper, etc) were used to lift off paint here and there.
My favorite hand carved diamond stamp with a little gesso made it's way to this page.
Some other stamps were used here and there.
I really just used whatever was handy, working rapidly without much planning ahead.
What a release of my pent up energy!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
You asked for it, you got it!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Holiday Special From Inspirational Retreat!
Sign up for any 2010 workshop at Inspirational Retreat by the end of the year and receive a 10% off class price discount and free lunch for both days as a holiday gift! How cool is that? What a great Christmas present to hint around for:-)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Journal away the Jitters
I don't know about you, but when I'm waiting I have to keep busy. I use all that nervous energy to get something accomplished. 'It's a good thing'. I'm amped up to get started on my book, but needed to wait until a few things were finalized. I was waiting for a conference call on Thursday, a first meeting with the editor that I'll be working with through the book process. I decided to use my excess energy up on some house cleaning, so I started with a general pick-up and while I was clearing off our home office desk I saw some of our church newspapers and some of the captions caught my eye. Journal fodder!!! I quickly ripped out several things that spoke to me at that moment and took them to my studio. I'd had this really cool watercolor journal that has lovely hand torn pages for awhile. I didn't like how they took paint however so I rarely worked in it.
Armed with my supply of text I added some to several pages with soft gel medium (matte) and decided to coat the whole page with some medium mixed with water. Rapid was the key, I did have housework to do! I think sometimes the best pages are created when we work intuitively, without over thinking things. Later in the day I went back to the dry pages and again working rapidly, I added some paint. The paint behaved much better on the gel medium prepped pages!
This was all dry by bedtime, so I took my journal to bed with me while I watched some TV and finished off the first set of pages with a few stamps, and some journaling. The following two sets of pages I added some of Tim Holtz masks that I haven't used nearly enough. Every time I remember to use them, I love them! You can easily get some really cool effects. Now I have two more sets of pages waiting for some journaling and several more waiting for paint the next time I get some out for a project.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
This and That

Thursday, October 22, 2009
Art at the Speed of Life, The Book

Sunday, October 18, 2009
Inspirational Retreat
I'm very excited to announce a new teaching venue! I have been asked to teach at a beautiful getaway in Augora Hills, CA, Lisa LaRosa and Renee Troy's Inspirational Retreat. You have to check out the website and see how lovely and beautiful this place is. The perfect get away to immerse yourself in all things art. My workshop info is posted on their site along with many talented artists. I am looking forward to two inspiring days spent with fellow artists as we explore self portraits, hope to see you there!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Frozen
Illustration Friday, 'Frozen'. I think this piece fits that nicely.


The Pink Team
I'm happy to report that The Pink Artists have raised $4,453 in combined totals from 2008-2009 for Susan G Komen and the fight against breast cancer. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Canvas will be sent off to it's new owner on Monday! 
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What can you do in 5 Minutes or less?

Thursday, October 8, 2009
Come Over to the Dark Side
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
I Need Your Help!
Be sure to check out Mixed Media Monday, it's all about the Pink!
In honor of my step mom I am offering fine art prints from my original piece, 'Beauty in Strength'. I will only be offering these limited edition prints through the end of October and the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. If you purchase one for yourself or a friend, please accept my offer of 1/2 off the price of a second print of your choosing from my print shop. I will refund the difference through PayPal. What a great way to support a good cause and get something for yourself or a gift at the same time. Please help me to send a nice big check on November 1st!
Also feel free to use this image to promote this sale on your blog:-)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pilot Episode of Crafting Idol
More fun from the visit to Stampington & Co!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Visit To Stampington, Workshops, and More
How do I even begin? I am still getting goosebumps about my visit to CA this past week. I guess I will just start from the beginning.
Meeting Jenny in person
Doing Lunch with Jenny and Christin

Doing a Tutorial

Monday, September 21, 2009
My Little Black Book

I've started a few journal pages in my black journal to work on while I'm traveling. I love the mystery that the black foundation adds to the overall look of this journal. I have used a bit of gesso to start, then I sketched in a portrait. Water soluble crayon is used to shade and add some subtle color. I will add journaling and more crayon to the pages while on the road, but it is nice to have a start to a few pages. I like switching between types of journaling, it helps me to be more creative.
It's also fun to shade with different colors. I travel with my favorites (Caran d'ache) and a brush with a water reservoir.
Some of my favorite colors include: Olive Brown, Green Ochre, Sepia, Olive, Raw Umber, Beige, Ochre, Turquoise, and Cobalt Blue.
I also take Black and White.
A graphite pencil is a must.
Charcoal, kneaded eraser, and a blending stump are always with me.
And last but not least a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen.
These pages are too thin for collage, and that would defeat the black backgrounds purpose. So I am only using the simple supplies listed above in this journal.
I will show you the finished pages when I get back.
On another note, I was honored to be featured as this weeks catalyst on Creative Therapy. I would love if you would stop by and leave a comment! If you have not been to the site before scroll through for some amazing work. The contributing artists are listed on the left, and many of my favorites have been there.
Have a great week everyone!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Art on the Go!
I am packing my art supplies getting ready to hit the road! I will be in San Diego next Saturday teaching a mixed media portrait workshop at Lisa Bebi's gallery. Since traveling with art supplies can be a tad tricky, I decided to take an old suitcase and dedicate it towards this purpose.
I've already learned NOT to pack art supplies with your clothes...
Take your ART to NEW places!
Share it with those around you~
Make new friends:-)
Reconnect with old ones:-D
Live Art at the Speed of Life!





















