Online Classes and Brave Girl Art School

  
Today I am working on some lessons from my Life Book class with artsy goodies everywhere, Florence and the Machine blasting, hands messy, and hair up (that means I am serious. Lol). I really love online classes. It gives me an opportunity to learn new techniques, join vibrant art communities, challenge myself, and grow as an artist. If $$$ wasn't an issue I would take a bunch. But, unfortunately money does not grow on trees so I have to pace myself.  :)

I am happy to say that one of my favorite artists, Melody Ross, is heading up Brave Girl Art School. It sounds like an amazing 6 weeks and I am sure it will be packed full with positive, affirming artistic fun. I am most excited about BG Art School because Melody is such a wonderful, caring teacher and there is always so much heart behind everything she does. I took Soul Restoration 1 and 2 with the Brave Girls. It was wonderful, so I am sure this will be too. :) Here is a video so you can check it out if you haven't already! Ohhh, and remember...everyone has a little artist in them just waiting to come out!!


 

I hope to get more of my Life Book lessons finished, so I can share them. But, my goodness there is ALOT to do! :) I hope your Monday is a happy one.  

Happy Creating!

Rejoice in the Simple Things - Journal Page

Hello my friends! Happy weekend. Happy loooong weekend in the States! School just started for us, but I was VERY excited to have 3 days off. Shouldn't every weekend be like that? We are only two weeks into the school year, and I am already looking forward to the lazy days of next summer. Lol! Just having that one extra day with my family makes my heart sing. :)

This last week, I started on another journal page from my portrait journal. I was inspired by Jenny & Aaron from Everyday is a Holiday who are sharing their wonderful creativity for an art journal class each Thursday. I love, love, LOVE the color palette this week. It was so much fun to work with!

I started by laying down some random scrapbook paper, vintage music sheets, and gesso. I also used some of the craft paper that I line my table with to add some texture. Whenever I change the paper (after I let it get grungy) I tear it into small pieces to use later. You can see it on this page in the bottom left corner. Next I added some acrylic paint and some more gesso using a popsicle stick. I love the texture gesso creates when I glob it on thick. 

I sprayed a white doily using fabric spray (post about it here), let it dry, and then attached it to the corner. It started to look like a body, so from there my girl was born. I love how she is turning out. Look at that pink hair! Love. I think the pink hair comes from secretly wishing I could dye my hair pink, loving Jenny's, and Daniele's fabulous style too. :) I added more paint, washi tape (new obssession - like I need more!) and words.

When I needed to choose some words, I looked through the stash I keep in a file folder by my table. The words...Her days were spent rejoicing in the simple things...jumped out at me immediately. I had recently read this amazing blog post written by the ever beautiful artist Melody Ross. I can speak for myself in saying that I take so much for granted...so much. The simple fact that I was able to get out of bed today and face this amazingly beautiful day God created with a healthy body, healthy children & Hubby, with food on my plate, a roof over my head, and hours filled with laughter - I am lucky. I am grateful. I am rejoicing in the simpleness that makes this life so wonderful. :)

She Believed in Herself...

I love "she" statements. She believes, she hopes, she dreams, she can...and the list goes on. Especially on days when you feel a bit overwhelmed, your list of "To Dos" is beyond ridiculous, you've got a wicked case of the blahs, and you're feeling pretty small... a "she" proclamation can feel pretty good.

Today's phrase comes from some left over goodies collected from The Brave Girls Club - Soul Restoration class I took awhile back. I love these words. She believed in herself anyway. That word anyway is so important, isn't it? It could read simply...She believed in herself. Positive. Affirming. Fabulous. But...when you add the anyway, it takes on a whole new meaning, right!? Despite the circumstances...the mountains to climb...or the feelings...or the negative stuff that may be floating around - she believed in herself, anyway!

So no matter how your day is going...believe. 

That's right. Go on. Go conquer the world! :)