journal spread

:: taking a step back ::

As life moves forward, taking a moment for ourself is important.

It's hard sometimes to take a step back and realize what's happened because you're always trying to move forward. 

You're always looking at the next palette.

This was a fun spread to create; using techniques and materials such as, 

stencils, collage, and vintage book-page scraps.

Enjoy a step back...

who knows what you might discover along the way!

          :: around here ::               

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. 

It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, 

chaos to order, confusion to clarity. 

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Melody Beattie 

:: around here ::

Life just got a little bit greener, I'd say! 

** WE DECIDED ON A HOUSE **

-on our list of things to do- 

bank 

inspection

closing the deal...

:: around here ::

    

On Whidbey Island.

Spent some time getting adjusted... settling in after our travels... and met with a realtor. 

We have made arrangements to go househunting this Monday. 

Anxious to find a new home. 

Excited to see our dream, become a reality.

There is much to plan, to make a move like this... And believe me, we have been planning!

journal spread

S I M P L Y 

:: amazing :: 

Bright colors, fun stamps, and stencils were used to create this page.  

I am so overjoyed with our future plans... I wanted to document it in COLOR!

Celebrate what you want to see more of.

TOM PETERS 

Flower Power...

:: collage ::

flowers arranged by elements.

During the month of May I am focusing on flowers.

 I am hosting an :: art challenge :: within our FB group 

HERE

These days... I am finding that my "break time" is my art time.

** Yes **

Everything is finally coming together here, our move that is.

In case you did not know or were unaware, 

my Husband and I 

have been planning for awhile, to move out of California. 

It has taken ruffly 3 years of planning.

Honestly, it still feels like there is ** many ** things left unanswered. 

The unsettled feeling of the unknown...

Stepping out of the comfort zone... 

Trying to live comfortably, while everything is turned upside down. 

Managing my Fibromyalgia; some days I am frozen in pain. 

** I know... take a deep breath! ** 

 I do. 

and when I get the chance, I spend it the best way I know how to...

drawing, painting, and simply making colorful art. 

There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

** Excitement **

We have made arrangements for our trip. 

Contacted our realtor and house hunting we will go... I can not wait... 

A new studio space for me too!! 

More space. More light. More windows. 

YOU BET I AM EXCITED!!

I wish to share it all with you, my readers. Do follow along...  

 I will be taking you on my trip to

 Whidbey Island 

The house hunting and all the in-between...ENJOY.

** plane leaves Thursday ** 

Friday's Lovely Links

:: delightful to visit ::

enjoy

• sketchbook - rod luff
• photo - kikisloane.tumblr.com
• journaling collage elements - inspirationscrap.blogspot.com
• acrylic & ink - artist alittlepainter.com
• paper friends - blancahelga.com
• sketching - www.flickr.com/herselfsurprised
• collage - katielicht.typepad.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

** Happy Mother's Day to all **

please take a moment... become aware ~xx 

A quote to ponder...

:: painting in process ::

 I absolutely love it, when it strikes... 

and the only way to get it out is through my paintbrush.

Take it by storm...

:: painting ::

Let me but make a beginning, 

let me but strike the world in a vulnerable spot, 

and I can take it by storm.

MARY MACLANE

thoughts 

~ you got to be willing to walk in a storm.

Mail-Art... send thoughtfulness

:: altered envelopes ::

I absolutely love altering anything... 

These envelopes were screaming, "COLOR ME!" 

materials:

envelope

collage papers

acrylic paints

ink pens

stencil ( personal design )

rubbed stamp - paperbagstudios.com

Thought I would share some of my altered envelopes with you. 

These are created for a swap I am hosting 

HERE

come play along with us!

Or, simply enjoy creating your own altered envelopes to send out.

Give to someone who would be delighted to receive.

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. 

Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

** send some thoughtfulness **

April showers...

 :: bring May flowers ::

and pretty little artful things.

painted vintage book pages turned into flower confetti...

and tiny acrylic paintings on cardboard panel boards are a delight to see. 

I love working with recyclable materials and bright acrylic paints.

The results are always exciting to see. 

What artful things excite you ?