Journaling with kids

Love time spent art journaling with my ns. These 2 spreads are from my 2010 travel journal that I created with my nieces. I love hands, and the girls were delighted when I traced their hands and they got to select their fave colors for me to add to the outlines.


The kids are always bringing me little stuffed animals to draw. This is Germany. The other pages were created by alternating playing with stencils and lines. Faces by Sophia (7).

Journal Page

A quick sketch during a fun art journal discussion on Saturday. The page already had the music scraps pasted down. Added color at home. Quick and easy and captures a moment in time.

Art Journal Tutorial

My local art journal group had the prompt HOME for this month.

I do not normally sketch out an idea when I play with my journal. In this particular case, I happened to be writing in my everyday journal and an idea popped into my head, so jotted it down. Went back several days later and used it as my inspiration. I love understanding how something is created, so thought I'd make a short video to show my process on this page. Love how it turned out.

You can see a brief tutorial on how I created this page here.

Journal Page

Really delighted with how this page turned out.

I had the background painted already - using up paint from a different project.

Spent some time at my local B&N with a cup of tea and a scone (this seems to be the magic combination that inspires me), and flipped through several mags and books. Saw an image in this book that snagged my attention. Did a pen sketch and wrote the text at the store and added the color and stamps at home.

Art Journal Flip

I am exploring how to make a video and already know more than I did a couple of days ago. Such fun. My second attempt is a video flip of one of my finished art journals. You can see it here.

I love these 6x9 size journals. I use 9x12 watercolor paper folded in half. Each journal has 3 signatures, and each signature has 6 sheets. I bind the signatures using a simple long stitch. The spine is made of fabric samples. My journals are only precious to me once I fill them. They are like dear friends who have traveled with me for a while. They hold so many memories.

Journal Page

March already. A new month, a new start. Love that it is staying light longer. Feel the sap running. Been exploring many new things. So much fun.

I realized that I did not have black and white pages in my journal, so decided to create one. Then could not resist adding a burst of color.

Travel Journal

I made my first ever video yesterday - a journal flip of my latest travel journal - made for an upcoming trip. You can see it here.

Journal details:
After considering the various book binding options, I decided to go with a simple ring bound book. I've used this style before and they are wonderfully easy to use while traveling. The book opens flat. It is easy to add and re-arrange pages. And the book can expand as much as needed. For this book I'm using four 1.5 inch book rings.

I made the covers using recycled cardboard and wallpaper samples. The inside of the book contain watercolor paper (pre-painted and blank), cardstock, wallpaper, scrapbook paper, vellum, stickers, writing paper, grid paper, envelopes, stamps, paint samples, staples, watercolors, etc. I decided this would be a good book to use up some of the scraps left over from other projects.

Love fat and juicy journals just waiting to be filled.

Opposites - Seasonal Footwear

Got this idea after shoveling out yesterday. Am ready for the beach.

Opposites - Light Dark

The Feb sketchbook theme is Opposites. I got the inspiration for this theme on a late afternoon walk the other day. The cracks in the road around the sewer cover. So pretty.

Fridge Poems

I love these magnetic poetry kits. So much fun. Here are some of the poems on the fridge at the moment.

Recent Reads

1. Drawing from Life
There is so much inspiration packed in this book. I dip in every year or so to let new ideas soak in.

2. Painted Paper
Just the color of the the pages is enough to feed my creative cat. So many good ideas.

3. Northanger Abbey
My first foray into Austen and I loved it. Such keen insight into human nature in this little gem. I polled various Janeites as to what order I should read the books and wanted to share this little gem with you: "I'd suggest to start with "Northanger Abbey" because the novel really shows Jane Austen's personality and sense of humor. Then I would move on to "Pride and Prejudice" because "Northanger Abbey" would have really warmed you up to catch all the humor in the book. Then read "Mansfield Park" to give you an idea of the diversity of Jane Austen's characters. After that go for "Sense and Sensibility" for a good contrast to "Mansfield Park's" calm and quiet heroine. After that I think you should read "Persuasion" to see the the effects of love lost and love come back. Then you should read "Emma" because her story is something of a culmination of all Jane Austen's books put together in a very entertaining way, and then, last but most definitely not least, you should read "Lady Susan" because the book is just icing on the cake of all Austen's works . Enjoy!:-)"

Watching

Okay, you know me, you know that I have no cable and am not a fan of most TV shows.

I have been watching several BBC/PBS productions lately and would highly recommend them. If you have not seen them yet, I would highly recommend Downton Abbey and Bleak House. Both are simply fab.

What are you watching? Anything good?

Snow day

Loving the gentle snow fall. Loving feeling like I'm in a snow globe. Loving a snow day. Loving fun and thought provoking discussions with my book club. Loving time well spent. Loving my first foray into Jane Austen. Loving getting letters and postcards in the mail. Loving being home. Loving the thrill of planning a trip. Loving the feel of a good pen in my hand. Loving that I am writing. Loving the company of friends.

Recent Reads

1. Sabbath
I found this a meditative and reflective read. You know the kind of book that reminds you of things you know but have forgotten? Loved it.

2. The Geography of Bliss
My book club will be talking about this one tomorrow. I started reading the book and found the writing annoying, so decided to listen to the audio book - much better as I think each chapter was written as a podcast. While I did not find the content all that enlightening, I love that the book brought up some good questions to think about. Looking forward to a fun discussion.

3. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
First book I've read by the author and I loved being immersed in the world of comics and the years leading up to WW2. Wonderful read.

4. Real Life Journals
Fun book filled with so much inspiration. Loved it.

5. Rethinking Acrylics
So many ideas, so little time. A fun exploration of ways to play with paints.

6. Diario De Oaxaca
A feast for the eyes. Love books like this.

Muse calling

This is the first thing I did when I got out of bed this morning. And I mean the very first thing - before even brushing my teeth. When the muse calls I gotta follow.

Was flipping through this book yesterday before I went to bed. And somewhere in my dreams I realized that I had bottles of printer ink that I had not gotten rid off yet - and viola - jumped out of bed this morning to find my stash.

So after an hour or so of splashing inks about and making a nice mess, I've got painted paper that I plan to tear down and bind into a book.

Yes, I got things to do, but I remember what an elderly man said to me on a golf course many moons ago: the graveyard is full of good housekeepers.

Red

The photo theme of the month is Red - one of my fave colors. Here is some red packaging at my local HMart.

Travel Journal WIP

Am in the process of creating a new travel journal. After mulling over the pros and cons of different binding styles and sizes, have decided on a book that is 9x6 inches and uses binder rings for ease of use while traveling.

I pre-painted some paper with watercolors - such a relaxing and fun way to play with paints.

Journal Page

Here is a journal page from earlier this month inspired by Issek.

It has been a while since I played in my journal - been busy making a new travel journal for an upcoming trip. Will post pics when I get a chance.

Journal Time

Love playing with my journals and pens and paints and have gotten my nieces and nephews into it as well. During my visit to Vegas in Dec, we got to play in our new journals. You can see pics of the fun time here.

Loving

Loving warmer days. Loving how the sun feels on my skin. Loving being on snow shoes. Loving the crunch of snow underfoot. Loving that my body feels used. Loving time away from my computer. Loving playing with paints. Loving season four of The Tudors. Loving being lost in a book. Loving learning things I never knew. Loving remembering things I knew but forgot. Loving snugging under a warm electric blanket. Loving shorter hair. Loving long chats. Loving good food. Loving being immersed in a good book. Loving time with babes. Loving being in the here and now.

Recent Reads

1. Stitch Alchemy
Fun book with some really good ideas.

2. Burnt Shadows
First book I've read by the author and I loved it. The multi-generational story of two families that intertwine over the course of events that changed the course of history - the bomb at Nagasaki, the partition of India and Pakistan, the Afghan war and 911. Beautifully told personal stories in the face of national and global tragedies. I have added her other books to my list to read.

3. Creative Illustration Workshop
An interesting look into how an artist creates.

4. How to Meditate
My word for 2011 is explore and I am exploring meditation. I have practiced in an ad-hoc manner for years, but decided it was time to dive deeply. Started with this audio book and I love it. The CDs are recorded sessions from a retreat and the author covers philosophy, basic instructions, various techniques, etc. I can feel my mind rearranging itself. Love that.

Winter wonderland

Here are some pics from the dig-out yesterday. Don't recall ever having this much snow on the ground before.

Happy New Year

Depending on which Zodiac calendar you follow, this is either the year of the rabbit, or the year of the cat. Like life is not confusing enough....

Well after the 2 day winter storm that dumped almost 18 inches, the shoveling continues. The snow banks are now higher than my head, so have to fling the snow overheard as I shovel. My back is not happy about that. Maybe I'll get out there in heels today - every little bit of height would help!

This is a doodles page from my current journal.

Winter hump day

Happy winter hump day - we are halfway between the solstice and the equinox. Groundhog Phil saw no shadow, so an early spring on tap. If you believe a groundhog that is.

One of the things I am exploring this year is meditation. Have dabbled on and off for years, and decided to dive deeper this year. Have been listening to How to Meditate by Pema Chodron and can feel my brain re-arranging itself. This journal page contains my notes from Lesson 3.

Bracing

Here in the northeast we are bracing for another winter storm - could be as much as 2 feet and I'm not sure where we will put it all. The snow banks are already shoulder height. Find it amusing that the forecast is for snow today and ice pellets tomorrow.

One of my fave things to do is hang out at a bookstore, sipping tea, munching on a scone and flipping through magazines for inspiration. Found these adorable owls by Juliette Crane. The drawing and writing happened in the store and I added the watercolors at home. Love how it turned out.

Loving

Loving lazy days with nothing of importance to do. Loving the PBS series Downton Abbey. Loving being immersed in a great read. Loving the colors of my paintbox. Loving the warmer days in the midst of this frigid winter. Loving snuggles. Loving exploring new ideas. Loving fireside chats. Loving playing in my art journal.

Highly Prized - Alphanumerics

Learning to read and write is lost in the mists of my mind, so I am delighted to be able to spend time with my nieces and nephews and see how their brains get a toe-hold and then suddenly they can read and write. Almost like magic!

Notes

I've always been a good note taker. Taking notes adds an extra dimension to how I learn or listen - makes the process tactile in a way. I am able to recall things I noted down much more accurately than things simply read or heard.

Been listening to interesting topics lately - and these are a couple of my pages of notes.

David Kato

I am sick to my stomach this morning after reading about what happened to David Kato in Uganda. You can read the article here. What some people do in the name of their religious beliefs sickens me.

I believe that a big part of the problem is the demonizing of "the other". Intolerance is bred by the perpetuation of ignorance. In recent discussions with "liberal" women, I've had to play devils advocate to the ranting and intolerance I encountered. I simply do not understand how anyone can take a strong stance for or against something when they cannot articulate both sides of the issue. Where have those debate skills learned in primary school gone? When did we get so sure that we are right, and the other is wrong?

Am heartened by people like Elizabeth Lesser who suggest such a simple thing: Take the "Other" to lunch. You can see her talk here.

As the Mahatma said: Be the change you want to see in the world. Take the Other to lunch and be the light that chases away the darkness.

Loving

Loving time with my nephews. Loving making invisible ink and writing secret messages. Loving the look of wonder as the secret message is revealed. Loving meandering chats. Loving the laughter and hugs. Loving homework time. Loving staying in touch with who they are right now.

Recent Reads

1. Wolf Hall
I am fascinated by the Tudor court and how the world changed during that period of time, so was excited about this book. While I learned much about Thomas Cromwell and got better insight into the times, this was a difficult read. The writing seemed rather tortured.

2. Labor Day
An interesting coming of age story that stayed with me after I closed the book. It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, I think the same is true of strangeness. What is normal in your home is simply the way things are - until you explore the outer world and realize that you are in fact strange. Really enjoyed this book.

3. Mary and O'Neil
Loved everything about this book and would highly recommend it. Beautifully written exploration of the human condition. I laughed. I cried. I found my hand over my heart during portions. One of the best books I've read in a while.

Loving

Loving the solitude of being home alone. Loving exciting football games. Loving the flash of the red Cardinal against the snow covered burning bush. Loving long phone chats. Loving tasty leftovers from the freezer. Loving immersing myself in a good book. Loving staying warm in this frigid air. Loving hot showers. Loving the taste of ice-cream in winter. Loving the space between thoughts. Loving a good nights sleep. Loving the transience of snowflakes. Loving the gift of time. Loving my healthy body. Loving missing my baby. Loving that all is well with my loved ones.

Baby it's cold outside

Read an article that we are having colder temps than places in the Arctic Circle! No wonder I'm freezing. Air temps are in the negative numbers. Good thing there were football games to get me all stirred up. So we are left with the Packers and the Steelers. Go Packers!

This journal page has a recurring theme for me - hands. The text is notes I took while listening to a book on meditation.

TED

Watched an inspiring and thought provoking TED talk on the power of vulnerability this morning. You can see it here.

Loving

Loving these performances.

Highly Prized - Picasso

While surfing, found a photo on Seth's blog of La Lecture by Picasso. Estimated between $18,570,000-$27,860,000, this painting is certainly highly prized.

So, here is my ode to Picasso. If you'd like to pay me even a fraction of the estimate, do let me know...

Winter wonderland

We are having quite the winter season in these parts. Another snow day today - an additional 8 inches of the light fluffy stuff. At this rate school will be session till July.

Had to drive to the airport in the slop this morning - took about 2 hours each way. Could have been halfway to Hawaii by then! Fast moving storm has already cleared out and the sun is out this afternoon. So pretty outside - kinda magical.

Centered this journal page around the drawing of a woman who caught my eye.

Loving

Loving a night of poetry and scones. Loving the smells of a crackling fire. Loving having a stash of firewood to make fires. Loving snow days. Loving watching the snow fall with no place to go. Loving lazy mornings in bed with tea and a book. Loving fun book club discussions. Loving galloping with a dear friend. Loving good food and excellent company. Loving the inspiration of spending time with other art journalers. Loving the calm after the storm.

Highly Prized - el Morro

I love forts. Maybe it is because I grew up exploring Fort Jesus and it captured my imagination. It was like history coming alive - forts built in strategic spots around the world to secure trade routes and provide the first line of defense to attack from the sea. So highly prized.

I visit forts every chance I get, and the beautiful el Morro did not disappoint.

Faces

This year I am exploring how to draw faces. Here are a couple of sketches from a couple of nights ago.

It is hard to draw the face of someone I know - I cannot quite capture a true likeness yet.

I find sketching strangers easier to do - there is less emotional context attached.

Highly Prized - Butterflies

In the midst of this nor'easter, I've got butterflies on my mind.

The background color is oil pastels, and the butterflies images are from napkins in my stash.

Stripes

The thing about January, is that there are so many new things to explore. I'm dabbling in many of them, and one is the Art Journal January 2011 by Milliande. She is playing with a theme the entire month - in this case stripes. If you have not seen her videos yet, do check them out for some inspiration.

Since I'm dabbling, I'm not playing in a particular order - decided to play with Day 5. I love the work of Guido Daniele - simply stunning, so was delighted to play with my hands and create this zebra. I used ink, markers and watercolors. Fun no?

Blizzard warning

There is something about an upcoming snow day - blizzard in this case - that gets my creative juices flowing. Maybe it is the nowhere to go feeling of a snow day that brings it on.

I started this page with a certain idea in mind and ended up here. Love it. I painted the background with water colors with some masking tape used as resist. Then attached this piece of tissue paper/napkin using gel medium, and love, love, love how it turned out. Got a stash of napkins from a member of my art journal group and decided to play and see what I could create with them. There needs to be some writing to finish the page - will post that when completed.

It's a new year. Get out that stash you've been saving and use it. Sometimes beautiful things happen.

Ephemera

Another ephemera page. I create these as I go along - simply start sticking things on the page until full, then I flip to another set of pages in my journal and start over.

A fun way to capture a place and time.

Wild Card Weekend

A weekend of fantastic football games - and several upsets. Fun.

Saw this image in a paper several months ago, and have had it on my desk for ages. Decided to draw it - captured the essence of what I liked - though I find faces tough to draw. Practice. Practice.

Recent Reads

1. Kid Chat
Had fun flipping through this book as I looked for journal prompts to add to the journals I gave my nieces and nephew in December. They would be good questions for adults too.

2. The Last Ember
Don't bother. Not sure what all the rave reviews are about. While I did like learning some of the historical events the book is based on, the story and writing are both really poor.

3. Black Swan Green
Loved it, and it has stayed with me since I read it. It is classified as a YA book, but the writing is crisp and intelligent and I loved everything about this coming of age story.

4. The Space Between Us
Loved it. This is what my book club is reading this month. It is well written and there are so many things to ponder and discuss after reading it. Looking forward to my book club discussion next weekend.

Recent Movies

1. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Woof. Woof. Why did this movie even get made? Could have been an interesting overview of the recent crash - great talent in the movie - but total waste of time.

2. Inception
The smartest movie I've seen in ages. Loved it.

3. The Road from Coorain
Have yet to read the book, but really liked this movie.

4. La Mission
Like the actors and the story, but the movie could have used some serious editing.

5. Rudi Y Cursi
Fun, light movie about sibling rivalry and life in the fast lane after growing up poor.

Highly Prized - Full Moon

I've always been a sun girl, but as I've gotten older have begun to appreciate the beauty of the moon. I love big fat yellow full moons low on the horizon.

Highly Prized - Crescent Moon

Beautiful crescent moon out last night.

Playing with watercolors trying to capture that little sliver of light.

Titles

Here are some recent book titles that amuse me:

1. The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becomng Superhuman by Timothy Ferriss
2. You Might Be a Zombie and Other Bad News by Cracked.com
   
3. The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels - A Love Story by Ree Dummond

Would these be non-fiction then?

Food for thought

Listened to an interesting talk by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg on Why we have too few women leaders. You can see it here.

Bellagio

A visit to the Bellagio is one of our regular outings whenever I visit my family in Las Vegas. I am always amazed at the creativity on display. You can see pics from the most recent outing here.

Highly Prized - Window Seat

Love the view from the window seat - this is a view from a trip to the Maldives several years ago. Stunningly beautiful. So many islands, so little time.

Highly Prized - Silence

So many things I highly prize are impossible for me to draw. How does one draw love? Or trust? Or safety? So this is turning out to be an interesting challenge in more ways than one.

Something I highly prize is silence. A space to hear my thoughts. A space to restore my balance. On planes, I use these noise canceling headphones to help keep me sane.

Ephemera

Here is another ephemera page in my journal - a capture of a place and time. I actually met the clown at my doctor's office - quite an interesting character.

Highly Prized - Ornament

I'm participating in The Sketchbook Challenge this year and the theme for January is Highly Prized.

I'm also doing something different for this challenge and not working in a bound book. I really love the book format, but thought I'd explore how it was working on individual sheets of paper.

The pages are 9"x6" watercolor paper and have holes pre-punched. My plan is to create covers and eventually bind the completed pages and covers using binder rings.

Why is this prized? It is part of our holiday ornament collection - each one has a story and memory connected with it. Love that.

What are some of the projects you are working on this year?

Happy New Year

2011. It's got a nice ring to it no?

This is typically resolution time. As you might know, instead of a list of resolutions, I choose a word that reflects my intention for the year. I've found it works incredibly well and since it is open-ended, I surprise myself with what I discover along the journey.

I've posted my word for this year here.

My word is EXPLORE:
1: to investigate, study, or analyze
2: to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery
3: to examine

Am excited about the adventure ahead. Hope you are too.