biltmore sunshine

there are rows and rows of sunflowers planted over a mile stretch
on the grounds at biltmore.....

and whether i get up close and personal....

or just stop to enjoy their golden splendor......

i can't think of anything more delightful, happy, and sunshiney
than the day my little dutch sweetie took me there.

and that's just the way i wanted to remember it in my journal!


{this biltmore memory was created in my moleskine journal using koi watercolor,
derwent inktense pencils, micron pens,  4B pencil}

inspiration monday

on those days when you feel creative but find yourself a bit in the dark.....

 just put on a happy face.....

and always keep looking towards the sunshine....

 because inspiration will chase those shadows away with a few strokes of your paintbrush and some doodly marks with your favorite pens.....and it's guaranteed to brighten your day!  xox



{this was created in my walls notebook using derwent inktense pencils, waterbrush, 
pan pastel, pitt pens, 8B graphite pencil}

inspiration monday

for those days when you want to do something a little different in your journal,
all you need to do is pull out some of those photos that you've taken recently!
choose your favorite photo and trace the image onto tracing paper......

then transfer your drawing to a carving block, and
carve away your pencil lines.

after you've finished carving,  apply your favorite ink and

stamp your image onto your journal page......

and once you've added some finishing touches,  you've got a
colorful journal page that was inspired by your very own photo collection!




{for more information on stamp carving, you can watch my video here!}

{supplies: strathmore visual journal for mixed media, sunflower photograph,
 hand-carved stamp (made with speedy carve and a speedball cutting tool),
stampabilities and colorbox pigment stamp inks, pitt pens, 4B graphite pencil}