happy zone

i treated myself to some fabriano artistico 140 lb. soft press paper.......it's nice and heavy like watercolor paper, but the surface is smoother, making it a little easier to letter on.  i haven't had a chance to do much experimenting with it yet, so i decided to make a little journal "teesha-style".....these are super easy to make, and i love the fact that there aren't lots and lots of pages inside that i'll feel obligated/intimidated to fill up right away!!  pure happiness!!

this journal cover was created using watercolor pencils, micron pens, graphite pencil, and pan pastel.

click on image for larger view

inspiration monday

i had some time for a little journal play yesterday, and i was inspired to use some materials i don't reach for very often......watercolor crayons and some watersoluble pencils.  the crayons gave a nice vivid watercolor on the page, and the pencils were fun to use......i just made lines on the page and then went over the marks using a wet paintbrush (the water softens the lines and creates a grey wash).  these supplies, along with your waterbrush, would be great to travel with, and they're perfect for times when you only have a few minutes of creative time left in your day!  

word images are from my red rubber collection.

nobody but you

i've been wanting to sit down with my art journal all week.....and i finally treated myself to thirty minutes of creative time and pure bliss with my micron pens, pan pastels, watercolor pencils and a rubber stamp.  this journal is actually just a pad of 140 lb. watercolor paper that i tore the pages down to different sizes to add a little more interest.  

and......if you're looking for some great art journaling inspiration, julie fei-fan balzer has coordinated a fabulous group of artists with her "art journal every day" project......and today she's put together a magnificent post full of great tips for getting your art space organized!  thanks, julie!!!

hope you have a fun, creative weekend just being you!

:))

there's a new nut in town

several months ago i discovered that my body doesn't tolerate wheat very well (i'm okay with gluten, just not the wheat), and i must admit that i was pretty bummed out at first........okay, it was an all-out pity party.......but then again, what's a party without all of my favorite party fare like cinnamon rolls, an assortment of gooey, crusty panini, and cookies, cookies, cookies?!  so i've been on the hunt for decent tasting treats,  and while i found some wheat-free delights at the grocery store, i'm not crazy with how overly sweet all of the rice-flour-gluten-free products taste (can't believe i just said that).   i've been reading a lot of great things about almond flour, so i ordered some......and if proof is in the bag alone, i'm definitely on to something......this is pure almond happiness!!

and combined with this cookbook, i should be back in pastry paradise in no time (i'm thinking that chocolate cake with the mile-high frosting will be a great place to start, don't you?!)!

:))

inspiration monday

is everyone inspired to begin another great year of creativity?!!
there's nothing quite like a holiday break to get yourself rested and reacquainted with all of your favorite art supplies!

but before i jump into the new year, i have one project leftover from last year......

i filled up the inside of my orange journal last month, but didn't have anything on the outside.....so, here's a little doodle that i finished a few days ago for the front cover.....

                              

and here's a video i made to give you a peek inside, start to finish!

you can also watch it in larger format here at you tube.

i'm looking forward to spending this creative new year with you!!
:))