Friday, December 21, 2012

Creative Abundance

   First of all I want to thank you for all the get well wishes for my Mom. She is doing much better although it will be another week or so until the flu symptoms completely disappear.

  I have been struggling to feel good about making art and celebrating the coming holidays since hearing the horrific news of the losses of life at Sandy Hook in Newtown, CT. I want to share some links to four of my beautiful blogging artist friends who have so eloquently expressed the thoughts of many by using their words, their art and /or photos. Thank you to Jenny (Texterial) , Nancy M. James (Sugar lump Studios) , Patty Szymkowicz (Magpie's Nest) , -please scroll down to the post below Patty's link here to read the beautiful poem- and Shahrul (Such Pretty Canvas) -Shahrul has a link to a quick and easy project to make and send to decorate the new building in which the elementary students at Sandy Hook will return to. Thank you all for giving perspective in continuing to move on the best way one  knows how.

   I knew I wanted to look for a new online class to take for the coming new year but what I didn't expect was to find myself beginning one today! My friend Lenna Andrews (who had taken Julie Fei Fan Balzer's Stamp Carving 101 online class with me) had mentioned a class she signed up for on a recent post on her blog . The description was so appealing to me but I didn't think I could squeeze it in at this time. Well, as synchronicity took place quite quickly and things aligned as I believe they were meant to, I found myself signed up!

  I am now taking the class "52 Weeks of Creative Abundance"  being taught by Christi Wich at The Creative Underground. Here is the description Christi gives :

"52 weeks of do-able creative actions and projects that will help you uncover your authentic heart felt desires and passions, and re-connect you to your sacred truth and creative nature as a woman.
Throughout the course we will embrace what it means to be a woman...mind, body, and soul...and will actively set about creating our best and most joyous life. Opportunities for interacting and sharing with other creative women, whom are also participating in this journey, will be offered as well as introductions to a myriad of creative self care practices that are designed to help you tap into your inner wisdom and unique beauty."

 If you wish to sign up you must first join The Creative Underground group but it's only a click or two away.

  To  begin on the Winter Solstice is wonderful, for although it's the shortest daylight day of the year, it also means we will be gaining a bit more daylight each day after today. And that means before you know it, summer will have arrived :):)

 
  It was suggested to keep a journal for the class so this is the journal I'm using. I had done the cover quite awhile ago and set this moleskine journal aside to be used "some day". The background collaged paper was created by Helga Strauss, owner of  ARTchix Studio. She offered this master sheet on her blog as a free download. I added three small ARTchix Studio square collage sheet images, added ribbon at the top and bottom and titled it-not knowing what was going to go into it.
 
 
 
 
 
   This is the background for the title page and a first pre-class exercise, which was to make a list of about twenty things that feed your spirit and warm your heart. I made a heart stencil and meditating figure stencil to use along with soft colored inks.
 
  And here's my list:
 
 
 
  I am linking up to Art Journal Everyday and  Paint Party Friday.
 
  For those of you who will be celebrating any of the holidays this season offers I wish you and yours love and light.
 
    "Truly, it is in the darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us."  Johannes Eckhart



 

30 comments:

  1. Beautiful post and artwork.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF and Happy Holidays!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  2. I love your journal pages and love your post. I have been feeling the same way so will check out your links. Happy PPF!

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  3. Love the quote at the bottom of your post that talks about needing the dark to truly see the light. You journal front page it beautiful, I love the layers and photo elements mixed with paint. I will have to learn about making my own stamps! I just bought a bunch that were non sale. Thank you for your comment on my snowman.

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  4. Wow..a super beautiful post..gorgeous art ..inspiring and magical! Your journals are stunning and blissful! Glad your mom is doing better!
    HUgs and Blessings...thankyou for your kind words and visit!
    Victoria

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  5. Journal pages and 1st creation is awesome ~ wonderful colors and design ~

    Happy Holidays ^_^

    (A Creative Harbor ~ aka artmusedog and Carol ^_^)

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  6. I love your art journal pages, very sweet ...

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  7. beautiful journal pages Linda, lovely soft colours!

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  8. This is a gorgeous tribute Linda. I cannot imagine what those poor families are going through. Every day I pray for them. Beautiful art as always. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

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  9. beautiful journal. it sounds like that will be a wonderful class! enjoy!

    happy holidays!

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  10. I love your journal cover and the pages you shared are so full of light. They are lovely and soft and wonderful! Happy holidays to you too!

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  11. LOVE your journal cover Linda and so glad to hear your mom is improving! Merry Christmas and Happy PPF!

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  12. Wow, Linda, our lists are remarkably similar!! Beautiful art journal cover and first pages. I'm really looking forward to '52 weeks' :)

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  13. Gorgeous journal pages. I love the first one. Have a great festive season + fabulous 2013 x

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  14. So glad to hear your Mom is feeling better.....

    I really enjoyed your post....

    I love 'heart whispers' and it was nice to be reminded that we will now be getting more daylight each day :)

    Your new class sounds really interesting... tempting too!

    Hope you have a wonderful Christmas

    Karenx

    ps I'm not seeing Jo and Hope today after all as they were unable to come as Hope was poorly :(

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  15. The class sounds wonderful and your journal is off to a beautiful start. I am having the same trouble this holiday season...not feeling much like celebrating with so much sadness all around. I think in times like this it's very important to push through and keep making art...express love and gratitude even more passionately. We can't let the ugly stuff win.

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  16. Hi Linda, your post brings in so much positivity. The cover of your journal looks so beautiful and I love the title you have chosen.
    Happy Holidays to you dear friend
    Susan

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  17. Gorgeous art journal! Happy holidays to you! xx

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  18. It has been a year of upheaval and grief for many, but creative souls like you still bring joy into our lives. Thank you for that Linda, and a Happy Christmas to you (and your mum).

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  19. I really love your journal page it's so filled with emotion and your list is wonderful.

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  20. So exciting to start a new online course! Your journal looks wonderful! Hope you'll have wonderful holidays and that the new year will be filled with creativity and joy! ♥ denthe

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  21. Sounds like a life affirming class and challenge. Beautiful beginning! HPPF!

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  22. Wonderful journal pages! It's important to express our feelings whichever we choose. :)

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  23. Lovely pieces, love the happy and spiritual feel of these! Happy PPF and Happy Holidays! <3

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  24. These are fab. I have never been much of a Journally person. Wishing you a very festive Xmas and a happy and arty 2013.

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  25. I loved seeing the pages on the course but hadn't realized that your journal itself is also gorgeous! Hope your mum will continue to do well so that can all have a peaceful Christmas together. I'm so happy you're doing the Creative Abundance course too so we will be spending quite some time online together!

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  26. Fabulous! Merry Christmas to you Linda

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  27. Love your colourful page Linda...very creative!
    Hope you had a merry Xmas...Wish you a happy New year too :)
    Sorry for dropping by late!

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  28. oh your art journal is gorgeous Linda!!! wonderful work!!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!!!

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  29. Gorgeous pages! They are absolutely fabulous. Hope you enjoyed your holidays!
    Hadiyah

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!