Art Journal - Things that Grow

I have a new art journal page to share.  Maybe I am wishing for spring a little early.  Here in North Carolina we've been experiencing unusually "white" weather.  I do enjoy the snow, but probably because I know spring is not far behind.

 

  

I like the orange girl's dress and polka dot socks.  It represents where I am right now.....ready to put on a spring dress but my feet are too cold.  Enjoy winter while awaiting spring.

Organizing in my studio

I've been needing to spruce up the studio for a while now.  It was getting visually distracting.  Here's what the bookshelves looked like:

 

I'm not a seamstress (though I plan to be someday), so I had to figure a no-sew solution.   Went to the fabric store and found some nice white cotton fabric, got out my pins and my glue and got to work.

It was a pretty simple job, especially when sticky-back velcro is used.

 

 

 

The whole room feels calmer now.  Visually quiet.  It is making me happy.

Happy __________ Day

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the frequent visits from the delivery guy.  He pulls up in his big truck which sets the dog to barking and proceeds to leave packages of all sorts and sizes on our doorstep.  And it all comes to such an abrupt end.  No more truck.  No more packages.

So it was quite unexpected when the doorbell rang and there was our delivery guy with a package.  It's not the holidays anymore....it's not my birthday......and Valentine's Day is a while away.

What a lovely surprise.  And when there's no special occasion it becomes even more special.  I am so very lucky.  And happy.  I hope you are too for any and all reasons.  Here's a rose to share.

See how the flower is shaped so much like a heart?   That's why I picked it for you.  Wishing you a happy no-specific-occasion day.  Make it a good one.

a sprucing up

Doesn't everyone need a little sprucing up at some point?  I am there.  I want to avoid stagnation.  I don't want to get dusty.  I prefer glittery and shiny (like our gnome, Henry).

I am a believer in the old adage:  when you stop learning you start dying.  And learning means improving.  So I have resolved to learn new things this year.  There is so much knowledge in the world.  And it's all available to us.  So I shall avail myself of this knowledge and learn.

Henry is happier now.  So am I.

Free your dream

Free your dream, originally uploaded by deborahdee.

For many of us, creative or not, this is the time of year when we think about dreams. What can I accomplish? What if?

For me, I am a natural-born doubter. I can come up with all the reasons 'why not' before I even utter a word. This is where I shall begin to insert the words "even if". Because time is ticking. So even if there are why nots, I shall utter the words and free the dream. And so should you.

Great News for a Great New Year

I have been so excited to post about this.  After a fabulous set of magical holidays, I get to start 2010 with this in the mailbox:

And when I turn to page 40, I find enough magic to last me the whole year!  It's me, my journal, my favorite thing to do printed in full fabulous color...

To begin a new year with a goal reached is beyond what I expected for this coming year.  But it speaks of possibility to me and urges me to continue to do what brings me joy even if I feel the tug of stacked up laundry and other to-do's.  Those two words strike me as I think about what I want to do in 2010...."even if".  In my very first blog post ever, I spoke of using the word "shall" instead of "should".  I think I'm going to start this year thinking about the words "even if". 

If I truly resolve myself to accomplish something in the coming year, it will be a more lofty approach.  Instead of (or maybe in addition to) those obligatory obligations such as the annual loss of 10 lbs., I shall strive for possibilities......even if.

New artwork to share....

Where does time go?  Why am I this age and still unable to get a handle on the passage of time???  Am I alone in this?  I know I'm not but it frustrates me so.  I am very accomplishment driven.  Like I don't feel as though I "spent" my time allowance wisely if I cannot point to a tangible outcome.  And that's a formula for frustration for sure, especially for creative types.

So having said this, I have painted some.  I wanted to share.  This way, if I put it on my blog, it is at least some sort of accomplishment even if it never ends up anywhere else.  This blog sort of acts like a folder or a portfolio.  Because I have this strong sense of a need to "hang" all my creations somewhere, I can "hang" them here and feel satisfied.  And I am thankful for that.

Full page of doodles

Still doodling.  But to be clear, this is what I do while waiting for paint or glue to dry.  I will share my other work soon.

 

 

 

Doodling on and on

There are those times when it is all that I end up with....doodles.  And for those times, I'll have to just be, well, satisfied I guess.

 

I can only handle the black & white for so long.  Then it's time for color....

 

 

 

 

 

So doodle away.....I think it's still art.

Feels like Autumn

With the onset of cooler temperatures and breezy days, it feels like autumn is upon us.  I love this weather.  Bring on the golds & reds...

Can't help but pull out the golden paints....