These Hands

"My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own"

~Jewel 

 

Art Journaling: Dare to Jump into the Unknown

I have a confession to make.
My art journal has become my best friend. I love my art journal. I even have a small art journal that I keep in my purse along with a graphite pencil, .05 micron pen, a travel watercolor set and water fillable brushes just in case...when I'm out and about. You never know when you'll have an idea strike or catch some kind of inspiration! My art journal is where I can experiment with different mediums, try new things, take creative risks and speak my heart without fear of judgement or rejection. When I'm working in my art journal, I feel like a kindergartener on the playground! It's not only important for me to have a place to experiment and practice as an artist but I need it for my soul. Sometimes it's just easier to say things in colors and images rather than words. I can be simple or I can be complicated with as many layers as I want. I can lay stuff down quickly and intuitively or I can really think through my composition. It just depends on where I'm at and what I need at that moment. My art journaling actually started with scrapbooking. My scrapbooks started to become more than places to place photographs, tickets, certificates, maps, and other ephemera. They became a place to store my thoughts, wishes, celebrations and dreams. I longed for a place to play with color, paint and paper and juxtaposition those with my thoughts or quotes that expressed my thoughts or heart-felt sentiments. That's when my art journal became the place to document my soul's journey.

Here's a peak:

 There are so many ways to create and keep an art journal. It can be art focused as a place to practice sketching, say, or it can be the place where you keep your innermost thoughts or a combination. What I love the most about art journaling is that there are really no rules, you make up your own ways of doing it and you can use any kind of materials you want. Your art journal needs to be authentically YOU. You use your daily life and thoughts as the subject matter and with so much variety of materials available, you're sure to have a never-ending, plethora of ideas! The skies the limit, the only question is:

 How far can you let yourself go?

I'm inspired by those who art journal and who are willing to share parts of their art journal. Art journalists like Michelle Ward, Pam Carriker, Traci Bautista and Pam Garrison are a few of my favorites and there are many, many more! This magazine is to swoon over! Do you have an art journal? I'd love to see some pics! Share your art journaling links and your favorite materials to work with in the comments section!

Farmer's Market Goodness

Is there anything better than a farmer's market to pick up produce, baked goods and flowers? I enjoy the local farmer's market in my area. It reminds me of the open air markets in France that I love so much. Being outdoors, the vibrant colored produce, the fresh scent of herbs and flowers, the people, the energy, make it an experience for all of the senses. It feels good to support the local farmers too. My favorite thing is to pick out a few vegetables, whatever looks good and strikes my fancy, bring them home, chop them up and saute them in a bit of olive oil. Then add them to cooked pasta with a bit of white wine and herbs. Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top and voila! Easy. Healthy. Fresh. Is there a farmer's market in your area? Do you have a favorite place to shop that feeds your soul?

 

Just look at these vibrant tomatoes...bruschetta anyone?

 

Shopping at a farmer's market is an organic experience--not only is most of the produce certified organic, but the experience itself is an organic one--you buy what's in season, what's available. And you can feel a little closer to the food source.

 mmmm. White nectarines...

 

...and strawberries

 

I love the fresh herb section--you can smell their lovely scents as you walk by. Someday I will have my own herb garden.

 

I try to buy fresh flowers for my table too. Nothing lifts the spirits and brightens up a room like fresh flowers.

Hope your week is off to a great start!