Commit...

I've been wanting to start a new art journal for some time now. I've done several over the years in fits and spurts. Not finishing any of them, but enjoy the process of beginning one and all the expectations that one has. Maybe that's the problem right there, I have too many expectations for my art journal, other than to just PLAY and experiment and have fun with it! Needless to say I've begun a new one and appropriately called it Artsy Mama. I hope to have it kind of like my blog, but in tangible, touchy feely form. Something I can get my hands dirty with and feel the textures of. I was super inspired by the journals of Roben-Marie Smith in the latest issue of Somerset Studios magazine. Loved her article too on fearless creating.So I began my cover. I used a picture of a carousel in a children's playground in Paris. I thought it was fitting, whimsy, quirky with a bit of a retro vibe to it.
Here's where the commitment comes in. Emily is going to be posting an art journal prompt each week on her blog and her first word is COMMIT. Showing up is half the battle! Another commitment I'd like to make that will probably prove to be very difficult, but hopefully will stretch me to try new things is to not buy any *new* art products this year (except adhesive). I can still go to my beloved estate sales or art scrap stores, but no more shiny new scrapbook paper or embellishments for me. I've been binging on scrapbook paper lately. The new line of Basic Grey two scoops paper. The gorgeous pads of K&Co. that are on clearance at Michael's. After reading an article in the local paper yesterday on the Compact, it really got me thinking. This is a pledge to go a year without buying anything new! Wow, that's pretty bold. I'm ready to take a smaller step with my art supplies. Wish me luck!
Here's just a playful page playing around with some paint techniques I've been learning in Emily's online class Got Paint? The picture is of me at Silver Bella in my bliss. The gorgeous postcard is by Heather Bullard of PresentPast. It was so much fun to paint on, sand off and stamp stars over.
One thing I love about keeping an art journal is using up some of the gorgeous little homemade tags and other goodies that I get in the mail. This wonderful sewn tag was a little thank you from Lilia for an order from her etsy shop. I love to highlight these bits of delight in my journals to truly appreciate them.
Best of all, Chloe gave her stamp of approval of my new endeavor:)