Gratitude's and Celebration - Life is what you make it - Week 15

Gratitude and Celebration Journal - Week 15 - Life is what you make it!

We don't know what will happen each day and do not have any control over certain situations, but one thing we do have control over is how we react and respond.

We can choose today to see our situation in a totally new light, we can focus on all the possibilities that can come our way, the new learning and the ability to be able to go through the process.

I am grateful for the grace to deal with the situations that come my way, to be discerning of those things that I can change and the steps I can make.  For those things that are out of my control - I am grateful for the patience that has been birthed within me.

I celebrate today the space to be able to share my thoughts and encourage others on their journey.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the areas that are out of your control that you need to reassess and start to focus on the things that you can do? Do leave a comment and let me know what you plan. Have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

In the News - Zen Doodles, Published work, competitions and more

Hope you are having a lovely Thursday so far, here in the London, UK we are have a really mild day with some sunshine, which is great news for October!

Doodles, Tangles and more!

Do you doodle? have you heard of Zentangles?  Everyone at some point in their life has or will doodle on a scrap piece of paper an image that doesn't entirely make any sense, a random array of lines, shading, circles, squares, faces, more lines and patterns without much rhyme or reason.  You might just happen to be one of those people who dabble with doodling while they are in a meeting on their agenda, or while talking on the phone or pondering over the activities for the day.  It isn't a planned drawing but marks on the paper.  

A Zentangle is described as ‘a drawing using a series repetitive patterns, lines and shapes, and starts off its life with a series of pencil drawn 'strings', that create separate areas to work in on the paper. Zentangles and doodling seem to be opening the way to the developing of some structure around creating a piece of art and there are a range of books which show some amazing examples of various creations, some are very complex and detailed and others are less so but still effective.  At the end of the day the act of doodling or 'tangling' or what ever you would like to call it can be very relaxing.  If you want to see what some of the other benefits which for me go hand in hand with taking part in a creative activity - check out Zentangle 

I have been dabbling and more and more created faces with lots of doodling entwined and I shared some of these a while back on my mixed media art blog.

I find it an extremely great way to unwind and relax and use to doodle in meetings, when I am on the phone I like to be forming patterns on a piece of paper and you don’t require any technical or complicated materials. 

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to have one of my pieces featured in the book Zen Doodle: Tons of Tangles

This is a new book that came out in September that has been brought together by Tonia Jenny and Amy Jones and a collection of work submitted by 42 artists with me being one of them.  I answered the call earlier this year to submit an image along with the process photos.  My image was called Girl Tangle

Girl Tangle - Amanda Trought

Don’t ever limit yourself and be boxed into a narrow way of thinking.  Take time to explore and push the boundaries, it will help you grow

The book has over 100 examples of Zen Doodles with step by step instructions for creating your own, and some of the most complicated looking doodles are then broken down for you.  For those who are seeking inspiration this is probably a good idea for you as you can not only see how to create the images presented you can extend it and create entirely new image.  It is published by North Light books and it is split up into 4 chapters – Abstract Doodles, Shapes and Objects, Animals and Beasts, and Friendship and Love.  There is an amazing array of examples and things for you to try.  You can also sign up for their free newsletter at Create Mixed Media.

Tutorial Tuesday
In Tutorial Tuesday my post on how to make a mini Capturing Moments Journal I am also running a competition to win the following mini journal along with a set of 10 tags. 

Capturing Moments Mini Journal

There are 4 different ways to enter and increase your chances, leave a message on the post, you can follow me on twitter, tweet about it, and or like my page on Facebook. Hop over to the post and leave your comments, it really does want to find a loving home.

And finally...

Katherines Corner
Today is also Thursdays Favorite Things on Katherines Corner Take a stroll over there and visit some of the inspiring blogs listed in the links, you can leave a link to your post and show some support by visiting others who have listed theirs.  

Blessings to you and yours!

Savour - Memories of Home

Memories of Home

Welcome to the second day of the Memories of Home Series.  

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves. 

After an especially long day that feeling you get for just wanting to be at home, to put on your favourite lounging or relaxing clothes, have a cup of Spiced tea and close the door to the days activities.  

When I am away from home looking after my mother I am constantly on the go, thinking about her needs, trying to guess what she could be thinking, how she is feeling what she needs at any given moment - my constant chatter as I provide her entertainment, until I hand over to the support I have put in place. 

I look forward to switching off, placing my mind on automatic as I get into the car, drive home through my favourite route, the one that has the trees lined streets and beautiful houses and just be.  I come back to myself and my thoughts, changing my pace and looking forward to coming home as the unwinding process continues.

I like the moments of stillness, the breeze as it glides through my car windows, the soft tones of music playing in the background and and out of my consciousness and I then I pull up outside of my house. That exhalation of air as you make yourself comfortable in your favourite seat. The familiar sounds, sights and aroma of the nights meal for that moment all is well.  When you have been away from home what is the one thing you savour

I would love to hear what you have put in place in your own home environment that allows you to savour what you have, please share in the comments below.

I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and some art journaling and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories.

Tutorial Tuesdays - How to make a Capturing Moment Mini Journal? and Competition

Tutorial Tuesday - Capturing Moments Mini Journal

In today's Tutorial Tuesday I thought that would share with you how to make these simple journals - Capturing Moments.  I called them this because they capture moments of whatever you want to use them for.  I was inspired to make some more after two that I made from recycled materials were shown in a magazine called Craftseller.

Here's how you put them together:

Measure out card to suit the size you want

Recycled card measures 3x7inches 

 Choose paper that you want to use as the cover both sides and use either pva glue or double sided tape

Using a bone folder you are going to create a spine allow 3 inches on either side and one inch for the spine, this is where the signatures will be sitting

 The signatures measure 3 x 6 inches in length and you will need 11 of them 

Fold in half an see how they fit in the book

 Get your wool or string of choice and rap round the outside cover, tie it in a knot 

 begin to wrap the wool round each of the signatures and round the back

 Once you've wrapped it round each signature you cut off a length of the wool

 Use large needle and thread the remaining wool back and forward through the spine

 If you want you can thread beads on it at this point

 Once you have secured the wool all the way down tie off and before you cut it off you can decide to add a beads at this point.

I added a paper bead to my one.

Then you can add what ever decoration to the front of the mini journal and begin to have fun in it.

Competition

Win a Capturing Moments Mini Journal and tags selection - 

enter below for a chance to win.  Leave a blog comment and choose some of the additional ways to increase your chances - good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway