29 Faces for February - Week 2 Roundup

On the round up for the second week, you will begin to see a slight theme running through some of these images.  They are part of a mini art journal that I have been working in, it is very simply made and I have really enjoyed painting within it. I will share at the end of the month how it was put together and more of each page.

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

 I decided to do something different for this face, very different

Day 13

Playing around with pen and ink

Day 14

Day 15

Although we are half way through you still have the opportunity to take part - use what you have and have fun creating.

You can check back here next week for the roundup or see each day on my Art Blog and hopefully be inspired to start creating and getting out those supplies!

Retreat Away from Home

When you think about a retreat what first comes to mind for you.  I know I think of pampering, spa sessions, not having to cook, and if it is a creative retreat then one filled with art workshops and spending time with like minded others.

A couple of Saturdays ago my local church held a retreat day for the women, both young and old, the children were also welcome as well, and it was great to see every one take part and share their insights.  I was asked to bring along some art materials.  I took some collage, and mark making material to add to the other creative material available.

Talking art journals

The session lasted 3 hours and it is amazing just what you can fit into the time.  One of women (Lisa) gave a talk on making new beginnings, making that start, and it was a very inspiring talk, that reminded me that I should spend more time journalling and also something I have been enjoying for a while Art journalling.  The other thing that stood out for me was talking about timelines, and noting significant timelines during the course of your life, this is something that you could combine really well with journalling. 

Making paint pallets out of cardboard

I spent some time sharing how to use some of the materials that I brought, such as the collage material, and the tools that can be used to create texture within your art work.

I shared with some of the women on my table how I used bible and dictionary pages along with other ephemera to create a collage.

For this collage I create flowers out of bible pages and a mixed ephemera loosely adding color to the pages

I then spent some time cutting them out and applying to a decorated background and adding additional colors.  3 hours fly when your having fun and we all got an opportunity to share how we were impacted by the whole session.  We were all spiritually fed as well as creatively.  Once I got home, I was still in the flow of creative experimenting and got to add some finishing touches to my two pieces.

Grounded - Mixed Media Art

Here is another one that I completed, and once home added the white detail to the flowers.  The flowers have been inspired by ones that we were shown on a session with Tiare Smith as part of The Journey Within Year long Art Journal Workshop, which was great!

How does your garden grow?

I really enjoyed creating the flowers, it allows you to be so free with your work, they are easy to create and look so pretty.  I also enjoyed every aspect of the Retreat Day, as it allowed us the time to reflect and refocus and look at how we can give ourselves a fresh start.

For a limited time on Tiare's site through to the end of Valentine’s Day get 10% off workshops and bundles (discount good on Tiare Smith Designs hosted workshop only. Does not apply to The Journey Within). In one of the courses she shows you how to make the imagery with the flowers and more.  Just enter code: IAMLOVE at checkout.  

Why not take yourself on an online retreat and take the time to meet with your creative self and grow.

Word for the Week - Ephesians 5:19

Thank you for joining me for the word for the week, taken from Ephesians 5:19 and reads:

I will speak to others in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  I will sing and make music in my heart to the Lord and always give thanks to God the father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

We know that words have power, power to totally crush another persons self esteem, or build them up.  While we are making an effort to talk and treat others respectfully we also have to check how we are speaking to and about ourselves.  Take some time today to see how much positive or negative chatter you actually speak over your own life.

As you meditate on the scripture and enjoy the image ask and think about the many gifts you have been given, the many challenges you face, and the fruit that will come from the work of your hands. 

Words and images for the week, to bless, encourage and inspire you to be all that you have been called to be. 

What will you do with what you have been given today?

29 Faces for February 2016 - Week 1 Round up

I thought that I would share some of the faces that I have been doing for the challenge 29 Faces hosted by Ayala Art.  I have found it a great way to get back into creating faces, and I am making the most of supplies that had been neglected for one reason or another.  I am showing them each day on my Art Blog, and then doing a round up here for the week.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

It is still not too late to take part, you might surprise yourself, by the end of the month it is great to see the progress that you can make, or the fun in just creating, or using your supplies.  I have used it so that I can make the most of some neglected supplies, try new techniques, which enables you to have a rich experience, alongside seeing the amazing work of others who are taking part as well.

You can check back here next week for the roundup or see each day on my Art Blog and hopefully be inspired to start creating and getting out those supplies!