Style A Tapestry Journal for 2014

Thanks KAngel for my special, heartfelt gift!

This morning, a dear friend KAngel, brought the above journal adorned with a red ribbon.  She made it for me and I am so truly touched.  I am blessed to have such a friend.  I have often thought of making a journal that was special for myself, but I am not very crafty.  I think about doing fun things with glue guns, but it never materializes.  In fact, I’ve found lovely blogs which take ordinary objects and fashion them into the extraordinary check out Kathy’s Art and click here for Laurie’s Between the Weeds  which inspire me and will be great fun for you as well!

Today, it’s as if the Universe/God/Infinite Spirit/Source was listening for Louise gave me the answer to my question of how to expand my post today!  So without further adieu, please read below!  Thanks Louise for being so awesome!

Shine On!

xo

Do what makes your heart happy…

January 8, 2014 by Louise Gallagher

Working in the studio teaches me something every day. Life does that too but the lessons from the studio are often more luminous in their quality to inform and awaken and inspire me to colour outside the lines.

I have started to create an art journal. An art journal is a tapestry of life’s happenings told through visual prompts in a journal style book. Instead of writing out what’s going on, the story is created using mixed media pages of words and drawings and collage. Art journals can be store bought books you cover and craft to your own specifications, or you can create from the ground up.

I decided to create from the ground up. Using an empty cardboard cereal box, I’ve spent the last couple of days creating my cover.

And here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Be persistent. There’s no better place to start than where you’re at. There’s no better way to begin than where you find yourself in the process — and every step is the beginning right now of what can be. Don’t quit. Keep moving with it until your heart says, I am happy.
2. Think outside the box.  Yup, ’cause in this case there really is a box to work with and unless I see it as more than just a cereal box, it won’t find the possibility of transformation.
3. Allow. — There is no right or wrong in artful creation. It is meant to feed your soul, not someone else’s. Allow what is asking to appear to appear. Allow magic. Allow possibility. Allow light to enter through every crack.
4. Be fearless. — Who said you can’t put purple feathers there? You’ve never used a glue gun before? Now’s a great time to start.
5. Explore. — See the possibility in everything. For hoarders this is a great one! Because seriously… there’s possibility in everything! That’s not an old Christmas card. That’s not a useless piece of ribbon to discard… What if and I wonder if… are two great questions to ask when creating a journal. I wonder if… this will stick to that?… What if… I cut out that butterfly from the box my new mascara came in and paste it here?
6. Stay unattached. — Just as there is no right or wrong way, judging yourself, your work, your creation is self-defeating. And anyway, there is no end point until you say so. If you don’t like where it’s at, keep going. If you don’t like that there, move it, paint over it, cover it up.
7. Breathe.  No matter what, keep breathing. Deeply.  Continuously. Stay conscious of your breath. Remind yourself to relax. Your shoulders. Pelvis. Stomach muscles. Neck. Face. Smile even! This is fun. Allow your inner child to come out and play and create and explore and enjoy!
8. Dare Boldly. Unhook your self-critic. Unleash your inner muse. Leap and don’t go looking for a net, let your wings unfurl.

I’ve never made an art journal from a cereal box before and at first, my mind was stuck in ‘doing it right’. I wanted in fact to quite many times. Right from the beginning. I’d decided to put three words on the cover as prompts for me to remember to always DARE. INSPIRE. CREATE. I messed up. I wanted them to be raised and the paint was too runny and dripped. Ugly, my critics mind howled. I thought about ditching the whole thing but decided  to keep going. I didn’t want to scrape them off — I’d let them dry too long and scraping off would rip the paper I’d used to cover the cereal box.

My daughter Alexis taught me a great lesson in painting many years ago — if you don’t like it, paint over it, she told me one day as I wailed about an unsatisfactory result. That definitely worked here. I decided to cover up the words with the photo from a Christmas card I love. Hmmm… the words made the collage bumpy. Not nice. Want to quit. I kept going. Pasted on some butterflies. Used some sheer fabric, metallic spray paint and a stencil. Border tape. More painting over. Stencil some hearts with shimmer dust. A cutout flower. Couple more. Hmmm…. not so bad. Keep working it.

Okay. We’re happy now. It’s not a masterpiece but for a first crack, it makes my heart happy.

And that’s what it’s all about. To stretch my heart muscles and stir up my creative juices to get me to that point of feeling proud, satisfied, happy, content, mystified by the process and in awe of the magic of creation.

Which is why I then collaged in the word AWE.

Because as I cleaned up my brushes and put away my supplies, I felt awe descend. I’d started with barely an idea of what I was creating, and in the process was reminded once again that it’s not the destination that matters, it’s not the end product that makes a difference. It’s the process.

Which brings me to Lesson 9 –

9. Trust in the process.  Trust in the process, allow magic and Have Fun! Do what makes your heart happy!

I did and I’m grateful!

http://dareboldly.com/2014/01/08/do-what-makes-your-heart-happy/

I think this could also go with the Daily Prompt today!

Daily Prompt: Style Icon

Describe your personal style, however you’d like to interpret that — your clothing style, your communication style, your hair style, your eating style, anything.

Photographers, artists, poets: show us STYLE.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/daily-prompt-style-2/

Make This World A Better Place

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month!

I’ve been asked many times what I do for a living and always it’s hard for me to describe.  I’m a mom, wife, daughter, care-giver, sister, cat mommy, former teacher, breast cancer survivor and blogger.  I’ve taken over closing out my Dad’s business and his estate, taken over his responsibilities with my Mom because she’s not able to handle the house etc., I’m still dealing with my own health issues and oh yes, I have my own business which I love and enjoy!

I help people worldwide to connect with others and to send out love.

Plain and simple.  I believe that time is short here on Earth.  Reaching out via a heartfelt card is priceless.  Add your own pictures, perhaps even a video, make it simple, inexpensive and fun and voila, you’ve got yourself a guaranteed way to make this world a better place.

It’s a building business tool.  It’s an artistic medium ~ putting your photos on canvas, on postcards, on metal.  It’s a whole photo store which you control for a price that can’t be beat.

It’s simple ~ children can do it, grandparents can do it, even the most technology-lacking people can enjoy it ~ and the techies ~ well, they’ll have a ball with it!

It’s bringing people closer ~ it’s never forgetting a birthday or an anniversary.  It’s reaching out to a friend when they live far away.  It’s sending a thank you note the easiest way possible and enjoyable!  It’s moving with the times like Amazon, Netflix and online banking.  It’s building your business one personalized note at a time, but making it easier than you can imagine!

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

Click here to try it for free today!

Shine On!

xo

Making Special Valentines!

Creating Classic Custom Valentines ~ Reblog from SOC!

Creating custom cards is one of the great things about SendOutCards. While we have an extensive collection of cards for almost any holiday, sometimes a card that you customize all by yourself is the best kind of card.

A lot of the same can be said about creating Valentine’s Day cards, even when you’re creating them in bulk. While cards continue to become more extensive in design and bigger in size, the classic Valentine  (the smaller ones you received as a kid and/or in elementary school) are still some of the best kinds.

So how can you give out these classic cards without limiting yourself to the pre-made cards at the store? How can you add your creative twist to this classic?

We’re glad you asked!

One of the many great hidden treasures in the SendOutCards Photo Store is the Playing Cards Deck. But how can a deck of cards help you create personalized Valentines? An ordinary deck might not get you far, but the Playing Cards Deck from SendOutCards is a different story.

These custom Valentines are perfect for kids to bring to school and they’re also a fun way to create a classic Valentine to give to your friends, family, neighbors or coworkers.

For the sample above, we created a variety of 54 Valentines (including the Joker cards). All the designs you see are in the Artwork and Backgrounds gallery within the SOC Photo Store.

Start creating your own personalized, classic Valentines by  following the steps below!

If you don’t have an account, log onto http://www.sendoutcards.com/126830 and send a card for free ~ when you do, you’ll create a free account.

Then after you’ve made your free account you can begin!  If you already have a SendOutCards account then…

Start, by logging into your SendOutCards Photo Store Account by visiting: http://www.socphotostore.com. After you’ve logged on, you’ll see a wheel of different projects you can create. Click on “Other Gifts” option on the first wheel.

That will open a second wheel, where you’ll need to click on “Playing Card Deck.”

Next, you’ll be taken to the customization page.

Select the “Design Your Own” option and then click “Next Step.”

The cards are separated by suites. However, in the “Design Your Own” option, this isn’t applicable, since there will not be number or suites appearing on your custom cards. Be sure you click through each suite and create a design for each card. There are a total of 54 cards (including the Joker cards).

The SOC Photo Store has hundreds of built-in background and graphics that you can select from. But you can also upload your own graphics and photos in the “My Photos” option. For this example, we’ll be pulling graphics from the SOC Photo Store library.

You can design your cards on a white (default) or a solid color background. There also custom backgrounds, separated by categories. For the cards in our example, we’re using the backgrounds in the “Valentines” folder.

Next, we’re going to add some artwork on top of our background image. Again, we’ll be pulling the graphics from the SOC Photo Store library. You can find an array of different images under the “Artwork” option of your menu. Like the backgrounds, these graphics split into different categories. For example, we’ll be pulling graphics from the “Valentines” folder.

To add graphics, just drag the graphic you want to use onto your card.

Depending on the card you’re working with and the look and feel you’re trying to achieve, you’ll have to adjust the size and position accordingly.  You can do so by using the dark grey menu above.

When you’re finished creating all your cards. Click on the “Back of all cards” option on the left hand side of screen.

The back of the deck will have to be one consistent image and/or text. For our sample, we’ll be creating the “to and from” area.  If you decide to do the same, you have the option of filling-in your name now, or you can leave it blank and personally sign it after you’ve printed them.

Text can be added by selecting the “Text” tab on your menu.  Similar to the background/images, you’ll drag the “ABC” box on to your card and move the box according to where you want your text to be.

Once you’ve decided, you can begin typing your text in the box in the “Text” tab. You can also change your font, size and color in the same menu box. In addition, you can move your text, rotate it and resize accordingly, using the dark grey menu next to your card.

After you’ve added your text, you can also add any additional artwork or graphics.

When you’re done creating all your cards, click on the “Preview” option to view your work. If you’re happy with your cards, click “Add to Cart” to get your cards processed and print!

Daily Giveaway #7 — $50 SOC Photo Store Gift Card

This is just one of the few ways you can take your Valentine’s Day creativity and personalization to next level. Why not explore some of the other great tools in the photo store to surprise your someone special this holiday? Submit some of your creative Valentine’s Day ideas HERE for your chance to win a $50 SOC Photo Store Gift Card — Daily Giveaway #7 — the final giveaway in our February: 7 Days of Giveaways series.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shine On!

xo

One Lovely Blog Award!

I want to thank Eva Tenter at  evatenter.wordpress.com

Eva’s  blog is all about the Power of Positive Thoughts and is chock full of Positive Thoughts, Inspirational Stories, Mental Health Advocacy and the most amazing photographs of clouds that you’ll ever see!    I received this award back in June when my Dad was dying and I wasn’t able to post it nor complete the requirements until now.  Eva, I was so honored that you included me in your awards…thank you so very much!  You will love Eva’s blog…make sure you stop by!

The regular rules are (the rules vary a bit with each award, but they are generally the same):

1.   Display the award logo somewhere on the blog.

2.   Link back to the blog of the person who nominated you.

3.   State seven things about yourself.

1. I love ice cream.
2. Every picture that I write about is a greeting card that I’ve made.
3. I love to use photos to make gifts for family and friends.
4. I’m a glass 1/2 full kind of girl ~ always try to see the positive in every situation.
5. My favorite snack is acai berries covered with dark chocolate.
6. I’m a Pisces.
7. I love to get up early in the morning to have my coffee in peace and quiet before my day starts!

4.   Nominate other bloggers for the award and provide links to their blogs.

momentumofjoy.wordpress.com

Jo’s joy is contagious as is her Momentum of Joy which has, like a magic wand, caught so many bloggers up in her enthusiasm, her inspiration and her enjoyment in encouraging everyone who comes within her path!  Her Energy Session is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed…she changed my life for the better with her gift.  Make sure you check out her website and treat yourself to a session which will make a difference in your life ~ for the better!

www.reddoordesigncompany.com

Kris has tons of DIY ideas, plus she is an amazing website designer!  She also stays current in all aspects of blogging.  She has the most perfectly decorated house ~ you can check it out in her blog posts!  She’s all around talented and very creative ~ and to top it off ~ so very nice!  Enjoy clicking on her link above!  You won’t be disappointed!

elisacashiola.com

Elisa’s blog is The Blog of a Placement Designer specializing in Feng Shui.  Within days of reading her blog, I began to look at my house differently & started to declutter.  I can already feel a change in the energy of my home thanks to her easy ideas which resonate with even a beginner like me.  She inspires me to think about where I put things!  You will love your home after you’ve started following her suggestions!

beeskneesphotographync.com

Christina has a knack of giving you the experience of peaceful visions with her natural light photography.  You won’t be disappointed when you need a bit of happiness at the end or the beginning of your day!  Click on her link above and you can even get her to take your family’s photographs!  What a great memory keeper!

tracielouisephotography.net

Tracie Louise is another photographer whose talent is evident in her serene scenes.  She even paints and you can catch her on Redbubble!  Make sure you click on her link so that you can be inspired.   The panoramic scenes will keep you breathing calmly on your most busy days!

5.   Notify those bloggers that they have been nominated and of the award’s requirements.

Congrats to All!  I am enjoying your blog posts, your friendships

and I look forward to reading your next post!

xo