Toni's Art Blog

Wow...

2011-06-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to make these:
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
http://randomveracity.blogspot.com/2011/06/cuff-love.html

Also, tomorrow - the FREE mini-workshop will be posted to my site: www.createandlove.com

I hope you all come and check it out and let me know what you think.

Treasured Transformations

2011-06-01T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Darlings! Well, it is time! I would like to welcome you all to the world myself and my business partner Corie have created just for you all. It is called Wise Women: Business, Life & Art and we will be guiding you through our new ground breaking class called Treasured Transformations.

I'm really excited to tell you about this class and formally invite you to come in and take a look around at our new site www.createandlove.com

At this site you will see a video and a brief introduction to the class. What we are trying to accomplish with this class is provide a safe, fun and highly supportive arena for all of you to start working on your goals, your life, your relationships and creating a better you from the inside out. We will give you the tools to effectively work on your relationships, boost your confidence as well as help you get past the healing the other classes in the art community offer and start using your new healed soul to take initiative in finding your place in the world.

If you're anything like me or Corie, you have come to the realization that your life just isn't as glamorous or as successful as you would like it to be. Your confidence level is low. You have very little motivation and your self worth is down in the dumps. You'd rather sleep, read a book, or watch day time television than get out there, make new relationships, volunteer and gather around you like minded people. Well, here is your opportunity to change all of that.

I am formally inviting you to check out our site, ask as many questions as you can think of and join us in this lovely new class.

Bonus Winner....

2011-04-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

Well, Well, Well....We have a bonus winner this morning...

Fran made this lovely posting on her Blog - The Inspiration Station - I would post a copy of the journal page; however, I think it goes very well with what she wrote on her page.

I will be sending her a copy of Stitch Alchemy and a little love package of art supplies!

Fran - Please e-mail me privately at tmichellejordan@hotmail.com and send me your addy so I can send you your goodies!! Lovely post!

Happy Journaling! xoxox!

And the winner is....

2011-04-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! A winner! I'm two days late; however, my interwebs hasn't been working very well. Anywayssss.........

The winner is the lovely Lisa over at Random Veracity. She posted several journal pages; however, this one spoke to me the loudest. Thank you for sharing, Lisa! I know it was not easy for you!

Lisa - Please e-mail me your address and I will send your goodies to you asap!

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-05T22:36:00.001-07:00

Hello my lovelies -
Wow - it has been a very exciting week. As most of you already know, I gave notice at my job yesterday and I'm really excited about taking on this new adventure. I've had a really hard time at my company and am sad that things ended up this way; however, choices needed to be made so I could take care of myself and my wellbeing.

In celebration of my new found freedom, I am doing this Blog Giveaway. To win this giveaway, you will really need to dig deep and take a chance on yourself, just as I have this week. The books being given are: Stitch Alchemy by Kelli Perkins and the Decorated Journal by Gwen Diehn. These treasures will be accompanied with a little grab bag of journaling goodies.

Between now and midnight Friday April 8thh, go through your journal pages, art, writings, musings, etc. and find a few pieces of art that you look at and feel that you were completely honest with yourself. These pieces of art are rarely shared with the public so, take a good look at these pieces and allow yourself to share. Allow your fellow blog friends to experience this art with you. Please post this piece onto your blog, come back to this post and comment with a link to your blog.

I will review these postings and pick the winner on Saturday and will post the winner on my blog along with a link to your blog.

Your books will be shipped to you no later than Monday. Happy Blogging! xoxo

Random

2011-03-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

Soooo...I'm blog hopping tonight. I am wondering why everytime I start out in the art blogs and then I hit "next blog" it inevitably takes me to blogs that are posted by women with 50 kids? Isn't there some sort of blogger app that keeps me from having to weed out all blogs that give the play by play of happy mommy's little baby? I mean c'mon gimme a break!

Technology! It's pretty amazing. If we don't like something someone will invent just the right app to keep you from having to deal with the things you don't like - me, I'm waiting on my SmartBlog app...so, make it speedy Google!

Bring on the creative blogs only - and leave out the breeding ones...just sayin'...

I will do art again...

2011-03-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

I will do art again...I know it.
I'm looking for a class or two to get me started again. I'm having a terrible time with motivation and inspiration. I saw that Janet is doing some lovely work on the She Art class, but I don't really want to wait until April to get started with something so pretty again...any other suggestions.

I miss you all.

Blah, blah, blah...

2010-08-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ever get that skin crawly feeling? Lately, I've been suffering from it a lot. I'm not sure why I'm even writing this other than the fact that I haven't been doing much art over the past week or so because well, I have the cooties...Bronchitis. I have absolutely no motivation whatsoever...it's a chore to watch t.v. Ack. Anyways, I'm desperate to grab my color pencils and my journal yet all I can make myself do is blog hop. Blah, blah, blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Another gorgeous background with my new technique!

2010-07-24T19:33:00.001-07:00

So, what do ya think?

For my friend KS!

2010-07-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello again,
I'm not sure why spending time with KS made me think of doing this page. Really the only part I thought through was the tear with the broken heart in it. I'm loving making these broken hearts lately.

Also, my first petite doll. I think she's adorable. This is on it's way to the wonderful Jennifer Maroney as she's my partner for a journaling swap! :)

New Page with Brandy New-y Technique

2010-07-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All! Lately, I've been driving myself crazy watching video after video of how to build rich, deep, pretty, inspiring, blah blah blah backgrounds! Well, I think I've finally come up with a solution. I truly wish my scanner was better quality because this is by far one of the best pages I've done in my journal. It's bright, vibrant, fun, and it's easy. All ya need is crayola crayons, matte medium, collage materials and anything else you want to add on top after the background is complete...Interested in learning more?? Just curious....wink wink! Enjoyyyy!

New Stuff, Info, Pages! Updates in general!

2010-07-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I wanted to upload some stuff to show what I've been working on for the past few months. Not much is really going on in my world other than I've moved, been laid off (this is a good thing), school is out for the summer, Corbin graduated boot camp and is now back home, I got to visit one of the places I've been dreaming of since forever (Savannah, GA) and life is now FINALLY back to normal!!!!

First and foremost - here's a picture of my new art room set up. This is the only picture I have of it being clean - it's not great quality but you get the idea!

and this is what it looks like now:

Amazing, right?

I've also been playing around with jewelry making. I bought a huge lot of old crap from e-bay and it came with about a billion pieces of vintage jewelry. Some usable but mostly not so much. I took apart all the pieces that were still usable to fashion into my own jewelry as you'll see here:

The beads are all newish, the pearls are pearls that may or may not be real that were rescued from the older pieces, and the main embellishment in the center are all rescued pieces.

Here are some newish journal pages that I'm really liking and proud of:

Well, that's all I have time for at the moment. I have to go pick my brother up from work. I'll post pictures of my trip later! Thanks for checkin' me out!

Calling All Artists!!

2010-06-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Long time no speak!

I'm going to make this short and sweet.

I am looking for willing artists to donate pieces of artwork to be sold over the next 30 days. The proceeds from this sale, will be sent to two charities of your choice. The only catch is, the charities must be voted on, andthey must be working to help with this oil disaster.

If any pieces of art aren't sold, I will personally make a donation, in your name, to our charity of choice.

Please let me know what you think!

My First Suzi Blu Pretty Girl

2010-01-17T20:59:00.000-08:00

So, I'm taking this class called Goddess & Poet, taught by the ever lovely Suzi Blu. She's wonderful, and she makes class so much fun. Whodathunk shading would have been funny and enjoyable? Well, she certainly makes it worth while.

Here's my first ever Pretty Girl inspired by Suzi Blu's teachings. She kinda sorta looks like a Trannie but, I love her just the same. With lots more practice, and patience, I'll be making really pretty girls in no time.

Better late than never...

2010-01-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

So, here's my 2010 Dreamboard.
It has my future new store front, my new car, my check, eating healthy, better body, cupcakes for my cupcake dream, roadtrippin'...just a few things that I'd like to do this year. This is for my Sketchbook group - you know who you all are! <3 Thank you for keeping me on my toes and making sure I follow my passions. xoxox.

This is a mixed media painting I did w/ left over board due to the lovely Sox's inspiration. She posted the following quote:

"Today,dear Friend, God wants you to know.....
....that there is a light which cannot ever be extinguished.
It is inside of you. It is you.
Let your light so shine upon the world that the world will
know Who You Really Are -- and its people will know why they
really are as well, through the light of your example.
The darkness of our world awaits you -- not to engulf you,
but to be transformed by you. During this Season of the Light,
be its Source for all those who search for Joy.

I knew I had to display it somewhere - what better way than through a mixed media painting??? Unfortunately, the pictures aren't that great - but I really love how the whole thing turned out.

All my Christmas Art Goodies!!

2009-12-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

So, this year I got a bunch of Art Goodies for my Birthday and Christmas from my art friends and from my wonderful boyfriend.

Janet sent me the Cupcake book to help get my started with all my notes and ideas for my future cupcake shop. It's really wonderful!

Sox sent me a bunch of little goodies like the glitter and the little book, a stamp, an ATC...just a buncha stuff. I love getting little grab bags like this! Thank you, Sox! I loved the surprise!! xox

My wonderful boyfriend who apparently listens to everything I say (well, at least most of it) Caught on to a few major pieces. I've wanted the Rapidograph pens for so long and just never had the guts to buy them since they are really pricey...well, He got them for me. Along w/ the water color pencils I have been wanting, some more modge podge, the paper cutter, two very large stamps, two Tim Holtz distressed ink pads, and so much more. I'm so very lucky to have such supportive friends and loved ones. Thank you, everyone for making this a wonderful Christmas & Birthday for me!!! xoxox

Finished Sketchbook Project

2009-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

DONE!

Sam/Sandy/Wonderfully, Talented, strong woman!

2009-12-08T21:50:00.001-08:00

So, I know this wonderfully creative woman who makes the most beautiful jewelry out of stones. I don't know what to say without saying too much...but, I wanted to take the time to share some of her pieces. I'm hoping to get a sand dollar one from Santa/Dad/Birthday fairy...So, maybe I'll get lucky. I love sand dollars...I think some of you know this already. I love walking the beach and picking up the broken ones. I hate when they get broken by people carelessly driving on the beach or just crunching them because they don't care. They are such a beautiful creation, that they shouldn't be broken into a million pieces. So, I just take them home with me so they don't have to get smooshed even more. Anyways, Here are a few of her gorgeous pieces. Her name is Sandy. I hope you all enjoy her work as much as I do. She's extremely talented!

You can find her featured at Ebb Tide Gallery and on Etsy

Next...

2009-12-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

Here's my next spread for the Sketchbook project. My water color painting and my drawing seems to get better everytime.

Spilling Open by Sabrina Ward Harrison

2009-12-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

Oh, Sox - how I just appreciate you more and more everyday.
The lovely Sox sent me this book for my birthday. Completely and totally unexpected and it has found a forever home with me. I absolutely adore the pages inside, it's filled with all sorts of life questions asked by women my age, it's filled with messy drawings, and collaging, painting, scribbling, poor spelling, all of it. It's splendidly imperfect and I truly adore this book.

The book is called 'Spilling Open- The Art of Becoming Yourself' by Sabrina Ward Harrison

Newest Sketchbook Spreads

2009-12-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

Pages 5&6

ugh - I hate the color of the skin - I'm STILL working on this. I finally mixed a big batch of water colors together so I didn't end up w/ this problem again - but, it's a work in progress...so, for now he's tan/orange/purplish...*shrugs*

Pages 7&8

Pages 9&10

A buncha new stuff...

2009-12-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...
Wow, it's been a few days, even weeks maybe since my last post. Oi! I have a lot to catch everyone up on.

First, I received my ATC for my Sketchbook Sisters ATC swap. I got so lucky as to receive Rita's lovely work. The picture doesn't do much justice, but the word is 'Destiny' and surprisingly enough, I've been thinking and questioning 'Destiny' lately so, it was absolutely perfect. The texture is wonderful and I adore the face stamp. I haven't quite figured out how people color in the more intricate part of the stamps after it's been pressed to paper. (it just took me 17 tries to type the word paper-ugh) Anyways, I'll have to work on this and experiment with it...something else to add to my ta-do list! Yay!

Next, I two weekends ago I went to the Portland Arts Bazarre because I saw on the fabulously creative Tracyville blog, that Tracy herself would be there. I've been following her blog for quite some time and absolutely love everything she does. I got my hands on this little gem and refused to leave without it. Tracy was so polite and warm. I don't talk about art stuff with real people most of the time, so I was shocked when she asked if I make stuff too...my response was 'uh, yea, kinda, some stuff, I uh, paint, uh draw, blah, blah, awkward, awkward' hehehe. She was very gracious and didn't make me feel like a dufus! Thank you, Tracy for my amazingly creative, beautiful, and fun Christmas stocking. I'm thrilled I get to keep it for years to come!! It's a wonderful addition to my holiday! Look -see :)

k - Well, since blogger is being uncooperative, I must do a second post with photos of my two new sketchbook spreads.

TTFN!
xox!

Secret

2009-11-23T20:48:00.000-08:00

So, somewhere I saw a post someone did based on secrets. For some reason this really got to me...maybe because I'm not all the way comfortable sharing all of my secrets with my journal. I still have the fear someone, someday will read it and then they will hate me. Or, people will realize what a sham of a person I really am. I smile when I don't want to, I laugh when I want to cry, I lie when I should tell the truth, Etc., Etc. I'm sure this is pretty common - but, this piece symbolizes a secret I've been keeping...so, I'm giving myself permission and reassurance that when I tell this secret, it will be spread...therefore, it's o.k. to keep it. For those of you that know me, it's nothing major and not meant for public consumption so, don't worry. It's not about you, or us, or someone you know - it's just about ME.

I'm pushing myself to try drawing again more and more. I used to really love drawing, but had very little confidence in my abilities. So, since I'm gaining more and more confidence (thank you, ladies and thank you, my dear heart, Erik for being my biggest fans!!) I'm going back out of my comfort zone and working on drawing a bit more. I hope you like. :)

Sketchbook Project 1st & 2nd Spread

2009-11-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

Okee dokee...so, these are my first two spreads for the Sketchbook project. I have turned this into my second Children's book. I'm hoping this comes together nicely as it's a dream of mine to be a children's author sometime in my life. This is one of my 2390482039849283409 dreams so, I'm working on it! :)

The first page says:
A million little fishies in the sea.

Second page Says:
A million little stars in the sky. Don't you see?

I'm pretty sure that period should be a comma? Any suggestions - it just doesn't seem right to me gramatically. I'm no gramatical genius - but, it just doesn't feel right.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy and come back to see how my story unfolds! :)

Also, I wanted to thank each and every one of you for the love, support, and encouragement you all provide to me daily. Several of you have become extremely special to me and I respect each of you and your talents. You're beautiful, and wonderfully creative - I just want you all to know that. You have become very important parts of my life that can not be replaced. Thank you a million times. You have helped to save me from myself and I am thankful for you all daily.

xo
-T

Stamps

2009-11-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days since I've posted anything so, here's my reply to one of the prompts in my Blistfully Art Journaling group. Enjoy! :)

I ended up ordering one of those giant ephemera packs on E-bay and included in that package was approximately 70 stamps. I've been dying to use them but hadn't come up with a reason or an idea to add them to my journal until now. I thought these looked old enough to be included in love letter/post cards. I imagined what they could have once been attached to..a love letter, an important letter, a random bill, or on junk mail. I settled on love letters since that's far more interesting. These are just three of the most interesting ones included in the pack.

First Page of Sketch Book Project!

2009-11-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY..my Sketchbook got here...I can't believe it actually made it. I was starting to convince myself it wasn't coming and to focus on something else. Here's a look at my first page. Since my theme is 'A Million Little... (dot, dot, dot)" I figured it would be fitting to actually have a million little dot, dot dots! :) Enjoy! :)

My First Altered Book Tree

2009-11-15T20:52:00.001-08:00

Thanks for sharing, Sox :) Love it! Had so much fun making this little guy! I swear, the binding was already bad to begin with - it didn't mind having a new job! :)

Over the Top Blog Award

2009-11-14T21:59:00.001-08:00

The wonderfully inspiring Tammy Left this award on my blog this week. Thank you, Darling for thinking of me! xo

The lovely Kirsti gave me this award this week. Thanks for thinking of me!

The rules are:
I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word.
So here we go:

1. Where is your cell phone?… Counter
2. Your hair?… Reddish
3. Your mother?… Ugh
4. Your father?… Sleeping
5. Your favorite food?… All
6. Your dream last night?… Awful
7. Your favorite drink?… Wine
8. Your dream/goal?… Everything
9. What room are you in?… Art-Room
10. Your hobby?… Art
11. Your fear?… Pain
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Everywhere
13. Where were you last night?… Home
14. Something that you aren’t?… Settled
15. Muffins?… Blueberry
16. Wish list item?… Copics
17. Where did you grow up?… Massachusetts
18. Last thing you did?… Laughed
19. What are you wearing?… Comfies
20. Your TV?… Off
21. Your Pets?… Dogs
22. Friends?… Lost (<--Couldn't have said it better myself, Tammy)
23. Your life?… Here
24. Your mood?… Mellow
25. Missing Someone?… Nope
26. Vehicle?… Runs
27. Something you're not wearing?… Shoes
28. Your favorite store?… Craft Warehouse
29. Your favorite colour?… Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed?… Minutes
31. Last time you cried?… Recent
32. Your best friend?… Holy Spirit
33. One place that I go to over and over?… Imagination
34. Facebook?… Lame
35. Favorite place to eat?… Out

Not so easy to give one word answers! Well you can see that I tried - I also used quite a few of Tammy's answers because we have a lot in common!!

I'd like to pass this on to some bloggers who are always leaving such encouraging comments. Thanks for all the warm fuzzies!!

1. Sox 2. Kelly 3. Leanne 4. Elena 5. Lisa

New Writing Prompt from Sarah W.

2009-11-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Sarah posted a few new writing prompts to our Soul Journal Group and this was my response to one of them! Enjoy! xo

Blissfully Art Journaling

2009-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
Yesterday in the group Blissfully Art Journaling Kim put out the prompt 'The "A" Factor'. The "A" Factor of course is the Art Factor. She wanted us to do a spread on Art and if we're doing art everyday...if we're not doing art everyday, are we at least talking about it? If we're not doing either, are we at least looking at it? I took the prompt a little bit farther with the journaling portion of it. I wanted to put something down about how much my life has changed over the past few months because of all the positive influences I now have in my life because of Art. I'm truly grateful to everyone in my groups for being so inspiring and encouraging! Thanks Everyone!

xo!
T-

P.S. - Art puppy is back today! YAY!

Lettering on my First Teesha Inspired Page

2009-11-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Obviously, this is a master craft of hers that she has spent much time on, but I can't help but be frustrated when it doesn't come out just right. Try and try again!! On to my next page(s)! xox!

Zentangles

2009-11-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!
So, last night I decided to try my hand at 'Zentangles'. I'm still learning about this and still trying to get the hang of it. But, here's my first one - I think they call it Mandala?? Anyone?

Today, I did this one....

I also wrote on one of my Teesha inspired pages however, I forgot she was missing arms until it was too late...I might have to figure this out later...

Enjoy!
xo
-T

Week 3 & Week 4 of Advanced Techniques by Sarah Whitmire

2009-11-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
Here you will see pictures from week 3 and week 4 of the Soul Journaling Advanced Techniques taught by the wonderful Sarah Whitmire.

This is by far one of my favorite things I've ever done. It took me a couple of weeks to get all the tags done - but I really enjoyed making them.

The next step was to make folders in our journal to put them in...and so, I did.

I'm actually pretty proud of this spread. The pictures don't do it enough justice, but I absolutely adore the simplicity of the pictures, the minimal amount of words, and the few doodles. I hope you enjoy!!

Also, I made my first watercolor journal a la Teesha today. Totally fun. All in all, it's been an extremely productive day!

xo!

Random Acts of Violence

2009-11-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

So, this morning was a new shooting in Orlando. I'm in complete disbelief of these random acts of violence. I say random meaning all of a sudden, not much to go on when it comes to why these people are doing these things. How are these things being allowed to happen??

First, the random shooting of the Seattle police officer where someone drove past and just opened up fire. Granted there are a million reasons why this could have happened to him, but at this point it seems as if it was a random act of violence.

Second, the shooting at Ft. Hood yesterday. Again, why did this happen??

And today, the shooting in Orlando at the Gateway building? I'm getting scared at this point.

This could happen anywhere, at any given time. I had this horrible dream last night about being gunned down in my own home and being the only one to survive and pretending as if I were dead so the gunmen would go away. This morning, I can't get the images of my dream out of my head. I shouldn't be worried about this stuff. No one should be worried about this stuff. I know people always say don't worry about the 'what ifs' or 'anything could happen - you need to live your life in the moment' etc., etc. however, it's easier said than done.

I'm sickened by these things. Why is it that some people think killing others is acceptable? Why do they think they should end other people's lives to make themselves feel better? Why do they do this and then kill themselves? What is the point? Why, why, WHY?!!?!

2nd Page inspired by Teesha

2009-11-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

And here's my second page...She needs arms but I haven't been able to find any that I like so, I'll add to it later. This one is my favorite over the last one. I have a feeling each one I do will be my favorite! Enjoy! :)

Collage Pieces

2009-11-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well, let's try this again - I tried to post this once already but apparently, I'm not being smarter than the computer.

I received the new Pier 1 imports catalogue today and I was thumbing through just looking with a new set of eyes. I found these pieces and I was just going to cut them up, tear them up, and add them to my pages however, I thought some of you might like them as well. So, I scanned them up for you and also made a few color copies for myself. I'm starting to work smarter at this stuff and make copies of the things I love. Instead of only having one - I'll have a ton.

I'm not quite sure what the rules are for this - but I figured since I referenced Pier 1 Imports they wouldn't be so horribly agravated that I posted this to my site. If they are offended, well, I'll take them down...until then, click on the pictures, make them bigger and feel free to use them on your page. I mean, I'm sure you'd do it anyway if you received the catalogue. *shrugs* ENJOY!!!!

Inspired by Teesha Moore

2009-11-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

So, ever since the first time I saw Teesha's lovely work, I've been dying to know how she makes such beautiful creations. http://teeshascircus.blogspot.com/ <-Please look, see, indulge, imagine, create, and adore!

To my surprise, she decided to share her processes with the world by posting links to youtube.com and to her blog. These honestly couldn't have come at a better time. I have been working on a few different things with Sarah Whitmire's Advanced Journaling techniques http://www.caspiana.com/ and joining two other amazing groups. However, I feel like I have been spending far more time answering e-mails and participating in conversations with these amazingly inspiring women than actually creating art. Sure, I've finished a few things here and there - but, nothing really worth posting.

I have also felt like I'm coming into 'information overload' at this point...what with all the different techniques, products, supplies, projects, etc. that I'm trying to pick and choose the ones that I have time for vs. what I actually want to do. I'm thinking I'm spread a bit thin.

Today, the lovely Sox sent me a link to the youtube videos from Teesha and I spent the first 35 minutes of work today devouring and listening to them. Thankfully, she shows her process, she's extremely easy and enjoyable to listen to, and she makes the processes look so very easy! So, I couldn't WAIT to come home and try my hand on putting together my first page inspired by Teesha's instruction. I can honestly say, this is one of the things I'm proud of most!

Enjoy! :)

Art Puppy

2009-10-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I took a 'mental health' day from work today. No, really, I felt like garbage when I woke up this morning. Thought maybe I was getting a sinus infection but, I took some medicine and took a little nap and then I felt much better. I could have gone into work but chose NOT to. So, I worked on today's Blissfully prompt (which I won't be sharing here - It's a bit goofy, and entirely too personal) and all day while I was working my puppy sat right next to my computer table with me and watched me and out the window while I worked away on my art stuff in between answering hundreds of e-mails. Here she is :) Introducingggg....Halo!

Blissfully Art Journaling

2009-10-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well, after many conversations in my Soul Journaling group about this Blissfuly Art Journaling group, I decided to join up. They have some incredible things like 'The Artist's Way' daily reminders which I'm finding helpful since I started that study a few weeks ago, and have yet to finish it. My motivation to complete the whole book and stay on task has been lacking since it feels more like a 'have to' instead of a 'want to'. Blissfully also includes daily writing prompts/journaling prompts.

I was looking through some of the past prompts and one of them caught my attention and I thought it would be fun to do this as a journal spread. The prompt asked if I had a private sanctuary that I liked to escape to, and if I didn't have one, what would mine be like if I could choose one. (Obviously, this isn't word for word as I don't remember all the words to the prompt and I'm entirely too lazy to look it up right now - I just carved pumpkins for 4 hours straight!) BUT you get the idea. So, here's my spread. :)

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite things about Halloween is carving pumpkins. I don't know why, but ever since I was a kid I've always just adored it. So, here are pictures from tonight's pumpkin carving fun! The little boy is my best friend's son, his name is Devin. The blond is my best friend, Amanda and well, the other person is me! :) Enjoy!

Thrill the World

2009-10-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

A real estate agent here in town that I know got together with a group of neighbors, friends, and family to participate in the 'Thrill the World' event. www.thrilltheworld.com They have been practicing for a few weeks to be able to have their video done in time. The video was due to be turned in on Midnight Oct. 24th. I wanted to post this because the video is spectacular. I hope you enjoy! :o)

The Most Valuable Thing...

2009-10-21T22:02:00.001-07:00

My soul journaling group creator, extrodinaire posted a few writing prompts a few days ago and one of the prompts was 'The most valuable thing I have learned so far is...' Well, this was a relatively easy one for me. Since I'm from New England I tend to be a little brash and hard when I say things. It has constantly been thumped into my head 'It's not what you say, Toni, it's how you say it!' For all of you who have told me this time and time again, yes, I get it, I've always gotten it - sometimes, it just happens. So, this little tiny spread is for you...

Week 2 - Soul Journaling

2009-10-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

So, I have finally finished week two of my Soul Journaling Advanced Techniques class. This assignment took a little longer than anticipated. We were to take the altered photos we created from week one and add them into a spread with windows. Hard to explain but it's very pleasant on the eyes. I love the way it all came out. See pictures for your viewing pleasure.

One of a kind little girl's clothes

2009-10-15T14:28:00.001-07:00

A very lovely lady I know makes these beautiful creations by hand. She has so much fun doing them and has a little bit of a dream to sell them. I offered to put them up on my blog to show them off a bit, and she graciously agreed to let me show her creations. They are beautiful. I have seen these little outfits myself and if I could squeeze myself into them, they would be all I would ever wear. So, if any of you have little girls in your life that would love these pretties, let me know, and I can send you more pictures. Each piece is very affordable. The fabric is pristine. Thanks for looking.

Dreamer

2009-10-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

This drawing was prompted by a last minute 'Dreamer's' challenge. The challenge was stemmed from one out of three writing prompts that were posted. The prompt was 'I'm afraid if I start dreaming....' The topic became a conversation that a lot of us felt moved to participate in. Teri (the other moderator *hearts*) posted a poem done by the wonderful Shel Silverstein...which has quickly become one of my favorite poems of all time:

"If you are a dreamer, come in.

If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,

A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer.

If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire,

for we have some flax-golden tales to spin.

Come in! Come in!"

My biggest issue with actually being a 'dreamer' is my inner critic telling me I can't accomplish anything I want to do. I'm a failure, I won't, I can't, I don't, etc. So, that's where the drawing came from. I also doodled two little poems for myself:

Dream big!
Dream Small!
Doesn't Matter,

Dream it all!

To dream is a journey

Like no other...
You can succeed or fail,

So, why bother?

It's more safe to not know

"What else is there?"

We should try it all

But, why bother?

What is your fear?

You can succeed or fail!

Like no other!!

Dream! Dream! Dream!

It's a lovely journey!

Needless to say, that little pouty, cranky, child standing on my shoulder in the photo, absolutely needs to GO! :)

'Angel' Painting

2009-10-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

This painting was done after a quote that I came across:
'Every blade of grass has it's Angel that bends over it and whispers "Grow, grow." - The talmud

The silver thinger was sent to me in an ephemera package by Sarah Whitmire. The little red skirts are from a piece of fabric that she altered (I think it was fabric) and I just absolutely loved the colors so, I used this as well. Thank you, Sarah...I'm having more fun with this stuff than you know.

I just really loved this quote. It struck something inside of me. I thought it was neat that every single, insignifcant blade of grass could have it's own Angel protecting it and encouraging it to grow into something more than a little seed.

Two More Altered Photos

2009-10-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here are two more altered photos I've been working on.

I've also started on the 12 week 'Artist's Way' course. It's a bit intimidating when it lays out in the very beginning what you can expect in the 12 weeks that follow...but, if the results are half as good as what has been told in the forums or the examples in the book, I really can't wait. Has anyone else taken this study? The forum is loaded with people who's lives this book has changed. I would love to hear your experience.

Anyhow, I hope everyone had a lovely and creative day. I have more to post later.

Altered Photos

2009-10-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

So far, these altered photos are what I'm most proud of. I have several more left to do, and I can't wait to finish them. (Tonight!!)

The process is quite simple, it's just something no one other than Sarah W. would ever think of! I can't wait to give these for Christmas presents in lovely frames!!

The start of something new...

2009-10-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Thank you for stopping by and checking out my blog. This is the first time I've ever set one of these up, and I'm pretty excited. The reason for this blog is to branch out and start to show some of my work.

A few months ago, I discovered Soul Journaling created by the wonderfulm enlightened Sarah Whitmire. Her process has completely opened my eyes to all sorts of neat things. I am extra blessed because she chose myself and another fabulous lady (Teri) to be moderators for our Soul Journaling Yahoo Group (stop by, check us out!) The group is wonderful. It gives you a sense of safety, comfort, and motivation to complete projects and publish them without feeling self conscious.

So far, I have done lots of things. Through the course of this process, I will upload pictures, conversation topics, things I'm trying out for the first time, etc. This will be my very own timeline of events and creations!

I hope you all join me!

xo-Toni