Beth gave me a hand made journal to doodle or glue in and I've enjoyed playing with it. I've glued in pictures like this that I really liked and wanted to save, as well as just messed around with layering stuff simply for the sheer joy of doing it.
This page is a vintage photo printed on a transparency, over old paper, with a phrase tucked underneath.
Not having a goal or deadline or even a reason to work in the book, besides just wanting to, has been good for me. It's been a long, odd, summer for me, without a lot of creating. I've tended the fairy grands, and did some long needed chores and fix ups around the house. I've had trips, a fried computer, broken appliances, illnesses, family issues, and done a LOT of weed pulling and gardening. I've been a chaufer, and a cook, and a babysitter, but not much of an artist.
A few little things got made here and there, but not my typical, nonstop creating. There have been long stretches of days when I don't go to the studio at all.
And when I did, I had the little ones with me. Sugarwings made this page in my journal. We used the bubble paper that we made with food coloring, here.
Piddling around with theses pages and making some charms has been good for me. Hopefully, I'll get back into gear soon. At least it's a start. I need to re-find myself as an artist. Taking a summer off to help with the girls was something I'll cherish, and I know how lucky I was to be able to do it, but by not spending much time in my studio, I've gotten away from some very important parts of myself.
Or I could just be depressed because of all the strife we have faced the last few months.
I think I'll go make another page now, that would be good for me.
Beautiful artist, beautiful pages & beautiful book…seems like all is well now and the creative you is back…with cooler weather, you will be back in your studio and the stress of the past few months will fall away…Hugs, Jeannie
Art heals in it’s own special, majikal way ~
Hugs ~~~
It can be hard to explain these feelings, and have them understood by those who aren’t kindred, but I do understand just how you are feeling, Karla. Life can come at us, so fast sometimes, and the best we can do is go with the flow. Pay attention to your breathing. Sometimes when I’m experiencing stressful times, I catch myself holding my breath.
My sister says she sees such a difference in me when I’m making things. I used to do that a lot, believe it or not, LOL. I hope you will continue to find time for making your art. Try hard. If you continue to feel depressed though, please see your doctor.
Lots of love to you,
Lena
It’s tough, isn’t it, when everything crashes and life just takes over… We haven’t had your life and experiences this summer, but we have had our own, some more challenging, some less. Probably most all of mine are less… but still…
I just spent a five days with a friend making art. We went up north and I went into production mode, but also did a few experiments, watched some art video tutorials… it was tremendously healing.
One day at a time, my friend. That’s all any of us can do when it gets tough. But share, talk, let people help if you need it. Anyone would.
Your journal pages are beautiful!!
Knowing what we need…
And then, doing it…
Wisdom…
Gentle hugs,
Tessa~
Oh Karla, I wish I had a class to offer YOU. That is what I do when I am feeling low…I sign up for a creative class!! Most recently, it was Your Dress Form Tutorial that made my heart smile! I laughed and learned all that same time. You are truly a gifted artist and I am grateful that you share your talents. I can’t thank you enough.
Hugs, Laura
It feels so good to create something! I hope you have plenty of time this fall to keep going….
So much to learn and dream on every single visit! I actually forgot I used to be artistic. It has been so long… I think it is hard to be artsy and not messy… And it’s hard to be messy in
Moms house… But gotta be true to our souls. I love the charms! And thank you so much for the tutorial.
Hi Karla,
It’s neen a rough summer for me too….accidents…family issues….doggie health problems. Sometimes I feel so down and out. The grandkids help….and recently art has helped too. So I sure understand your feelings and hope things will even out for you and yours. I just signed up for a class called Soul Comfort, by Melody Ross…..would that be something you might enjoy? Check out her web page.
Take care,
Nancy Thompson
Difficult times must be making the rounds lately. Sometimes it’s just what you need to kno that others are in the same boat as you. My son will know Oct. 1st if his microbiology lab will be closed or not. Makes for tense times. As a mom you just want to fix it but you can’t fix everything just be around to be supportive. Doing arty things does help you feel better. I know that from experience.
How sweet of Beth to give you one of her handcrafted journals! Thank you for sharing some of it with us.
I am so very sorry for all the challenges you have faced this summer. It started out in a very lovely way, though, with Birdsong, and I am thankful for that. I know there was a LOT of work involved in the preparations, though, so I hope you were still able to enjoy it yourself! It was the most wonderful experiences for me, Karla.
I pray that you are on the other side of at least most of the things that caused such distress over the last few months. I love that you are sharing some creative projects here because it shows me that you are finding time for that again!