Getting deep in my art journal

For almost a year now I have been on a journey. Ackschully, several journeys, but that is another story. The journey I speak of now is with my art journal.

I first heard the term “art journal” from my dear friend Effy Wild. (You may know her as the den mama from the fabulous Wild Precious.)

At first she was just talking about this art thing she was doing and I thought it sounded cool, but I didn’t think of myself as an artist, so I didn’t bother to check it out. THEN, she started sharing photos. THAT got my attention. She was showing such amazing pages and yet she still just called it PLAYING. How could such beautiful work, be play??? I decided I HAD to learn more about art journaling.

Effy has been an inspiration to me this entire year, sharing new techniques, praising fellow journalers, linking videos and even creating a home and community for kindred souls to connect and share our stories.

I have never been one to think of myself as an artist, but that is starting to change. I am absolutely comfortable calling myself an “art journaler” and that is in great part to the family I have made at Wild Precious. The women I have met there are all inspiring, uplifting and kind and I am truly grateful for them in my life.

Effy has made sure that the site is well rounded and there is something for everyone. Along with art journaling prompts and videos, there is a photography group, a poetry group and even mandala making! Every group is healing in some way and Effy’s newest baby is sure to be no less than powerful. Beginning July 1 (registration begins June 1) Effy will present her very first art e-course called The Elements of Art Journaling. I am so excited! She is even offering one lucky creative a FREE spot!


Even though Effy is very much about the glitter, she is also very much about the deep and this course is all about the deep. It is going to take your soul on a journey through all five elements, Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Spirit and Effy will be there to guide you the entire way. I cannot WAIT to sign up for this course! I feel like I have just begun to scratch the surface of my inner deep and I need this course to push me even further. I want to be able to dive straight to my core and leave it all on the page. I still feel like I am holding back in an effort to make my pages "pretty" or "perfect" and, knowing Effy the way I do, I know this course will help me push past those boundries and get to my inner deep.

I will be at Wild Precious on June 1 with bells on. I hope to see you there!

I NEED '21 SECRETS'

I recently began a journey of Love in my art journal. "Art Journal Love Letters" is a workshop created by Connie Hosvicka at Dirty Foot Prints Studio. I have already learned so much, but I still have so much to learn.

Connie recently announced that she will be discontinuing Art Journal Love Letters in order to open up bright new windows of opportunity for her students. Her newest project is the colaborative effort of 21 different artists, all with skill, talent and imagination. "21 Secrets" officially begins Ocotber 1, 2010 and will only be available through the end of the year.

I REALLY want to take this workshop!

Effy Wild, one of my favorite people, will be teaching one of the classes in the workshop. She always has a way of making me see something in myself I didn't know was there. Her class is designed to help artists see inside their souls and bring it to life in their journal. I have not yet been able to open up in my journal and I desperately want to be able to. This class is a MUST for me.

Paula Phillips' class is centered around doors and windows that will help hide the secrets with-in or accentuate a something special. This will also help make my art journal more interactive and give me a place to store special memories and momentos.

Connie Hosvicka, herself will be teaching one of the classes that will help me the most. Connie is all about teaching artists to be FEARLESS in their art. Her class will focus on getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page without holding back. I have a major problem with holding back and can use all of the coaxing I can get!

I not only WANT to take this workshop, I NEED to take it. I WANT to learn as many techniques as I can. I WANT to play in my art journal and make a mess and be OK with the messy. I NEED to break free and explore my inner most thoughts, feelings, secrets and fears.

Go to Connie's website and have a look around. To learn more about "21 Secrets" including who all 21 artists/teachers will be, follow this link:

http://www.dirtyfootprintsworkshops.com/2008/09/21-secrets-art-journal-playground.html


Once at the site, you can sign up to take the class and you can sign me up to take it with you! :D