ArtOutWithYourHeArtOut

March 1, 2021 · 7:33 pm

Art Out With Your HeART Out Has Even More Meaning

Have you had to take a creative breath over the past year? Whether by choice or by necessity? I think by now we all can agree that we are lucky to be able to take a breath whether figuratively or literally at this point.

It was mid-January, 2020, when I first started reading about a possibly dangerous new virus that was spreading halfway across the world. As the weeks progressed and it became apparent this was going to be a life-changing situation I stopped making art. Any art. Nothing. Although I’d stopped blogging a few years earlier I was still being creative and feeding my art spirit in many other ways. I dabbled on YouTube. I taught a few art classes in my community. I made art to donate to various fundraisers and causes. I went to shows at art museums and galleries. All of that stopped. Overnight. My main passion up and left me.

As 2020 progressed I began being creative in other ways unrelated to my art studio. I started a new square-foot garden of vegetables and flowers.

I began cooking and baking from scratch.

New rituals and routines started forming. I made charms of glass beads and bells for my garden gate.

As summer turned to fall and the weather began to drive me back inside with warm cups of foamy lattes (made by me) I noticed I was starting to see my art studio again. It was sunny all day in there even when it was cold outside.

My cold, cold creative heart began to thaw. I started watching some of my old favorites on YouTube and found some new ones to follow. I’ve been dreaming up new projects to use my immense supply of ALL THE THINGS. I’m revisiting techniques that I’ve used in the past and I’m learning new ones. I have started reacquainting myself with my art supplies and my art alter-ego, Katyoparty. She’s the one who signs all the art. So after a good long time it feels really good to say…ART OUT WITH YOUR HEART OUT.

For The Love of Georgia

As a long-time fan of Georgia O’Keefe and her art I was drawn to this new book like a moth to a flame. The fact that this book is a historical novel was especially appealing to me as that is one of my favorite genres (memoirs being the other).

I am mostly familiar with her colorful and beautiful flower studies and I’ve bought many a calendar of those fantastical flowers. When the year is over I carefully remove the pages with the images and place them in frameless glass frames and hang them everywhere. On the walls of my office their beauty buoyed me at times in my former high-stress career. On the walls of my art studio the images provided both rich and calm colors and inspiration. The pieces currently hanging on the walls of my hallway provide a happy trail on the way to guest rooms.

I’ve never read any of the other books written by Dawn Tripp but I plan to now that I’ve read this one. Her writing style appeals to my reading taste. Layers of description but not overly so. Conveyance of the emotions and feelings of the characters with just the right amount of nuance and leaving room for the reader to use their own interpretation. The relationships between the characters were beautifully interwoven and their interactions and reactions felt very personal; at times raw and erotic, other times poignant and sentimental. There were times I laughed out loud at Georgia’s brand of humor. Other times I felt the sting of tears behind my eyes as she experienced humiliation, frustration, and aimlessness.

My favorite part of this book were the descriptions of Georgia’s feelings as she painted and her descriptions of color and brushstrokes.

The light beat like silver dust on those trees–touching them, shaping them–I turned and walked away–I had to keep it–the intensity of that moment–and then I was home and the brush was in my hands, and I let the feeling hone to a sane, cool edge–no time, no thought, only that clear intent, my fingers taut on the brush, the colors like dark water, that mood passing right through my hand into the lean black forms of those trees.

Here’s another:

I paint the distance . Not a shape inside it, not a mountain or church or cross. Just distance. Line after line of horizon. Raw sienna, burnt umber, ocher, gold–the colors leave my brush, becoming light-struck dirt.

My goodness I found these descriptions delicious! I found myself savoring this book and not wanting it to end. I rationed my reading of it.

The relationships in Georgia’s life are written about in an equally deliciously descriptive way. The joy, the anger, the hurt, the heat. “My body glitters as I walk to meet him for lunch.” What a delightful sentence! Who hasn’t experienced some form of this during their life? And if you haven’t well you definitely should!

I could go on with other passages of this book that I have copied into my journal so as not to lose them from my life but I’m sure there is a limit to what is allowed to be shared here. Suffice to say that I sincerely recommend it. Thanks for checking in here. Until next time…Adios.

ArtOutWithYourHeARTOut

Growing in Art–Part Two

Hello again and Happy Easter!

This piece seems like a fitting way to start. I was in a state of joy when I created it, in a place of geographic joy, and a with people who bring me joy!

Used lots of found and upcycled items in the construction–scrap wood, muffin papers, sari ribbon, and circuit board remnants.

Another piece on canvas panel. Experiments with dripping Izinks ink, acrylic paints, stencils, ink pens, foam letters on corrugated cardboard colored with Shiva Paint Sticks, also used heated molded plastic, and Pico embellishers. I am learning more about water soluble vs. non-water soluble as evidenced by smearing of some of my details.

I still like to upcycle certain used clothing tags and here is a batch I did at Christmastime. It is a good way to use up all those little bits and bobs I have leftover from other projects.

Because who doesn’t love a pic of art supplies??!!

A sweet and swirly Valentine!

My latest on a canvas panel. Mounted on an upcycled backing from a frameless glass frame. I used modeling paste, a Patti Tolley Parrish stencil, Silks acrylic glaze, glass bead gel, Shiva Paint Stiks, a frame I filled with resin (and a worry doll), heat moldable plastic, a fortune from a fortune cookie, Pico embellishers, and well over a dozen layers. At one point I was so disgusted with the whole thing that I covered 95 percent of it in black paint and then uncovered parts and continued on. I really think that you have to hate your project at some point before you really get to something. Or maybe that’s just moi….

In any case I wish you all a good day and I welcome all comments!

ArtOutWithYourHeARTOut

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Filed under Doodlydoo, Flash Trash & Glitter, Mixed Media Mania, Musings

Tagged as black, flowers, glass bead gel, katyoparty, layers, mixed-media, paint, Patti Tolley Parrish, sparkle, texture

March 23, 2016 · 5:00 pm

Growing in Art–Part One

Yep that’s a stamp I carved! I’ve actually carved three stamps now–all hearts! Hardly surprising since I’ve rarely met a heart I didn’t love. My first two hearts are about an inch big and did them during a Julie Fei Fan Balzer stamp carving online tutorial. This latest heart was done at the ReMe art retreat on Ocracoke Island in May, 2015. I enjoyed the process and have enjoyed being able to use my own stamp but I haven’t carved any more. I have all the things I need to do more but my creative attention span is short. I’m always on to the next thing. And the next thing. and the next thing.

That may explain why I have an obscene amount of art supplies. When I embrace a new technique or supply I have the habit of buying every color or every tool or every whatever it is. I recently saw a Youtube video by Sarah at MySerenityCrafts from March 4, 2016, where she vlogs about her experience of buying art supplies. I had already decided at the beginning of this year to USE WHAT I HAVE and I’ve been contributing to a huge bag things I am ready to pass along to other artists. Seeing Sarah’s vlog just confirmed my belief that I need to pare down.

But I digress….I’m supposed to be writing about things I’ve branched out into in my art.

I’ve been really stretching my comfort zone and painting and doing more mixed media than ever and making a point of using what I have. Here are a few new things–

This one I used a canvas panel with Silks acrylic paints and Staz-On ink pads for the background. The dragonfly is made of resin. I made it!! I first stenciled the dragonfly using modeling paste and then made a mold of it. I then poured resin and it worked. Yep I’ve been through a major mold-making and casting phase. For awhile there I would slap mold putty on anything that didn’t move for a minute…

One interesting and unexpected (at least to me) occurrance happened when I used a Silks acrylic glaze to stencil the cherry blossom branch in the left background. The original color was a bright pink but when I put a layer of gloss medium over the top of the piece to seal it it caused a major color change to the Silks glaze and also slightly blurred the image. I liked the effect so I’m calling it a happy accident. I haven’t yet tried to recreate the phenomenon again. If any of you have used this technique on purpose I’d love to hear about it.

The piece below that I called “Transform” is on a canvas panel and then mounted on a recycled backing panel from a frameless glass frame. This experiment involved glass bead gel and a gorgeous stencil by Patti Tolley Parrish (available at iStencils.com)–it is called Dangles. I also used some chipboard pieces that echoed the dangle idea but I cannot remember who made them because I had them unwrapped in my stash. I also used acrylic paints, Silks, Gelatos, Izink pigment ink, alcohol inks, and a partridge in a pear tree–lol Maybe I should list the things I didn’t use….

My final share for today is another piece on a canvas panel. This one used stenciled texture paste, embossed deli paper, and wipe off pieces of baby wipes and paper towels. I used lots of bright colors with acrylic paints, acrylic inks, and some paint pens. This piece is posed with Hula Girl my desk mascot and it makes me happy!

Part Two is coming soon! Thanks for visiting today and I love to read comments and have new followers!

ArtOutWithYourHeARTOut

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Filed under Mixed Media Mania, Musings

Tagged as abstract, acrylic ink, acrylic paint, colorful, istencil.com, katyoparty, mixed-media, myserenitycrafts, Patti Tolley Parrish, ReMe Retreat, texture

October 11, 2015 · 12:47 pm

Ode To Art

My feelings remain the same!

ArtOutWithYourHeArtOut

Art–how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: I love flowers and paint and textures. I love bling and baubles and buttons. I love masking and mists and layers. I love inks and gesso and gelatos. I love stamps and stencils and paper.

Oh how I love paper. I love to look at it, I love to cut it into shapes, I love to tear it and place it just so. I love all of it’s many colors and designs, and how some is sparkly. Sparkly is especially nice. There is a paper for every artistic situation. There is bold paper, demure paper, gossamer thin paper, thick and chunky paper, paper with glitter, paper with fibers and paper that you can see through. There is paper made from other pieces of paper.

A new piece of paper makes a bad day good. A new piece of paper makes…

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Tagged as art, art kit, create, goddess, paper

January 16, 2015 · 12:14 pm

Pinterest Plans

I am a rabid avid Pinterest pinner. I have boards called Fun Fashions, Bon Appetito, Outside Stuff, Cinderella, Cake, and many more. Many many more. Now for my confession. I’ve never made a single thing I’ve ever pinned. Never made a recipe from Bon Appetito. Never made a project from Art Art Baby. Never tried any of the artsy craftsy stuff I love to pin on there. Never tried to recreate any of the Fun Fashions. The only board that I can say I’ve accomplished anything on is Been There Done That about my travel adventures.

Well people–hear my battle cry–I am determined not to let all those pinning hours of my life be for naught! I am going to be a maker of Pinterest things. I’ve decided to make myself a calendar and once a week I am going to try one thing I’ve pinned. One week it will be from one board and the next from another, and so on and so on and so on and so on–sorry that was annoying.

I can’t wait to taste some of the yummy and pretty looking recipes I’ve pinned on Bon Appetito while wearing an outfit from Fun Fashions. Be inspired by some of the pins on my Color Crazed board, complete a project from Outside Stuff and then celebrate with a drink from my Prost board! Well, that is how I picture all this happening. But have you heard of the Pinterest Fails sites?

Some of the fails are because the person who did the project tried to substitute ingredients and/or supplies. Some are people who tried but lacked the necessary skills to succeed. Some are people who appeared to have been coerced or blackmailed into doing the project. Some are just plain idiots who didn’t really try and succeeded at failing.

http://pinterestfail.com

I plan on beginning my Pinterest Adventure next week so prepare to be amazed and astonished, baffled and befuddled, excited and exhilarated, and so on and so on and so on….

If you want to find me on Pinterest look for Katyoparty. If you want to make a suggestion about what I should try first from Bon Appetito that would be awesome. That’s where I plan to start.

Now tell me–do any of you have any Pinterest experiences?

ArtOutWithYourHeARTOut

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Tagged as katyoparty, Pinterest

January 14, 2015 · 10:21 am

Fresh Start 2015

Hello hello blog world! Happy 2015! Who is ready for all that the New Year has in store? Well ready or not–here it comes! I’ve made some goals as I do at some point every year–not necessarily only at the new year. Several times over the years I’ve written down my goals and then never revisited the list until much later and I find I’ve realized those goals. I am now a firm believer in setting an intention and letting your subconscious/the Universe/whatever you call your Power, take over and guide the outcome.

It’s not that I don’t do anything and my goals just happen–it’s more like I’m in tune with the opportunities as they present themselves because my subconscious is on the lookout for them. Along the lines of never noticing pregnant women and then when you get pregnant you see pregnant women and babies everywhere.

I’ve set my intentions on a few art-related things this New Year: blogging regularly, creating art regularly, sharing my creations with others rather than stockpiling it, participating in an art abandonment project, and finding a volunteer opportunity which is art-related.

What intentions have you set with regard to your creativity? I would love to hear. Thanks for visiting today–I can’t wait to see you again!

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Filed under Mixed Media Mania, Musings

Tagged as color, flowers, glass bead gel, intentions, new year, painting, stamping, tag, texture, transform

June 9, 2014 · 10:13 am

Remarkable ReMe Retreat

I have taken my time to digest and process an incredible experience I had last month on a magical place called Ocracoke Island off the outer banks of North Carolina. I almost hesitate to say where it is because I’d like to keep it a secret! But I won’t do that because I want to tell you about my experience.

It was sometime last winter when I first heard about the ReMe Retreat from artist Jodi Ohl. I had never been fortunate enough to take a class from her but I’d purchased some pieces of her art and adore(d) her style. In checking out details about the retreat I realized I was also acquainted with another instructor named Penny Arrowood whom I’d met in passing at the Create Retreat the previous summer in Chicago. I remembered both of these women and their friendly and engaging personalities. I was intrigued…

The ReMe Retreat is held twice a year–in May and in October. I was interested in the May session as it was the dead of winter and cold and dreary and hey–it was sooner than October. However, the May session was sold out. I decided to hold off on registering for October because I was debating whether to go to another retreat during the summer. Lo and behold one day an announcement came that there had been a cancellation for the May session of ReMe! My fingers couldn’t type an email fast enough to make my bid for the spot. By noon the next day I found out the spot was mine! Mine all mine!! Yes My Precious!

I knew the retreat was on “some island off North Carolina” as I told my family and friends. I hadn’t pointed to North Carolina on a map since grade school much less ever going there. I knew I’d have to fly there and probably rent a car but I hadn’t thought too much further in my plan to get to the retreat. Even after receiving an awesome package from the retreat hosts–Jean Skipper, Penny Arrowood, and Jodi Ohl–which contained brochures, maps, pictures, and other fine ephemera about Ocracoke Island I still didn’t comprehend that this is an ISLAND. As in —“a body of land surrounded on all sides by water”.

I purchased my airline tickets in March because I determined I’d be flying into Wilmington, North Carolina, the day before the retreat. It wasn’t until April that I figured out that taking a ferry to Ocracoke is the only way to get on the island. It is not an optional decision. Apparently, if an island is an island there is no road from the mainland which leads out to the island! This was new information to me. Hey–I grew up in the desert in Arizona so give me a break on this.

Okay–so car rental for the week, roundtrip ferry reservations, and a recommendation to stay in Beaufort, North Carolina, for a night before. Let me tell you that Jean Skipper was so amazingly helpful and patient with this landlocked city girl she deserves a medal. On her recommendation I found my way to the beautiful little town of Beaufort and spent the night in the most charming B & B called Cousin Martha’s.

Cousin Martha’s Bed and Breakfast, Beaufort, NC

The proprietors are a wonderful couple named Elmo and Martha. I stayed in the Fish Room which was colorful and comfortable and included it’s own sitting room, outdoor porch, and bathroom.

The Fish Room

After settling in and changing clothes I set off for Main Street to do a bit of exploring and to find some food. I started off at Finz

The view from Finz, Beaufort, North Carolina

which had a nice deck on the boat dock and some very tasty crabcakes. After exploring the very quiet Main Street i consulted with Siri and she advised there was a brew pub in the area.

The Backstreet Pub, Beaufort, NC

The Backstreet Pub is on Middle Road and is a small establishment where the locals hang out. Back in the 1800s it was a bakery. There is a lovely tree-covered courtyard patio in the back and the bathroom has lots of fun grafitti which I contributed to myself.

If you can’t beat em–join em–tiny grafitti

Martha and Elmo provided a tasty breakfast and fine conversation the next morning and I met MiMo for the first time. MiMo is two gorgeous fun-loving and talented women who were to be part of my adventure on Ocracoke Island.

I would also like to add that Cousin Martha’s B&B is also home to Elmo’s Fire Spices–

of course I had to have some of the seasonings and hot sauce to take home. I went with the two top selling spice blends–Satan’s Breath and Cajun Blend. When choosing a hot sauce I was immediately drawn to two of the more serious options–Horse’s Ass Hot Sauce and Queen of Farts. I decided Horses Ass was just too rude so I opted for Queen of Farts. Don’t judge.

As I drove the hour to the Cedar Island Ferry I decided I have never seen more boats or more gun shops in my life. Ever. Even collectively over all my years. It was beautiful country and an awesome drive. By this time I was starting to really embrace the adventure of my journey. I arrived at the ferry terminal with time to spare and parked my car in line to board the ferry.

Did I mention that part of my adventure was to drive my car onto the ferry? Yep. I had been feeling a bit of trepidation about this part because I’d never done it and also the week before a large ferry had sunk unexpectedly in another part of the world. And sunk fast. I determined I would be sitting on the top of the ferry and near the life jackets.

Before the loading of the ferry I had time to walk down to the beach and get my first glimpse of the ocean. It was the precise moment when I fully immersed into full-on vacation mode and kissed the last of my stress a fond adieu. The sand was so soft on my bare feet and the water nice and cool and the sun so warm.

Happy feet!

I fairly floated back into my car and calmly drove my car onto the ferry and jumped out to explore the boat. It was quite impressive and clean and new (the newest boat in the ferry fleet according to the recorded message played onboard). The ride was smooth and quite comfortable.

I’m the Queen of the World!

After the 2 hour 15 minute “cruise” it was land ahoy!

Our last communique from Jean Skipper included clear directions for getting to our property from the ferry dock so it was a quick zip to the Soundfront Inn. Nestled among the trees and oh so close to the water!

The Soundfront Inn

It was love at first sight upon pulling up. I was greeted by smiles and hugs and the most wonderful homey feeling upon walking in the front door. Jodi Ohl gave me a quick tour and then ensconced me in what came to be known as “The Red Room” and later Redrum Redrum Redrum by me and my roommate Terry. Of course you have to do it in the creepy voice. But I’m getting ahead of myself….

Our first night set the tone for the entire retreat. After everyone was ensconced in their rooms we had our first parlour meeting in the front room. This room is so comfortable and has such a wonderful vibe I know it must have a colorful history. There are lots of different types of rockers and easy chairs and one “seat of pain” which is the old wooden piano stool. I made it my goal to sit in every chair while I was there so I could see a different perspective every time.

Jodi Ohl, Jean Skipper, Penny Arrowood-the hostesses with the most!

On this first night our hosts did a couple of things after the general introductions and overview of our week. They passed around index cards and we were instructed to write down one thing that people would be surprised to know about us. This became one of my favorite rituals during the retreat as every night during our parlor meeting a few of the cards would be read and we got to guess to see who we thought the card described. This was a laugh-filled, finger pointing event each night!

The second thing that was done the first parlour meeting was that our lovely hosts unveiled and introduced us to their secret weapon, Theresa Zurku, who was their helper/den mother/personality de force/hug-giver/all around fantabulous woman!

Awesome Sauce!!!

Every single day of my ReMe Retreat was awesome from start to finish. I write in my journal daily and on May 6, I wrote, “…with coffee by my side on the porch of this BEAUTIFUL beach house I can hear the waves lapping on the beach which is a hundred feet away. This is really gorgeous–Isn’t the Universe amazing to put me here?”

My favorite view…

“Hello beautiful Ocracoke morning! What a fantastic day yesterday was for me! Uh oh–bell ringing–gotta go! There was a big bell outside the back porch that could be heard no matter where you were on the property. When all of us needed to gather the bell was rung and we’d come running!

“…been painting nonstop since 9am-ish and it’s been a good experience. I decided this morning I’m re-upping for next year…I am enjoying the company of every woman here. So many walks of life are represented here. All strong and artistic and full of humor and good grace. A completely supported and nurturing place of creativity. So good for my spirit and soul. SMILING!!” “[Our hosts] here have thought of every freakin detail–I really can’t think of anything they’ve missed.”

“My experience of the day is using the outdoor shower! Completely private and AWESOME!! If I never had to take a shower inside again I’d be happy. It was that good!!”

“Having had a most wonderful special time this week it’s hard to summarize the experience…but I do know it’s all been good. Not a moment of drama or ill feelings–lots of laughs and hugs and encouragement.”

“Debbie, Laurie Beth, Debra, Brittany, Barb (Mi), Laure (Mo), Terry, Penny, Jean, Jodi, Theresa–all of them beautiful hearts and souls.”

Photo by Deborah Belica

Warm sun, warm hearts, warm soul

Can’t wait til next year!

Art Out With Your HeART Out

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Filed under Musings

Tagged as art, beach, bookmaking, copper, Jean Skipper, jewelry, Jodi Ohl, Ocracoke Island, painting, Penny Arrowood, ReMe Retreat, soul

April 2, 2014 · 5:12 pm

Feeling Springy

Are you with me? Feeling springy yet? It is happening slowly but surely in my area–a day of sunny gorgeousness and then a few days of the dreary clouds. I see nature changing her coat from brown and drab to colorful and light and it does my spirit good. How does the change of seasons affect your art and creativity?

For me I notice my color palette changes to more brights and even more sparkle. I always love flowers but I love them even more in spring and summer.

I did the art journal page above for my last video as Swirlydoos Guest Educator for March. I really wanted to use one of the feathers from the art journal starter kit and some of the printed pages included in the Finnabair art journal. This was a simple page and it was the first time I’d ever colored a feather (I used a Lindy’s Stamp Gang mist held high above the feather so it didn’t get too saturated). Here is the facing page I did simultaneously with this one.

I used a lacy leaf and many layers of mediums for this page. I really like the symmetry of this leaf facing the feather page with their similar sizes and spine down the middle. I cross-pollinated colors from each page to the other as well. Here’s a pic of the pages next to each other.

Here is the next page I did in this particular journal–can you tell the season has been changing?

I had a great time playing with deli paper and various dry and heat embossing techniques, paints, and glazes. Those bright colors energize me!

Here is a page out of my usual art journal–

One of my internet friends is Patti Tolley Parrish of Inky Obsessions. I really like her art endeavors and her videos brighten my day every time I watch them. She recently released a new line of her own stencil designs from istencils.com and they are FAB! I used the Infinity design for this page with both spray mist (bottom right) and with glass bead gel (top left). The background was done with all Gelatos and the flowers are embossed and inked deli paper.

Lastly, I went to a paint and sip painting party a few weeks ago and did this painting. It was hugely fun to go with some girlfriends and follow along the step by step process. Don’t look too closely or the illusion that I am any kind of painter will be broken–haha!

Thanks for visiting and sharing part of your day with me!

Art Out With Your HeART Out

7 Comments

Filed under Art Journal, Musings

Tagged as art journal, deli paper, embossing, gelatos, mixed-media

March 6, 2014 · 10:28 am

Swirlydoos March Blog Hop–I’m A Guest Educator!

Hello, hello Friends! I am so excited to participate in the Swirlydoos March Blog Hop as a Guest Educator for the Art Journal Starter Kit. If you have been interested in art journaling this is a fine place to begin. I know you will see many gorgeous and creative inspirational projects from all the designers on the Swirlydoos Design Team and there are fabulous prizes in store for the winners of the hop. Thank you for visiting today and please stop by again soon!

Art Out With Your HeART Out

Welcome to:

Swirlydoos Kit Club

March Scrapbook Kit Reveal & Blog Hop!

If you came here from Petaloo’s blog, then you are on the right track. If not, go back to Swirlydoos’ blog and start from there. We have some amazing projects for you to see today !! Make sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win!!! Make sure you have LIKED & FOLLOWED Swirlydoos on Facebook!!!

Swirlydoos is proud to bring you our beautiful March collection:

Salutations

And check out these coordinating add ons that perfectly compliment our March scrapbook kit!

Are you a subscriber? If so, your kit is on it’s way! If not, check out the Swirlydoos store to see if there are any March kits or add ons in the store!

***All of our monthly scrapbook kits are available in our store while supplies last!***

Has it sold out? – become a subscriber and not only will you never miss a kit again, but you’ll also pay less for your monthly scrapbook kits!

*Mention this blog hop and save 10% on your first kit*

We have some absolutely beautiful scrapbook projects for you to see today !!

Here is my project for the blog hop!

Swirlygirl Journal

Beautified butterfly

Loads of texture and mixed media!

Lots of goodness in the Art Journal Starter Kit at Swirlydoos.com

I also prepared a video to show you the basics on how to prepare your pages and get started with your own art journal practice! Visit Swirlydoos channel on YouTube to check that out (http:\\swirlydoos.youtube.com).

So, let’s get started! Make sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win!!!

You have until midnight, eastern time, on Friday 3/7 to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on Saturday 3/8. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:

1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.
2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.
Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.
3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had, tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected. Can’t wait to hear from you.