100 Things...

Morning,

It's been awhile. We have been busy.

The good part of busy was we were spending a lot of family time together.

Time watching movies.
Time going for walks.
Time just being silly.

School. We have been super busy with school as well. A few weeks ago I gave my english class a lesson that was both writing and some creative art. I had them write a fancy title and then fill in the paper with images and words, listing 100 things they love.

I'm sharing my title with you...and then you get to be creative and find a way to color it and list your 100 things:

I've made a 100 things list a few times. It's fun to see the way it changes, or the the things you love the most each time you list them. There are way more than 100 things that I could list...but it's a nice start :)

You can either right click the image to save it to your computer or click "here" to download it.

Happy December!

Rhoda

A Little Happiness...

Morning.

Happy Friday!!

It's been another busy week around here. I am mostly caught up on the work needed for these classes. I am very ready for them to be done. My worry is that when I am all done, my brain will switch over to lesson planning mode and my summer will be over.

The dreams have already started.

Oh Yeah. I lesson plan and teach in my sleep. It's exhausting...and if all those lesson plans were really down on paper when I woke up, I would be so far ahead it would be unbelievable :)

I've added a few new things to my shop. Some pre-made scrapbook pages and albums. More to come, I'm sure. My scrapbook room has been my escape this summer! This one just makes you a little more than happy:

It's a lot like a Smash Journal...only it's one of a kind. Unique and ready for memories, photos, and journaling. The girl on the front is from Saturated Canary and was colored using Copic markers. It's full of ribbon, flowers, rhinestone brads, and all those other things that make your heart sing.

I've also listed a few things on eBay (if you are interested, the link is in the top right of my blog). Not sure how long I will stay with that venue. I really like my Etsy shop and all that goes with it.

Hope you all have a happy and safe weekend.

Rhoda

I Really Need To...

I was waiting for some of my drawings to scan last night and started browsing through the pictures on my big MAC (the only kind to have...not those icky burgers!).

There were all sorts of images that I had saved for inspiration. And images of art I have already completed. Then, I came across the art I still want to be making and have ignored for over a year. I really, Really, REALLY need to get back to it.

Art Journaling. I suck at the journaling part. It's the part that probably stalled me last time. Making them. That's the part I really love. They were starting to pile up, and I was feeling guilty about them being made but sitting there empty. Time to give it another go.

Here are some images of my mostly empty one:

I did create and fill one. If you dig back through old posts, or my flickr account you can see it as well. It's time to make another new, fresh one. Vow to start filling this one...and not be concerned with how many sit empty. I'll get to it eventually. Right?

Rhoda

Grid Love

This was the challenge that first caught my eye. Not sure how I even came across Michelle Ward's blog and creativity crusades, but this one hooked me!

I thought I had missed the due date and that was that, but I played with the idea anyway. Then Michelle informed me that I could post a link anyway, not to worry about the dates.

Here is my Grid Lock (Love):

It is composed of all the different papers that have caught my eye over the years and that I have used to make a creation. Either for myself, or to be sold, sometimes both.

Each and everyone hold a happy thought and a bit of inspiration.

Each one makes me happy!

Rhoda

GPP Crusade #42

Two posts in one day. Crazy. But I have been busy having fun! Michelle Ward creates an art journaling challenge every month. I missed last months, couldn't let that happen again.
Welcome to my Strip Ease:


I haven't had a chance to journal on it yet, but I am thinking about taking a white out tape dispenser and making some white vertical lines (to follow the tear lines) and then journal on the white line. We shall see...

I'm off to play!

Rhoda

More Than 30

I have been enjoying reading about other Art Journalers on this site. And then, Connie offered an opportunity for anyone to add their own interview and art images. So, without further ado, here is mine:





* How long have you been Art Journaling?
I started scrapbooking when my daughter was born 10 years ago. It was my artistic outlet, creative moment, and journaling all in one. In November 2009, I found a copy of 1000 Art Journal at the book store. I was hooked. Obsessed. Then, I found an online class for making a journal. I haven't stopped since. Making the journals is fun. Making pages is a little daunting, but I am getting better. I even have pre-prepped pages!

* How has Art Journaling impacted, changed, or enhanced your life?
Art Journaling has made me realize that it is okay to make things for myself. I always felt selfish if I wanted to keep something I made. I should be using the finished product to make money for the household. I spent so many years making scrapbook pages and altered albums to sell, that not having a monetary goal was a little hard to work around. Now, I go to my Art Studio and I create just for me. The other impact of Art Journaling for me is that I actually stop and acknowledge a feeling or thought. I don't just push it away to sit and stew for later. I have epiphanies about myself. It is a lot like doing yoga. It's a time for inner reflection and self preservation. I love that!

* What are a few of your favorite Art Journaling materials?
I am still experimenting to find my favorites. I have played with acrylic, watercolor, pens, sharpies, colored pencils, watercolor crayons and pencils, and charcoal. After taking a journaling class from Julie Prichard, I am really starting to like acrylic backgrounds. However, I really like how fast I can get a background with great texture by using watercolor. I still want to try ink pads for backgrounds. Charcoal pencils for shading and pop are probably my favorite drawing tool, with Sharpie Fine Tip markers being second. Who am I kidding. I love all art supplies and really couldn't give up a single one :)

* Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?
I love so many different images that I have come across. There are a few that I am starting to recognize their style, and it pulls me in everytime. I enjoy Danny Greggory's work. Pam Carriker's shades of grey work. Julie Prichard for her style and teaching ablilities. The pages that are dog eared in my Art Journal Magazine: Debbie Shannon, Kate Crane, Aimee Dolich, and Nancy Lefko. I think this list could keep going, but that's a start.

* What kind words of encouragement would you say to an Art Journal newbie?
Art Journals are for playing and experimenting. I have had to keep telling myself that each one does not have to be a finished piece of work. Find your own style by doing things that work for you and that make your heart smile. If you have to work at a technique or a style, it probably isn't for you. Do what comes naturally.

* Where can we contact you...give us some link LOVE!!
Blog: http://www.intrinsicart.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Intrinsic-Art/216776689539

Twitter: http://twitter.com/intrinsicart

Etsy: http://www.intrinsicart.etsy.com

* Short Bio.
I am a mother of 2, wife, art teacher, and artist. My family and I live in a tiny (less than 800) town. The internet is my connection with other people who have similar interests. I feel me education in Art is limited. I am the type who likes to know as much about something as I possibly can. I have been making or creating something as long as I can remember. It might not have been pretty, or functional, but I had fun doing it. When something catches my interest, I become obsessed. I am a life long learner and am so happy when I have a fresh pile of books and magazines to dig through. Google is my best friend *wink*

Too Much Coffee

I took some pics of one of my journals this afternoon. You can find the others on my Flickr (see the sidebar).

The plan is to go work in it some more. But, I think I have had too much coffee. I'm jittering out of my seat and not really focusing on any one thing. Love coffee, hate the jitters :)

I have started a new painting as well. Would like to work on that too, but I keep putting it off. I procrastinate and find other things to do when I start self doubting myself. I'm working on that, but it still happens.

If you haven't visited before, or haven't read my blog for awhile, be sure and check out this post. I am doing a giveaway for a "surprise" package of goodies. Be sure and participate!

Okay. I'm off to eat something and drink some water. No more coffee ;)

Rhoda

Sweet in the Middle

Good Morning.

Today feels like one of those days. You know the one that you could use to fill out one of those "10 Best Things About Today" lists.

The sun is shining and I went outside and enjoyed watering the plants in the rock garden while I drank my coffee.

I have become a member of the Bookbinding Etsy Street Team. You can find all they have to offer by searching bookbindingteam on etsy.

After 5 days of working on this inspiring hunk of paper, I have finally finished it and am having a go at selling it:
You can find it in my shop.

It is a little scruffy, inky, shabby, and rough around the edges, but it is oh so sweet in the middle.

The idea merged from two wonderful online classes that I have taken.

The first "Remains of the Day" is offered by Mary Ann Moss. She teaches you how to take all of the little things left over from bigger projects along with memorabilia and other "scraps" that you have piling up and turn them into a piece of art.

So, I took bits of that and mixed it with all of the wonderful techniques and ideas that I have gotten from Julie Prichard and her Super Nova Journaling class.
Next, I will be making my own hybrid version and I am very excited to head back to my play area and start on it :)

Hope you all have a wonderful day, the kind that makes it easy to fill out your "Top 10" list.

Rhoda

Longer Days...

Days are longer. In a good way. It is getting dark a bit later each evening.

I love living where we have distinct seasons. In the fall, I love the feel of the cool night air. Smell of decaying leaves and the crisp crunch of them underfoot. I enjoy the shortening days and the thought of long winter days spent warm and cozy in the house.

By February, I start watching for the signs of spring. Daylight hours get longer. You can almost feel a touch of the dampness of spring in the air. The slant of sunlight starts to change. Birds start singing outside the windows. I want to clean the house from top to bottom and open windows (CRAZY...I Know!).

Today, I was downtown on a grocery run. It was after 5:20 and it was still light!! Spring is on it's way. Just hoping the fever doesn't set in to soon :)

And what did I do with all that light?

I took pictures of my second Remains of the Day journal.

I have almost filled my first one. I added a few more images. Need to add detail here and there and tweak a few things. There are about 5 more pages and I have run out of all the writing and ideas that I have that fit the theme, so I am going to add random quotes through out the entire journal and call it good. Then it will be one WHOLE book finished just for me and I am moving on to #2 :)

Looking forward to a relaxing and creative weekend.

Rhoda

A Short Day...

Here I am. Back at school. The good news, it will be quick. Teacher in-service. Our classes at the High School have only been 35 min. long. The kids leave at one. We stay to have meetings and catch up on grading and paper work. It's a quick way to take care of a Monday.

Now, if I could be home with a cup of coffee and my art supplies, that would be even better!!

I continue to fill my first ROD journal. You can find images on my flicker (see side panel...lower right). I worked on the second one yesterday. All the signatures are stitched and bound into the cover. My plan is to finish filling the first with journaling/doodling and then move on to the second. I had a devious plan. I printed all the notes and fun ABC's of me from my Facebook Page to add. It was a good plan. It's fun to go back and read them. The problem...I still have 4 pages left to fill. I don't have anymore blog posts, notes, etc. What to do, what to do?!

There might be a few minutes where I can take some pics of the second set of pages. If so, I will try to post this evening or sometime tomorrow.

Happy Short Monday!
Rhoda
http://www.intrinsicart.etsy.com

Can You Say "Graceful"?!

I managed some creative time this weekend.
I am not graceful. Yoga Booty Ballet arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Kyla and I picked a video and gave it a try last night.


Oy!


I've never been a dancer. There is not an ounce of rhythm in this white girls body. I proved that last night.


But...we had fun. At one point we were using bands for resistance. You should have heard the snap when mine slipped. Kyla was rolling on the floor laughing! Laughing is a workout? Right?

This is my latest cover. I haven't completed signatures for it, but plan on playing with that this weekend.

Always,
Rhoda
http://www.intrinsicart.etsy.com/

Rainy January...

It feels like spring here. Kyla and I were out following the cat (he only goes out on supervised walks). The yard is full of puddles and mud. It has rained for two days. Washed away the snow. And it's over 40 degrees. This is NOT supposed to be January in Montana.

I have completed all the pages for my journal and sewn the signatures into the cover. Now my dilemma is what do I fill it with? I love the idea of journals. Scrapbook albums. Mini books. But I never know what to put in them once they are made. I don't write my thoughts and feelings. I like quotes. I make myself notes about ideas. But I don't write. My sister said it best "I don't want to leave evidence out in the open". Thoughts are best kept to myself :)

These are my pages:

I used to blog when I was selling scrapbook pages and kits. I've saved my favorite posts from that blog and just had the epiphany that I should print those and add them to my journal. I feel some creativity brewing. Must go play!!

Always,

Rhoda

Loving the Combination

I have started on my "Remains of the Day" class.

It's amazing.

I am obsessed.

I have finished the cover and started the pages. Took some time to get pictures of the cover before I fill it (and before we supposedly get snow and I lose the good lighting).

Here it is:

I am currently working on the pages. I love that everything is a mix of scraps and incorporates paper and fabric. Later it will have doodling and pictures. What more could a person want?!

Happy New Year,

Rhoda