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Say yes.

Say yes.

[Dylusions journal and inks, my DWM paints and mediums, my Leaves Stencil & Masks.]

A reflection of what’s on my mind…

My journal is often a reflection of what's on my mind…can you tell what I've been thinking about?

[Dylusions journal, my new paints & stencils & masks, my new Textures stamp set with Archival ink, Neocolor II crayons, Stabilo All pencil. If you have specific questions, let me know, I'm always happy to answer questions. I find typing out supply lists SUPER tedious, my right-brain really resists doing it. But I'll answer any questions you have!]

My journal is a working journal…

What I mean by that is that I do what I want in it. I don't aim to have 100% finished or perfect pages (what is a perfect page, anyway)? I just aim to express. No rules. So self-imposed "have-tos." This spread is an example…on the right is just some sketch practice. On the right is a finished page. Sometimes I even write my grocery lists in my journal, or addresses I need to find, or whatever. It's a working journal, and I love it!

Can you spot my new stamps & masks? So fun.

Another page with a warm-up tag…

Here's another page I did with a warm-up tag.

For this one, the background was already on the page (left over from my CHA demos, actually). I used a water brush filled with sumi ink to draw on the warm-up tag. Then I bent back the journal covers and sewed the tag onto the page (that's why there was stitching on the page I shared the other day. This page came first!!).

Do you do creative warm-ups? How do you incorporate them into your work?

Using my warm up tags on a page…

A few years ago, I made this video for Nat Kalbach's Creative Jump start:

I always have tons of tags around my desk from my warm-ups. Here's a page I made recently with one of my warm-up tags!

Here's how I made it: I had tons of tags on my desk with prints on them from my new stencils. I took one of the printed tags and drew a scribbly face on it with sumi ink in a Tim Holtz water brush. Then I smeared some Blackberry Violet acrylic ink on my page (the stitching and gesso were already there…I pre-gesso as much as I can, and the stitching is from something I sewed on the reverse side of the page). I then poured some Funky Fuschia Dylusions ink on the page and let it run off. I added the circles with my diet Coke cup (seriously, I did). Then I added journaling and glued on my tag.

Sending you some peace…

If you're struggling in any way, I'm sending you some peace.

Deep breath.

[Dylusions journal, Ranger tag, Dylusions ink sprays, Dina Wakley Media Line stencils and masks, and acrylic.]

Stamping idea…use your pencil!

With a few pencil strokes, you can change your stamps and bend the images to your will. Here's a face from my Scribbly Women stamp set (from my new Dina Wakley Media line by Ranger). The woman has short hair, but I used my magic pencil (i.e. the Stabilo All) to change her hairstyle. Super easy!

This page is in the awesome Dylusions journal. I used my Dina Wakley Media Line acrylics, stencils and masks, and of course the stamp. Her dress is made from a failed piece of art (do you spot the Bubblegum Pink and Funky Fuschia Dylusions ink spray?). I colored her face with Neocolor II crayons.

Free How-To Project with my new birdie stamps by Vanessa Spencer…

Vanessa Spencer from Stampington created this lovely project with my new Scribby Birdies stamp set. Isn't it beautiful? Click here to read about how she made it. Stampington has my new stamps in stock, too!

It’s ok if you don’t like my art….a few thoughts…

[Above: drawing in my journal done with a Conte pencil over Dina Wakley Media Line acrylic paints.]

I was recently reading some criticisms of my book and art. I'm okay with that (really, I am), when you put yourself out there you have to accept the good and the bad. I don't expect everyone to like me or like what I do. I just have a few thoughts in response. Not a defense, of sorts, but just thoughts:

• What I do is not fine art. I know it isn't, I've never pretended it is. What I do is solely about expression.
• I consider what I do "art for everyone." What I mean by that is what I do is perfect for you if you have the desire to create and express, but don't necessarily have art-school-quality skill. I don't have art-school-quality skill. But I do have a burning love for art, I love making it, talking about it, looking at it. I art journal so I can express, play, and improve my skills. I art journal because if I don't pour out my soul, I go crazy. I art journal to leave my mark.
• What I do is messy. I like mess, spills, grunge. Yep, I like mess. I'm good with it.
• Art is subjective. Yes it is, indeedy. What I do might not be art to you, and that's fine. It's art to me, and that's what matters. One of the great things about art is there are SO many types, kinds, styles. This is why I love mixed-media. The mixed-media community is generous and accepting of different types of alternative art, as well as different skill levels, without passing judgement.
• I'll finish with a little story. A few years ago I was at NAMTA, which is like CHA but for art materials. I was in the PanPastel booth watching a demo. The man asked me what kind of art I do. I said, "Well, I'm just a poser." He said, "Honey, we're all posers." I love that.
• I'm going to keep growing and playing and expressing because I love, love, love what I do. If you're along for the ride with me, thank you!

Dina Wakley Media Line paints + Dylusions Ink Sprays

Dina Wakley Media Line acrylic paints + Dylusions Ink Sprays = a match made in heaven!

The key to using Dylusions ink sprays with acrylics is to NOT blot them! Let them dry (may take awhile, but the wait is worth it).

Le sigh.

Dina Wakley Media Line paint: Tangerine, Magenta, Lemon.

Dylusions Ink Sprays: Bubblegum Pink, Calypso Teal, White Linen