A Butterfly-Inspired Art Journal Page

I've been keeping an art journaling practice.

Art journaling is a form of creative expression on paper using mixed media like paint, pens, magazine pages, scissors, and glue. We use these to capture our thoughts and emotions, sometimes with words and sometimes the art alone speaks for itself.

In this post and this post, I shared a few art journaling tips and how we can turn a blank page from blah to TADA!

 

Today, I'll show you a recent page that I made. I started with a blank sheet of yellow construction paper. Don't let the blank page intimidate you.  

Immediately make a few marks using a paint brush and paint. I chose to write the word "Mama" with no spaces in between. Then I added a few hearts, dots, and paint splatters. See how the page is taking shape? 

Then I added some pages torn out from a magazine. I chose nature themes.

The butterfly images were made using cling stamps and an ink pad. I added some pressed flowers, as well the quote, "In death life is changed, not ended."

I made this art journal page in honor of my Mom who passed away nine years ago. I always make a butterfly-themed craft at this time of year to honor her. In the past, I've made a butterfly wall hanging, butterfly embroidery, and a butterfly scent sachet.

Whenever I see butterflies, specifically monarch butterflies, I know that my Mom is near. 

Making art has definitely helped me get through grief. Some of the emotions I put in this art journal spread are life's seasons of bloom and withering, freedom, letting go, longing, love, and memory.

It is my hope that whatever you are feeling right now, you are able to express in an artistic manner. And when you are done, may you feel relief and satisfaction.

Have a delightful week ahead!

*****

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Making and Decorating a Tiny Pouch

Last week, I showed you how I turned some fabric remnants from blah to TADA! I made a book pouch:

This book pouch keeps my book safe and secure when I bring it along to a cafe or anywhere, really. I've made it a habit to take a book with me -- it keeps me entertained and away from scrolling on my phone. 

This fabric pouch protects the book from dents, folds or accidental spills. I like to take extra care of my books whether I borrowed it from the library, from a friend or if it's my personal copy. 

After I made this pouch, I still had some fabric remnants leftover so I sewed an even smaller pouch...TADA! I simply attached a zipper to the fabric using a sewing machine.

But this little pouch is looking a little blah, don't you think?

One option to liven it up is to add some enamel pins or metal pins...TADA!

Another option is to add a patch like I did in this project pouch...TADA!

And finally, I added a bracelet to allow the pouch to become a wristlet for hands-free carrying. 

The bracelet is made by stringing beads on stretchy cord/elastic string, slipping the cord/string into the hole of the zipper, and tightly knotting the ends of the cord/string together.

I'm pretty pleased with this little pouch made from fabric and a few bits from my craft stash. It's useful as a wallet or storage for small accessories.

And that is how I turned some fabric remnants from blah to TADA!

By the way, my work will be appearing in the next issue of Strawberry Moon Magazine, a rich resource for art journaling.

Issue 10's theme is COLLAGE. Maybe it's an avenue you'd like to explore like I did here, here, and here. May I invite you to preorder your copy? It's available in print and digital formats.

Here are the topics that are covered...TADA!

*****

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A Fabric Pouch for my Books

I love to read and one of the best luxuries in life is having a library close by. I get to borrow all the books I want without having to spend anything...TADA!

The library books are always neatly wrapped in a plastic sleeve to keep it protected from all the fingers that handle it.

I do my very best to care for the library books I borrow (the library will charge me a fee if they seen any damage to the book once I return it). 

One of the ways I care from my library book is by putting it inside this zippered book pouch...TADA!

I made it myself! Here's how: 

I used fabric left over from this project and this project. I measured two rectangles, big enough to house a hardbound novel. Most hardbound fiction books are about 6.25 inches by 9.25 inches here in the U.S. I estimated each rectangular panel to measure 8.5 inches by 11 inches. This gives enough margin to add a zipper on top and to sew three sides together. 

I attached the zipper first then sewed all three edges together on the sewing machine to make this book pouch...TADA!

This is the front side of my book pouch.

And this is the back side of my book pouch. 

The book fits but not very snugly. Putting the book back inside or taking it out of the pouch is easy and effortless; no snagging. 

As an added detail, I clipped on this charm. It was a gift from my cousin who also loves books.

It's a charm of St. Clare, the saint I am named after (I spell mine Claire). 

Here's a little story about Saint Clare. 

The back of this charm invokes Saint Clare's intercessory prayers. It's a nice reminder of prayer and protection. 

A handmade book pouch created especially for my current reads that I can take anywhere and keeps my book safe.

That is how I turned leftover fabric from blah to TADA!

*****

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Three Things for January

Hey there! 

Another year has ended...sigh. Here are three things I do in preparation for the New Year: 

Cleaning my windows - welcoming the the New Year with a neat and organized home is TADA! That includes scrubbing the glass and washing the curtains. Perhaps to me it symbolizes "clarity" and "letting in the light." Don't we all want that as we turn over a new leaf? 

Making a gratitude list - I always look back on the year that was and write down all that I am grateful for like good health, being part of a community, and answered prayers. Everything is a gift and noticing them is definitely TADA!

Choose my word for the year - in the past, I've chosen "Be present," "Simplify," and "Gratitude." Fellow artists and writers have likewise picked words like "cozy," "stretch" and "kindness." These words serve as a pep talk, anchor our perspective, and help guide us in decision-making.

How about you, what are some of the things you do at the start of the New Year?  

Thank you for being here! I continue to write this blog because of readers like YOU. I wish you all a joyful and hopeful New Year! 

Christmas Trees Around Washington, D.C.

The year has come to a close.

Whether you had some blahs, I know you also had a lot of TADAs! Isn't that what life is all about -- a merry mix of ups and downs? What's important is that we appreciate everything we experience and keep the lessons to heart.

As we slow down from the buzz of the holidays, let me share a few Christmas Trees from a trip to Washington, D.C.:

The Christmas Tree at Union Station

The Christmas Tree at The Library of Congress

The Christmas Tree at Union Market

The Christmas Tree at City Center 

The National Christmas Tree right across The White House

I hope these photos turn your day from blah to TADA!

Cheers to the year that was and cheers to the year to come!

*****

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Reusing Cardboard, Turning it into Gift Tags

I know the holidays are a busy time but if you want to pause for a few minutes, why not do some crafting? 

We're not only crafting, we're also recycling. We're going to turn these cardboard boxes from blah to TADA!

Measure and cut the cardboard into the shape of houses and decorate each one with paint, markers or colored pencils.  

These cardboard houses follow a subdued White Christmas and gingerbread house theme...TADA! 

And these cardboard houses mimic brick and stone cottages with wreaths on the doors...TADA!

Make a hole on top using a hole punch and string on some baker's twine or yarn. Write a quick message on the back for your recipient and sign your name. 

Tie it to a gift bag. A brown paper bag will do. 

Why buy gift tags when you can easily make them yourself? They add a handmade touch to your holiday packages.

And that is how I turned cardboard from blah to TADA!

*****

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Let's Reuse Gift Wrapping Paper

Hi there! When opening presents, which kind are you? (1) The one who tears the gift wrapper and crumples it into a ball, or (2) The one who gingerly takes out the tape, sliding the gift out of the wrapping paper, and keeping the wrapper from creasing so that it can be re-used?

No shame in admitting that most would fall under Number 1. And I have no shame in admitting that I fall under Number 2, especially if the paper is pretty! I know I can always use it for crafting.

Don't be surprised to see my stash of used gift wrap...I try to keep them as pristine as possible.

I fold them up into paper bags and glue the sides together.

Then I add some embellishments like these handmade gift tags...TADA! I find them extremely useful for birthday presents. The bags and tags are ready, all I need to add is the gift and to write a short message.

This color scheme says "holidays." I simply fold and glue three sides together...

Then add some gift tissue, a hand-stamped tag, and a sparkly sticker...TADA!

I make these in advance, that way, it's easier to wrap gifts during this busy period.  I trust that whoever receives it loves what's inside and is able to reuse the gift bag. 

I hope this inspires you to save your gift wrap (especially the ones from this holiday season) so that you can turn them from blah to TADA!

*****

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