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Finding Stress Relief in my Art Journal

Finding stress relief in my art journal by Carolyn Dube

I have a therapist on call 24 hours a day and the sudden change in my world due to broken ankle, has me needing that therapist more than usual.  Who is this amazing helper? My art journal.  She’s always available and always accepting of whatever mood I am in.  Here’s a look at a recent session which began with the therapeutic scribbling splotches of color with Gelatos.

Finding stress relief in my art journal with Gelatosby Carolyn Dube

Mary Beth Shaw’s Barbed Wire stencil (both the small and large size) perfectly perfectly summed up how I was feeling- a bit prickly and cranky. That art journal therapist has handled every emotion that has been thrown at her.

Finding stress relief in my art journal by Carolyn Dube

A little scribble journaling vented out some feelings using the new PN pen by Sakura.  When I scribble journal it is like talking to a dear friend who knows everything I know so nothing has to be explained.

Finding stress relief in my art journal by Carolyn Dube

Thanks to the back and forth of color and play, those stressful feelings were returned to where they came from, refused reentry back into my heart, and the door was closed on them so that I could have a better day.

To stencil the words, I used my Mixed Media Mail stencil and black paint. The word closed isn’t technically on the stencil, but since enclosed is, I simply stenciled the closed.  There are all sorts of words inside other words.

Finding stress relief in my art journal by Carolyn Dube

That art journal therapist lets me honor any feeling, any emotion, no matter how intense or silly or irrational without any judgement.  My art journal accepts me for who I am.

Finding stress relief in my art journal by Carolyn Dube

Here are the supplies I used. Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small percentage. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps keep the free tutorials coming!


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  • Denise Spillane February 27, 2017, 3:17 pm

    I hope your healing is going quickly. I love your description of your journal. So true and I think my journal saves my sanity! Hugs and feel better.

  • Corrine February 27, 2017, 4:08 pm

    Really great way to express your frustrations. Sending healing love your way. xox

  • Faigie February 27, 2017, 4:22 pm

    If she does answer back…just rip her to shreds 😉

  • Jean Marmo February 27, 2017, 4:31 pm

    I think it is good to use the journal as an outlet!

  • Diane February 27, 2017, 7:57 pm

    love this journal page! Understand that cranky feeling especially when you are waiting to heal. Feel better soon.

  • Kathy Gledsdale February 28, 2017, 9:06 am

    What a great therapist, wonderful work. Get better quickly xx

  • Maureen Winter March 2, 2017, 6:37 pm

    Just discovered your blog a few weeks ago, love it! Especially like that you show the products you used and provide a link as to where to get them.
    I bought some Tim H distress crayons, they’re pretty good. Would you recommend gelatos? They look even creamier!

    Hope you heal very quickly!
    ~Mo

  • nancy March 8, 2017, 8:26 pm

    Take it easy and let yourself heal. Everyone and everything will be fine, including you!

  • pattisj March 10, 2017, 12:29 am

    Sorry to hear about your ankle! Praying for a speedy recovery–glad you have your art journal to sort through all those emotions. Love the colorful page, and that barbed-wire stencil. Of course you decorated Sasquatch! 😀