The start of a new year brings the tradition of choosing a word to guide the year. But just one? That was just too tough this year, so I picked a dozen of them. Since I don’t like rules, I love getting around them on a technicality. See how I rationalized it in the video.
When doing a lot of stenciling, say like letters for words, using a foam roller makes it go extremely quickly. On a piece of paper, I can get 2 sets of the alphabet using the Alpha Jumble stencil from StencilGirl.
There are 2 reasons why I did multiples. First, I had no idea which words or how many I would be creating so I wanted to be sure I had enough.
In the end, I had way more than I needed but that just means I have them ready for the next time.
Second, foam rollers can hold a lot of paint to clean out of it so to reduce waste, once the roller is loaded with paint I do a lot.
After cutting out the letters, Art Spray was the fastest way to get color on them. I’m spraying them on a blank art journal page so that not at drop of that wonderful blue gets wasted.
Once this is dry, the letters will be used and the page left behind is now the start of a future art journal page.
While flipping through pages in my journal, I found a background that called to me. This black and white page was from who knows when but it was just what I needed today.
It was made using stencils and black Art Spray, in the supplies at the bottom of this post, I’ve got them all listed for you.
How do you clean a spray nozzle to prevent clogging? I’ve got a video showing you how I do it and not waste a drop of color.
It had quite a bit of white space on it, so out came the Aqua Inks to add a pop of the rainbow. These are a watercolor ink so they can cover an area quickly with color.
Quickly seems to be very important to me right now, it seems my impatience is flaring up.
When this page began as a way to explore what word I wanted for the upcoming year. As you can see, it wasn’t just one work, but a dozen of them!
Adventure is the “umbrella” word for the year, the others are all in support of it. Notice how I technically have one word but managed to add in eleven more. Not a big fan of rules.
Next to each word the journaling is all about how that word will support the adventures waiting in the new year.
My list of words was due in a big way to all the members of my Facebook group, Rediscovering Your Creativity Looking through a list of words is inspiring, and so much so this year that one wasn’t enough!
This group continues to be a place to ask a question, find inspiration for your play, and join others caring women on a mixed media journey. If you like encouraging groups like that on Facebook, then check us out!
Here are the supplies used. Some of these links are affiliate links which means I get a small percentage. For example, I’m an Amazon Associate & I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and you get a really good feeling knowing that you are helping keep the free tutorials coming!
Right after we moved into our home a friend in his early 80s dropped in and, when he found I’d just turned 65, his comment was, “Oh, to be so young again!” Having had my hip replaced a few months before and heading in for a knee replacement in 2 weeks, I wasn’t feeling all that young but in September I celebrated the 35th anniversary of my 39th birthday and came to understand just what he meant. Every day is a gift to cherish!
Thanks for your wonderful videos, Carolyn, and your sense of adventure — and humor!
Thanks for your post I NEED to hear tHAT TODAY I also think Carolyn is fantastic
So glad you enjoy the videos Donna! You are right – Every day is a gift to cherish!
Very cool page ! I think I’m going to put the Marabu ink on my growing wish list it looks fun to use and beautiful color ! Thank you for the inspiration !
It’s always fun to watch your videos. You have such a happy voice and always seem to be having so much fun. Thanks for the great ideas.
I’ve followed you for a long time and kick myself for missing your “creative retreat
” this year (or maybe it was last year….egads!) LOVED this post. Ordered your alpha stencil (and a bunch more) and thought of a cool exercise for a class I’m teaching using the gel plate. Since I teach at a community college and a small barely surviving craft store most of the supplies, etc come out of my pocket and the small fee I try to build into the price of the class, but of course I end up never making money. Can you recommend sites that give an educational discount on supplies?
It is wonderful that you are helping people be creative! I know some retailers offer teacher discounts so I would ask at any stores you shop from- they might already have a discount or rewards program that is just for teachers Peggy.
i’m addicted to yr work.