I want my muse to feel welcome here at my studio, so I decided I’d build her a mixed media house of her own for the StencilGirl and Eileen Hull Designs blog hop!

I started with the roof.  I grabbed a sheet of paper made during some stenciling play and cut strips of scallops from it.  Just some of the stencils in here are Eddy Rose, Seeds, Wonky Eyes, Scribble Scratch, Straight Stems, Greek Border, and more!

These random, wonky pieces will become the shingles on the roof.  To assemble the building the

1. Using Eileen’s Die-Blocks/Cubes 3 Sizes Sizzix die I cut 3 pieces of mat board.
2. I stamped on 4 of panels with Eileen’s Barn Wood stamp- since those are the only ones that will be seen my touch of experimentation on side #5 won’t show.
3. Using Dylusions spray inks, I covered both sides in yellow.

To assemble the house, put one cube together but leave the top open.  Then slide in the 2nd roof piece to form the roof, pushing it agains the side so that one square sticks out and forms the roof.  It is so hard to put this into words, but I promise when you are holding them in your hands it makes sense…lol

My muse needed  a welcoming walkway and the center curve of  Zen Landscape stencil was just what I needed.

When assembling my muse’s house I left it open on the sides for a very important reason.  I wanted to be able to slip notes of gratitude in there in appreciation of all that my muse does for me.  My life is so much more complete when I am creating, playing with color, and exploring thanks to my muse!

This is a week long hop so there’s plenty of inspiration to be had!  And yes, a giveaway too!  Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win and if you’d like more chances, leave a comment on any and every blog post in the hop this week!  Of course, just one comment per blog please. And it ends Sunday at 11:59pm CST – so get your comments in before then!

• StencilGirl Talk
• Carolyn Dube -you’re here
• Kirsten Reed
• Beatriz Jennings
• Donna Budzynski

Starting in my art journal can be the hardest part for me.  Why?  Because that is when I tend to over think and trap myself in my head.  When I am in my head, I get stuck. How do I get unstuck when art journaling? Challenges.  There are rules, guidelines, and most importantly for me, a place to start.

This month Art Journal Journey has a Frida challenge.  By joining this challenge, the rules gave me a place to start.

1. It had to be related to Frida.
2. It had to be an art journal (which makes sense for an Art Journal Journey challenge.)
3. It had to be larger than approx . 4″ by 6″

Of course, there’s an Oops in the video.   I had paint that was just too runny and watery…

Watch Playing with Frida in my Art Journal on YouTube.

Supplies Used

• Fine Line Applicator
• High Flow Paint for in the fine line
• A Rose by Any Other Name stencil
• PanPastel sponge
• Frida’s Glance from Invoke Arts
• Provo Craft rolling alphabet stamp
• Stabilo pencils in white and black
• Strathmore Art Journal

Sharing with my friends at Art Journal Journey.  There are lots of great art journals shared over there – take a peek!
Sharing with Inspire Me Monday, Creative Every Day  Paint Party Friday, and Art Journal Every Day.

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