I can’t believe I am going to say this.  I had seen the writing on the wall during my trip to teach in Arizona and also when I hung out with Kirsten Reed in Memphis at Art Is You.  I had an inkling that this change was coming but I was still resisting it, until now.  I actually used a mud color and I liked it.

At this moment, I know Kirsten is in pure shock.  She’s tried to convince me of the magic of the mud colors, especially brown.  What changed my mind?  Prima’s Chalk Edger.

Prima sent me a box of goodies and in there were these Chalk Edger packs.  One of the colors was Old Road.  It was a joy to use with Roxanne Evans Stout’s Nature’s Gatherings stencil.  Made it so simple to just use part of the stencil.

The video captures the making of this altered book spread, including how I  splatter with the Color Blooms sprays for those of you wondering how that one spray nozzle can both spray and splatter.

Watch Splattering Color Bloom Spray Ink in an art journal page on YouTube.

Thanks Prima for inspiring this art journal play!

Supplies Used

• Prima Chalk Edgers
• Color Bloom Spray Ink
• Use Your Words stencil
• Nature’s Gatherings stencil
• Acrylic Paint
• Old book used as a journal
• Colored Pencil

Sharing with my friends at  Paint Party Friday, Creative Every Day, and Art Journal Every Day.  

Watch Using a Gelli Print on a Mini Canvas on YouTube.

On those days when I am feeling self critical, it is easy for me to think about my failures. You know those big failures like when I forgot to make a reservation at the restaurant.  Or when I forgot my kid had an orthodontist appointment.   I doubt I am the only one who does this…but thankfully I can play in my studio to get things turned around.

That creative time helps me put things into perspective.  That helps shift my mood and makes my day a whole lot brighter.

I made these canvases as a reminder to myself to celebrate all the successes, big and small.  All those small successes add up to make some very big ones over time.    I’d love to know what successes (big or small)  you’ve had recently so we can all give you a high five!

Supplies Used

• Mini canvases
• Fine line applicator bottle 
• High flow paints to put in the fine line bottle
• Gel Medium
• Deli Paper -I used Kabnet Wax from Sam’s Club- deli paper is dry waxed paper used to wrap sandwiches at a deli.  Want to buy deli paper online?   Here is a link to some very thin  Deli Paper  on Amazon