See that girl above? That’s what I felt like when I realized all of my journals (okay, the current ones) could fit in one happy…
“Mommy, February is Love Month!” I looked at my eight year old’s sparkling eyes directed at me waiting for an equally enthusiastic reply. I couldn’t…
These simple ombré Christmas tree cards are an ode to the paint chip cards I use to easily find at my local grocery store. During…
I love open-ended creative play. This year, for Christmas, instead of pulling out our plastic nativity set with the fat little people and animals, I…
We love to make art projects of all kinds around here. But I’ll be honest, sometimes I don’t want to deal with the clean up…
I’m not sure if there has ever been a better time to make sure you are getting a mommy afternoon retreat into your schedule. I’m…
This hand-painted quote frame was one I liked so much, I ended up making one for me too. (Don’t tell, :)) Christmas is just around…
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. (attributed to Henry Ford) I woke early, before…
Oh, how I love this ocean waves canvas painting! It is simple enough for a child or novice to make and it’s also quite therapeutic.…
This fall I’ve been on the lookout for a fall table runner or tablecloth. I wanted something simple and understated that I could add decoration…
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PilotPenBackToSchool #PowerToThePen #CollectiveBias Today I’m going to share how…
Learn how to make a fall watercolor leaf card using watercolor pencils. This is a simple project to do and will brighten a friend’s day…
Have you ever set an intention for your day? How about setting an intention as you transition from task to task? This practice is a…
Here is a small manifesto about you taking the time to finally USE your art supplies. The precious, beautiful, perfect, and expensive ones. It’s time.
It used to be that when I bought a pen I liked or a pretty little journal, I would keep them nice and pretty and “safe.” I still have Twin Star stickers that are in mint condition from my childhood. (Long live Hello Kitty and her friends!) But if there’s one thing my daughter has taught me, it is this:
Art supplies and creative supplies of all kinds are meant to be used.
Since publishing the Kindle version of Happy Journal, Happy Life at the beginning of the month, there have been a few questions as to why I didn’t add more pictorial examples.
There was a reason, actually several, that kept me from adding pages of pictures throughout the book. Believe me, I was tempted. But here is why I ultimately decided to go light on the pictures . . .
If blank page syndrome is a real thing (and it is), then surely creativity monsters are right up there on the list. Creativity monsters are…
Have you heard of the Painting a Day movement? It started back in 2004 when Duan Keiser set out to share his work on the internet. What started with one man has turned into thousands of artists striving to do one small painting a day – mostly every day. I am always looking for practical ways to get creativity into my life so when I discovered this idea years ago, I was intrigued.
What a delicious week of happiness!
Thank you for all of your support of my new eBook, Happy Journal, Happy Life. I have BIG dreams for this little book because I think it is a method of gratitude that is accessible to so many.
You don’t have to be an ARTIST.
You don’t have to have a lot of supplies.
This is the little book that almost didn’t happen. I was writing another book and ran into a major roadblock. And while I was digging myself out, Happy Journal, Happy Life emerged.
It also almost didn’t happen because the concept of drawing my life is one I’m too familiar with. I have been sketching vignettes of my day and the things that make me happy for years.
I think keeping a regular journal is wonderful. I will likely write in one until I’m an old woman. Might as well—I’ve been journaling since I was six years old.
But this drawing-my-day practice? It didn’t even have a name until recently.
I think it’s safe to say that you and I know about the benefits of keeping a journal—any journal. Benefits like better mental clarity, boosts…