Journal Stamps

For ages and ages, well a long time at least, I've wanted to own a set of Teesha Moore's unusual, yet totally practical journal stamps. I've lost count of the number of times I've put them into the cart on her Land of Odd website, but sadly removed them again once I saw the total cost with shipping.

But when I received a newsletter with the wonderful news about free shipping until March 15, well, I knew my time had come. I snapped up a set and then waited and waited for them to arrive. Yesterday my journal stamps came in the mail. Yay!

I've been too busy to play with them so far, but I'm setting aside a date next week to cut them out and ink them up. Why don't you grab something you've been longing for while the free shipping offer lasts?

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A Sample of My Art Journal Pages

Well, life likes to throw stuff at you just when you aren't expecting it, at all. A couple of weeks ago I took my husband into emergency at our hospital. His back pain had become completely out of hand. He was dragging his foot through the pressure and pain in his back. Enough was enough and we went and sat and waited for him to be seen. It's times like this I'm glad we have some kind of a health system at all. Anyway, they decided on surgery, but now he'll be in hospital, yeah, I different one to where I took him originally, but in hospital for anything up to six months.

So, that's the short version of a rather long tale. For now, I will simply say I'm really glad for the extreme journal course I've been doing. It has given me something to focus on instead of thinking about how bad things seem right now. I've been sketching, painting, drawing, and immersing myself in visual mixed media. It's been rewarding and just plain fun. Most importantly it has given me a wonderful distraction and a place to put all my angst.

Juliana Coles has a great way of getting me to loosen up and just create art. I love it, because I often get caught up and frozen from anticipating that this must be great, somehow. Creating visual journal pages is very theraputic, which is clearly what I need at the moment.

Anyway, I've decided to share just a few of the pages I've created because of the course.

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How Excitement

Well, I'm fully into this art journalling since starting the course I won with Juliana Coles. It's like a switch flipped and now I just want to draw and make art, again. There's something that excites the little kid in me when it comes to art. I can always remember the sheer joy of splashing paint around and seeing the way it stained the page. It's something I always treasure, yet forget to go back to until I'm prompted. Like winning the course. I was given a massive shove back towards art. It's like coming home.

So, whenever I come across something good I like to share. In my recent art journal adventures I've met Willowing, who is a lovely and generous artist living in the UK. I've been hanging out on her ning website, watching her youtube videos and enjoyiing her whimsy. She also sells art journal workshops, which look very cool, and DVDs. But right now you can join Willowing, otherwise known as Tam, as she gives a free online art journal course called The Heart of Art.

The course runs for four weeks, has videos to download and lots more fun to enjoy with other people from all over the world, but the best thing is, it's free. Of course, you may donate money to her for offering this course, but if you can't pay anything, please share with others about the free course. I've signed up. The course officially begins on October 18th, but there is a full description of the course and a supply list available to download once you join the group.

I'm sure it will be loads of fun. I hope to see some of my regular readers joining in and creating art, too.

Heather

Computer Problems

One of the reaasons I haven't been getting to my blogs is simply because I have a problem with my computer. It won't turn on, more specifically. While this is frustrating, it's been kind of nice in a way. I've been using my notepad type of computer to access the internet. I get to sit all cosy in here with hubby with the heater on. I don't have all my usual tools on this computer, so I haven't been getting to the things I normally do.

I have been writing in my journal a lot, though. Possibly since not having my computer active I've actually been writing even more in my journal. I just finished a nice big fat one from Smiggle. It was purple and had creamy blank pages. But I picked up a fun looking one with colourful stripes and flowers on it from a sale at Angus & Robertson recently. I started in that one today.

Hopefully, I can get my computer working soon and will then get back to regular blogging.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Stock.xchng

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Finding Quiet Time

One thing I find really difficult with my husband home all the time, is the ability to get a bit of quiet time in my own home. I often go to one of my favourite cafes to write in my journal, but what I really want is some place quiet I can do that here, at home, with no one else around. It seems to be asking the impossible.

For one thing, he likes noise going, even when he's studying. I prefer silence. He is pretty much always here, so just doing something without him there is not going to happen. I know I could insist on being alone, but I feel the need to explain myself. That just seems like a lot of trouble.

I have to make do with writing in public, but it's just annoying. I suppose all I'm doing is having a complain about it. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel a bit of solace in your own home is necessary.

Do any of my other readers cope with a similar problem? Please write about it in the comments section if you do. Perhaps you have some good tips for me.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Stock.xchng

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The Artist's Way, Again

Just recently I became tired of not having much direction as far as my writing goes. I'd been getting little signals that I should go back and do The Artist's Way again, but had every excuse happening. The more excuses I made the more I realised I needed to do it. So, last week, Monday morning I rose early and got stuck into those boring old morning pages. The weirdest thing was it felt like coming home.

There's something about doing the morning pages that brings a low hum of energy to my days. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed it. I've been doing the book, the 12 week course, but I'm feeling like some of the exercises are redundant. This will be the third time I've done this book. I'm trying to work out if all I needed was the morning pages or to slog through with the course again.

I'll keep you updated on what I end up doing, but please share your thoughts on doing the book or any other book to inspire your creativity.

Heather
Cover of The Artist's Way, photo no my own
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On the Hunt for Prompts

I know many journal writers are constantly on the look out for prompts to use in their journals and in their creative writing. After a recent catch up with another writing friend I discovered she has over 600 writing prompts on her website. So, be sure to go check them out at Writing to Inspire.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

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Taking My Own Advice

I know I haven't been here very often. I've been quite ill, so that's my main excuse. Time gets away from me most days. I have yet to settle down to a regular routine now my little boy is in full-time school. But, one of the major things I have to share is that I've been using the keeping a food journal idea with much success.

Since reading stories claiming this makes all the difference with trying to lose weight I've intended to carry through and keep a journal. Most of the time I just didn't go more than a day or two. Since the end of January I've managed to carry through this idea and it is making all the difference. I have lost weight. The exact amount is beyond me, as I don't have scales, but I do now fit several sizes less than I did at the beginning of the year.

I suppose it helps that I feel somewhat accountable to my daughter, who is also keeping a food journal. She's having real success with the food journal idea, too. I hope this encourages you to give it a try yourself.

Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Fun Contest

There's a fun contest right now that will encourage your creativity and give you a chance to use your journal writing skills. Check out Chris Dunmire's Amazing Creativity Tool Writing Contest. This is an instructional humour writing contest and giveaway, but it sounds like something fun and a good reason to go and reread some of your old journals just to find what your unique knowledge to share with the world.

"Submit your unpublished family-friendly (and tasteful — please no bathroom humor) How-to Instructional Humor Essay, Lesson Plan, Project, etc. (min. 250 words/max. 500 words) on any topic related to creativity..." See, it's really easy. I hope you join the fun and enter, too.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Keep on Journal Writing

I haven't been around much, I know and I'm sorry. I have been writing a lot in my journal, though. I hope you are writing in your journal, too. Whle blogging is good, I do think writing in your journal is about the best thing you can do for yourself as well as your family or those you share your lives with. I find myself telling people this advice when I hear they're going through something particularly stressful.

The best way to relieve stress and feel you're actually sharing your story with an impartial friend is to write in your journal. You can always write from your side of the story and then later from whatever other sides are involved in the situation. Even from the side of sickness or debt. Give it a voice and let it speak in your journal. You might learn something you didn't expect.

I think keeping a journal is a constant journey of discovery. Just when I think I might be getting a bit bored with what I'm writing I stumble on some aspect of my thoughts or life that surprises me. I hope you continue to write in your journals, too.

Heather
Photo thanks to stockx.chng
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My Necklace Revealed

This is for all those who were keen to see the entire piece I created for the Use the Muse 3 contest, as recently revealed on Scarlet Lanson's blog The Beader's Muse. So, here's a close up of the part you couldn't see before with the muse revealed. I hope you enjoy:



Heather
Photo is my own
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What is it about a Challenge?

I'm not sure if you're a creative type, other than using your journal, but I have always been into some kind of creative expression. Be it painting, drawing, making stuff or jewellery. Over the last few years creating jewellery has been the most satisfying expression of my creativity yet.

I have found, though, that I respond really well to a challenge. I'm not sure what it is. Something about a deadline, a theme, or limited choice of materials, just gets my brain churning over and my fingers working. I love it. There's always a new skill to acquire, a way of looking at something from a fresh point of view, or just the joy of creating something I will wear, no matter how it might place in any contest.

Recently I entered the Use the Muse 3 contest sponsored by Artbeads.com and TierraCast. Scarlet Lanson created the idea on her Beader's Muse blog, and it's been a hit with beaders and creative types the world over. I've only managed to participate in the last contest, but check out her blog for the other two.

Right now we're waiting for the Big Reveal, where we finally get to see what the 'muse' was and all the entries in the competition.

In reply to the question on Scarlet's blog today: "What is your favorite part about the USE THE MUSE Contest experience?" I would have to say, the challenge, reasons given above. There's just something about a challenge that brings out the best in even the very new beader. Challenges push you out of the excuses, the doldrums and the can't dos. You create because you must. Someone is waiting to see your piece. You've spent money and time thinking and working this piece. You can't back out.

Challenges always inspire me. I enter them, but win very few. And that really doesn't bother me. I am always a winner because I have a beautiful piece of jewellery to wear, sell or give away. What else could I want?

How do you feel about challenges? Do you join in to further your own creativity, skills or simply to take part? Do you set journal writing challenges for yourself? We could discuss such a challenge in the comments section if you're interested. Leave a comment and let me know.

Anyway, to inspire you, I hope, here's a sneak peak of my entry into the Use the Muse 3 contest:



Heather
Photo is my own

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Don't Forget the Christmas Download Countdown

Don't forget about the fab free Christmas downloads you can print off from Ten Two Studios. All you need to do is link to your blog or website so you can download the art journal goodies for free. Of course, you can use them for almost anything. Spread the word.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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SARK Getting into the Holiday Spirit

If you're a fan of SARK you may already know about her fun holiday offer, but just in case you don't go check it out here:



Sounds like a fun way to greet your friends over the holiday period. Make sure you check out the other cool things SARK has on offer, which are bound to make great gifts for your journal loving friends, or just for yourself. I hope you enjoy learning more about this wonderfully creative woman.

Heather
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Christmas Printables Countdown Starts Soon

If you're looking for cool Christmas images to download and print for free, you simply must take a look at this link at Ten Two Studios. As usual, they will be hosting some cool printables for you to use in your journals and art, but you must link to the countdown page, once it goes live. Sounds fair enough to me. I hope you enjoy the printables and share on your blogs and websites the cool news.

Heather
Image used with permission from stockx.chng

Win a Writing Book

So, I had to share this little contest to win a book called Will Write for Shoes by Cathy Yardley. You can win just by leaving a comment on the ewritelife blog entry. Couldn't be any easier. Good luck.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Yeah, I've been quiet

If you are following this blog then you'll have noticed I've been very quiet lately. I suppose all the pressures at home have built up. I needed some downtime and I've been grabbing that, just for me. It's not like I've got much time to myself at home these days. When I get online, for the most part, the family leave me alone, but I haven't had much online time of late. I've been just reading things, learning stuff, designing & creating jewellery, thinking, signing up for a course, journalling, and doing all the other things I have to do around here.

It gets tiring, being the one who everyone relies on. What I really need is a holiday, but that's not about to happen any time soon, so I've pulled back from things a little. I hope you don't mind. I will get back into full swing, especially as I am finally on broadband internet.

As far as journal writing goes, I am digging through my stashed gear to find the journal I feel like writing in next. This morning I made my last entry in the black covered one hubby gave me for my birthday this year. Do you like to find journals that inspire you to write in them, or don't you mind what it is you write on? I'm still looking, right now.

Heather

What You Need

In our worlds of absolute affluence, even in an economic downturn, it's easy to confuse what we need with what we want. While not every part of the world understands what this means, simply because their lives are centred on what they need, it's certainly healthy every now and then to refresh our minds on what it is we really need as opposed to what we want.

In your journal write a list of ten things you want, right now. These could be as simple a glass of water or a cup of coffee. Keep it to ten and just think about this moment. Write another list of ten things you need. By need, I mean, you do need them. A pair of new shoes because there are holes in your current pair. Enough money to buy groceries until your next pay day. That kind of thing.

Once you have your lists, distill them down to only five essentials. Investigate the wants and see how many of them can be eliminated altogether. Can you come up with a list of five things you need? Write about these needs. How pressing is this need? Decide what must be done about these needs and write about it in your journal.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Defining Your Search

Sometimes you can lose your way while keeping a journal. I began keeping a journal to improve my writing skills, but soon realised there was a lot more to gain from penning those words across the page each day. But really, almost anything is possible. It depends what you want to gain out of your journal. At the beginning of every journal I usually write a statement of intent, what I plan to write about in this particular journal. Sometimes this helps on days when I feel less than inspired. I will reread this statement and get to writing about whatever I have declared there.

Just like using a search engine online, it helps if you define your search. If you're looking for pens you know you'll be there a long, long time if you simply write the word pen in the space and hit search. To make your search more fruitful you will write much more about the type of pen you want. For example, ball point or nib, the colour of the barrel, the type of ink, etc. In the same way you may want to define what it is you hope to gain from writing in your journal as a way to begin.

It's ok if your intent changes and adapts over time. This is one of the best reasons to keep a journal, simply because the things you wish to discover or learn are forever changing. Keeping a journal reflects the constant ebb and flow of your ideas, moods, life experience and reflections.

If you've never written a statement of intent at the beginning of a journal perhaps try it out to see if you gain anything from the idea. I hope you enjoyed this blog entry. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #16

Today is Friday and that means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

Think about a time you've received less than great service for something. You made a purchase for goods or services and you were treated poorly, in your view, by the staff or contractor. I know just about every one of us has some story about slack customer service, so this shouldn't be too difficult.

Once you have your moment think about the person who failed to deliver adequate service. Try to think of a reason they failed to do so. Today, I want you to slip inside their shoes and write a journal entry from their perspective of the transaction. This is a great opportunity to tune into what makes other people tick, but also to see yourself in a new light. Try to avoid being too nice about yourself. This is their view, their story, and you may look bad to them.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng