Sep192018

A-Z of Mystery Journal – J – Joy

The Mystery of Joy – J in the A-Z of Mystery Journal Joy is one of those things that makes one’s heart sing. The mystery of joy, at least for me, lies in the difference between joy and happiness. They are similar and can be expressed in similar ways, but joy goes deeper. Joy is an emotion of delight and gladness not dependent on circumstances. It expresses gratitude for beautiful experiences and is hopeful for something wonderful. “Joy is the echo of God’s life within us.” – Columba When thinking about how I was going to present the word JOY,… Read More

Sep122018

An Acronym for Rest in my Visual Journal

An Acronym for Rest in my Visual Rest Journal I get excited when a theme word works well for an acronym that adds meaning to the word. It helps me apply the word and live it out. Making journal pages helps cement the ideas and actions in my life. This post includes the images and definitions of the words in the acronym for R-E-S-T in the journal pages. The definition of REST is “the refreshing, quiet or repose of sleep; refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor; relief’ freedom especially from anything that wearies, troubles or disturbs; solitude, tranquility, mental… Read More

Sep42018

What Time is it for You?

What Time is it? For you? For me? For us? September often brings new beginnings and a shift in seasons. For many a new year of school begins. It has been nine years since I taught school and my daily times and rhythms were determined by the school calendar. This September is definitely a different one for me. Making a calendar page in my everyday journal is still a therapeutic and consoling process for me. Each month seems like a fresh start, full of possibilities. This month I’ve chosen colors that personally symbolize rest, peace, and hope. Painted papers, Washi… Read More

Aug242018

Art Journaling Rest – the Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Learning to Rest… In the last post, I began a journal with the theme of rest, inspired by Mary Brack’s “All in All Signature Journal Class.” Theme verse: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message… Read More

Aug162018

“Suddenlies” of Good Times… Good News…

Sweet Suddenlies with Family I thought it would be a good idea to give you a bit of a personal update. I have been more scarce than usual online, and here is why. There have been some “suddenlies” that have come as pleasant surprises and sweet answers to prayer. Our two grandsons from Texas came to stay with us for 10 days and we spent wonderful times with our family. We had the best time together!  August has ended up being an amazing family focused month and will continue through the end of this month with our anniversary, a wedding,… Read More

Aug12018

Celebrating Summer Art Journal …

Celebrating Summer Art Journal This summertime journal makes me happy. It was my demo journal in the Art Journaling Weekend Workshop in June. Helpful Tips for Making a Short Art Journal: Having a theme. It can be either an object, such as trees like I have here, or a state of being like praise, joy, sorrow etc. or both. I think this journal has the feeling of hope and praise in the context of nature, specifically trees. Picking a color palette to work with. I usually pick five colors with 2-3 as dominants. That way, no matter what is done… Read More

Jul252018

Painting Black and White Journal Cover – NEW Stencils

Painting Black & White Journal Cover PLUS New Stencils Launch There is something special about starting a new journal – pristine and full of possibilities. Adding black and white pattern with paint to a brown craft colored cover is easy and gives just the right amount of light, medium and dark contrast to make a dramatic statement that invites creative exploration. The cover is finished off with outlining the designs with a white extra-fine Posca pen and lettering first written in pencil and then gone over with a black Micron pen. Here is a video showing how I’ve use the… Read More

Jul92018

A-Z of Mystery Journal – I – Imagination

The Mystery of Imagination – I in the A-Z of Mystery Journal Imagine is one of my favorite words and finds it’s way into my journals, by definition and illustration. This time I focused on Imagination. Imagination is the ability to form pictures or ideas in the mind, new and exciting things not experienced before. I love that! Seeing imagination through the filter of my faith helps me appreciate how uniquely made humanity is with our ability to hope for things not yet present, discover the unknown, invent life changing machines etc. It makes me glad to be alive, and… Read More

Jul52018

StencilGirl Stencils on Sale NOW!

All Stencils on SALE NOW July 6-8th StencilGirl Products has all their stencils on sale. FOR 3 DAYS ONLY! Here is the scoop with important info: It is time for Mary Beth’s Birthday Sale Receive 14% OFF all my StencilGirl stencil designs HERE! Use code:  MBS14 $100+ orders** CHOOSE 1 FREE Large STENCIL*** ***You MUST put the L### in the comment box at checkout. Sorry, no exceptions. **6 of the same size 10% discount is applied first! $100+ orders post-discount. *Sale does not apply to wholesale accounts or StencilClub membership. The stencil sale begins July 6th and ends July 8th at 11:59 p.m.… Read More

Jul22018

The Creativity of The Creator – Bible Journaling

The Creativity of the Creator July Everyday Journal Group Theme Evidence of the Great Creator is all around us. The name of God, Elohim, found at the beginning of the Bible begins with the Creator in the act of creating. Bible journaling the creation story in Genesis 1 has helped me connect with God in a deeper way as my Creator. It has also encouraged me as a co-creator with God. Looking up the meaning of “Elohim” and the Hebrew spelling and meaning of the letters has brought a richer understanding of God as Creator. The Creativity of The Creator… Read More

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