One of my favorite movies is ‘Dan in Real Life.’ The theme line at the end of the film describes my life right now: ‘Plan to be surprised.’ Not a bad thing, but certainly a journey of unexpected twists and turns. Before life’s surprises hit last month, I gathered snippets of past artwork and my life to photograph below in a visual blessing square.
The story behind the art
The items gathered in the photo above are beauty from ashes, each one made during a difficult time in life, and then ending with joy. They also reflect the past month for me. When I gathered and photographed the items, I had no idea how relevant the message would be to me at this time.
The coffee cup, books and sparkly lights are where I am at now with learning new things through study and practice, taking comfort in everyday blessings such as a cup of coffee, and counting my blessings of light in the midst of darkness. Instead of doing the 100-day project, I am taking an intensive course on pattern design with Bonnie Christine. That was a surprise I hadn’t planned on, but it became evident that it is the right thing for me right now. I thought I would do a 100-day project similar to last year, which I loved doing, but it became clear that learning and growing is what is in store for me this season. It does involve working on it every day, so in a way I am doing the 100-day project after all.
The ring of watercolor squares was made during recovery from a severe case of covid in 2021. The simple process was tiring and joy giving during that time.
At the middle right side, the music hymn lines are in a prayer book I made nearly two decades ago. During that time I carried that little spiral notebook around with me everywhere, reading and praying to transform my thinking and give hope. I’ve found it very helpful.
The miniature journal, with another line from a hymn was made out of a few scraps of watercolor paper and music I had laying around the studio. I made a few of them at the same time and it was a joyful process.
The stenciled journal page was the last stencil I designed in my old studio and home. Designing those was a comfort, bringing some order and hope to a measure of chaos during that time….
Every year at this time, I revisit my love for Celtic knots and art. My trip to Ireland in 2017 was a highlight of my life. After that, I was inspired to make Celtic art based on the hymn ‘Be Thou my Vision’ and create the course Keys to Drawing Celtic Knots and Illumination. The upper right and lower left journal pages are from that course. The phrases and verses on those pages reflect the battles, the delights, and the wisdom needed for this season.
I’m celebrating with a 20% off sale for the rest of this month, March 2025, when the code CELTIC20off is used. Click on the button to find out more.
Celtic Inspiration
FREE Tutorial + 20% OFF SALE
If you've been following me for awhile, you know I enjoy drawing Celtic knots. This year, as an Archer & Olive Ambassador, I write a monthly blog post featured on their site.
I'm excited to share with you a NEW Celtic Knot video tutorial that also includes a free PDF of the steps to draw a beautiful Celtic knot like the one shown in the examples above on their blog.
Here is the link to the post: https://www.archerandolive.com/blogs/news/how-to-draw-a-celtic-knot-on-dotted-paper
20% off Keys to Drawing Celtic Knots & Illumination
through March 31, 2025 with code: CELTIC20OFF
Learn to draw Celtic knots and designs in easy step-by-step ways and personally connect with the meaning of the hymn 'Be Thou my Vision.' In this online course you will learn easy ways to draw Celtic knots, designs and lettering while going on a creative and spiritual journey through the Celtic Christian hymn 'Be Thou my Vision.'
GET 20% OFF the regular price during the month of March 2025. Use the discount code CELTIC20off at checkout. Click on the button below for more info and registration.
Gathering, arranging, photographing & writing
Once again, going through this process of gathering, arranging, photographing and writing has been a meaningful process. I’m finding myself mentally arranging symbolic items in my mind into a square format. I’m now thinking of them as a types of inspiration boards.
I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section below.
Stay inspired!
Valerie
Previous Visual Blessing Squares and Inspiration
Visual Blessing Squares 1
https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog/visual-blessing-squares-1
Beginning 2025 with journaling
https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog/gather-arrange-photograph-write
A new idea - Vignettes of Beauty - Squares of Gratitude
Explore Your Word for the Year with ‘A Beautiful Word’ E-course
If you want to dig deeper into your word and expand your creative techniques, check out my online course ‘A Beautiful Word.’
More inspiration
Check out a recent blog post I wrote for Archer and Olive that includes an INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO and FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
How to make a pocket in your journal and get a FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD and watch the accompanying how-to video. Use code ‘Valerie10’ to receive 10% off
Set up for my 2025 journals post: https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog/journals-set-up-2025-washi-tape
Affiliates & Royalties
Amazon: Sometimes I post links to Amazon products on my site. I receive a small commission if you click on the product and purchase it. I only recommend products I use, am happy with. It costs you nothing, but does help me cover some of my costs to host the site etc.
Archer & Olive: I am an Archer & Olive affiliate Here is the code to put on the end of any Archer & Olive URL:
?aff+816, as in: https://www.archerandolive.com?aff=816. Receive a discount of 10% on purchases when you use the code Valerie10. You get the savings and I receive a commission to help cover my online and tech costs.
StencilGirl Products: I receive royalties from stencils I’ve designed from StencilGirl Products. I hope you enjoy creating with them.