Ahhhh the Christmas season, it’s the time for joy, happiness and peace on earth. It’s rammed down our throat by many social media types and we are suppose to believe it. I find Christmas an odd time of year. I use to love it, the beauty of it, the parties, the food …well, let’s face it, I still love the food and I could do without the rest.
I had written a whole different blog the other day but scrapped it as it was too personal. I decided instead to take what I was feeling and go down to my art room and art journal using those same feelings on my paper bag. I doubt I will be the type to actually keep an art journal but it is so amazing to me how one can lose themselves in the creative process and use art to feel better about things, even if it gives you just a bit of calm before putting down the paint brush and leaving the room.
A lot of the journals I make are extensions of myself. In my own special way, whether through the tearing process or picture taking I am providing an insight to my world. When you art journal for yourself it is something truly for you. It is not really meant for others to understand as long as you understand it. I used my wrinkled, paint splattered, glue smudged paper bag as a journal page and wrote a lot of my feelings on that bag with a Sharpie marker. Once I emptied my brain of words, with my music playing behind me I covered them up using paints and inks in all different ways. No one can see what I wrote. It is almost as private as the thoughts in my head, but more colorful. It’s like when I drive in the car with my music blaring, I lose myself in the music and just drive. Art journaling for me, feels the same, except I don’t forget where I’m going or turn in the wrong place.
I had a very successful first Christmas season with my Etsy shop. I love giving handmade gifts. With each visit to the Post Office I pictured the person who would receive their journal, sketch book or art. My hope is they enjoy it as much as I did making it.
The final result of my paper bag speaks volumes to me. It’s all I want in my life and wish for yours. Happy Holidays.
My darling son is in Grade 1. He has a teacher who is big on kids learning to read and not so big on kids creating art. When they do create their masterpieces they are sent home rapidly! Because of this, Matthew is a great reader and his printing is spectacular.
The kids had to do up a letter to Santa in class. Matthew decorated his brilliantly and I praised him for how perfect his printing is and for how lovely it looked. Then I read it. It says:
