Art Journaling to Heal

So many bloggers and artists are talking about their "word" for 2011.  This has made me reflect on 2010 these past few days.  What should my word have been for 2010?  Only one came to mind, HEAL.

The first few months were a struggle, I had a new title at work and was trying to learn while executing.  In May we had a huge audit, and during it this happened:

This was taken a month after surgery.  The tiny circles are my staples.  I broke my ankle in three places.  Having a life changing injury has been the hardest challenge I've faced in my lifetime.  I went back to work a month after my injury and it drained me immensely.  It is so hard to focus while in pain, and after my 8 hour days I was so exhausted all I wanted to do was sleep.

Fast forward five months.  I was still in a lot of pain, every step caused a shooting pain up my leg.  I had another surgery in November to remove my "loose screw", and no, it wasn't brain surgery.  hehe  The very next day I felt so much better.  I still have a long way before I can say I'm fully healed, my muscles and tendons still have to get used to working again, but I can finally say it's almost over.

All that being said, this injury has brought many good things into my life.   While spending that month on the couch I was able to interact with so many amazing artists, as well as focusing on myself and my art.  I have met so many wonderful new friends that I truly believe will last a lifetime.  

Years from now when I look back at 2010 I do not want to remember my injury, I want to remember all the wonderful accomplishments 2010 brought, all the wonderful classes I taught on Ustream, the vids I posted on Youtube, my first class with 21 Secrets, and my first publication in Art Journaling magazine.  More than that, I want to remember it as the year I met so many wonderful ladies.  Here are a few of us on our Buffalo trip.

I also have some new pages to share:

All of these pages were completed on Ustream.  You can check out the recordings whenever you have time.  I also want to let everyone know that I am working on fixing the volume issues.  :)  I will be streaming tonight at 6pm EST if you'd like to join us.  

As for 2011, I have lots of goals, dreams, and aspirations.  I hope you all will join me for an artful 2011.

Thank you so much for all the support, patience, and love you all have sent me this past year.  I love you all!

Much Love xox

Huge Spoiler, so exciting!

Hi again everyone.  I just wanted to share a quick recorded show that my wonderful friend Melissa did yesterday of the Winter 2011 issue of Art Journaling magazine where I am published.  I've been so anxious to see what art they chose, so Mel was so sweet to show it off for me.

This is a huge spoiler, so don't watch if you want to be surprised!



I'm stalking my postman.  I hope you enjoy!
If you haven't been to my blog in a few days, keep scrolling down... lots of new pages below.

Much Love! xox

Lots of new art journal pages

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful, safe, holidays.  I spent the weekend at home nursing the flu, I feel much better today though.

It's been awhile, but here are just a few of my recent pages for  you to enjoy.  The good news is, almost all of these pages were worked on live over on Ustream.



This is the last two pages in this new journal.  It is a re-purposed composition book that I bought from Samantha Kira.  Now that I have my own Cinch I plan on making my own using watercolor paper.
I did a lot of diecutting for this page.  I used my retro Quickutz alphabet set with my BigKick and cut the title out of mini playing cards, I love how it turned out!  I hand painted the two large dominoes, something that I'm trying to learn to be ore comfortable with.



These are the first two pages in the same journal.  I absolutely love working with red, white and black.  Lots of ephemera used here, most from a few wonderful ladies that follow me over on Ustream.  You can watch the recording HERE.



In this close up you can see the awesome embossing folder I used, the queen of hearts.  I love how you can see the sheen of the glimmer mist in this picture.



Playing around with hand carved stamps and spray inks, not my usual style, but I like how it turned out.



Another Ustream page.  I really enjoyed the layering on this page, as well as the Paris images used.  In the little envelope there is a secret book.  Watch the recording HERE.



I love this picture of me.  I took it a few years ago, and used a special "poster" function on my 5x7 printer gave me this cool effect.  I love how the purples work together.



This is a (sideways) close up of the page.  I love the texture.  It was a definite floportunity when the glue started bubbling while I was heating it.  The recording is HERE.



This was a really simple page.  I used spray inks, gesso and stencils.  I love how the swirl stamps tie the page together.



This is my favourite page in this set.  I used mostly Portfolio water soluble oil pastels.  The entire recording is HERE, enjoy!





I'm definitely in a circle phase!!  My favourite part of this page is the painted circles with Neocolor II's on top.



The close up shows the layers and textures.  The scrapbook paper used was 7 Gypsies.

Please don't forget my live Ustream classes every Wednesday and Saturday nights at 9pm EST.  If you are new to Ustream, it's free and easy to sign up.  All you have to do is create a username and you're in.  You can watch me as a guest, or recordings without signing in, but it's much more fun to sign in and chat with us!
Once signed in, go to my show page here and click on the "join crowd" button on the top of the page.  This will let you see me on your "dashboard".

Much LOVE xox

Youtube Tutorials

Hi all!

I have a much deserved day off from work today.  I have been extremely tired these past few weeks.  I am not sure if it's because my bone is healing, or if I'm spending too much time on my feet at work.  Maybe both.

One of my wonderful art friends put this playlist together for me, all my tutorials in one place!!  Thanks so much Kerri!



Of course you can always go to my channel to subscribe and watch what's new.  :)

Much Love!!

"ghosting" with colorwash and gesso Art Journal Technique Video

Last day! My recent pages...

Still kicking, well, not really

Hi all,

Ok, so I must win the award for worst blogger ever.  I appreciate all that have stuck with me this long.  I had another surgery this past Thursday.  It's been six months since my accident, and I hope this is the final step to a full recovery.  I ended up having a screw loose (enter brain surgery joke here), that had to be removed.  I feel better already, the loose screw was sending a shooting pain up my leg.

As I wrote in a previous post, I am still arting lots, and saving all my energy for my twice weekly live classes.  Here is an example where a show a REALLY cool technique:



Don't forget to watch me live every Wednesday and Saturday nights at 9pm Eastern.  It's always a great time!  I also have many recorded shows over there that you can watch anytime.  :)

Finally, 21 Secrets is on and is AWESOME!  Have you signed up yet?  Only 2 days left!!  Click on my link above and get in on it before it's too late!

I have about 30 pages to upload to Flickr.  I have two more days off from work for recovery, my stitches come out on Wednesday, so I will be uploading a bunch!

Miss you all lots.  I want to say a special thank you to all those that have sent me well wishes, kept me in their prayers and thoughts, and who support me daily.  I love you all!

Much Love xox

Youtube Meetup: Buffalo Girls!

My First Paper Bag Mini- Are you in on the Secret?

A HUGE Update!

Ahh... Life.  It's been over three months since my injury and I'm nowhere near 100%.  I feel silly talking about it anymore.  My ankle still swells like crazy daily, I feel like there is a knife through my ankle every time I step... and I'm still just as exhausted.

Enough about that, here's what I've been working on lately:

This page was completed live on Ustream.  You can go back and watch the recording to see me get flustered when my technique doesn't go right the first time, hehe.  I really love how it turned out.  I was using Grungeboard with tin foil, it's a very 3D page.

Another Ustream page...  in fact, I think all pages I'm sharing today were done live.  :)  This page started a revolution, and a very good joke.  I used mulitple layers of stenciling and acrylics, and of course, Titan Buff.

I used the Portfolio brand of water soluable pastels and scratched into the background for this. 

Alcohol inks were the focus of this live show.  There is just so much depth on this page that you can't see in this picture.  I used lots of that wonderful printed packing tape that you can get in the dollar bins at Michael's.  

This page was inspired by the wonderful Diana Trout and her book "Journal Spilling".  She uses lots of water colour paints, which I am still not comfortable with.  I truly love how this turned out!  I was also utilizing my new Cricut machine that my wonderful friend Laurel sent to me for my birthday.  The cartridge is the "Summer in Paris".  If you watch the recording, I also make some homemade glimmer misting spray.

Again, another live show.  I was showing how to make your own glazes from acrilycs.  So vibrant in "real life", and so fun to create.  Yes, I am still using my retro scrapbook supplies!  :)

I had fun making a few ATC's in this show, and then encorporating them into my journal.  Check out the Canadian Tire Money as ephemera.  Love it!  :)

Yes, I have been working in my personal journals a lot, as well as my Artful Weight Loss journal.  Week 2 vlog is going up on Youtube later today, check out the challenge I'm throwing out there. 

Speaking of YT, check out this tutorial showing how to make your very own Glimmer Glam Paint I shared a few weeks ago...



Sooo much going on creatively for me right now.  I am participating in 21 Secrets, a HUGE, AWESOME class.  My part is "Windows and Doors to your Soul" and I've been working hard on it to make it great for all of you.  Check it out on the link above, I will have more details for you tomorrow here as well.  :)

I am also now a proud design team member at YourPaperPantry!  I will be streaming live for them very soon.  For all my scrapbooking friends, I will be finally sharing scrapbook projects live.  :)

Again, thanks to everyone for thier continued and support and LOVE.  I truly appreciate it all.  You may ask why I don't post as much here as I used to.  Yes, I'm working on that... but I've been focusing the energy I do have on my Ustream shows (every Wed and Sat nights at 9:30 Eastern), and a few YT vids.  Please read this touching story about the Spoon Theory to understand what I mean.  It's a great story, you won't be disappointed!

Until tomorrow, Much LOVE!

What I've Been Thinking About Lately...

Will you join me?



I'm on vacation, so look for an update post tomorrow!!
Much LOVE xox

Finally, an Update, art journal pages for healing

Hi All!

Yes, I'm still surviving.  I have spent a month in physical and mental exhaustion.  I want to apologize as well as thank all my followers who continue to support me.  I have been saving all my energy weekly so I can continue to stream live on Ustream.  I now go live every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:30 Eastern.  We have a great time, I truly hope you can join us! 

It's been so long that Flickr has changed... I can't figure out how to embed my pictures here anymore.  Hmmm...  we will have to settle with direct uploads I guess.  Here is a few pages I've been working on lately, most of them created live.

I did this Tim Holtz inspired page live last Wednesday, unfortunately it is the only show I forgot to record!  I will schedule another show based on TH products.  I really love how this turned out!  It speaks of how the last two months have been hard on me, how it's time wasted.

The above few pages were not done live, just a few that I have completed this past month.  As you know, it's rare for me to draw, or paint some kind of face.  For some reason I felt that I needed to let this girl out... I was feeling so red with anger, so embarassed, that I needed to make her red.  I definitely need to practise more... but for me it was all in the letting go, letting out the ugly feelings.

This was a fun live show.  We played with a few resist techniques.  This was recorded, check out my channel to view it.  :)  Yes, that is UTEE you see!  It still needs a title. 

I created this live last Saturday.  There wasn't really a theme... just a release for me.  The flap opens up to some personal journaling, I just love creating hidden treasures!

I am on vacation this week, trying to relax and stay off my feet.  I can now walk without crutches (still in my aircast), but I have a long journey ahead of me.  It is healing well the doctor tells me, I just have to be patient and do my exercises.  :)

I have many more pages to share from the last month, so stay tuned.  Again, I truly appreciate everyone's patience, support and understanding.  I am finally starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel. 

Much LOVE!  xox

It's been too long!

Hi everyone!

I cannot believe it's been over a week since I've posted!  It feel terrible!  I went back to work for the first time in a month this past Monday.  Never did I imagine that my body would feel so exhausted.  By the end of Tuesday I felt like I had run a marathon.  I'm thinking a month on the couch is definitely not good for the body.  :)  It's a long weekend here in Canada (Happy Canada Day!) as well as the US (Happy Fourth of July!) so I will be relaxing for the most part.

Here are a few completed pages!



Lots of yummy layer going on here!  I titled it "Messy", as it was what was going on in my mind at the time.  Since this picture I've added a transparency to the right side.  A page is never really complete is it?  ;)



I enjoyed playing around with painting flowers here.  I think I need to add some black around the edges of the title, but I really like how it turned out.  My favourite part is that teeny tiny picture on the top right.  :)

Here is the completed page from my first LIVE Ustream which you can watch every Wednesday night at 9:30pm Eastern here:  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/journalartista  I've recorded my two shows so far, so you can watch anytime.  I truly appreciate all of you that has supported me so far, it has been a GREAT time!



Mind the bottom right where there was sunlight.  We used multiple layers of acrylics, some Molding Paste and a lot of fun.

In other news, I drew the winner of my blog giveaway on YouTube here.  I'm still blown away at who won.  :)  I have another small giveaway this week from my favourite stencil company!  Keep watching for that.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Much LOVE

Back to regularly scheduled programming...

Hi everyone!

First of all, thanks so much to all the wonderful new artists who have found me both here and on Youtube.  You all have helped me turn a very ugly injury to a joyous time in my life.  For that I am beyond appreciative.  All the comments and support have touched my heart in ways I couldn't explain.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Here are my latest pages from the couch:



I really like how it turned out, the picture doesn't do the colours justice.  It's such a vibrant purple.  I love how it looks like wings where I closed the book on some wet water colour paint.  If I could go back, I'd take away the red swirls, but oh well.  :)  It's a process.



I feel like this page isn't done, like it's missing something.  Maybe a title?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I had fun layering all the browns on this page, it's about six layers of paint deep.  :)



I know some of you have seen me use a whole sheet of rubons before, but I just had to do it again!  So freeing for me to use the hoarded stash, and I just love how it turned out.  If you look closely you'll see the wonderful new stamps my friend Sharon gave me.  :)

I've moved some supplies over to my kitchen table to practice sitting at a desk everyday.  I go back to work one week from Monday.  I must say, I'm a little scared.

When you've got a spare moment, check out one of my wonderful friends Eveline.  She has some wonderful Zentangles on her blog, and some beautiful journal flips on her Youtube.  :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Much LOVE

We all Scream for Ustream! And some goodness...

Hi all!

I have a somewhat scary (for me anyway) announcement.  I will be starting a LIVE show every Wednesday night on Ustream, starting next Wednesday.  I just love watching them and interacting, so I thought I'd do my own.  Here is the link:  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/journalartista 
I hope you can join me there next week for some fun!  :)

I'm just addicted to Youtube, as you've read in my last few posts.  I've been uploading a vid a day, hehe.  Today I posted two vids on what supplies I love to use.  Check it out!  I am so inspired by so many wonderful artists out there that are posting thier creations.  Look at this AWESOME idea on how to store all the tags and ATC's you've been making.  Bona is a sweetie and always has something inspiring to share.



I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday, I will be back soon with some pics of what I've been working on lately!  Thanks SO much for all the love and support you all are giving me, it is truly amazing and very much appreciated.  My ankle is feeling slightly better every day.

Much LOVE

Follow a-long with Paula!

Follow a-long with Paula!
Originally uploaded by joycerodli
Hi All,
Quick post tonight. I'm busy making vids! Check out my channel to see my newest two, a tutorial on how to use water colour crayons. :) It's just the start to the series.

www.youtube.com/user/JournalArtista 

The above is a wonderful spread from the wonderful Joyce who has been following along. She is just too stinkin sweet!

I also had fun last night creating a Zentangle.  I really think it's just a Zendoodle, hehe




And I can't help but post this sweet pic of Baby!



Until tomorrow everyone!
Much Love!

My Must Read List...

Hi Everyone!  :)

Check this out:



I actually decided to pick up a water soluable pencil and draw this afternoon.  I love how it turned out!  I was inspired by Leslie, the owner of the Art Journaling Ning.  Her blog is listed below.  This got me thinking.  As I don't have one of those favourite people lists on my blog, I'd post about the artists that inspire me daily.  This is an addition to the ladies in this post, as well as this one.

Bren has such amazing texture in her work, I'm inspired everytime she posts! 

I first saw Arlene's wonderfully distressed work on Youtube and instantly became a fan.  She is SUPER sweet and talented and I just LOVE her.  She makes the most amazing Mini Albums... ahhh....

I found Leslie through Youtube as well.  She has some great art journaling as well as book making tutorials.  She has recently been drawing a lot, which is what inspired the page above.

I just love Jonathan's (aka Artistic Biker ) Ustream show every Thursday night.  Check out his site for the time/place.  SO much fun to watch him create live as well as chat.

I've been a fan of Janet for awhile, found her work on Flickr.  She's updating her art room, and always has such great pages to share!

Last, but definately not least, Julie.  She is a scrapbooker, art journaler and quilt artist.  I just adore everyting she does.  I might of linked her before, but she's definately worth another shout out. 

These are just another few of the amazing artists out there that inspire me.  Check them out, show them some Love.  :)

Another completed page:



I've now uploaded a total of six technique videos!  I also did a fun Vlog that I will be doing every Wednesday, called Art Thoughts from the Couch.  :)  Check it out if you'd like to hear me ramble.  lol  :)  I made myself laugh in it, that's for sure.  I also uploaded a vid today about a WONDERFUL RAK that I got in the mail.  It just floors me that there are such kind people in the world.  I say OMG about 50 times, but it's a fun watch, especially if you like ephemera/collage type supplies.

Thanks so much for reading, supporting, commenting and all the well wishes.  I truly appreciate every one of them!!
Much LOVE xoxo

Colorful Art Journal Pages and Tutorial

Hi All!

Ok, grab a drink, go to the washroom, get comfy, and stay awhile.  I have lots going on and lots to share in this post!


I've been asked so many times, and I've taken the plunge.  Wanna create this page??  I've finally made a tutorial series that will show you how I layer.  Yes, yes... it's free.  I'm really excited to share this with you all, I am having so much fun!  Many years ago I used to work and teach in a scrapbook store.  I loved it, helping and inspiring others, sharing my passions.  These videos have sparked that teacher (aka enabler, hehehe) that has been neglected for so long.  I have made four videos so far. 

Check them all out on my Youtube:  Journal Artista 

Please don't forget to rate/subscribe/comment... all that goodness.  :)  It is much appreciated.  Thanks so much to everyone that has commented so far.  I'm just so happy that others are learning and enjoying, that I'm able to inspire others to create. 

There is lots of creating going on on my couch as well, here are a few:





I really love how these pages turned out.  I seem to be in this creative groove lately.  Maybe it's the pain meds.  LOL, just kidding... I hope!  ;)   Seriously though, the second one was so fun to do.  The layering of paints on the flower was a first for me, and I love how it turned out.  I did the page almost entirely with craft paints, except for some titanium white on the flower.  I really want to paint and draw more in my journals, I'm starting to feel more comfortable. 

I've finally finished another page for the Year in the Life of an Art Journal.  It feels so good to challenge myself, change it up a bit.  The prompt was Tangled.



I have been making those tangles on the right since I was very young.  I loved colouring so much I would just draw this big mess and colour it in.  I've always found it relaxing.  That square pattern stamp is from Club Scrap. 

Here are a couple of new pages from my new journal.  Number 7, can you believe it?







I see a slightly different style emerging from me within this journal, not sure why... not sure even if it's any different, it could be just the size of the journal that is playing with my perception.

On to non-artsy things.  I got the staples taken out of my leg today.  What a weird and terrible experience!  The accident was two weeks ago tomorrow, and today was the first time I saw my foot.  It looked so scary!  I have been saying that I broke it in two places, but I was informed today that I actually broke it in 3 places.  I am a proud owner of a screw, 6 pins and a plate.  I also had about 30 staples that they removed.  As a good scrapbooker/art journaler, I busted out my camera and took pics of my foot and the xrays.  Crazy eh?  The strange thing is, I can look at the pictures and it doesn't seem like me.  Denial I guess.  :)  The good news is, I'm apparently healing well.

Phew!  I think I'm done!  I'll be back tomorrow with some cool new links I have to share.  :)  Thanks to those that have sent so many well wishes my way, it has helped me more than I can express.
Much Love!