In the Moment: Then and Now Challenge and SALE

When we celebrated NSD a couple of weeks ago, it happened to be my birthday too!

I created this to explore what I had learned in the previous year, taking stock as we often do on milestone days.

May Kit: In the Moment Challenge #2: What do you know now that you wish you knew way back when, but couldn't have known without the passage of time? How has the turning of the calendar page made you more aware or alive? For a design twist, try using a unique calendar image in your art.

Let's see what you create!

Now how about a special offer for our blog followers?

Start a subscription with the In the Moment kit and your $35 kit is just $25 for the first month. Whaa? Plus add a prior sale kit (find them on our previous kits page) for just $20 instead of $25.

Place your order and we'll refund you the discount! Offer valid until Sunday 5-17-15 at 11:59 pm PDT!

Wishing you a creative and meaningful weekend...

Behind the Art with Felecia

One of my commitments to myself in 2015 is to go and do and to keep it simple. 

Upon the recommendation of my sweet husband, I gave 9round a try - a little kick-boxing based HIIT program.

On those early early mornings I crawl out of bed, head out the door, drag myself to the gym, and proceed to sort of physically torture myself, I leave with my heart full (and beating really fast!) 

I wanted to symbolize both my literal going through the door and my sort of mentally going through a door with the whole 9round process.

The glorious truth about this program is that I don't really have to be in my own head too much - the workout moves too fast (simplify!).

And the glorious truth is that this program is done in 30 minutes (simplify!).

And the glorious truth is that when I leave, I am physically alert, mentally ready for just about anything that the world throws at me, and fully in the moment of "now." 

I absolutely love it. Big huge heart love it.

Here is what is sort of shocking to me - and part of my journaling because I wanted it documented - I never thought  I would love it. 

I never thought it would do for me both physically and mentally what it does for me.

I never thought it would bring me so fast to a place where I MISS it when I miss it. 

I'm completely surprised that this of all thing is restorative for me. and hello - Pink gloves...how can you ever go wrong with pink gloves?

Peace, ya'll!

Behind the Art with Jen

What can I say?  Little things make me happy.... Like pedicures and pretty feet.  It's snowing and in the negative digits outside right now!  I don't care... I want my toes to look pretty!  So, I take a little time for myself once a month (okay, sometimes twice a month!).  It is my time to relax and have someone pamper me.

I love the warm water, the soft lotions, the massage chair, and the time to sit and read alone.  It's such a  funny thing to go to my favorite nail place and see, not only women but men who are getting their feet smoothed and polished.  The last time I went, all the chairs were taken by 30ish year old men.  It was a riot!  They loved having their feet done!  It's good for everyone!

 

 The journaling of this page was almost entirely from one of the cards in my kit.  I loved the statements of relaxation... the list of reasons to chill.  So, I underlined or set off a few that really captured my page.  I only added a few written statements under the photo.  I also love the rub-ons to add to my photo!

 The cork and kraft accents made me so happy!  I love them so much! 

 Do you get pedicures to escape reality or to relax?  Does it revive you?  I know if I didn't go at least once a month, I would have nasty looking feet but also not have that time to unwind.  Take time to revive yourself!

Behind the Art with Jen

 Another page from this month's "Restore" kit.  I love the cork gradient paper but really wanted to add more texture to it.  I have a little tutorial to share on how I did this background.

 I used Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft's Whipped Spackle and a palette knife to create an area of texture.  I just smoothed it on and left areas thicker in some spots.

 I used one of the We R Memory Keepers Shine Acrylic Shapes to stamp shapes into the spackle. 

 I like the shape and it reminds me of mapping where you have been in the world or life.

 Once dry, I sprayed it with the Imagine Crafts Walnut Ink in Cherry Blossom where it pooled in the lowest parts to create a variation in color.

 The embellishments in this kit are so full of texture and gives this page a touch of shine, sparkle and glam!

 My journaling reveals my revelation that as you get older, the things that mattered so much as a youth, don't matter as much anymore. I still like to look good but all the obsessing over every wrinkle, keeping lipstick on or just worrying about what other's think is not as important as how I live life and the way I make others feel. That doesn't mean I don't take the time to buy clothes that look good on me or style my hair in the morning.  I still care that I look the best I can but I don't worry about things I can't control.  I do what I can to look and feel good.  I think young people sometimes dress to fit in or to get someone's attention. I don't need or want to do that.  I dress in what makes me feel good and comfort is key!

All the little details in this page contribute to the textural feel and what makes me happy!  I love the shapes, rub ons, textures and papers in this kit. I hope you find what you need to make your life meaningful and restore your confidence in yourself!

RESTORE Yourself in this Month of Love...

Restore your soul and reach for your inner peace with our new kit. Cork elements create a focal point for your most central and inward-focused to do items. Hand-drawn images and words evoke daydream-y doodles and love notes. Heartfelt cards and papers with romance themes remind you that loving yourself is the pre-requisite for all other love. 

Send your heart and soul a love letter with RESTORE and remember your essential and honest self-worth.

Subscription and other membership options available HERE

Why subscribe?

- high quality art materials worth $55 for only $39.95
- members-only deep and meaningful weekly journaling prompts and guidance
- exclusive private FB community and webpage with quotations, music and images to stir your creative heart
- monthly free (for members) emotion-centric live presentation workshop with Inside Out founder Rachel Kaufman to create and be inspired (recording available)

Paper:

Crate Paper Notes and Things So Simple            

Crate Paper Notes and Things Noted   

Crate Paper Notes and Things Honest 

Crate Paper Notes and Things Inbox    

Crate Paper Notes and Things Signed  

Crate Paper Notes and Things Schedule             

We R Memory Keepers Love Notes French Doors     

We R Memory Keepers Love Notes Secret Crush      

We R Memory Keepers Love Notes Sweetheart       

We R Memory Keepers Love Notes Heartbeat           

Embellishments:

Crate Paper Notes and Things Thickers Alphas - Wood Letter Stickers 

Websters Pages All That Glitters Little Letter Sticker - Mint             

Crate Paper Notes and Things Rubons 

Jillibean Soup Soup Staples III kraft tags circle, 6 pcs

Jillibean Soup Mini Placemats Here's the Story, 3 pcs               

We R Memory Keepers Love Notes Love Notes Cork Stickers, 1/2 sheet

We R Memory Keepers Shine Shine Acrylic Shapes, 1/2 sheet

We R Memory Keepers Sequins Pink Sequin Stickers, 1/2 sheet

We R Memory Keepers Love Notes Journaling cards, 1/4 pkg

Color:

Imagine Crafts Walnut Ink Cherry Blossom Mini-Spritzer

Technique:

The Crafters Workshop Ronda Palazzari Beaded Curtain Stencil

Cardstock:

American Crafts White   

American Crafts Dark Kraft            

American Crafts White Woodgrain            

American Crafts Chestnut Woodgrain 

Behind the Art with Jen

 This kit really inspired me to look at all the things I'm blessed with.  My boys are one of my greatest masterpieces! I am always wishing that they know the joy of my love and hard work.  Even though my childhood was a very happy one with everything I could ever wish for, I worked hard to get where I am with my life.  I am an over-achiever by nature... I have a hard time doing anything halfway.  I want my kids to have that fire in them but more than that, I want them to be happy.

 

I love this photo of my youngest with a dandelion.  He was probably 2 in this photo.  Such an innocent and easy time  in our life.  To him, any day playing outside is a happy day!

  

I thought this stencil was perfect to go along with the puffy star stickers and the "wish" symbolism. I adore the sequins from Fancy Pants too! 

 

 The pocket upside down holds my journaling card.  Life is hard... being persistent is important and I want my kids to know that you have to work hard through challenges.  It's how you deal with the negative times and the disappointments that make your future positive. 

 

 So many lucky moments create my life... my wish is that my kids know such happiness even when live gets hard!

Behind the Art with Jen

 

 My kids love each other so much.  Yes, they argue and annoy each other but they would do anything for each other right now!  I hope they know how lucky they are to have a brother.  When I catch them being sweet to each other or offering to help each other, my heart is so happy!  I love that they play with each other.  I know there will be a time when the older one wants his own space and will grow out of the interests that they share but for now, I'm lucky!

 I scribble/ sketched the heart with a Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist pen and some splatters with the Shimmer spray. 

 Journaling around the heart gives the page movement and frames the beautiful photo of my boys!

  I am a lucky Mom!  I love those sweet kids and love watching them grow up together!

Behind the Art with Jen

 I love Autumn!  It is a time of change and color!  So, when I saw these embellishments and papers in this kit, I was smitten.

 The colors of Autumn are so rich and delicious!   A trip to a pumpkin patch was a perfect opportunity for photos with lots of rich color.  I feel so fortunate that I live in the Northeastern part of the country where the four seasons render colors all their own.  It is an amazing time each season!

 The textures of the fall show up with this kit.  The woodgrain, burlap, and cork are perfect for this seasonal page.

 I added some India ink, Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gesso, and some twine to add more texture.

 Nature has the most perfect canvas and each month is a masterpiece!

Welcome to Your LUCKY Day! Our Newest Kit is Live!

Warm, autumnal color and shimmery, glimmery design fill this kit with a radiance you won't be able to resist...

I'm thanking my LUCKY stars for being able to be part of your creative journey. You'll see some art from ME on that for certain this month!

Beautiful paper and embellishments from Fancy Pants Designs, We R Memory Keepers, American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin and more.

Most of all, a chance to explore what makes you lucky, whether you're lucky or blessed (or both...or neither), how much hard work is associated with what we call 'luck', and in what ways fortune has smiled on you in your life.

You'll learn from your past and discover where YOUR lucky star is, and what wishes YOUR want to make to take your life to the next level.

Click HERE to learn more and reserve your limited edition kit now.

Take charge of your future the fun and meaningful way!

Behind the Art with Jen

Hi artsy friends!  My last page this month with the Perspective kit was one that was simple but I wanted to have a big impact with words.

 

This page is all about my first education rally in which I attended with thousands of other educators to speak out to our politicians in Albany, NY.  We are concerned with the rash decisions they have made in regards to public education funding, mandates, testing, and evaluations.  All of which affect our kids and my job.  I am a teacher.  I care about my student's education and being well rounded people. 

 I used my Cricut Expressions to cut these words out of the paper and added patterned paper behind the words to give them some color!  This is a fun way to add bold elements to your page!

 The letter stickers are perfect for adding some little title words.

 I printed a large photo of the panoramic shot of the rally and then popped up a smaller photo of some other teachers from my district and myself.  I am tired of educators being blamed for all the ills in the world.  We are professionals who care for children's education but we have to follow national and state mandates that we don't always agree with or that no teacher was involved in creating.  Politicians and business people make these choices that might look good on paper and with funding in mind but are not good for kids or for all kids. They do not take individuals into consideration with their decisions.  So many things affect learning:  poverty, family support (or lack there of), experiences, traumas, disabilities, learning styles, hormones, etc... you cannot standardize learning and expect ALL students to achieve at the same rate or with the same results.  It's just not possible but politicians and heads of departments expect just that because they do not understand what it's like to be a teacher and know all of these factors in each kid.  It's frustrating but we will not stop fighting for what's right for our kids.  As a teacher, parent, and community member I want what's best for my child NOT what's best for budgets, data, and big business's bottom line. That is why we rally... that is my perspective and that of over 40,000 + educators in New York State!

Whatever your stand is on public education, know that most educators work really hard to provide the best education we are trained or are allowed to provide.  We are fighting for better and those of us that really truly care about kids won't stop fighting the public's ignorance and politician's skewed priorities.