Behind the Art with Jen Matott

Moving FORWARD or onward. I like the thought of moving forward even when I'm wishing time would slow down.  It doesn't make sense to me to stand still where it's comfortable.  What has always been is comfortable.  Change is hard and scary! 

  I had taking this photograph in the driveway of my parent's house. It is symbolic of a couple things: 1) Autumn leaves signify change to me.  The season's change and the trees change.  You can't prevent the leaves from changing color and falling any more than you can stop time.
2) I'm always coming home to my childhood residence because my parents are still there.  They have been a constant in my life but even so, it is different being an adult and realizing that life must not have been easy for them, as parents.  I know it's not easy for me at times!  I appreciate them so much and am thankful that they encouraged me to grow up and move forward even if that was really hard for them to let go.

 

 These kraft triangles are adorable and I layered some bits of papers behind them.  The gorgeous glimmery spray was perfect to add a touch of sparkle to the papers.

 Arrows were symbolic in this page for moving forward even though I can look behind me and remember where I came from.

 Now that I'm 40 years old and a parent, I think it's especially important to look forward and plan for change.  I love my kids and my family!  It's amazing to notice how big my kids have gotten and how much they have changed.  It makes me sad some days and I want to slow time down so I can keep them little for a little longer.  Ultimately, I know I can't do that.... so I have to remind myself to just keep up... Keep moving

 It also means that I keep moving forward in my goals!  This past year, I started on a fitness and nutrition goals and I want to keep momentum on the progress I've made! 

What do you want to move forward with this year?

The RESPECT Kit is LIVE!

Click here to buy now.

Kit Details

Patterned Paper:

Echo Park For the Record 2: Documented Floral                

Echo Park For the Record 2: Documented Fancy                

Echo Park For the Record 2: Documented Borders           

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey Happiness - Cheerful            

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey Happiness - Peppy                

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey Love - Bouquet                    

Pink Paislee Portfolio Remarkable                

Pink Paislee Portfolio Amazing                    

Pink Paislee Portfolio Incredible                  

Pink Paislee Portfolio Stupendous                

Embellishments:

American Crafts Thickers Mosaic Printed Chipboard Lt Grey        

Echo Park For the Record 2: Documented Alpha and Element Sheet         

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey One of a Kind Title   

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey Perfect Journal Card 

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey Simply Lovely Crocheted Doily       

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey Love Enamel Dots, 1/3 package       

My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing - Honey All about me Title     

Pink Paislee Portfolio  Unbelieveable Journal Cards, ½ page

Pink Paislee Portfolio  Photograms, 4           

Pink Paislee Portfolio  Photo Tabs, 3

Prima Washi Welcome to Paris         

Websters Pages Sparklers Medallion Large Blue, 4 pcs

Websters Pages Trim Tutu Pink, ½ yd

Maya Road Trim Tutu Tulle Earl Grey, ½ yd           

Cardstock:

American Crafts Olive                

American Crafts Ash                   

American Crafts White   

American Crafts Mediterranean

American Crafts Honey  

Color:

Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist - Pewter

The COMMUNICATION Kit. Wanna Chat? Plus Layouts from our New Designers.

The July kit from SFTIO, COMMUNICATION, is a kitchy and stylish mix of fun paper and embellishments to help you explore and express how you connect with the world around you.

In the era of quick and easy ways to touch base, how much time do you make to connect on a deeper level? Is your life enhanced by social networking or hindered by it? Do you walk your talk? Are you a good listener? Are there topics that are off limits?

Paper from October Afternoon, Echo Park, Nikki Sivils and Jillibean Soup provides the perfect symbolism with everything from vintage phones and paper airplanes to notepads, typewriters, cameras and viewfinder reels. Embellishments include a custom chipboard polaroid frame, perfect for using as a stencil, mask or as a page element, kraft paper circle garland, epoxy woodgrain buttons, flags and banners and lots and lots of journaling stickers and cards. You'll also get a great stamp from Lawn Fawn and a long awaited Tim Holtz Distress Marker.

There's no shortage of ways to tell your story - join us and let's talk all about it!

Get your kit HERE; start or extend your six month subscription and you also get this from Seven Gypsies for all those secret love letters and communiques!:

And we're welcoming three new DT members! You'll love their deep and meaningful work.

 

 Here's just a taste of what they created on the topic of COMMUNICATION:

So what do you have to say?