Behind the Art with Felecia

Happy Thursday, everyone!!!

I'm bringing you the story behind my final ENERGY layout for this month.  

This is yet another layout from this kit that I'm absolutely in love with.

Truth be told, I'm not much of a pink girl...I like pink ok, but its not the color I reach for first. 

This paper though, the moment i got the kit, I pulled this paper out and decide it HAD to be used and in a big way for this emotion.

It isn't often that I work without photos...the photos and story are my foundation when I'm creating. So, to create without the photos was challenging.

I started with the idea...what is energizing to me throughout the day? What picks me up when I'm down? What things do crave when I'm feeling low?

The list was long...so either I was going to end up with 20 photos covering up my amazing paper, or I would have to work out this idea some more. 

As I trolled my own photos, I became less and less inspired with the idea...and so, I just got out my pencil and started to draw some lines...then I started to write out the things on my list, adding some lines as needed.

And Voila!  no picture required. 

Out came that amazing mist and I splattered and free-handed some lines with the wand inside the sprayer. 

You know, it occurs to me that just using the Fireworks mist is energizing all by itself...I should have put it on my list!

So, in the end, the journaling was all I needed. BAM! I'm out of my comfort zone.

I absolutely LOVE when the combination of the kit and the challenge to create end with feeling really jazzed up about journaling and scrapping..

Peace, ya'll!

Behind the Art with Jen

 Hi!  My final page this month has lots of visual energy!  I love all the different bright colors of this kit.  It makes me feel energized!  Just like my running sneakers do every time I look down at them!  I love the bright pink of these shoes.  They are my first running sneaks and they kept me going even when running was hard!

 All of those arrow stickers were perfect for this page!  I wanted to show movement and used some cut triangles at the top to help bring your eye around to the bottom. 

 The little patterns and references to travel or what you might see while running in the neighborhood! 

 All of these symbols, words, and colors are full of energy!  So am I when I run... it is my time to think, look around me and push myself a little more each time!

Behind the Art with Melissa

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday!

Today I am sharing my last page created using our October kit ENERGY.

This page is documenting something I'm embracing about myself. I can actually recall a specific event when it finally stuck with me. Several years ago, the school I worked at was flooded by a broken water main. I was stressed. While trying to round up staff to help, I had to delegate who was going to stand at the doors to tell families we were closed; who was going to watch the kids already here; who was going to go around to all doorways and put up mats and sand bags; who was going to call the other admin staff. Aaahhh....

That night I put on my Facebook how thankful I was for the staff and their hard work. The reply I got was thanking me for being so calm and steady and being a great leader.

Wait.

What?

Really? I was freaking out! I swear I was sweating from the stress.

But no. That was not noticed.

And so, after that specific day, I began to really pay attention to that unassuming quality. And, wouldn't you know, over the years, situations would arise where I felt stressed out, over-energized, about to blow my top... and yet, no one could tell.

I mean... it was clear that I wasn't my normal self but, I came across cool, calm and collected.

What a blessing to have that characteristic!

Every once in awhile I wish my stress would show more. Especially in situations where I just don't have the time to stop and ask for help or a moment to breathe. Because, in my mind, if it was noticed more, perhaps others would be more apt to step in.

I created this page in a very purposeful manner. My photo is in the middle and is calm. My smile and demeanor are relaxed while, all around me, there is action. So, on this layout, the movement of the triangles and splatters of the paint... the bold colors surrounding the muted gray... are all symbolic of a world moving around me and I sit... relaxed. The surrounding symbolism is how I feel on the insides but, the middle photo is how I appear. 

It truly is a cool characteristic to have. One I've never realized I had until it was pointed out to me. 

Thanks for swinging by today!

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Behind the Art with Stacey

The minute I saw the paper with all the funky lines, I knew I wanted to make them a part of my design.  I imagined using arrows to go with the lines, creating a sense of chaos, yet balance.

That is exactly how I feel about my life as a mom.  I get my life energy from my kids.  At the same time, they drain me.  It is ironic.  A cycle that keeps turning.

I like how this page moves around.  It is a bit disorganized, quite like my life.  At the center are my two beautiful children.  That make my life a work in progress and I adore them.  I placed the heart transparency right near my photo to symbolize that they are my heart.

I used the arrows, triangles and circles are repeating elements.  I wanted the eye to bounce around the page.  I decided to make my title, Zap, for when being a mom drains me and, Bam, for when I am filled up again.

I told the story of how they affect my life energy.  Mostly, they fill me up and help me realize my life's purpose.

Behind the Art with Felecia

Is there anything you do in your life that just leaves you feeling jazzed, unable to sleep, completely like you could lift up a small car and carry it around the block?

For me, that is singing. 

It makes me FEEL amazing.

To conquer a melody, the lyrics, the emotional nuances...these are still mountain top experiences for me.

When you add the energy and electricity of being on stage in front of people, its a super duper win in my world.

I don't do much stage singing these days...even still, in the shower, in my car, at my desk, in the kitchen - anywhere I can do it without bothering others, I sing. Ok..that's not entirely true. I sing even when I'm bothering people. Its so therapeutic and soul healing for me...and honestly just a bit automatic. Sometimes I find I'm singing when I don't even realize its happening. 

I wanted a layout about how singing makes me feel  - full of sparkle and connection and color and depth...

And can I just admit - I LOVE how this turned out! It says everything I feel when I'm singing!

I really enjoy using mists on projects. Its so versatile...and the COLOR in this month's kit - its amazing! I sprayed it over the stencil, splattered it, and even painted it on my plain chipboard letters. 

I also just absolutely loved using circles and half circles...connecting everything...bringing it all back together. 

I think this might be one of my most favorite layouts ever - partly because of the subject, partly because of the shimmer and sparkle and partly because of the movement the piece has.

It isn't often I get what's in my head down on paper exactly the way it feels...but this one did it!

Peace, ya'll!

Behind the Art with Jen

Soo.... this post may be one that hits home for some of you and may offend others.  I love to swear... I just do.  I say what I mean whenever I want (in my head).  When you have kids, you modify your swear words.  I say a lot of "Whatever"s and "Darn it"s.    It's not as satisfying when you are mad at your spouse or just dropped something heavy on your toe.   I try hard to not swear in front of my kids but sometimes I just do.  My kids know that adult words are NOT for them to say and they scold me too.  I always apologize to them... all is forgiven.  Except sometimes you just need to let it all out! 

 

There are some people in my life that just drive me nuts with their complaining, nagging, or general negative attitude.  I usually smile and move on with my day but there are times when I've had enough of the negative whining.  I just have to tell it like it is... it's not pretty or polite but that's too bad.  I am not going to sugarcoat it for them.  They deserve the real word... it's only a word but it's a strong one.  It's therapeutic and necessary at times.  

 Of course if you say it too much, it loses the power behind it.  I like to save it for real necessary times when I'm really worked up or have held it in too long.  I said it... yes I did! 

 This page was made on a day when I had released the "F-bomb" several times... mostly for a good reason, though I can't recall exactly what it was at this moment but that is irrelevant.  It's the satisfaction of getting it out there and feeling the release of all the frustration let out with one word.  It may be immature, crass, or whatever you want to call it but I love that word when used sparingly! 

So, if I offend you... sorry but WHATEVER!  Just sayin'

Behind the Art wtih Stacey

This month is all about energy.  I loved using the prompts to help me think about page ideas.  I decided to scrap about an event that gave me so much energy.  It was a unique experience that my husband and I shared together. 

We went to Sedona, AZ this past spring and it was a one of a kind experience.  We had our best day on the last night of the trip.  I don't think I will ever forget all the cool moments of that afternoon and night.

I decided to use rectangular elements and arrows to create a lot of movement on this page.  It is about the energy of the vortexes.  I think the back and forth of the lines creates a cool vibe.  I hand cut the title from a sheet of paper and grounded it with the arrow sticker.  I used the "Scenic Route" card to match the theme.

I journaled above and below the card, telling the story of the day.  We saw the most amazing sunset.  But the day wasn't about what we saw.  Instead, it was what we felt.  The energy was unbelievable.  We both felt the same sensation that God was with us.  Nature was fierce and amazing.  We were so solid. 

It was a moment that can't be put into words.



Behind the Art with Felecia

Energy comes in varying intensities...sometimes we find ourselves being too much or not enough for those around us...

I frequently find myself in a position of having more intensity than is probably healthy - and that my drive to get things done is far greater than that of those around me. 

Just as others do, when I reach the "end" of my reserves, I'm really really at the END...I crash...I get crabby and usually inert.

BUT before that happens...well...I always describe myself as a "doer." I DO things...I don't wait for others to do them...in fact that timing of events is probably my number one stressor. 

So when Rachel issued a challenge to the Inside Out members to explore intensity and how others respond, I was on the same page...I knew exactly what it meant to be too much, too hot...

This paper seemed so like my intensity...neat little rows, lots of things to manage, organize, get accomplished...

The texture is subtle - some items raised above others with dimensional adhesive...this too seemed like my intensity...from far away, you might not see it so much. But get close and there are a hundred things going through my mind. 

Acknowledging that I can be too much for some people is not the easiest thing in the world...I don't think anyone wants to admit that!  But its good to see it, know it, and put it on paper - like somehow it makes it more real for me. And more manageable.

Peace, ya'll!

Behind the Art with Jen

 It's Autumn and I'm loving the colors around Central New York!  My kids think it's magic to find leaves changing and how they look like someone took a paintbrush to them!  There is such a crisp energy in the air now.  Everything is a little cooler, a little fresher, a little more beautiful.  An evening run is easier because the air is not full of heat and humidity!  I love this time of year.  It is a re-energizing time of back to school, back to schedules, back to enjoying weekends because the week is crazy!

 I couldn't help but use the wood paper as a background for this page.  A bit of watered down Gesso and I was good to go with my layering.  Those vellum feathers were perfect for a touch of fall!

 I tend to move slower in the summer... it's hot!  But the Autumn has a crisp energy that livens my step!

 The colors give such a POP to the page as do the leaves on the ground!  I loved grouping all of these papers and embellishments together here in the upper corner of the paper.

 Is Autumn your favorite season?  What makes you energized?

Behind the Art with Melissa

Happy Tuesday!

So happy to be with you all here today.

The page I'm sharing with you today was inspired by one of our journaling prompts:

Lazy: How generous are you to yourself when it comes to ‘lazy days’ and giving yourself a break from the hubbub of life? Do you feel guilty when you’re not producing? If so, why? What inside you, or outside you, pushes you to create or build something in your life? How might you reimagine ‘lazy’ to mean something more like ‘self-protecting’? What would fit into your best ‘unenergetic’ day and how would it change the day after?

I really appreciated this side of Energy. In order to "bank it", we must fuel it, right? It's good to rest our weary bones. Take a nap! Go on vacation! Read a book! Go sit in a mall! (To understand that you'll have to see my Behind the Art from last week.)

For me, it is taking some time with God.

I'm not very good at sitting still. My mind wanders. Or I think about all the things I could be doing instead. But, when it comes to my faith, and how it relates to Energy, it is so important to stop. Rest. Take a break. Protect my soul.

The typewriter transparency is two-fold for me when it comes to this page. I like the idea of being transparent when it comes to my faith. God sees the deepest parts of me and I want to not try to hold onto something that I don't need. Also, the typewriter. It's pretty simple symbolism when one thinks about that... recording thoughts. Writing it out. Processing it.

I used the crosshatch stencil on this layout because I like to think that my faith and the rest of my life are interwoven. It's what holds me together. And taking these moments of resting, finding comfort and peace in those quiet moments, help me be stable and live out the hubbub of life.

I also used some tilting. Think balance. Balancing it all in the day to day! Balancing my energy with moments of quiet time are what will make me thrive in life. I also like that thought of using the feathers. I find feathers to symbolize protection. I'm protecting my soul when I make time for those moments to rest and refuel.

Thank you for joining me today. See you next Tuesday!

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Behind the Art with Felecia

I often get the comment from people that they don't know how I do all that I do. Lets face it, I don't probably know how to adequately relax...

On the other hand, I tend to be a process person...hyper-aware list maker...

And driven to do some things the exact same way each and every time I do them...

It just works for me. 

One of those things, the thing that pumps me up for the day and gets me really juiced up is my morning routine...its always the same...

The fact that its the same every day is both energy saving (process!) and energy boosting...my morning routine is filled with things that will keep me moving through the day.

I get up at 5...(sometimes before that, but usually 5)...then I have yogurt and ancient grain granola and a read a little scripture. Then, after a shower, I have coffee - really good, really strong, really amazing coffee (thanks to my sweet husband).

My morning is a very orderly thing...but how does one convey both order and energy on a layout?

I chose to do it with some layering...some mist, some cut outs, some inked edges, a transparency...but its all very neat and orderly at the same time...

One not-so-secret secret is that I often choose visual dimensions over actual dimensional embellishments on my layouts. I prefer flatter layouts...So, in this case, there are layers of may different sizes and materials, and while they are all flat, they create visual dimension for my project. 

I discovered long ago that some things happen very naturally for me - like getting up early and liking to eat breakfast.

If I just go with those things and put them together in a very organized way, the process becomes a springboard feeling energetic and alive the rest of the day...

Peace, ya'll!

Behind the Art with Melissa

Happy Tuesday!

It's my day on the blog this week to go "behind the art" with me and one of my pages.

This kit was really heart opening for me. Actually, every kit that I dive into here is heart opening. I learn something new about myself every month. I like what I'm learning, too. And that's what it's all about!

The page I'm sharing today captures my personality. Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test? I gotta admit, I'm a personality test taking junky. It is validating in a way! It's like you have this test result giving you an excuse for all those quirks! Ha!

I always knew I loved being around people. I do value my alone time but, it's not where I go to for filling up. I need activity around me. I need to hear voices and see movement. There have been times when I actually wanted and desired to go hang out in the mall just to get my people fix.

When I feel depleted; when I feel blah... I head to the coffee shop, the book store or wherever I know there will be people.

So, for my page I really and truly wanted to embrace ENERGY. Literally.

While living in Chicago I took public transportation everywhere. It was a blessing and a curse! I loved not having to worry about car maintenance and I adored the automatic extroverted-ness of being around people gave me. Of course, there were days when I really missed that time, alone, in my car. But mostly it was when some dude was coughing or someone forgot to put on deodorant. 

Some symbolism: I used paint splatters to give off that textured energy. I cut out the phrase. I specifically chose the phrase that was bright and loud. ON THIS DAY. Backing it with the black transparency helps it pop. Two things... hearts because I love being an ENFP. I embrace it. And, if you read up about an ENFP, that totally makes sense. ;) The other is the geotag clip. Marking my place in this world. Been here. Done that. Felt that.

The background strip, I specifically chose the paper with the brush strokes. I love the energy that large, messy brush strokes exude. Every time I glance at artwork with big brush strokes, I move with it. I feel my body pulsate. I was excited to find that and use it. I cut out the strip with the patterned squares to layer on top. The repetition of the cut out "zig zag" gives it a heartbeat. a rhythm... and that's how I feel when I'm getting my "fill up" of being around people.

The top strip is calm. Some of that has to do with design but, it also has to do with the type of energy I am feeling. See, I don't believe that energy is always the "hyper" kind of energy. Energy can center you. Which, in turn, calms you. I like that thought and wanted to combine that with this page.

Now, all that to say, I do not miss riding the CTA at all. It was great for awhile. But, now I'm back in my hometown, driving a car and getting my people fill in other forms.

Thanks for joining me today. See you next Tuesday!

Want more inspiration? Visit our Inspiration Page here!

Want to see more Contributing Artist examples? Visit our Flickr gallery here!

Want to join an awesome community encouraging one another to dive deep? Join our Facebook page here!

Are you ready to dive in? Grab a kit, while supplies last, here!