Behind the Art with Melissa

Stop what you're doing. 

Just stop. Yep. Stop reading this and go grab and a writing utensil and paper. 

Answer this question - "How are you feeling right now?"

Answer it honestly!

This is the premise of the page I'm sharing today. I wanted to record how I was feeling about myself right at that moment. Truth be told, I've been feeling pretty good about myself lately. A lot of it has to do with the health journey I'm on. A new found confidence has come over me as I begin to feel healthier, more energetic and GOOD. 

I pulled the bright colors in the kit. The pattern papers by WRMK. The movement of the lines and the pops of color exude confidence to me. So, that' show I used it.
I also experimented a lot with the Gelato by Faber Castell and some other paint drips.

Lots of arrows to bring the focus to me and the playful polka dots always exude confidence to me. If you wear a polka dot dress... I say you're confident! And can probably rock it out! 

Now that you have taken that moment to write down how you are feeling, grab an In The Moment kit and use the fabulous product to record your emotions and thoughts. And have fun doing it!

Behind the Art with Melissa

I am such a restless person.

It's taken years to get better at slowing down and focusing on the present. It happens so often that I get vision or inspiration for something and I want time to rush by so I can get to the finish line.

It could even be a trip or something that I'm looking forward to. I get so wrapped up in making time go fast that I miss out on all the goodness that is happening now.

I think it makes sense that I've moved so much over the years. But... I always come back too.

So, this month I decided I needed to put some pen to paper and record these thoughts.  I used a photo from a waiting room I was in while waiting for my car to be serviced at the dealership.  I think it's perfect symbolism. Sometimes it's hard to be patient in the "waiting room" of life. But, it's worth it to stop and pause... look around and appreciate what's right in front of our eyes.

I'm thankful that this is something I've learned and am getting better at. Because of this perspective, I'm not able to appreciate life now. It's helped enrich my relationships and my own growth as a woman.

So, while there are things I'm looking forward to, I'm also enjoying my life In The Moment. I'm thankful for what God has blessed me with and I am trying my hardest to appreciate and enjoy all that is right before now... in this moment.

Grab your May kit In The Moment and begin to record you inner thoughts in a creative and therapeutic way!

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 Melissa

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Today I'll be sharing a little bit more about this page:

One thing I've felt challenged on the past year is unrushing. You see, for most of my life, I have felt the need to always have something to look forward to. I've also felt very focused on collecting souvenirs and building up proof of where I've been and what I've accomplished.

You know what I learned from all that? I learned that I missed out.
I missed out on solidifying memories and experiences. I was so focused on collecting something and rushing on to the next adventure, I forgot to stop and enjoy what was happening right then and there.

This kit came at the perfect moment as I've been strengthening my will power to avoid rushing and collecting things to commemorate my life. Those moments are so valuable. 

It kind of supports that good old phrase "stop and smell the roses." When I stop and enjoy, my heart rate slows a little bit, I'm more relaxed and actually have some mental clarity. Wow!  Imagine that!

I used lots of hearts on this page to symbolize self-care and having that loving attitude towards my self. My soul. The photo with my feet is a very symbolic photo. I had gone for a walk that day and decided to park on the bench, put my feet up and just enjoy the scenery for a little bit. 

I'm so glad I captured that memory and moment because I can remember how great it was. 

Design wise, I tried my hand at some hand script. 

Meh. 

I don't like it. But, I'm keeping it. Because that's how we do. I used the gelato to do it. I think I just need a better brush. Still... I'm sticking with Thickers. ;) 

Thanks for swinging by today!

Live in the Moment with our Newest Kit - and Don't Miss The NSD Crop

Nothing is as important as THIS moment...and there's no better way to connect to it, anchor it and celebrate it than our newest kit and theme, 'In the Moment.'

From awareness of and excitement about your life today, to moments of decision and change, to mindful, meditative focus, there are so many things to explore.

Planner-type elements so popular in the crafting world merge with saturated springtime color and ombre shading...icons and images include arrows, calendar templates, speech bubbles and emojis...so much fun!

Join us and make TODAY matter.

CLICK HERE to read more, see more and buy your kit.

And you won't want to miss our NSD crop - Saturday is my birthday and I want to celebrate with YOU...I'll be giving out the presents this year!

Click here to join our private group where our team will be hosting the fun!

May Kit Contents:

dropPatterned Paper:

We R Memory Keepers hello darling  breezy 

We R Memory Keepers hello darling  charming            

We R Memory Keepers hello darling  delighted            

We R Memory Keepers hello darling  jubilee 

Webster's pages these are the days   March  

Webster's pages these are the days  April      

Webster's pages these are the days   May      

Webster's pages these are the days   June     

Embellishments:

American Crafts amy tangerine rise and shine thickers - alyx white and silver  

Webster's pages #Happy mini alphas - teal             

We R Memory Keepers hello darling  ephemera pack 9-10 pcs

Webster's pages these are the days  faces & images sticker  

Ranger TH Findings  arrows  2 pcs.

Project Life inspire edition   4x4 instagram cards        6 cards

American Crafts  amy tangerine rise and shine  grace black (words)   1 sheet

PinkFresh fresh drops way to home enamel stickers 1/2 sheet

Cardstock:

My Mind's Eye shale heavyweight          

My Mind's Eye aquamarine canvas         

My Mind's Eye white classic       

My Mind's Eye lemon lime heavyweight               

Technique:

The Crafters Workshop Ronda Palazzari Stencil 6" Life Tidbits          

Color:

Faber Castell Gelatos double scoop raspberry