Behind the Art with Felecia

I could not have done the Liberation theme without telling the story of how I first met Jesus. I was surprised to find that such a momentous story of my life has NEVER found its way to a page.

This is a story I must have told a hundred times, reviewing in my own mind the details, but I've never documented it on a page or in a journal.

How is it that sometimes our most important stories remain untold? How is it that the turning points on our journey so often remain undocumented? And how is it that our spiritual stories so often take a back seat to our other stories in our journals and pages?

Its somewhat surprising to me that I can remember the weather, what I was wearing, the Bible verses, all the details of this story. 

Somehow the butterflies seem appropriate to tell the story of this kind of transformative experience. Because I really WAS set free from the things that slowed me down, made me feel like I had to crawl. 

Sequins are not something I've used before in my layouts. I experimented a bit with just tossing them onto the page to see where they would land...I did it  few times and then sort of glued them where they landed, moving them a bit here or there.

They feel bubbly to me, effervescent, like they are rising to the top. Is this not the way a spiritual experience makes us feel? Effervescent? Like we are rising?

In the end, this is what Liberation really means to me - to be set free from bondage, from chains and beliefs that hold me down, keep me restrained.

Behind the Art with Jen

 This journal page was about dealing with the mess and learning from it!  I teach art to elementary aged kids and sometimes we make a BIG MESS!  Art is messy!  I always tell my kids that if they didn't get messy, they didn't make artwork.  It's a process and sometimes the mess is amazing and sometimes it's a disaster!

 I try to find the best way to store materials so they stay organized and easy to use but my best efforts might not be enough.  Sometimes it's hopeless and I have to just toss it and start over!

 This was one instance when the tangled mess of yard in my yarn box was too much to handle.  I had to assign kids to try to wind up and untangle as much as possible but in the end I had to cut the tangled mess free and toss it!  

 Here's how I made the page.  I pasted down paper scraps using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gel Medium.  Then, I used the Distress Paint to stamp circles on the orange paper.

 Next, I used the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Bead Gel mixed with Gold Gelatos on a craft mat.  I applied the mixture to the stencil for a dimensional embellishment.

 When it dries, it's slightly transparent where it's thinner.  I love the look of the Glitter Bead Gel!

 Some drips of watered down Distress Paint to the page adds some texture and color.

 This page was full of artsy goodness and lots of fun papers, embellishments, mediums, and journaling!

Behind the Art With Felecia

Hello!

Today, I'm tackling liberating myself from my notion of "normal." 

When I was a kid, the TV families were always perfect.

The Cleavers, the Brady's (a blended family that was perfect!), even the Huxtables - who were supposed to be more "real" - were my examples of family life with kids.

My own family bore resemblence to those I saw on TV only in that there were two parents, two kids, a house, and a dog. The rest didn't seem all that "normal."

It took me a pretty long time to realize that "normal" doesn't exist and that family life takes on the shape of the individuals involved. No family is perfect and the variations that they can have are more numerous than the stars.

When I got married (for the second time), I had no idea what sort of crazy fun I was in for. I had a vision of married life with this man - and maybe kids if we got around to it - but my own vision was not exactly the whole picture.

Now that we have kids, the dynamic has taken on a distinctly un-normal atmosphere.

We, as a group, are authentically crazy - in a fun and somewhat bewildering way. We have our own language, our own habits, our own processes. We are strict about using "Ma'am" and "Sir" but we tell one another how much love we have by using random and funny words - like "I love you two tires and a biscuit." (isn't it more fun that "soooo much"?) We make our kids make their beds every single day, but they are often covered in mud and markers. There is always singing and dancing, very little tv or video games, and everybody reads...a lot.

Now, I won't lie. My uptight, perfectionist self has had a very hard time adapting to all the weirdness that prevails in my house. For example, in conversations I have with my kids, I say things like "don't lick the window!" and pause for just a moment to think "that was a weird thing to say."

At the end of the day, tho, what really strikes me is that it works for us. When I liberate myself from my expectations, from the delusion that there is a "normal" way for any of this to be and just go with what is, I find myself with much joy and peace at the little bit of crazy that we have carved out for ourselves in this world. 

For this layout, the orange ombre paper seemed to be a fun place to start. I looked for the wildest pictures - the ones I wouldn't SHOW to anyone and committed to USE them to document how my life really is - FUN, weird, not "picture perfect."

I wanted to sit the pictures on a shelf - like THESE are the family shots that should be on my mantle, instead of the other studio shots that are there.

There is a little messy mist (think markers and mud like above), a little messy outline, and just one or two "perfect" flowers. Now that this layout is done, those flowers sort of make me chuckle, because they match in color, but they are SO NOT aligned with those pictures. Which, when you think about my purpose for this one...is...well...PERFECT.

It begs the question, what sorts of standards have we tied ourselves to that are not really who we are? I wonder about how many people are out there keeping up with the families they see on TV or at the grocery store or the park or whatever. How might liberating yourself from these notions of "normal" look?

Have a beautiful, day, my friends!!!

Behind the Art with Jen

 

This month, I used the "Liberation" kit to create Art Journal pages.  I have a spiral book that I will be creating all my pages in for the coming months.  It feels natural to use this format and create mixed media/ scrapbook style pages in an art book. So, I created this page using the stencil, papers, and embellishments from the kit. 

 You can see that I used the stencil from the kit with a thin tipped pen (I used a Faber-Castell PITT Artist pen in small tip) and created a bit of a scribbled look to it.  I wanted it to look hand drawn rather than perfect with the stencil.

 The stickers and gems from the kit were perfect accents to the page!  I also added half of a butterfly image that I had used in another artwork.

 The entire page is seen here and I loved the birdcage, butterfly, and sequins were perfect for conveying the feeling of flying free.

 To adhere the sequins, I used Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gel Medium.  It dries clear with a mostly matte finish so it's perfect for the scattered look.

 Here's another view of the doodled image.

 I cut the circle from the center of the Glitz paper and added a sticker to the center.  I journaled around the circle in each space.  I loved how this turned out!

Behind the Art with Felecia

In August, it just seems right to be barefoot. I find liberation in being shoeless - especially in the dead heat of the summer. But even when its cold, I would prefer barefoot to most anything else. 

I suppose there is a certain amount of hippy girl in me...

Or maybe its my Southern California sensibility (the one I still have even though we live in the South and on the opposite coast now).

I personally think its that I spent my early career in banking and at the time there were tons of regulations about how we had to dress - uncomfortable shoes included. 

Or it could be that the shoes I ran around in as a child always seemed so comfortable, like my own skin.

Now, I'm still a girl who loves shoes...and pedicures...and all the lovely and even comfortable options that are out there for shoes today...but still...no shoes...that is one of my personal favorites.

Looking at this, I think its just a little weird that I did a layout about my bare feet. But, it is IS such a part of my person, this wanting to be shoe-less. Its also a challenge to consider how to use symbolism associated with Liberation in a layout. My ideas were: hippy/flower child kind of images and the feeling of "cool."

I wanted to evoke the feeling of bare wood floors and I like the idea of playing on the hippy theme with this considering the kit contents. 

The blue / aqua color is my "cool."

The brown paper with some paint around the edges is my "wood floor." 

And the layers of flowers and curvy free-flowing stencil are my "hippy."

I wonder what sort of things this will bring up in our future when this layout is found in one of my albums. It makes me laugh to myself about the idea of it all.

What sort of clothing or style items make you feel liberated? Do you enjoy wearing your hair down or your yoga pants? Is there something you wear that represents your liberation - tennies? earrings? a leather biker jacket? What about body art? What other style things might represent your liberation (or lack thereof)? Your home decor? Your car? Your phone cover? 

I'd love to see what you think of!!

Behind the Art with Jen

 Jen here to share a journal page I did this month with the "Liberation" kit!  It's my birthday month... I just turned 40 and had to kiss my 30's goodbye.  That was hard to do.  I won't lie, this has been an emotional decade.  Lots have happened in my 30's that have changed me as a person forever.  Some things are amazing and some have been difficult but needed.  I became a mother to both of my children in my 30's.  I got my National Board Certification in Art education, lost 30 lbs, gained 35 lbs., and started running (resulting in my weight loss journey again) and have completed three 5k races before 40 years old.  I've learned a lot about myself.  I've been very disappointed in myself, realized I'm stronger than I thought and am so proud to say that I've accomplished goals that I thought I could never do.  But it's still a journey and I think my 4o's will be even more memorable than my 30s! 

 I usually don't work in a 9x12" format but this page is in a journal and I decided it would now house my layouts for these kits.  I love the idea that 4-5 of the pages each month will be in a bound book in an art journal format!  So I am challenging myself to work a bit differently.  It feels more natural to me.

 Love those wood print letters/numbers!  This page was made to welcome my life in a new decade.  I can't wait to see what the 40's bring me.  Age is only a number after all! 

 Have any of your age milestones been recorded?  If not, why not reflect on what was learned or goals you want to accomplish in the next decade.

 

Behind the Art with Melissa

Happy Tuesday!

I'm really excited to share this layout with you all today.

This layout is about living the letting past hurts go.

My childhood is not filled with all pleasant things. In fact, at a young age, I experienced something no child should ever have to experience. And it took me many years to understand that. I grew up not really grasping that what had happened was terrible. I knew it was wrong. But, in my own young, naive mind, I thought it was also normal. And I thought people would know.

Over the years as I grew deeper in my faith, I learned what forgiveness means. It didn't mean that I had to have a relationship with someone who hurt me. What it means is, freeing myself from the shackles that person had over me... all these years. I didn't need a response from them. I didn't need to speak words to them. (Although I did do that and it is part of the healing process...) It was more for me.  

This is a prompt from our Inspiration Page that inspired this page:

Let off the Hook/Pardon: Who have you had to forgive, or who do you still need to forgive, from your past in order to move forward powerfully in your life? If you’re holding onto anger or resentment, why? What keeps you stuck in the past? Is it ego, history, or something else?

I shared a sneak photo of the layout above... I love the symbolism of the transparency... it shows my willingness to let others see inside of me. I've gotten to a point where I freely share my story because it not only helps them... it also helps me. I hear the words I say. I read the words I write and it helps my heart continue to heal. 

As a result of that... I feel the freedom... the liberation to dream BIG. 

When I finally felt the TRUE freedom that comes from forgiveness, I felt free to be the real me. I got to know who the real me was. And from there, I have made some decisions I never thought I would make... or want to do. 

That's powerful stuff!

We are not licensed therapists here at Inside Out. However, we are women with a story and have experienced how amazing it is to work through these areas of our lives. If you find yourself reading this prompt and thinking you've got some things you'd like to work through, I encourage you to look for someone in your area to meet with. It's so worth it! It really and truly is! 

Thanks for swinging by today!

Not sure where to start? Check out our Inspiration Page here for some helpful quotes, word play, musical and visual inspiration.

Or just dive in! Join us and grab your Liberation kit HERE. Welcome to the family.

Behind the Art with Felecia

I don't think there is anything more liberating than the world "NO." 

Not the rude, defiant kind of "no." But more the "No, thank you. I'm opting out." kind of "no." 

I"m one of those people who feels like maybe the world will fall apart if I am not running from task to task and obligation to obligation. First of all, how arrogant of me, and second of all, WHAT!?!??! How much pressure can one person exert on themselves?  

After having my second child, I quickly realized that our schedules and our obligations had to find some harmony or I was going to drive myself crazy.

So I had to learn one little word - the hardest word I still don't probably use enough - NO. 

Somewhere along the way, I started to own the lie that it was my job to make other people happy, that it was my job to keep all the plates spinning.

When your daily to do list goes from "get to" to "have to" its time to make some changes. So....as time has gone on, I've really started to weigh what is important and what is not, to get up and walk away from my desk, to say "no" to the things that seem to be more about somebody else's purpose than my own. 

When you say "no" to things, you are open to say "yes" to other kinds of experiences. There is beautiful freedom in that, in feeling like you have options, like there is room in an organized and ordered life to be creative and messy and fun.

What things have you learned get in the way of your liberation? Are there things you have learned to shed to liberate yourself? Maybe there is something you wish you could shed that would liberate you?

Behind the Art with Melissa

Hi everyone!

I am so happy to be back after taking last month off. I don't expect you to know but, I did a cross country move. The second big move I have done in two years. The first time was leaving my home town to move to the fabulous city of Chicago. And now, I have moved from Chicago back to my hometown. The two years in Chi-town had its ups and downs. I'm happy to have experienced it but I am THRILLED to be back home.

The layout I'm sharing with you today kind of relates to this whole experience.

I can do anything.

That's a rather freeing thought for me.

If I truly feel the desire to do something, I can do it. And so can you.

I chose to do a circular design at the top because I love the symbolism of a circle. It goes on and on. I chose to hide half of the circle because, while life is an ongoing journey, I never know exactly what is coming around the bend. At the same time, I chose arrows and other movement symbols to portray that it doesn't stop me.

I've experienced what it's like to do something I really want to do. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I fail. Sometimes it's really hard. But... the ultimate outcome is that I did it. And learned more about myself. 

THAT is freedom to me. 

I also chose to do some hidden journaling. It was for a combination of reasons. Design purposes... because I wanted lots of elements on my layout. Symbolic purposes... that photo of me is so fun! It's a, what I like to call, sassy thinking face. I look at that photo and think to myself, "What is that girl up to now?"

Also, the hidden journaling is kind of like peeking into my soul. The title is bold. The quote sticker is off to the side, as if to be lurking and serving as a reminder. And then, as you look deeper, there is some journaling giving a deeper glimpse into how this all comes together.

Do you have a dream? Are you wondering if you have the guts to just do it? Because you do. 

Not sure where to start? Check out our Inspiration Page here for some helpful quotes, word play, musical and visual inspiration.

Or just dive in! Join us and grab your Liberation kit HERE. Welcome to the family.

Our New Kit is LIVE - LIBERATION!

How about freeing yourself, inside and out?

The LIBERATION kit's cool 70's vibe and striking color and pattern will draw you in. 

Join us and explore all the ways you can be the most you, and the best you.

Click HERE to read more and see lots of closeup pics of what you'll get. And to buy yours - this one is certain to go fast!

and take a look at some of the sneak peeks of the DT's projects. Want more? Just come on by HERE.

Patterned Paper

Basic Grey Spice Market      Cumin   

Basic Grey Spice Market      Rosemary            

Basic Grey Spice Market      Marjoram            

Glitz 77  Caleidoscope      

Glitz 77   Feather 

Glitz 77    Fringe    

We R Memory Keepers Indian Summer   Summer dress     

We R Memory Keepers Indian Summer   Ikat        

We R Memory Keepers Indian Summer   Daydreamer        

We R Memory Keepers Indian Summer   Aztec     

Embellishments:

American Crafts Thickers               Macaw - Woodgrain Printed Chip               1

Basic Grey           Spice Market      Alpha Stickers    

Basic Grey           Spice Market      Die Cuts and Transparencies, 1/4 package

Glitz       77           12x12 Stickers - Titles and Accents  

Jillibean Stampables         Woodgrain Mini Bags, 1

We R Memory Keepers   Indian Summer   Journaling Cards, 1/4 package

Basic Grey           Spice Market      Metal Stamped Shapes, 2-3 pcs

Basic Grey           Spice Market      Colored Studs, 1/3 sheet

Studio Calico      Essentials            Woodgrain Sequins, 1/4 package

We R Memory Keepers   Indian Summer   Feather Wood Tag           

Glitz       77           Puffy Stickers, 1/3 sheet

Color:

Ranger  Tim Holtz Distress Paints Brushed Corduroy            

Cardstock:

American Crafts vanilla   

American Crafts white     

American Crafts powder            

American Crafts mediterranean   

Technique:

The Crafter's Workshop  Balzer Bits Template - Julie Balzer Snail Trail Bits              1