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!

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!

Behind the Art with Melissa

I have to say I'm quite thankful for this "Instagram" world we live in. I've documented so many moments that would have been quickly forgotten. And they are moments that I treasure now. 

One example is a trend that's been happening lately - the "drop everything and take a selfie" craze. 

Recently, I got my dream haircut. I was so excited when I got in my car I "dropped everything and took a selfie." I had to document how I looked right then. 

I truly believe that capturing those moments can be so fun to look back at later. I like to look at the photos together so I can see how I've changed, as well.

I loved using the emoji stickers on this page. Especially because I wanted to give an ode, in a way, to Instagram and the social media world. 

Now stop reading this and go take a selfie. Grab our kit and record about that moment. Right here. Right now.