Sara Free

Get Messy Art Journal || Season of Brave - Week 6

As the weeks go by, I learn more about the theme (brave) and how I want to explore it. This week I wanted more words to inspire me. I searched for things on Pinterest. I wanted music lyrics this week and found a new Modest Mouse song that I like so a few of those lyrics were included in a prompt. I am enjoying learning new art techniques and finding new words. Inspiring words and art = my happy place. 

Challenge 2 - Try one of Cassandra's techniques

Cassandra's techniques included stamping images on tissue paper, using gesso to apply those stamped images, and applying a layer on top of these things. I had modge podge and that worked for getting the images down. I also collaged using a 1950s Family Circle. I go gaga for vintage magazines. I used gouache paints for the lettering. I fell in love with the whole process and what resulted from all these pieces. There were many moments of uncertainty in the process as it unfolded but I pushed through with the various steps and was overjoyed with the end result. I want to make more with different colors and words!

 

Challenge 4 - Focus on Shapes

I went on a search for some new brave words and found this song by Modest Mouse. I incorporated a small bit of the lyrics into my art journal. I felt like sewing shapes together, so I busted out the sewing machine and was happy to find it was ready to use. I was also inspired by this Instagram feed where Katherine quilts pieces of fabric together and uses a bit of typewriting. Her work is so cool. 

Another Get Messy season has now come to an end. Next week season 3 will begin. I'm excited to see what comes out in next session. Brave was an awesome exploration! 

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Get Messy Art Journal || Season of Brave - Week 5

Week 5 included some fun technique prompts to try out. I am a fan of trying new techniques. I was lazy on the prop shots this week, so those did not happen. I stuck with my goal of attempting at least two prompts. 

Challenge 2 - Paint a household object

I decided to paint a soccer cone because it had holes and I thought that would produce some nice texturing. I liked what the cone made and got my hands really messy in the process. I understand why the kids find joy in painting their whole bodies. 

Challenge 4 - Try an image transfer

I'm never quite sure if I have the right supplies, but I try to make what I can with what I have. I think I have a laser printer, but I didn't verify that. I did my image transfer with acrylic paint. The first one I attempted, I didn't get the pressure right for taking the paper off which resulted in a lot of holes in the transfer. I would say my second transfer was only slightly better. I used a different image and worked with the results. I'm very satisfied with the way it turned out. Clustering things isn't something I feel confident about, but I wanted to go for that effect. I'd love to "play in the brave" as often as I can!

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Get Messy Art Journal || Season of Brave - Week 4

This week I felt overwhelmed with indecision. I'd look at a page and not know where to start. It's like my art journal muscle memory took a hike. I pushed through this by just starting with one thing, the see through paper in one instance, spraying some mists in another. When feeling stuck, I find I just need to start going, with something.

The inability to make choices probably explains why I used minimal supplies. I didn't want to flood my already confused creative process. So while this week appears simple, it was actually born from a very chaotic, unclear mindset. 

Challenge 2 - What would you do if you woke up fearless?

This prompt seemed the easiest - I could make a list of what I'd like to do with a fearless day. I went for a dreamy look and included my mug (that I had intended to use in the previous Get Messy season).

Prop shot:

Challenge 3 - Do a technique that you are afraid of.

As of now, I'm not afraid of techniques, mostly because I don't know many. I'm excited to try out any new technique. What I am afraid of is specific materials. I never know how to use sequins or confetti, it's so little and hard to handle. I wanted to try to use confetti and make letters like this, and while it did work, I did not like how it looked on the page I was making. 

I also wanted to learn more about making different types of backgrounds after I discovered this pin. I have a few stencils. This too did not go in the direction I initially started with, I managed to spray way too much paint. It did turn into something I really liked looking at once I let go of what I thought I wanted. 

And because I wanted to try so many things and couldn't decide on one, I experimented with printing on to washi tape. I liked all of the techniques I tried. I'm still not a sequins/confetti fan, it's so stinking little and hard to control (and I'm impatient).

Prop shot:

Pushing through the struggle is a good practice. Sure I could step back and catch up on my Outlander shows, but then I wouldn't have these pretty blues to relax me. 

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April//Currently

Examining a season of Brave.

Dressing up as superheroes, well, the girls, not me so much. 

Going to the library often to get new books.

Attending field trips - science museum and fire station.

Taking on new responsibilities for the next school (yes, already).

Partying out at two bars, two separate night outs with Kyle's work friends - which means we turn into grumpy pumpkins at midnight.

Having fun at a girls night out and trying a new restaurant. 

Booking every weekend with birthday parties and scouts and religious school.

Watching a friend's wedding and being able to share in the joy.

Finishing up the soccer season with sunnier days, there was so much rain this season.

Trying a different approach to exercise - more HIIT workouts and keeping up with Fitbit walking goals.

Eating lunch with the boys at their school, hoping to make this a consistent practice next year.

Feeling that life is running by too fast-slow down please?

Embracing the slow moments when possible.

Painting, reflecting, and writing.

Fearlessly Welcome Guests

Fearlessly welcoming guests was not such a great idea for April. I didn't schedule one playdate. 

Before I start examining how my fears took over and didn't allow me to have people over, I want to look at the bigger picture in April. We were running around often and weekends were extended weekdays with the amount of crap we had scheduled. Yes, our own fault, but there were things we had committed to and wanted to show up for those things. 

When looking at it from that perspective, I really chose an awful month to try to have people over. Summertime would have been better with our schedule on the more lax side. The home space was sacred this month. It needed to be a place to unwind from the socializing. 

I will continue to explore fearlessly having guests over. Having people over is great motivation to clean up, cook food for people, and enjoy the company of friends. 

Next up: Fearlessly plan - I'm excited about this one. I want to fearlessly plan for the summertime -  the activities, the art we will do, the books we read, and oh the places we will go. I want to go into summer with some ideas and a mild amount of structure. Camp mommy needs to get organized, and fear of the messy days ahead cannot get in my way. 

Get Messy Art Journal || Season of Brave - Week 3

Week 3, one prompt. A nice little break from the intensity of last week's zine. I kept it simple this week and gave myself permission to just make one art journal page. 

Challenge - what scares me and use a technique out of my comfort zone. 

Using magazines is out of my comfort zone. I tend to not use them because I'm not sure how to naturally incorporate them into my art journal. I admire those journalers that can make the magazine seem like a whole new product. 

I checked out a book from the library that talked about different lettering technique. One was using magazines to make letters. This was an manageable way for me to ease into using magazines in my art journal. 

I also used gouache and dish soap to blow bubbles on to the page. This was a new technique for me to try. I didn't really know what I was doing, other than I knew I should probably make the paint the consistency of bubble solution. 

I present my many fears ranging from bugs to death:

Prop shot:

My girls certainly wanted to get on the fun:

I'm excited to see what the rest of the community created. I'm still having a blast learning, creating, and trying new things. What a wonderful way to play with art supplies!

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Get Messy Art Journal || Season of Brave - Week 2

I was a little shocked at the prompt for week 2 with the Get Messy Art Journal group. The fear crept in a peep as I considered making a zine. It was change in the rhythm I've begun to develop with my art journal. Ultimately, it was a great challenge to get my brain thinking in a different way, and I was super happy with my final product. 

I knew I wanted to make something with craft paper. I initially thought I would be doing more painting to create the lines. Then I found the washi tape was so satisfying to cut and shape that I went with that. I hope to make some more washi tape art soon. This prompt opened the door to a new method!

Challenge: Make a Zine about Brave People

More and more, I understand that I am all about words. I love them. My zine focused around brave words that have been released into the world. 

The zine:

Prop shot:

What a challenge! Thanks for helping me to stretch and grow Get Messy! 

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Get Messy Art Journal || Season of Brave - Week 1

We are three weeks into the season of brave with the Get Messy Art Journal group. This has been a fun topic. It has tied into my one little word - fearless. I have found it an inspiring topic to dig into and it continues to push through my fears or at least to think about them. 

Challenge 1 - what is brave? 

It is so many things. That day, it was doing hard things and not forgetting the magic in oneself to accomplish tasks daily. 

Prop shot:

Challenge 3 - A list of my brave attributes

Prop shot:

Challenge 4 - Painting with q-tips

Prop shot:

Such yummy prompts to delve into! I continue to love art journaling and the Get Messy Group!

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Paint, Reflect, Write || 14-20/366

Fourteen

Fifteen - Sixteen

Seventeen - Eighteen

Nineteen - Twenty

Somedays the inspiration is there, other days - I'm really reaching and trying to connect with something in my life. That lightbulb one was popular. While I enjoy the Instagram likes, I'm trying not to get attached or let it derail me when my pictures aren't clicked. It's not about that, it's about my practice and figuring out what I enjoy making. 

Here's to everyone who likes a good art adventure. 

Paint, Reflect, Write || 7-13/366

My internet died last week. Now it's fixed! Hooray! Thankfully, painting, reflecting, and writing does not require the internet. 

Last week's creations:

Seven & Eight

Nine & Ten

 

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Hoping the flow will come back. April has been a wild month filled with celebrations, rain, and go-go-going. These few minutes with paint are not always easy, but I like the challenge and when I keep the drawings simple I find I want to make them more often. I'm contemplating writing a wee little story through this medium. Now that I've said it, I should make that happen.

I started  #the100dayproject last week as well, which is keeping me motivated. It's interesting to see what other people have chosen for their 100 day project. Check it out!