This is my favorite re-purposed art project. Use your beautiful scraps to turn your journal page into a captivating display of color, words, and texture. Each time you (or the children in your home or classroom) make art, there are always little piles of scraps left over. Learn to love your mess! Paper used for color…
The Deep Breath Collage (for when everyone needs a break)
I call these my Deep Breath Collages because they require focus, but not too much, which allows my brain to gently sink into a peaceful artistic place without feeling any kind of pressure. They really are perfect for the moment when things feel off, and you need something to make things more calm, peaceful, and…
Creative Spark :: Lines
L I N E S Draw imperfect pencil lines on a journal page. Fill them with color, color, color! I used a mix of Sharpie markers, watercolor, and oil pastels. Use anything you can get your hands on. Draw little patterns, use metallic markers, layer colors, use black and brown and regular pencil. Stream of…
On My Page — Journal Doodle
Doodling over watercolor blobs is always a good plan if I am feeling stressed or worried about something. The think-as-you-go, free style technique is simply a nice way to give my brain a break. My brain was calling for a creative escape, so I painted some blobs in my journal. The following morning, I doodled…
Begin With The Hair Part Two (using newspaper and security envelopes)
I’m completely addicted to making these mixed media faces. And, yes — I start with the hair! Funny, because when I was a child, I loved to draw all kinds of hair — high swinging pony tails, really curly, kinky, spiky, long and wavy, and more and more. Some things stay with you. Today, I…
Begin With the Hair
One of my favorite ways to illustrate faces is to begin with a hair style paper piece. I like to use fine art paper, newspaper, catalogs, or scrap paper. Paper I painted myself or some old artwork made by my kids is one of my favorite sources for collage material. Once you cut a hairstyle…
Blobs With Personalities — Creative Workshop
For the past two years, I’ve been invited to run monthly workshops at The Worcester Family Partnership. WFP is a wonderful organization, which provides an educational, inviting, enriching, and nurturing place for families with small children to spend their mornings. They offer playgroup, healthy snacks, literacy events, and creative enrichment. I feel so lucky to…
Journal Prompt: Bento Art Box
This week, my daughter had a new friend over to the house for lunch and play. After washing hands and doing a few excited pirouettes across the kitchen floor, they sat down at the table. I bought bagels as a special treat, but our friend mentioned that her dad always packs her a special lunch. …
Journal Prompt: Character Development
Use your journal to develop characters who can find their way into your short stories, poems, and plays. List 5-10 ordinary, regular things your character would do on a free day. Write brief notes and draw small sketches to illustrate. Remember, this is practice in stepping into your character’s mind. This is not what you would…
Creative Toolbox: The Random Word Generator
My new favorite journal tool is the random word generator at randomlists.com. I click on the words button and the nouns button, and then 12 random words pop up on my screen. When I click refresh, 12 new words pop up. I love the challenge of choosing to work with ideas/words that did not…
Journal Prompt: Reverse Your Season
Journal Prompt: Observing Your Hand
Read your old stuff
This morning, I discovered one of my old sketchbooks. When I first grabbed it from the row of books, I flipped through the pages quickly, and my work rhythm was swaying me to wedge it back into its bookshelf home. I was trying to manage my time well. But, a list of words caught my…
Journal Prompt: Design a City
Wondering
One of the best ways to inspire creativity is to wonder about things. Encourage mind wandering and ask yourself simple questions. Long drives, showers, walks, dish washing, and office room waits are perfect opportunities for some scheduled pondering. When I stumble upon a random question, I love thinking that maybe other people have the same…
