Art Junk Girl~

don't try this at home (or at least not in your living room)...

I worked on my AJ this weekend and boy, was it fun and relaxing (and messy), but that's ok! I need to get crackin' on my studio move because Bruno gave me "the look" when I was sprayinging colorwash on my journal whilst standing next to the fireplace. I felt like a little kid, gettin' in trouble when I sprayed this stuff....I sprayed, looked around, sprayed again...he he...too much fun. I think I may have an evil art twin like Nance and she is comin' out and wantin' to wreak art havoc all over the house. Pastels and Paints and Gesso are flying around everywhere...No.One.IS.Safe anymore......Mom's done gone mad! mooohhhaaahaaaa....(LOL).
p.s. How do I get oil pastels off my finger tips?..ummmm...yeah....:)

Fly away.

Art Journal entry inspired by links on yesterdays post. I tried lot of new things. I used the magazine gesso technique I learned from Bernie Berlin's ATC book. Image is from this month's Vogue. I haven't gotten out this many art supplies since art and soul...it was really fun to experiment. I think that's one of the things I love about an art journal...you can really beat up a page and lay stuff down and if you don't like it, just flip the page and move on or paint over it! I think I'll keep this one....besides...I don't think I can paint over oil pastels.....

Dear Friends....

To my loyal blog readers, we are a small, but happy family.... It has come to my attention that some of you have STILL not started your art journal! You need to just get started. You've been wanting to, but you keep putting it off.
I think today is a great day to do it! My sweet blog sista Jude sent me the link to this week's Inspire Me Thursday challenge as it has a "square theme", but it led me to many other wonderful things (one of which are these really fun and helpful art journal tutorials) by Suzi Blu.

You must go and see! It makes me want to record one myself. Hmmm....if I do get a wild hair, I just may do it! If I were to present a YouTube video on my blog, what would you most like to see me do (artistically speaking.....I'm not into anything weird ok? lol), and I can't stand on my head, and I can't do any magic tricks, but I can make one-inch collages and I like to Art journal...so let me know which process you'd like me to share.
In the meantime, go watch this inspirational video and get started on your AJ!!!! If you do one after reading this post or seeing this tutorial in the next week, leave a link to the page in the comments. For more art journalling inspiration, click on my art journal category below).

Can't wait to see your colors and words. Look all around at the beautiful fall colors. Relax and have fun. xo Lia

p.s. I just watched the second tutorial after writing this. It's so perfect!! I am going to get out my oil pastels today! I can't wait to get started!!! *skip*twirl*skip* (to be continued!)..

Bloggin' 2 years now...

Dear Friends,

Today is my 2 year anniversary since I started blogging! I went down "memory" lane this morning, lookin' at everything that has kept me away from my housework, etc. (lol) and you know what? It's all been worth it. I've enjoyed every minute of my diversions and distractions! I've met sooo many wonderful, supportive, creative people. I've been exposed to art projects I never would have known about. I've learned so much from all of you and I continue to be greatly inspired!
Thank you for visiting my blog. A few of you have been around all of the 2 years, cheering me along, humoring me and my creative obsessions. You've helped me through some tough spots, given me your wisdom and kept me on my toes. I am so greatful. I am still amazed that I have the opportunity to share what I'm doing and where I am creatively. Overall, the greatest benefit of blogging, for me, has been the sense of community I feel. I know this has been instrumental in helping me stay happy and sane these last few years!
Thank you again and again. Blog on, xo Lia

random..canvas piece, "bubbles"

random..canvas piece, "bubbles", originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I guess this coincides with the artjunk "bubbles around the head" episode...lol...this is totally random for me, but it's fun and NO, I don't like circles now, they are just leftover from my last circle-punching episode...really. I still love squares more! :) LK

paper doll crazy...my Leni!

paper doll crazy...my Leni!, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Dear Friends~
Thank you so much for your comments yesterday and this whole crazy month. I read every single one and appreciate each of you taking the time to drop me a note. It helps to know that others go through these same emotions and that they are all part of the life cycle.
I am trying to adjust, and have some periods of getting my groove back. I washed away my gray this weekend. I'm suprised how much that gave me a lift! LOL. I've also been dabbling in my fun and wacky artsy endeavors (currently paper dolls!) and that also makes me happy, and then, of course, there are the squares! I have more to show you all soon. I'm getting close to the end of the goal with that.
I'm also trying to get myself on more of a predictable schedule, trying to find my new 'normal' , if there is such a thing.
Hugs to you all, and please, try the paper dolls..they are so easy and fun. xo Lia

paper doll fun

paper doll fun, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

This was too much fun. Template can be found on marthastewart.com from this week's episode featuring Claudine Hellmuth. I feel so silly playing with paper dolls at my age, but I just can't resist! If cutting paper is involved, I'm in! Have a great weekend all! xo Lia

Update! Ohmygosh! If you missed the show, the "sitting pretties" video can be found online here! If the link doesn't work, just go to MarthaStewart.com and look it up under Tv episodes (click on sitting pretties). He he...this is really fun!
P.s. I did not make mine with the roof flashing and fabric, as per tutorial. I made my sitting pretty with cardstock and she sits just fine on my crafty tote. :)

Martha has an answer for everything...

Martha "collector box", originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

even containing inchies....

:) Lia

more journal junk..

visual journal, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

added detail to inchies from yesterday

added detail to inchies from yesterday, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

today's inchies 9/11

today's inchies, originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

Images are from a variety of sources. some from travel brochures to my son's military college.

I will be posting artwork on my blog this week but not as much "chatter". If you have a question or something, drop me an email.

Have a great week everyone!

Hugs, Lia

I still love squares!

I still love squares!
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

A few new squares I've been workin' on between trips to kids, etc...tomorrow I'll resume my regular art junk routine as well as resume my studio re-do efforts. I'll post more soon!! :) Lia

Friday to Do List

Changes~

Dear Friends~
I've come to the conclusion (as of late) that I don't deal with that change thing too well...you know, the break from the usual routine. All of the sudden, I feel like the earth has moved from under me and there is a change of scenery all around. I found out this week that the world is not going to slow down and wait for me to catch up. Yeah, I know, I'm a little slow and no one told me. It does not listen when I say, "I need a minute to catch up...figure things out, take my time..". Yeah, I kinda thought I had control of my own little corner of the world...safely tucked in suburbia, raisin' kids, doing the mundane, not bothering anyone and minding my own business....well, minutes turn into hours, and hours into days...and, well, you know the rest. The kids do this thing called, "getting older". I told them to stop growing so fast, but did they listen? Nooooo.. And guess what?

On top of all that...letting my babies go out into the world alone and all...I return to a person I don't recognize in the mirror. This person has started to grow white hair at her temples. I dont know who the heck she is...is she my mother? no, she is ME. Yikes. So, I guess it's time for me to do that "adjust" kind of thing that I resist so much. Such a nasty, nasty thing.

So, I finally wrestled with my resistant mind and did a few journal pages yesterday. It's time for me to re-focus and get my groove back. Time for a change in my usual art routine to coincide with the change in my life routine....and certainly time to do something about those "white hairs"....I have some hair dye somewhere around here and I know how to use it.
Peace out, talk soon, the soon to be "new improved" version of the old Art junk Girl.
xo Lia

Inchin' along...

new inchies
Originally uploaded by artjunkgrl.

I sat down for the first time in what seemed like the longest while to work on my squares. My brain is really mush right now and I'm trying to get my "groove" back. It was a good thing that I had lots of stuff cut up and ready to go in my "square-ganizer" because that made it easier for me. I tried to do an art journal entry last night and all that came to mind was one of my fave Sat. night live quotes (yes, I saw the original, not repeat version) of "Coffee Talk"...."I think I'm verklempt....discuss amongst yourselves..."
So, that's where I'm at right now. Some call it blocked..I call it just plain discombobulated. I hope to be able to continue regularly scheduled artjunk programming soon...
Have a great week everyone. xo Lia