Orange Spiral Arts

March 2020 MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary-Stitching in Your Journal with Molly Anthony

Greetings Everyone!

The March 16, 2020 MN Visual Journal Collective meeting was not in person this month, due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, Molly Anthony of The Found Art Walk and Briana of Orange Spiral Arts, showed up to Wet Paint to record a Facebook Live. This was a first for us. We got some help from Chris at Wet Paint, too. Thank you, Chris! 

The video is saved in the MN Visual Journal Collective Facebook group for members to watch, in case you missed the Live session, or if you want to watch it again for ideas and inspiration.

Molly did such a fantastic job preparing for the meeting. She is an amazing writer and human, who is going through a family crisis at the moment, and still showed up to present and share her incredible journals. Art is a balm for the soul. Molly knows this first hand, as I am sure many of you do, as well.

If you are not a member of the MN Visual Journal Collective, or if you'd like to read about our meeting, this blog post is for you. It's a summary of what Molly shared on the topic of stitching in your journal.

I tried my best to take notes, while also moderating comments on the Facebook Live video stream.

First let me share some photos of Molly's art and some book resources with you.

Artwork and journals by Molly Anthony (above)

Stitching resource book suggestions by Molly Anthony

Next, I would like to share some of the main points from Molly's talk about stitching.

What to Use

• discarded fabric, old clothes, quilts or quilt pieces, vintage fabric, lace, flower sacks, dryer sheets, dried tea bags

(Find these at thrift stores, Art Scraps in St. Paul, MN, your own attic or family members' stash, or ask friends to collect fabrics for you)

• embroidery floss, thread, cotton spools

• various needles
• seam ripper
• fabric strips and small scraps, ribbon, lace, etc.
• TRY EVERYTHING-You never know what you'll like! (Wise advice from Molly)

Next, here are some more photos of Molly's incredible journals, plus a few ideas to try.

IDEA to try: Bind a book of fabric pieces (like cotton and muslin) into an old hardcover book. Use this book as your place to practice your stitches.

Idea to try: Make paper and fabric collages on tags. Stitch and/or glue random bits to the tags, too.

Idea to try: Make your own little fabric books for fabric collage and stitching.

Molly's Mindset About Stitching 

"Go at it and see what happens."

Let it be random and just play.

Do what works best for you.

Use stitching as a way to add mark making.

Add details to your page with stitches.

You don't have to fill the page with a stitch.

Draw with images; stitch an image onto your page.

Stitching is a slooooooooow process; it calms the mind in a way that collage didn't for Molly. It gives her a sense of peace.

Stitching is also different from collage because you can see where you started and where you've been by looking at the back of your stitched piece.

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There are many ways to learn how to do various stitches. 

YouTube is a great resource. Here's how to stitch a French knot that Molly mentions.

Another great online resource is CreativeBug.

How to Put a Collage Together by Molly Anthony

Choose Your Materials

Choose some fabric that feels good to you, ie feels soft.

Choose a piece of paper collage that has meaning or that you like.

Choose a piece of ribbon or a smaller piece of fabric.

Choose a word, such as "hope" that you'll stamp onto your piece.

Glue Sticks and Stitches-Finishing a Piece

You can pin things into place, or simply move them around until you are ready to add glue and stitches.

1. Decide on the thread you'll use. The thread can be a contrasting color or a matching color.
2. Layer the fabric and paper pieces you've chosen.
3. Do some "seed stitches".
4. Apply glue stick to the back of the paper you will add on top of the fabric layer.
5. TIP: Use a thimble when doing your stitches. Needles are sharp!
6. Add some stitches, perhaps some French knots (see video above) to the fabric and paper collage.
7. Stamp a word with StazOn ink directly onto a piece of fabric and adhere or stitch to your collage.

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Here are some stills from the Facebook Live of Molly sharing her work:

We will end this post just as Molly ended the Facebook Live by sharing a little hope with us and the rest of the world.

We are sending lots of love out to you all. May you stay safe and well during this difficult time in our world.

May you find solace in stitching or some other form of creative expression. Art, music, dance, theater, storytelling, writing, photography-we need all of it right now!

Thank you to all of the people who work in the medical field, with the elderly, with children, or anyone who does work that brightens our living experience.

Sending Peace and Blessings,

Briana and Molly

PS As teaching artists, our work has been canceled or postponed right now. If you can help support Molly and Briana by purchasing some of our online offerings, we'd greatly appreciate it! Thank you in advance if you are able to help. Also, be sure to buy your books and supplies and/or gift cards from local small businesses like Wet Paint when you can! It matters for their survival! Thank you!

You and your creativity matter.-Briana of Orange Spiral Arts

 

 

Self-Care and Visual Journaling-February 2020 MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary

Hello Folks!

Thank you for being here.

In case you don't know me, my name is Briana, and I co-facilitate the monthly meetings for the MN Visual Journal Collective held at Wet Paint. My co-facilitator for 2020 is the amazing Molly of The Found Art Walk.

Together we plan, coordinate, and facilitate the monthly MN Visual Journal Collective meetings.

The meeting topic for February 2020 was Self-Care and Journaling. You can see the rest of the 2020 topics listed here.

If you are an adult interested in keeping a visual journal, you are welcome to attend a meeting when it meets your interest and your schedule. We ask that you pre-register via the Events link on the Wet Paint site. Here's the registration link for the Monday, March 16th, 2020 meeting.

February 17, 2020 Meeting Summary

Meeting Topic: Self-Care and Journaling

Facilitated by Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

We started out the meeting by introducing ourselves and how long we've been participating in the collective and/or keeping a journal.

We love it when new people attend the meetings. Welcome new folks! 

Briana prepared a handout about self-care and journaling that was given to participants. If you are in the MN Visual Journal Collective Facebook group you can also find the handout in the Files section.

Briana went over the idea that most of us were not raised to know what self-care is or how to bring more of it into our lives.

Self-care is ultimately doing the things you need to do (and understanding what you need to do) to maintain your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and participating in activities that enhance your well-being.

Self-care is also . . .

self-compassion

self-acceptance/self-love

AND

self-connection

A visual journal is a wonderful tool and resource for connecting with the deeper parts of yourself, and your somewhat mysterious inner world.

Journal page by Lisa Marie (LMNOP)

After Briana went over the handout, she also shared some peeks into a variety of her visual journals kept over the past 18 years.

Photo credit: Jenny Maroney

Next, the group participants were invited to share how they use their journals for self-care.

We were so delighted to see so many brave souls step up to the camera and share their journals with us! Thank you, thank you!

Above is Jenny Maroney and her journal

Above is Lisa Marie and her journal

Above is Sue Rowe sharing her journals

After this initial sharing, the group had a chance to create a journal page around the subject of self-care.

We had a second round of sharing after our work time in our journals. Again, thank you to everyone who shared, created with us, and listened so well as others spoke from the heart.

Jodi shares her page (below)

Catherine (below) bravely shared her current struggles with health changes and challenges. (Thank you, Catherine! We hear you!)

Beth shared her page spread from the night with us, too. (Viva la Frida!!)

Ann shared how she is feeling called to get out in nature.

Here's Heather sharing what she did in her journal, leaving boxes to later fill in with some journaling. People in the group really liked this idea.

Jodi shared her lovely page (below) that included some notes from the evening. She even cut part of the handout and collaged it onto her page! Great idea, Jodi!

Kari shares her journal page. A couple of people shared how they find solace by being out in nature.

Louise shared her journal page (below), featuring a photo of her and her husband from awhile ago, as well as her grandchild, who is now 12.

Angie back for a second meeting, sharing about how she was inspired by the flaps in other people's journals. Also, I loved how she wrote "This is for me."

Altered calendar planner by Margit (above)

Journal page by Sue (above)

Isn't it just so wonderful to see these peeks inside of people's personal journals? I feel so, so lucky that I get to do this once per month at the MN Visual Journal Collective meetings.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the meeting in person or in spirit! 

Visual Journaling for Self-Care Tips

Why use a journal for self-care?

• A journal is a safe place to express and process your feelings
• A journal is a space to work in without judgment
• A journal is a tool that can help you relax and feel a greater sense of calm in your mind, body, spirit, and soul
• A journal is a place to take a break from the challenges in your life, and have a little fun!

How to use a journal for self-care

• Do stream of consciousness writing exercises; writing longhand connects your heart and brain like no other activity, and has a healing effect.
• Make a list of things you can do when you're feeling overwhelmed.
• Document what brings you joy.
• Make a gratitude list.
• Make a simple collage of words and images from magazines you love.
• Write words of affirmation and encouragement to yourself.
• Doodle and make repeat patterns to get yourself into a meditative state.
• Scribble to release difficult emotions you are holding inside.

That's the summary, y'all! I hope you found something inspiring or helpful from this post.

Take a class with me! (Click here)

Briana has several upcoming classes happening around the Twin Cities, as well as online.

Your participation is how I make my living. I would be so, so honored and grateful to receive your support.

I also offer small group sessions for you and a few friends. You provide the space and snacks, I will bring all of the supplies and inspiration. Send me an email to set something up!

With Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

21 Secrets Super Sale Starts Today

Greetings Everyone,

I have been both a participant and a guest teacher in the 21 Secrets online classes. I absolutely love them! They have taught me so much about how to use mixed media art supplies, how to break open to new ways of working, and much, much more. It is really inspiring to watch other artists work in their journals or with their chosen supplies. I am so grateful that these 21 Secrets workshops exist. 

If you are interested in learning more about mixed media art and art journaling, I highly recommend you check out 21 Secrets! There is a super sale happening right now on the following editions:

 21 SECRETS Just Add Water
 21 SECRETS The Great Outdoors

 21 SECRETS Summer Studio 2018 Bundle

21 SECRETS Paper, Glue, Scissors

 21 SECRETS Playful Experiments
 21 SECRETS Capturing Moments
 21 SECRETS Summer Studio 2019 Bundle

21 SECRETS Face Time

NOTE: You need to ENTER THE FOLLOWING CODE AT CHECKOUT to receive the 40 percent off discount: SUPERSALE

I am sharing my affiliate link here, which helps me get paid as a 21 Secrets guest teacher. I am so, so grateful for your support.

I hope you have tons of fun with your mixed media supplies!

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes Your Way!

-Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

January 2020 MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary

Greetings, Folks! 

Thank you for being here.

We had an excellent start to our 2020 monthly MN Visual Journal Collective meetings with a presentation on developing a creative habit. Molly Anthony of TheFoundArtWalk.com is the new co-facilitator with me this year. She has participated in many art challenges, both hosted by other people, and ones that she has come up with on her own. Molly generously shared her journals with us, as well as a whole slew of tips on how to get going and maintain a creative habit. 

Molly's main mediums of expression are writing and collage. She posted consistently on Instagram about her life and journaling process for a entire year or more. She currently is giving herself permission to slow down on her IG posts, however there is still much to see in her Instagram feed @mkranthony. I highly recommend you go and take a look!

Are you wondering how on earth this busy mom of two could be so productive? Here are some of the main tips Molly shared with us:

First, acknowledge what obstacles are preventing you from creating. Some common obstacles are: time, low energy, perfectionism, not feeling good enough, space/mess, too many supplies, too many ideas, etc.

Next, decide to try something until you find what fits for you. Molly says, "Anything can work for creativity. (You) just need to do something. Start finding possibility."

If you are looking to try a monthly art challenge, CreativeBug is a great resource. Doing a challenge with a community of other people is one way to stay accountable and keep it up.

Going for a walk can be a great way to kick start your creative ideas. Molly used her daily walk with her dog as a way to find inspiration. 

Molly suggests finding or creating a space to be your work area. This can be a corner of your dining room table or an entire art studio. 

Have your favorite supplies within arms reach in this work space.

When you are starting to build a creative habit, use supplies that are familiar to you. Later on, you can bring in new supplies.

******Set realistic expectations for yourself.******

-Perhaps begin on a small surface, as that often takes less time.

-Or let go of the idea that you have to "finish" something. Just do something.

-If you miss a day, don't worry about it. Forgive yourself and move on. Any day can be your Day 1. Who says that a 30 day project has to be in consecutive order?

-Set a timer for 10 minutes. You will be surprised how much you'll get done over a month's time, if you create for only 10 minutes per day.

Molly also talked about themes and prompts.

-Find something from your day

-Do a Google search for art journal prompts

-Set your own theme, i.e. draw the food you eat.

-Choose a supply to focus on for the month

-Collect colors

-Use the lyrics to songs or quotes

-Use things from nature

As far as accountability, here are a few suggestions from Molly:

-Do a challenge in a community of other people, i.e. on CreativeBug or Instagram

-Set reminders on your phone

-Use Post-Its or Index Cards

-Use a habit tracker

When you keep showing up, you are training your brain.

Some final thoughts from Molly on developing a creative habit are:

Be gentle with yourself.

Let the project evolve with you.

Know why you are doing this work.

It does not matter what other people think; do it for you.

Make it sustainable so you can keep going.

Group Sharing

After Molly's presentation, some group participants shared what they've been creating. (I apologize that I did not get a good photo of everyone's share. I tried!)

Sue has been walking around her house and creating mandalas. She said she clips her paper to a piece of foam board for stability. This one pictured below was inspired by Lynda Barry's drawing exercise.

Heather created these collages during our meeting when Molly set the timer for 10 minutes and had us create with a paper kit she put together.

Lynn also shared her 10-minute collage on index card. She also shared that her word of the year is "Now."

Kari shared her 10-minute collage card with us, too.

Carol talked about adding color to handmade papers she buys at Wet Paint. She also showed us her newly done journal cover.

Margit shared the doors she cut into her journal pages. 

Angie is just getting back into doing watercolor in her journal after taking about a 10 year hiatus.

LisaMarie LMNOP shared her progress on her tiny accordion book. After her mother passed away, she found it really difficult to keep going. Something did shift recently, and now she is giving herself less restrictions, and more permission to create what she wants and when she wants. She also shared that she has found herself using a gold pen, which feels to her much like the Japanese practice of Kintsugi.

Ann shared how she likes to save the little envelopes that hold the "extra button" when you buy clothing. She included one on her 10-minute collage.

Molly shared her 10-minute collage with the word "Peace" on it.

Nell shared her 10-minute collaged index card. 

Jenny shared her smaller journal she is using for an online program called The Painted Diaries. Molly Anthony happens to be a guest teacher in this program, too!

Here is the 10-minute collage card that I created last night at our meeting. This is to be used as a loving reminder and motivator for my creative practice.

A big thank you to Molly for sharing so much with us about what has worked for her and how to develop a creative habit.

We strongly believe in the power of creativity. Thank you for being here and part of the MN Visual Journal Collective.

Another big thank you goes out to Wet Paint in St. Paul, MN for hosting our monthly meetings.

If you are an adult who is interested in keeping a visual journal, you are welcome to attend a meeting. You can come anytime that works for you. We meet on the third Monday of every month, 12 months per year, from 6pm-8pm at Wet Paint in St. Paul, MN. Simply RSVP via the Wet Paint website if you plan to attend a certain meeting. Space is limited, so please only register if you are going to physically be at the meeting. Thank you so much! May you continue to create, play, and express yourself in ways that delight your soul!

 

Upcoming Classes and Workshops with Briana 

I am so excited to share that I have many in-person classes coming up in 2020.

I have updated the LEARN tab on my site so you can view my teaching calendar.

What: Gelli-Stencil-Stamp-Love

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020, 10am-1pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $60

What: Abstract Alcohol Inks

When: Saturday, February 1st, 2020, 10am-12pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $56 (includes inks and paper)

What: Mixed Media Heart Art

When: Sunday, February 2nd, 2020, 2pm-5pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $53

What: More Visual Journaling Inspirations

When: Three Tuesdays-Feb.11, Feb. 18, and Feb. 25, 2020, 10:30am-1:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $126

What: Visual Journaling Retreat

When: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16, 2020, 10:30am-1:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $84

What: More Creative Inspirations: Abstract Alcohol Inks Continued

When: Monday, March 2nd, 2020, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $32

What: Mixed Papers Junk Journal

When: Sunday, March 15th, 2020, 10am-4pm

Where: Minnesota Center for the Book Arts (MCBA)

Fee: $108 + $25 supply fee

What: Magic Lives In You Art Workshop

When: Saturday, March 21st, 2020, 10am-12pm

Where: Olivet Congregational Church, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $35 per person

(This is where my art show and sale is currently on display until April 5th, 2020. I will be there on Sunday, April 5th, 11:15am-12:30pm. Come buy some art and pick up your purchased art! Thank you! I am ever grateful for your support.)

Thank you, you blessed being, for making it to the end of this post. May you create some art, take a class, or simply find inspiration for viewing this post.

With Gratitude and Love,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

January, February, and March 2020 Upcoming Classes and Workshops with Briana of Orange Spiral Arts

Greetings Everyone,

I am so excited to announce all of the upcoming classes and workshops I have coming up in person.

If you are local to the Twin Cities, and you could use a little creative relief and/or inspiration, I've got you covered!

January Classes at Wet Paint

Gelli-Stencil-Stamp-Love: Gelli Plate Printing Fun with Briana

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020, 10am-1pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $60

Register here

February Classes at Wet Paint

Abstract Alcohol Inks

When: Saturday, February 1, 2020, 10am-12pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $56 (includes ink and paper kit)

Register here

Mixed Media Heart Art

When: Sunday, February 2, 2020, 2pm-5pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $53 (all supplies included)

Register here

More Visual Journaling Inspirations

When: Three Tuesdays-Feb. 11, 18, and 25, 2020, 10:30am-1:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $126

Register here

Visual Journaling Retreat 

When: Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16, 2020, 10:30am-1:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $84

Register here

March Classes

Abstract Alcohol Inks Continued

When: Monday, March 2, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Wet Paint

Fee: $32

Mixed Papers Junk Journal

When: Sunday, March 15, 2020, 10am-4pm

Where: Minnesota Center for the Book Arts (MCBA)

Fee: $108 + $25 supply fee

Register here

Magic Lives in You -Art Workshop at Olivet Congregational Church, St. Paul, MN

When: Saturday, March 21, 2020, 10am-12pm

Where: Olivet Congregational Church, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $35 per person

Register here by Wednesday, March 18, 2020

 

The workshops I offer give you space and freedom to play with art supplies and express yourself. You do not need to know how to draw a straight line, and coloring outside of the lines is encouraged. 

After attending one of my workshops, students often feel a greater sense of joy, freedom, and hopefully a sense of inner peace.

May it be so.

Blessings and Gratitude, 

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

MN Visual Journal Collective December 2019 Meeting and Announcing Upcoming Classes and Events

Hello Folks! 

Thank you for visiting Orange Spiral Arts.

This post features a few photos from the December 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective meeting held at Wet Paint.

This was our last meeting of 2019, and we decided to keep it as a low-key time to work in our journals.

One of the participants of the group shared her love of this Platinum Carbon Pen that Wet Paint has for sale. We all went a little gah gah over it!

Photo Credit: Wet Paint

The participant likes the Extra Fine nib. Several other participants purchased the pen last night and decided to go for the Medium nib to be able to go over their acrylic paint in their journals. The Medium nib did the trick for the mixed media artists!

If you are into fountain pens and ink, it is also recommended that you purchase a converter, so that over time, you are getting more for your money, rather than purchasing cartridge refills.

Photo Credit: Wet Paint

Of course, the choice is yours.

If you go with the converter, the ink of choice last night was the Platinum Ink Carbon Black, as it writes over everything. Here's a review of the Platinum Carbon Black ink on the jetpens.com site.

Photo Credit: Wet Paint

Below is one of our participants (Sue Rowe) trying out the Platinum Carbon Pen in her journal. If you are local to the Twin Cities and you go to any of the local art fairs, Sue is lovingly known as "the bear artist."

Below are a few additional photos of people working away in their journals!

If the stress of the holiday season is getting to you, we highly recommend opening up a blank book and expressing yourself in any way that feels good!

Before I sign off of this blog post . . .

At the end of each meeting, we often invite people to share their journals with the group. We had a new participant last night, and we were all quite excited to see his work!

Announcement about changes to the MN Visual Journal Collective in 2020

TJ Goerlitz, of Studio Mailbox, who has been co-facilitating the group since 2017 will be focusing on her writing in 2020. Thank you to TJ for all of her time and dedication to the MN Visual Journal Collective. Her amazing visual journal work and especially her good humor will be missed!

Molly Anthony of The Found Art Walk will be stepping in as co-facilitator to the MN Visual Journal Collective in 2020. Welcome, Molly!

Photo credit: Molly Anthony

Briana (of OrangeSpiralArts.com) and Molly (of The Found Art Walk) have a fun year ahead planned for the MN Visual Journal Collective.

You can find our tentative 2020 MN Visual Journal Collective calendar here.

Thank you to everyone who helps makes this group possible, especially Wet Paint who houses our monthly meetings!

Upcoming Classes and Events

December 2019

Alcohol Inks Family Class

Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Grandparents with Grandchild, Mom or Dad and Tween, Mother and Adult Daughter/Son, Sisters, etc., this class is for you!

Suitable for ages 11 and up

No prior art experience necessary

Caution: Rubbing Alcohol is used in this class

When: Sunday, December 29, 2019, 3pm-5pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $35 per person

Register here

January 2020

Briana's Art Show and Sale

You're Invited

Olivet Congregational Church

1850 Iglehart Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55104

Art Opening is on Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 11:15am-12:30pm

Show runs through Sunday, April 5, 2020

Pick up purchased art on Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 11:15am-12:30pm

Or make special arrangements with Briana

Thank you for your interest and support!

January Classes at Wet Paint

Gelli-Stencil-Stamp-Love: Gelli Plate Printing Fun with Briana

When: Sunday, January 26, 2020, 10am-1pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $60

Register here

February Classes at Wet Paint

Abstract Alcohol Inks

When: Saturday, February 1, 2020, 10am-12pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $56 (includes ink and paper kit)

Register here

Mixed Media Heart Art

When: Sunday, February 2, 2020, 2pm-5pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $53 (all supplies included)

Register here

More Visual Journaling Inspirations

When: Three Tuesdays-Feb. 11, 18, and 25, 2020, 10:30am-1:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $126

Register here

Visual Journaling Retreat 

When: Saturday and Sunday, February 15 and 16, 2020, 10:30am-1:30pm

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $84

Register here

March Classes

Abstract Alcohol Inks Continued

When: Monday, March 2, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Wet Paint

Fee: $32

Mixed Papers Junk Journal

When: Sunday, March 15, 2020, 10am-4pm

Where: Minnesota Center for the Book Arts (MCBA)

Fee: $108 + $25 supply fee

Register here

----------------

Thank you for being here, for expressing your creativity, and for making the world a better place.

I appreciate you!

With Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

 

September 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary-Mandalas

Greetings! Thank you for visiting Orange Spiral Arts!

Today's post is a meeting summary about the September 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective gathering at Wet Paint.

Our meeting topic was the mandala. Briana (one of the co-facilitators of the MN Visual Journal Collective) shared some resources and personal journals where she used mandalas and journaling as a way toward self-discovery and healing. 

Briana recommends the online teachings of Julie Gibbons, who taught The Great Round, based on The Mandala Workbook by Susanne F. Fincher, and offers a variety of online workshops centering around the mandala. (Ha! Did you catch that pun?)

Here are some of the resources shared by Briana.

The Mandala Workbook by Susanne F. Fincher.

Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing by Judith Cornell

Creating Personal Mandalas: Story Circle Techniques in Watercolor and Mixed Media by Cassia Cogger

Here's a free tutorial by Cassia Cogger for creating a gratitude mandala.

Briana also mentioned a more structured form of creating mandalas called Yantra painting. Find out more here.

Next, the floor was opened up to participants at the meeting to share their experiences with creating mandalas. 

Nell shared her experience with making mandalas at the beginning of a class she took at Split Rock Arts Program many years ago. She said that participants enjoyed the mandala process as a way into the day so much, that often students would also create one at the end of their session. Nell also shared the following mandala book by Kathryn Costa.

Kathy shared some mandalas she is working on for a class on mindfulness and meditation at the White Bear Center for the Arts.

Linda talked about traveling solo in Alaska, and using a mandala making practice as a way to document her experiences of the day.

Kari shared a similar idea of gathering experiences and nature items from a trip and placing them into a mandala in her travel journal.

Lakin shared how she spent a year creating a mandala a day, and then used her images as gift wrap. Currently Lakin enjoys the Koala Tools circular grid journals available at Wet Paint.

Heather mentioned an interest in the dot mandala making process where you use a set of tools of varying sizes to create your dot patterns. This process is helping her let go of imperfection, as any mistakes tend to get magnified as the pattern grows.

Karena shared her expressive art created where mandalas just sort of showed up in her work.

Thank you so much to everyone who shared a visual or a story about how you use mandalas in your creative process. It's so good to see and hear about a variety of examples.

After this initial group sharing, we all worked in our journals for about 45 minutes, and mandala making was encouraged.

Here's everyone hard at work and in their creative zone.

At the end of our meeting, participants were invited to share the mandalas they just created, or any other visual journaling work. This is always such a fun part of the night. Everyone's work is so inspiring to see and hear about! Thank you everyone!

Nell shared her mandala and also mentioned the Sketchbook Project from the Brooklyn Art Library in New York. Find out more here.

Carol used water-soluble pencils for her mandala.

Carol also does fiber journals, as she is a quilter. She generously passed it around for everyone to see and touch.

Below is Linda's mandala from the night. She was reflecting on some labyrinth walks she took in Arizona.

Nan shared some recent paper printing work she did in a class in Duluth, MN.

Molly shared her mandalas from the night, as well as her altered collage journal. Molly is teaching at Artistry MN in Bloomington this fall. Look under Fiber for Altered Book Art Journaling with Molly Anthony.

Briana is offering several classes at Wet Paint this fall. She also has classes online on this Orange Spiral Arts site. Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

Briana's Classes at Wet Paint, Fall 2019

Getting Started with Visual Journaling-3 Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 10:30am-1:30pm Fee $126

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks-Saturday, October 19, 10am-12pm Fee $56 (includes kit + yupo)

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks-Tuesday, November 12, 5:30pm-7:30pm Fee $56 (includes kit + yupo)

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas-Sunday, November 17, 1pm-4pm Fee $48

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks-Ages 11+ -Sunday, December 29, 3pm-5pm $56 (includes kit + yupo)

You are always welcome to call Wet Paint to register for a class. 651-698-6431

Briana's current online class is Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Ink Art. I cover a lot more territory than the 2-hour in person workshop at Wet Paint. This class makes a great addition to the live class.

More of Briana's online classes can be found by clicking the "Learn" tab from OrangeSpiralArts.com or by clicking here.

You are never too young or too old to experiment with art supplies!

You and your creativity matter. 

Thanks so much for reading this post!

Sending Blessings and Gratitude to You,

Briana

 

 

 

 

June MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting-Sketching and Art Supplies

Greetings! This is a blog post about the fun things that happened at the June MN Visual Journal Collective meeting at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our topic for the evening was sketching your favorite art supplies. Some people did that, while others did what they needed to work on in their journals or calendar planners. It's all good. We love it when people show up to sketch, learn, share, and create in community. 

MEETING TOPIC: SKETCHING & ART SUPPLIES

The idea was that we'd sketch our favorite art supplies, then have a sharing time at the end to hear what people like to use in their journals. Art supplies are just so delicious, after all, wouldn't you agree?

THE MEETING

After introductions, we had time to work in our journals and chat with the people around us. I love it when people get up to see what other participants are up to. It's so exciting to see the work of other journal keepers!

I like to go around and check in with folks to make sure they feel seen, heard, and important. I truly value each person who shows up to these meetings. The meetings would not be special without you! So, thank you for showing up!

WHAT PEOPLE SHARED

Briana

I (co-facilitator of the MN Visual Journal Collective with TJ Goerlitz) shared that I am really into watercolor, specifically using tube watercolor. I have been using pan watercolor for years, but after taking an online class called Tiny Adventure with Tammy Garcia of DaisyYellowArt.com, I am feeling more and more excited about tube gouache and watercolors. Here's a drawing of some of my favorite paints. I am loving Daniel Smith watercolor, Holbein watercolor, and the tiny tubes of Amsterdam Acrylic. Of course, you can purchase all of these at Wet Paint.

Briana (that's me!) has several classes coming up at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Saturday, June 22-Getting Started with Visual Journaling, 10am-4pm

Saturday, June 29- Art-It-Up! Visual Journaling for Ages 7-10, 10am-12pm

Sunday, July 21-Alcohol Inks, 1pm-3pm

Saturday, July 27-Make Your Own Collage Papers + Collage Class, 10am-5pm

Saturday, August 3-Art-It-Up! Visual Journaling for Ages 11-15, 10am-12:30pm

Tuesday, August 6-Alcohol Inks, 5:45pm-7:45pm

That's a lot of classes! Please come take a class with me! It will be lots of fun, and it's good for us to create together! We need each other, you know?

JUNE MEETING-PARTICIPANT SHARING

Here's what this month's participants shared at our June MN Visual Journal Collective meeting.

Beth 

Beth had some catching up to do in her journal planner, so that's what she did! Isn't her planner so cool? I love it! I know you can't see the details, but that's probably preferred for a personal calendar, right Beth?

(Note: Please forgive me if I do not spell your name correctly. I am happy to make any needed changes. Just let me know!)

Kari

Kari did such a fun thing in her journal. She sketched her favorite supplies and journaled what bugs her about each one. I love this personal touch she added to this "assignment." 

Kari makes handmade journals. She will be at the Eagan Art Festival June 29 and 30, 2019. If you are in the area, stop by and see her!

Linda and Joy joined our meeting for the first time. We love new participants!

LisaMarie (aka LMNOP)

LisaMarie is working on this amazing accordion book. We are always so excited to see what she's done in it since the last time.

She also shared her favorite supplies with us. I tried to get a few photos for you, as her supplies are so inspiring to see! LisaMarie takes her supplies on the go, often so she has a really portable set up.

Molly

Molly did some sketching of some objects she brought from home.

She also brought her amazing altered book project she's been working on. Molly's collage art is so inspiring!

Molly will be teaching some classes at Artistry MN Visual Arts and Theater, in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Introduction to Art Journaling (Listed in the catalog under Painting and Mixed Media) is on Saturday, July 27, 9:30am-12pm. Register online at artistrymn.org or call 952-563-8575.

I believe her next class will be listed in the fall catalog.

Kathy

Kathy is loving her new bullet pencil sharpener.

 

She also sketched some tubes of paint and a brush. I could look at art supply sketches all day long! How about you?

Ryan

Ryan is enjoying her new TwinTone Tombow pens.

Lisa

Lisa also joined us for the first time. She was sharing how that inner judge often comes up for her. We can certainly all relate to that! Lisa did awesome at practicing (and it is a practice) letting go, so she could just enjoy sketching art supplies in her journal.

Barb

Barb brought some nature items to sketch. She just finished getting her Book Arts Certificate from the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts. Congratulations, Barb! That's awesome!

Lakin

Lakin shared the great tip of using a portable laptop stand for supporting her journal work on the go.

She's also been really enjoying creating mandalas in the Koala Circular Grid Sketchbook they sell at Wet Paint.

Cindy

Cindy loves scissors (and all things paper).

Nancy

Nancy also loves scissors and paper!

Deborah

Deborah shared her sketch of an object she got when she and her husband Steve were teaching in Alaska.

She also sketched Steve. I love that!

Deborah loves textiles, and she made an awesome journal cover using one of her weavings. Deborah suggests checking out Stitches by Julia on YouTube.

GRATITUDE

A big whole-hearted thank you to everyone who showed up, created, and shared the evening with us.

Last but not least, here are some amazing flowers I saw in the alley on my walk to Wet Paint.

Thank you so much for reading this post.

Our next MN Visual Journal Collective meeting is on Monday, July 15th. If you are local to the Twin Cities, we welcome you to join us in person, or in our MN Visual Journal Collective Facebook group. Request to join the Facebook Group here.

We also have a Google Group (MN Visual Journal Collective) for those who prefer not to use Facebook. You can learn how to request to join the Google Group here. (Here's the link to our MN Visual Journal Collective Google Group).

If you would like to attend a specific meeting, we request that you register through the Wet Paint Events link. This helps Wet Paint prepare the space for our meeting. Go to Wet Paint, click Events, and then select the MN Visual Journal Collective Meet-Up listed for that month. Click Register. Here's the Link to Register for the July 15 meeting. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please only sign up if you are sure you will attend. Space is limited.

 

Thanks again for being here!

Sending Blessings Out to You,

Briana, Founder of Orange Spiral Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 Secrets Retirement SALE is here-SAVE 50 Percent

Hello Creative People!

I wanted to let you know about an amazing opportunity. I have been a guest teacher, as well as a student of the many, many editions of 21 Secrets. Since the lovely Connie Solera is rebranding her website and making room for new things, she is no longer going to be selling the five pictured editions of 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. I have a class in the 21 Secrets-Color, Color, Color edition. My class is called Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns. I own all of the other editions shown here, as I am such a fan of these workshops.

Here's what makes 21 Secrets so great:

• There are workshops from teachers from all over the world
• The workshops cover an amazing amount of mixed media ideas and techniques to use in your visual/art journal
• The teachers are extremely generous in the amount of content they provide
• You get unlimited access to the content and videos all linked in the handy PDF file that you receive upon purchase
• You are supporting emerging and established artists when you purchase these 21 Secrets editions
• Last but not least, you are supporting me, as an artist, by purchasing through my affiliate link

So, the SALE is so awesome-you'll save 50 percent off each edition purchased when you use the coupon code RETIREMENT.

The sale runs Wednesday, May 8 (beginning at 3am PST and 5am CST) through Saturday, May 11, 2019.

To summarize, there are five editions of 21 Secrets that are going into retirement.

After May 11, 2019, the following editions will no longer be available for purchase.

• 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color
• 21 Secrets emBODY
• 21 Secrets Tell Your Story
• 21 Secrets Tools & Techniques
• 21 Secrets The Best of 2014 & 2015

Note: All owners of these editions will still have unlimited access to the content and videos.

Get them while you can and SAVE 50 percent! Simply enter the coupon code RETIREMENT at checkout.

May you enjoy these art making videos as much as I do. I return to these again and again. Sometimes our lives are so busy, we can't fit in all that we want to. That's the beauty of having unlimited access to these treasures. Seriously, there is so much goodness packed in to each 21 Secrets edition. If you are interested in art journaling or mixed media art, I highly, highly recommend these 21 Secrets online workshops.

Sending Love and Gratitude out!

-Briana

 

February MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary

 

(Tags above are created by Kari)

Greetings and Welcome to Orange Spiral Arts. I am so glad you are here.

This post is all about the February 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective meeting. We are an eclectic group of artists, makers, and creative people who are interested in keeping visual journals. Meetings occur once per month, and they are free and open to any adults interested in keeping a visual journal. We are located in Minnesota, so this post is for those who live far away, or for those who wished to attend the meeting, but were unable. This post can also serve as inspiration for those who were in attendance at the meeting, as sometimes we can't get a good look at what everyone else is working on.

Meetings are held at Wet Paint, and participants must pre-register each month, as space is limited. Please register only if you are able to attend that specific meeting. 

Thanks in advance to everyone who agreed to have their work (and themselves) photographed for this post. You are awesome!

Before the meeting began, Briana was drooling over these and these colored pencils available at Wet Paint. Here's some eye candy for you art supply lovers out there! This is just one of the benefits of having our meetings hosted at the best art supply store in the Twin Cities! If you are not local, Wet Paint ships orders, too! These pencils are smooth like "buttah"!

February 18, 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary

Theme: Tags

Collaborative Project: Create tags for a swap at the July 15 meeting. Participants will end up with a mini book of tags created by various artists, that can then be used for prompts, inspiration, and ideas for their visual journal explorations.

If you would like a free PDF of information on creating your own tag mini book, you may download the hand- out here. (This is the first time I am trying to link a PDF download, so if you have trouble, please leave a comment below this post.)

 

Welcome to the February MN Visual Journal Collective meeting!

Tag Art In Process

Here are some photos from the February MN Visual Journal Collective meeting when participants were working on their tags, or in their journals. Sometimes I took photos of people's supplies and containers, as that's always fun to see, too.

One of the beautiful things about a gathering like this, is that creative people get to be together. We chat, we share supplies, we share stories, and ultimately, we inspire one another to keep going, not only on our creative journey, but on our human journey, as well.

End of Meeting Sharing Time-Share Your Journal or Tags Created

(Above: tags by Kathy)

(Above: Journal page by TJ Goerlitz)

Photo credit: TJ Goerlitz; Photo of LisaMarie LMNOP

(Above: art by Sue Rowe)

(Above: Journal by Deborah; Photo credit: TJ Goerlitz)

I didn't get a great picture of Deanna's tags, but what I love about this photo is that we love to see each other's work. Deanna is a photographer in Hudson, WI. She used photos on her tags.

(Above: tags by Nell)

(Above: tags by Kim)

(Above: tags by Kari)

(Above: journal by Molly)

(Above: tags by Nancy)

(Above: journal by Kelli)

(Above: tags by Jenny)

(Above: tags by Ann)

(Above: journal cover by Heather)

Thank you to everyone who showed up, participated, and shared their art. You are an inspiration. Keep creating and sharing!

Please forgive any mistakes or omissions, as it is a challenge to move as fast as each of you. I am happy to make corrections. Please leave me a message in the comments section below this post.

Thank you to those of you reading this lengthy post. I hope you have felt inspired to create!

Meeting Summary

We talked about making tag mini books, either for ourselves, or for the optional tag swap happening at the July 15th, 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective meeting. 

We had time to work in our journals or on our tags.

At the end of the meeting, time was made for people to stand up and share what they've been working on, either in their journal, or on the tags created that evening.

A big shout out of thanks to Wet Paint for hosting our group!

Creative Opportunities for You

Briana offers a variety of affordable classes online via her Orange Spiral Arts website for beginning artists and creatives. Click the LEARN tab on www.OrangeSpiralArts.com, or go here.

Wet Paint has a wealth of upcoming classes, demos, and free events listed on their site. Go here.

Briana is thrilled to announce that she will be offering in person workshops at Wet Paint, starting in April 2019. The first offering is called Getting Started with Visual Journaling. Find out more and register here.

Do you prefer a smaller group for your creative exploration? Briana offers a "portable art studio" where she comes to your home to facilitate a workshop with you and a few friends. Download the Orange Spiral Arts Services PDF here.

 

In Gratitude,

Briana