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.
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.
Decide on the thread you'll use. The thread can be a contrasting color or a matching color.
Layer the fabric and paper pieces you've chosen.
Do some "seed stitches".
Apply glue stick to the back of the paper you will add on top of the fabric layer.
TIP: Use a thimble when doing your stitches. Needles are sharp!
Add some stitches, perhaps some French knots (see video above) to the fabric and paper collage.
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.
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
Yesterday, my husband ran in the house announcing that there was a huge owl in our backyard pine tree!
I went outside quickly to be sure I got a chance to see it before it flew away.
First, I went out just to see it with my eyes and soul. Ah, this was wonderful.
Next, since it did not seem to be going anywhere, I got out my digital camera with a zoom lens.
Still, the owl seemed to be napping out there, so I decided to go inside and get out my "BIG camera" and zoom lens. (Aka my digital SLR).
I was able to take many photos of this majestic creature, as it stayed in our pine tree all day long, until it was dark out.
While I was outside taking photos of the owl, I also took photos of other things I found interesting around our yard.
This photo session, and time outside in nature and sun, brought me such solace.
My hope in sharing these photos with you here is that it inspires you to look around and snap some photos. You can use your smartphone or your "fancy camera" if you have one.
Taking photos helps you narrow your focus, and pay attention to the moment.
Photography is healing for mind, body, spirit and soul.
May it be so.
Taking a photo walk in your own backyard or neighborhood is also a great activity to do with children. Children love using cameras!
PS I have many online classes available, if you are looking for art and inspiration right now. My classes focus on the process, not the product, so they are suitable for beginning artists, or people who do not consider themselves artistic. Take a look at the LEARN tab. As a teaching artist who has canceled in person workshops due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), I really appreciate your support. Thank you in advance. -Briana
There were so many people who wanted to attend, yet the Minnesota weather got half the group to stay at home. That choice was good self-care!
However, I feel there is a need, especially with all that's going on in our world, for a vehicle to practice self-care. A visual journal is a wonderful tool and companion to fill this need.
I am excited to announce that I am working on my next online class on this very subject.
Read all about it below and get in on the early bird price!
With Gratitude,
Briana
Welcome! You are invited to take a deep dive with me into the world of visual journaling as a self-care tool.
Self-care is not something most of us were raised learning about or had modeled for us.
It's up to us as adults to learn how to give ourselves the self-care that we need for our own health and well-being.
Let's do this together. You are not alone!
What solutions can a visual journal provide?
Q: Do you need one place to collect all of your ideas and inspirations?
A: A visual journal is a great solution.
Q: Do you need a place to track your physical, mental, or emotional ups and downs?
A: A visual journal is wonderful, as you have space to draw a human form and label what hurts, including your heart.
Q: Are you new to visual journaling and need a space to play and explore with mixed media supplies?
A: Your visual journal is just the right spot. You may want a larger size journal so you have the freedom to play.
Q: Do you long to document more about your life?
A: Open up the pages of your visual journal and start writing your observations, thoughts, gluing in photos, etc. Your life matters.
Q: Do you need a safe space to get to know yourself better?
A: A visual journal is the safe place that fulfills that need for self-connection.
Q: Do you need a place to write down your wishes and dreams?
A: A visual journaling practice helps you name, acknowledge, and potentially manifest your dreams!
Q: Would you like a safe space to connect to something greater than yourself?
A: Through writing and visual imagery work you have the opportunity to tap into the subconscious, as well as the often mysterious spiritual realm.
The visual journal is a safe place to love yourself, your whole self, all parts of yourself.
Self-compassion, self-love, self-acceptance, freedom from criticism, and non-judgment is self-care.
Self-care is also participating in activities that enhance your well-being.
If it's new to you, visual journaling for self-care may feel challenging at first, yet it can also feel kind of like a party. We are here on this planet to celebrate our lives. No, life is not easy, and yes, there are beautiful gifts hidden throughout our time here. Many of the gifts come through challenges and difficulties that we face and work through. Your visual journal is an amazing tool and companion to help you make it across the threshold.
Ultimately, I want to help remind you that you are valuable, your life matters, you have wisdom within you, and love around you.
“Self-compassion involves wanting health and well-being for oneself and leads to proactive behavior to better one’s situation, rather than passivity. And self-compassion doesn’t mean that I think my problems are more important than yours, it just means I think that my problems are also important and worthy of being attended to.”-Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind
What You'll Get in the Self-Care and Visual Journaling Online Class:
More information about why you want to use a journal for self-care
8 Videos that guide you through various exercises on how to use your journal for self-care
Additional resources including links to websites, books, quotes, videos, and recommended art supplies
Up to 2 email exchanges with me over the 6 week period
Plus lots of support and encouragement to trust yourself, love yourself, and believe in your worth
The online classroom opens on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Videos will be released over a period of 6 weeks (Feb. 25-March 31, 2020)
Once all videos are posted, the course will run as a self-paced online course.
Policy Note: NO REFUNDS
Important: PLEASE BE SURE YOUR PAYPAL EMAIL ADDRESS IS YOUR CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS, AS THAT IS HOW I WILL SEND YOU THE ONLINE CLASSROOM LOGIN INFORMATION. Please allow 24-48 hours to receive your email confirmation upon registration.
Thank you so much for saying yes to yourself and for helping to support my small business. I am truly grateful.
SIGN UP HERE!
$75
Suggested Supplies:
Note: Below I am using my Amazon affiliate links. The cost to you is the same, and you are helping me get a slight kick back for referring you to buying on Amazon. It's a win-win. I only list items that I believe are listed at a fair price. I am a bargain shopper, so I won't send you to something that is way over priced.
Canson XL Mix Media Sketchbook 11 x 14 inches for freedom of expression
Royal Talens Ecoline Brush Markers
Prima Marketing Confetti Watercolor Set with Waterbrush
Crayola eXtreme Colors Twistable Crayons
Acrylic paints -Inexpensive 2 oz. bottles of Apple Barrel matte craft acrylic or acrylic paint from Target-use what you have
Paint brushes
Simply Simmons ong handle set of 5
or
Simply Simmons short handle set of 4
Ball Point Pens
Paper Mate or Bic
We'll go over more supplies in class. This will certainly get you started!
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.
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.
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!
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:
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.
(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.
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.
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!
Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Grandparents with Grandchild, Mom or Dad and Tween, Mother and Adult Daughter/Son, Sisters, etc., this class is for you!
A NEW online class: Self-Care and Visual Journaling Click the image above to find out more.
CANCELED due to COVID-19 Magic Lives in You Art Workshop at Olivet Congregational Church St. Paul, MN Sat., March 21, 2020 10am-12pm Registration and Information
Calm your mind, body, and spirit while playing with beautiful and bright liquid watercolor.
Learn how to use and experiment with alcohol inks! This is a three week class (or self-paced once released). 26 videos, resources, and more! ON SALE for $50 USD for a limited time. (Regular price $75 USD)
Come play with me in my workshop From Distress to De-stress.
Collage Paper Pies Online Class
Mixed Media ONLINE CLASS SET::Grab and Save $10 NOW, FOREVER ACCESS
A Monthly Meeting for Visual and Art Journal Keepers in the Twin Cities. Click button above for more information.
Vision Board the E-Course:: A Powerful Way to Gain Clarity and Manifest the Life You Want to Live -OPEN for REGISTRATION-FOREVER ONLINE ACCESS at one affordable price!!
At your core, you are a Beautiful BEing, full of love and light. This online e-course offers writing and expressive painting prompts to assist you in reconnecting to your true essence. Registration is ALWAYS OPEN. To find out more, click the image above. There is a Pay-What-You-Can option available.
