Orange Spiral Arts

Abstract Watercolor 3-Video

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by or opening your email to view this post.

Here's the latest one-minute silent video. May it brighten your day!

Thanks for watching.

Art Supplies used:

Daniel Smith Watercolors from Wet Paint

140 lb. Canson XL watercolor paper

Bosobo Art Brushes

Abstract Watercolor 2-Video

Greetings, Everyone!

Thanks for being here.

I created another one-minute time-lapse video for you. This is to encourage you to paint freely and for the fun of it. Most of my work has that intention.

I hope you find some part of this inspiring. Have a great day!

 

New Inks and Watercolor-Color Swatch Video

Greetings, Everyone!

I made a quick video for you all, as I did a color swatch of some new ink and watercolor I purchased from my favorite local art supply store, Wet Paint. They ship, and shipping is free with orders over $99.

Wet Paint has the best staff for the following reasons:

• They care about getting to know their customers
• They are well trained on the art supplies they sell
• The staff is friendly and fun
• They have excellent communication if there is a problem with your order

Without further ado, here is a 35 second silent video for your viewing pleasure!

I am sending good energy out to you all!

Thanks for watching!

Watercolor Wednesday is Back

Greetings, Everyone!

Thank you so much for visiting Orange Spiral Arts, the place for Creativity + Inspiration + Personal Expression.

With 2020 being how it's been, I have neglected my blog. I would like to change that, so I am making an effort in that direction!

I would like to offer content that inspires you to create imperfectly and expressively. I love to play with mixed media art supplies, and perhaps you do, too?

I am planning to start releasing some art videos on my Orange Spiral Arts YouTube channel. Or perhaps it's better to post to my Orange Spiral Arts Vimeo channel for an ad free experience? I will post both versions below.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have a preference for YouTube or Vimeo.

The first art video I am releasing is for Watercolor Wednesday, which is a feature I have here on my Orange Spiral Arts blog. (You can search Watercolor Wednesday in the sidebar).

This first video is imperfect, as I cut off the bottom of my workspace, however, I think you may still get something good from it. I am using Golden QoR watercolors, which are vibrant and wonderful to use! My go to watercolor paper is often the Canson XL 140 lb. cold press 9 x 12 pad.

Okay, here's the big platform test-Vimeo or YouTube. Thank you in advance for your feedback in the comments of this blog post (comments are disabled on the videos themselves).

Watercolor Wednesday 1 on Vimeo

Watercolor Wednesday 1 on YouTube

My videography will improve next time! Thank you for watching my imperfect video! I was using some new equipment, and obviously need to still make a few adjustments.

In Closing,

I am sending good energy out to you all, and prayers for your health and safety.

Please remember to let me know in the comments if you prefer YouTube or Vimeo. That will be helpful for me as I move forward with more art video content.

With Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

You Might Also Like:

Winter Online Class Set for only $50 USD

3 Class set includes: Ink and Oil Pastel, Magazine Mixed Media Collages, and Abstract Watercolor Patterns (save $10 if you bundle each $20 class as a set)

Welcome Spring in the Midwest

Spring is here!

Maple tree (above)

When all else fails, nature is what soothes me.

May these spring photos inspire you to notice the beautiful details around you right now, too.

Cherry tree blossoms (above)

Carolina Springbeauty wildflower on the forest floor (above)

Red Pine bark detail (above)

Bloodroot (above)

Carolina Springbeauty up close (above)

Moss on a log (above) with wildflowers in the background

Trout lily leaves?? (above)

Wild fern emerging from a metallic outer covering (above) Isn't nature incredible?

Any wildflower lovers know what this one is called? (above)

"Once you free your mind, there's beauty in everything." -Alicia Keys

I am sending love and blessings out to you now. May you receive them.

Thank you for being here. You matter. You are important. You have unique gifts to offer the world.

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.

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

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.

-----------

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

 

 

How To Calm Your Nerves with Photography-Barred Owl Visitor as Healer

Greetings Everyone,

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!

Sending Love, Peace, and Blessings to You,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

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

New Online Class Announcement-Self-Care and Visual Journaling

Greetings!

If you have been reading my blog, you may know that I recently presented at our monthly MN Visual Journal Collective meeting on the topic of self-care and journaling. 

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!

Thank you!

You and your creativity matter!

With Gratitude and Blessings,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

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