Orange Spiral Arts

Here's Why I am Signing Up for Life Book 2019

Here's the truth: I am not into creating faces and portraits. Even though 30-40 percent of the lessons in Life Book will have some sort of face, that leaves 60-70 percent of the content that does NOT focus on creating a face. What I appreciate about Life Book is that there is a focus on personal development and healing. I completely believe in the power of the arts to help us heal our emotional wounds. I know that imagery is a powerful tool that helps the subconscious deliver messages to our conscious mind. Once we are aware of what's going on inside our hearts, bodies, and minds, there is the opportunity to shift, change, and transform our lives for the better.

It is important to note that Life Book does not take the place of professional therapy. The offerings in Life Book are tools for personal growth and development. 

This year, I am particularly excited about Andy's offerings related to NVC (Nonviolent Communication). As an expressive arts facilitator, I am always looking to add to my own list of resources and skills that will help me to be a better facilitator. 

If you are interested in developing your mixed media skills, in being playful and experimental with art supplies, or in creating a Life Book for 2019, I hope that you will join us. You may click the image above, or click here. Don't forget to enter coupon code "LOVEBOMB2019" to save 20%, valid through December 31, 2018.

Sending Blessings to you,

Briana

PS I loved the Life Book Creativity & Wellbeing Summit, and that content is included once you register for Life Book 2019. It's truly a win-win.

New-COLLAGE PAPER PIES online class is open for registration

It has been a dream of mine for nearly twenty years to create what I call a "collage paper pie." I had been seeing them created by several artists, in many different styles. They seem to be a modern art motif. They kept grabbing my attention and entering into my psyche, as something I wanted to create "someday." Well, finally something clicked, and I am making them, and I want to share this process with YOU!

Come read more about the story of how this online class came to be. And if you feel inspired, you are welcome to sign up today! You receive unlimited access to the course material. Learn more by clicking here.

Paint, Paper, and Stencil Play with Briana

This post was originally written as a design team member for artistcellar.

Greetings creative one! I hope this post finds you well.

Today we are going to play with a pre-painted piece of copy paper, some Dina Wakley acrylic paint, and the Old World Maps Series stencils from artistcellar.

Step 1:

Place your stencil of choice underneath your copy paper.

(In the picture below, I have the stencil on top just so you can see how the size matches well with my paper.)

Step 2:

Squirt out a few small drops of the Dina Wakley acrylic paint in a contrasting color to your painted paper.

Step 3:

Use a plastic card to scrape the paint over the paper, leaving a “rubbing” of the stencil underneath.

Doesn’t that look awesome? (I would like to give credit to the fabulous LK Ludwig who taught me this stencil under the paper technique.)

Step 4:

Let your paint dry. TIP: It does not take long, as the scraping process, plus acrylic paint, equals fast drying time.

Step 5:

Use your imagination and create something out of your painted paper.

I chose to create an envelope for some mail art.

I folded the paper to make three sections.

Step 6:

Use decorative tape to seal the sides closed. Also, fold in the corners on the top fold to give it more of an envelope shape, if desired.

After gluing down the corners of the top fold, I’d like to show you the front and back of my envelope.

Here’s the front:

Here’s the back:

Now all I need to do is add a sticker address label and a stamp!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial using the Old World Maps Series stencils by artistcellar!

Have a wonderful day/night, wherever you may be!

Blessings and Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

PS Did you know I have a NEW online class starting on Tuesday, October 16th? You can get in on the pre-sale, as well have the chance to receive some artful snail mail from me! Sign up today!

Register for Mixed Media Paint Scraping-NEW Online Class

I am so excited! I am working hard on my next online class, Mixed Media Paint Scraping.

Go here for more info and to register!

Class opens on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 and runs for five weeks through November 13th, 2018.

After November 13th, 2018, the class will be self-paced.

 

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes your way!

-Briana

Gelly Roll Doodles on Purple Diamond-Plus a Giveaway to Rag and Bone Bindery

(Original post written for artistcellar, as a Design Team member)

Greetings, Everyone!

Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? Well, I would like you to know it. I appreciate you being here, reading this post, and getting ideas for your art. I appreciate you supporting a small businesses like artistcellar, Orange Spiral Arts, and Rag and Bone Bindery. In fact, you are quite wonderful. You are shiny as a sparkling diamond, and as “glow-tastic” as the brightest neon Gelly Roll pen! Really, it’s true! You and your creativity matter. I just wanted to let you know that you are appreciated, sparkly, and “glow-tastic”!

Today I am going to use one of the Diamond Series stencils in my art journal. I am currently working in this amazing, Large Blank Page Journal by Rag and Bone Bindery. As one of Rag and Bone Bindery’s new brand ambassadors, you could be a lucky winner of a $75 gift certificate by entering my giveaway! Enter to win right here! (Pictured below are several sizes of Rag and Bone Bindery’s Blank Page Journals. Aren’t those deckled edges yummy??!!).

For this current journal spread, I am working in the Large Blank Page Journal with the bright orange patterned cover.

Above, you will see an Art Foamies stamp, some texture from a children’s texture roller tool, and rolled out acrylic paint, using a brayer. The Radiant Stencil from the Diamond Series is ready and waiting for paint.

I applied purple paint through the stencil using a cosmetic wedge. I created one on the left side of the spread:

And one on the right side of the journal spread.

From here, I pulled out my Gelly Roll pens and started to doodle, draw designs, and write on the page. I was sitting outside on a beautiful summer day, just enjoying the warm air and breeze. Moments like this are important.

The Moonlight Gelly Roll pens are my favorite. I seem to have the most success getting them to write.

After I doodled on the diamond, I extended the doodles around the page, too.

I enjoyed these moments in my journal.

May you find the time to take a break, work in your journal with some fun supplies, and enjoy some fresh air. May it be so.

In Summary

Art journaling is relaxing and fun.

If you like handbound blank journals, photo albums, binders, brag books or need a guest book, feel free to enter my giveaway for a $75 gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery.

You are appreciated! Thank you for being here!

Blessings to you,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

Pop-Up SALE for Creativity and Expressive Arts Workshop in Minneapolis, MN on Sat., July 7, 2018

Hello Wonderful People,

I've got a Pop-Up SALE for the upcoming Creativity and Expressive Arts Workshop happening on Saturday, July 7, 2018, from 1pm-4pm, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I am excited to share my collection of stencils, brayers, and Gelli Plates with you, as we play, express, and create in our visual journals. (All supplies provided, except the recommended Canson XL Mix Media 9 x 12 inch sketchbook).

I also am eager to share readings from Tara Cousineau's groundbreaking book, The Kindness Cure: How the Science of Compassion Can Heal Your Heart and Your World.

Each particpant who signs up for Saturday's workshop, will be entered to win a copy of The Kindness Cure. It's truly an outstanding book.

During our time together, we will ground and center, do some simple movements, participate in a guided meditation, then make our art. You will fill tons and tons of pages in your journal. I have lots of demonstrations I am excited to share with you.

Here's a shot of my kitchen table after a night of playing with some of the stuff I plan to share with you on Saturday!

SAVE $50 with this rare Pop-Up SALE!

SALE ENDS TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2018 at 8am CST.

3-hour workshop for your mind, body, and creative spirit with Expressive Arts Coach and Artist, Briana of Orange Spiral Arts.

Sorry you missed it! THE FLASH SALE IS NOW OVER

RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR $125.

$125 (must be 18 years or older) ALL SALES FINAL

Grab your journal, and I'll see you on Saturday, July 7th, 2018. 

You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of payment.

The workshop takes place at the Rachel Greenhouse Agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Address will be emailed with registration confirmation.

 

In Gratitude,

Briana

Using Water-soluble Oil Pastels and Acrylic Paint in my Art Journal

Hello and Welcome to Orange Spiral Arts.

I aim to express myself through art, writing, photography, and more, to inspire your own creativity and personal expression.

Today, I would like to share a journal spread I created in the Large Journal by Rag and Bone Bindery.

I am using the Portfolio Water-soluble Oil Pastels and acrylic paint.

 

I have not tried them yet, but I see some excitement on social media about these Mungyo water-soluble oil pastels, too.

 

My Process

To create this page spread, I made a large spiral with many colors of water-soluble oil pastel.

I added a little water with a brush to smear the colors a little. I also added some smaller spirals of varying colors all around the page spread.

I could have stopped here, but I decided I felt like painting in the white space around the spirals. 

I put two big globs of acrylic paint directly onto my journal pages.

I used a brush to spread the paint around.

Here's what the page spread looks like so far.

I could have stopped here, but I decided to add a little contrast to the page, by adding some blue paint inside the large spiral.

I had fun creating this page spread. I absolutely love the spiral symbol, as well as bright colors. Looking at this makes me feel happy. May some happy feelings, as well as inspiration to create, be transferred to you, as well. 

Announcements

You may have heard that I am a new brand ambassador for Rag and Bone Bindery. What that means for you, is that I get to offer a giveaway!! Enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery! The contest goes through Monday, July 16, 2018. I absolutely love their journals! Plus they have photo albums, brag books, and more!

Upcoming Creativity and Expressive Arts Workshop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA is happening on Saturday, July 7, 2018, 1pm-4pm. This is like a mini retreat for your heart and soul. Get more information about these workshops and reserve your spot here. The July 7 workshop focus will be art journaling. We will also be listening to parts of Tara Cousineau's book The Kindness Cure: How the Science of Compassion Can Heal Your Heart and Your World. By registering for this workshop, you will be entered to win a copy of Tara's groundbreaking book.

All supplies provided, except your blank journal. No prior art experience required. Just bring your lovely self and your journal. I look forward to spending a wonderful few hours with you soon!

"Art brings out our inner healer, which changes our whole physiology, and our spirit, mind, and body heal." -Barbara Ganim from Art and Healing: Using Expressive Art to Heal Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

In Gratitude,

Briana

Visual Journal Collective June 2018 Meeting-Paper Toy-Cootie Catcher

Greetings to you! Thank you for being here.

For the June Visual Journal Collective meeting, we got a little playful and made a paper toy. The book, Magic Books & Paper Toys by Esther K. Smith was used as a reference. (This is such a great book! I highly recommend Esther K. Smith's books!)

 

We learned how to fold up a "Cootie Catcher" from a square piece of writing weight paper. Then we brainstormed as a group, how we might make use of our paper toy.

Some members of the group did their own Google Search to jog their childhood memories.

Also, co-facilitator TJ Goerlitz thought it might be fun to try to draw the Cootie Catcher in her sketchbook.

Working in our journals is always encouraged at our monthly meetings.

Artist, Theresa Harsma (above) decided to make a sketch of her Cootie Catcher she made at our meeting.

Theresa's Cootie Catcher looked like a map, due to the line drawing she did on her ledger paper.

Artist Sue Rowe also drew one of her Cootie Catchers. (See pink image in photo below).

Each participant had a unique idea on what could be done with the Cootie Catcher.

Book Artist, Kari Kruempel turned her Cootie Catcher into a poetry maker.

I tried to catch everyone's great ideas, but I unfortunately was too caught up in the moment to take notes. So, I guess I will just share the pictures.

 

As you can see, we had a great time!

Below are some of my work in progress photos I took before we had our sharing time a the end of our meeting. These Emoji stamps by Yellow Owl Workshop are so fun to play with. 

I am in LOVE with this eye stamp by Yellow Owl Workshop, too. And I've had this set by The Small Object for a long time. They were so fun to use!

And the end of each meeting, we try to have journal sharing. It is soooo inspiring to see other people's journals. We had time for a couple of peeks into Molly's, Sue's, and TJ's.

Here's a peek at Molly's current journal project.

And here's a look at Sue's journal pages.

However, TJ's journal pages are TOP SECRET, as her pages were about her upcoming workshop featured in 21 Secrets-The Great Outdoors. (You can also SAVE by signing up for the 21 Secrets Summer Studios Bundle that features Just Add Water, which starts July 9th, AND 21 Secrets Summer Studios- The Great Outdoors (starts Monday, July 30th)).

I LOVE 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. There is great instruction, variety, and they are to keep forever! Also, you are supporting small businesses and artists when you purchase 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. It's really a win-win!

I want to thank everyone who showed up to the June Visual Journal Collective meeting! It was so fun!

MCBA SHOP INSPIRATION

The SHOP at MCBA has so many great journals, zines, artist books, paper, book binding supplies, and cards. Some of my favorite cards featured above are by Twin Cities artist Jennifer Kunin.

IN SUMMARY

We made Cootie Catchers at the June 2018 Visual Journal Collective meeting.

It's great if you can support local businesses, shops, artists, and online teachers.

There's so much inspiration out in the world, and I feel grateful for it.

I am thankful that you are here, reading this post, too. 

Sending Creative Vibes and Blessings,

Briana

 

 

 

 

Enter to Win-Gift Certificate Giveaway to Rag and Bone Bindery

Howdy Everyone,

Thank you for visiting or reading this post via your email.

I am working on a brand new blog post series.

In my previous post, I shared the following info with you. 

I'd like to share it again, in case you missed it, and also to remind myself.

NEW BLOG SERIES PLAN

Here are my intentions for this blog post series here at OrangeSpiralArts.

1. I want to help promote and share the awesome blank page journals created at Rag and Bone Bindery.
2. I want to inspire you to open up a blank journal to express yourself creatively.
3. I want to share ideas for having fun and playing with blank books and journals.
4. I want to offer a giveaway for a $75 gift certificate for Rag and Bone Bindery.

So here we are with post number two. 

I am happy to share some information about the Large Journal by Rag & Bone Bindery. I also will be sharing the link for you to enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag & Bone Bindery at the end of this post!!

Let the fun begin!

The journal I am using is the Large Journal Paprika. The large journal measures 8.25 inches x 10.25 inches. It contains 144 bright white, acid free pages. I absolutely love the paper in the Rag & Bone journals. It has a smooth surface. It's sturdy and pliable. I will demonstrate this quality when I share my first two pages later in this post.

First, let's go over some of the special qualities of the Large Blank Page Journal by Rag and Bone Bindery.

FABRIC COVER

If you know me and my art at all, you know I love pattern and prints. 

I have a workshop in 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color called Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns. (See the sidebar of my site or click the above link for more info). People had so much fun with this class, and there are tons of additional workshops by teachers from around the world when you purchase 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color. The Rag & Bone Bindery blank page journals would be perfect to use for 21 Secrets, too!

The reason I started talking about pattern is because of the fabric on the cover of the above journal. Those over at Rag & Bone Bindery attend fashion fabric shows, then have the fabrics converted into bookcloth. Isn't that awesome?!! No wonder why they have such unique cover designs. The fabric is made by fabric designers!

Here's some inside information straight from Jason Thompson, co-owner of Rag and Bone Bindery:

"FABRIC COVERS:

We choose the fabrics by attending fabric shows and visiting with fabric reps. We purchase fashion fabrics and have them converted into bookcloth for us, a custom process we utilize for all of our fabric covers - cottons, silks and linens. We have worked with the same fabric distributors, but we vary up the designers we work with. In the past we’ve used fabrics from Riley Blake, Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Kaffe Fassett and many others. When choosing fabrics for book covers, we have to consider availability, exclusivity, cost, and uniquely the size and direction of the pattern, which dictates the number of books per yard. Once converted, we cut down the yardage to manageable widths for production in the bindery."

INSIDE PAGES

Awesome paper, awesome fabric covers, and each book is handbound. Here's what the inside stitching looks like.

I asked Jason Thompson what he had to say about the paper in the journals.

"PAPER PAGES: 

The pages of all of our journals are a 65lb vellum finish paper which is acid-free and archival. We chose it after testing books myself - many many years ago! We still use the same paper we designed for Journals back in the 90’s. I chose it because it’s thick, but pliable, and it has a good ‘tooth’ which takes pen, pencil and a light wash very well. A little bit of history - we still employ the same person to ‘cut’ and sew our journals (cutting gives journal pages a deckled edge) since 1996. Ann is employee number one, my first ‘official’ hire, and she still works for us, cutting all of our album paper and our journal pages." -Jason Thompson

 

I love reading this little bit of history. Thanks for sharing, Jason!

 

BRIANA'S FIRST PAGE SPREAD IN THE LARGE BLANK PAGE JOURNAL

 

I decided to do some paint scraping with a Catalyst tool and acrylic paint.

 

The process was quite soothing, and also kept me curious, as I played with the paint scrapes layering on top of one another.

 

 

I often can't have orange without pink in my art, so I decided to add some pink paint, too.

 

 

Then I felt inspired to test the paper a bit, by adding some stitching.

 

I used an awl to poke some holes.

 

 

As you can see, the paper had no trouble handling this process.

 

I added lime green embroidery floss.

 

 

And stitched an X pattern.

I had so much fun, I decided to challenge myself with a spiral on the right-hand page.

I drew the spiral in pencil, then poked my stitching holes.

 

Here's the front side of the completed spiral.

 

And here's the back side, which also looks pretty cool.

 

I am very pleased with the paper in the Large Journal by Rag and Bone Bindery.

Thanks for taking a peek at my process. It was very calming and meditative. Stitching takes time, but that's the point. (Have you heard of the #slowstitching hashtag over on Instagram? There's a lot of beauty happening there.)

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

So, are you ready to enter to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery?

I am so excited for you!!!

 

All you need to do is follow this link. Fill in the info and hit submit! The giveaway will be open until the end of Monday, July 16th, 2018. I will announce the winner on my www.OrangeSpiralArts.com site a few days after that. You may wish to sign up to receive Orange Spiral Arts blog posts by email. On the sidebar of my site, look for "Art Inspiration in Your Inbox" and hit Subscribe. Or, simply mark your calendar to come back and check in. Good luck!

 

SUMMARY

Rag and Bone Bindery journals have great paper, designer fabric covers, and are handbound by dedicated staff. 

If you love to journal, and wish to explore color and pattern, you might want to check out Briana's 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color workshop called Draw, Paint and Print Artful Color Patterns.

If you'd like to have the chance to win a $75 gift certificate to Rag and Bone Bindery, go here.

 

Happy Creating!

 

Sending Love and Blessings out to you now!

 

-Briana of Orange Spiral Arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Blog Post Series-Rag and Bone Bindery Blank Page Journals

Hello and Welcome to a brand new series of blog posts here at Orange Spiral Arts.

I am thrilled to share that I am collaborating with Rag and Bone Bindery out of Rhode Island in the United States as a brand ambassador.

One of my favorite things to do is support local artists and help spread the word about how awesome they are! (Though I am in Minnesota, I am calling Rag & Bone Bindery local, since we are both in the United States.)

Here's my story with Rag & Bone Bindery. Back in the early 2000s, I took several book binding and visual journaling workshops at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts. Many of those classes were taught by Roz Stendahl. Roz loves to bind books, and loves to teach others how to bind books. She also taught me that if I ever wanted to buy a well-made blank book, purchase one from Rag & Bone Bindery.

So, I did. I have purchased several journals from Rag & Bone Bindery since the early 2000s. Now it's 2018, and they are still making, BY HAND, amazing, high quality blank journals. They also make albums, baby books, personalized books, recipe journals, brag books, and Instabooks, just to name a few additional kinds of books. For more information on all of their products, go here.

NEW BLOG SERIES PLAN

Here are my intentions for this blog post series here at OrangeSpiralArts.

1. I want to help promote and share the awesome blank page journals created at Rag and Bone Bindery.
2. I want to inspire you to open up a blank journal to express yourself creatively.
3. I want to share ideas for having fun and playing with blank books and journals.
4. I want to offer a giveaway for a $75 gift certificate for Rag and Bone Bindery.

How does that sound? 

I plan to post something at least once per week from now until mid-July. I will be posting here on my blog site www.OrangeSpiralArts.com, as well as to my Instagram account @brianacreates.

In the next blog post, I will share the link to enter the giveaway for a $75 gift certificate to Rag & Bone Bindery. Isn't that so exciting?! That is so generous of Rag & Bone Bindery; I am grateful to them, and I am so excited for you!!!

The giveaway will likely run until Monday, July 16th, and the winner will be announced shortly after that. Don't worry, I will make several posts to remind you of the giveaway, along with the link.

So, I hope you will visit me here and here.

May you feel inspired to express your inner creativity, thoughts, feelings, and also simply play with art supplies. Being in the present moment is one of the most healing things you can do for yourself. By being present, you let go of worry and anxiety. Your brain sends calming chemicals to your body, and you feel better. May it be so.

Sending Love and creative vibes your way!

Blessings to you,

Briana

PS If you want to get some ideas for how to work in a blank journal, I highly recommend Jason Thompson's book Making Journals by Hand. It's one of my all time favorites!