Orange Spiral Arts

Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions-November 16-Dec. 7, 2021

Greetings, Everyone!

I am offering a 4-week session, starting November 16th, 2021 of the Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions! They are back by popular demand!

These sessions take place live via Zoom, so you can be in the comfort of your own space. (There is no recording.)

The dates and times are as follows:

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 11am-12pm CST

Workshop = Artist Trading Cards (aka ATCs)

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11am-12pm CST

Workshop = DIY Envelopes

 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 11am-12pm CST

Workshop = Mail Art

 

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 11am-12pm CST

Workshop = Make Your Own Gift Wrap

The images above are examples to give you an idea of what is possible. What you create will depend upon your supplies and level of experimentation. 

No matter what, we are going to have fun creating together for one hour each week!

The cost for the 4 Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions is

$60 USD.

 

Policy Note: Due to the nature of being a solo small business owner, there are no refunds.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your PayPal email address is current, as that is how I will be sending you the Zoom links for class.

Upon payment, you can expect to receive a registration confirmation within 24-48 hours.

Through email, I will send the supply lists for each session along with the Zoom session link.

Here's what past participants are saying:

"I so enjoyed the Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions. I learned so much and I became more open and comfortable in my own abilities. It was great to see the same participants each time. Briana gives really good instructions and shares so many additional resources."

 

"I always learn so much from Briana. Her passion is infectious and it always inspires me! Her classes are also engaging and fun and always a no pressure just play environment."

 

"I highly recommend the Live Zoom Art Play Dates with Briana. Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week! Briana makes it fun, and I learned so much each week. Also, I enjoy working with the other participants and sharing."

 

"Briana'a weekly Zoom Art Play Dates have been a highlight of my weeks. I've learned so many new techniques and had a lot of fun! Briana's focus on the process rather than the outcome is so supportive . . . . really frees me up to just dive right in."

 

4 weeks, Tuesdays at 11am CST, November 16-December 7, 2021

$60 USD

 

 

Policy Note: Due to the nature of being a solo small business owner, there are no refunds.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your PayPal email address is current, as that is how I will be sending you the Zoom links for class.

Upon payment, you can expect to receive a registration confirmation within 24-48 hours.

Through email, I will send the supply lists for each session along with the Zoom session link.

Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions-Fall 2021

2021 Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions

Greetings, Everyone!

My name is Briana, and I am a mixed media artist and teacher.

I am excited to announce that this fall, I am hosting an 8-week session of LIVE Zoom classes.

Each class is only 1 hour, which is a wonderful amount of time to squeeze into your busy life.

Class takes place Live on Zoom- Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 14, 2021 at 11am-12pm CST. 

The 8-week session continues through Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021, 11am-12pm CST.

These sessions are NOT recorded. My hope is that will be motivation to join the Live session, so you can get the most out of each class, while connecting with other human beings.

After registration, you will receive an email with the Zoom link, and all suggested supplies to gather for each session.

Policy Note: Due to the nature of running a small business as a solopreneur there will be no refunds.

Schedule--Mark Your Calendars

September 14, 2021-Watercolor Pattern Painting

September 21, 2021-Gelli Printing 

September 28, 2021-Collaged Cairn Cards

October 5, 2021-Using Stencils

October 12, 2021-Rubber Stamping

October 19, 2021-Liquid Watercolor Mandalas

October 26, 2021-Simple Printmaking with Water-soluble Markers

November 2, 2021-Stamp Carving

Benefits to You

I have so much to share with you, and here is a list of benefits you'll receive for participating in these Live Zoom Art Play and Learning Sessions:

• develop a creative art practice
• have FUN!
• connect with other creatives
• learn new mixed media art techniques
• get inspired from the lessons and from the other participants
• further develop your art skills
• stress reduction
• heart and spirit uplift
• time for yourself aka self-care

Payment

Each session costs $15 USD or SAVE $40 when you bundle all 8 sessions for only $80 USD.

You can sign up for the sessions that work best for your interest and schedule, or sign up for all 8 sessions and SAVE $40. If you'd like to be a generous supporter and pay full price for all 8 sessions, that'd be wonderful, too!

Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions

Single Session - 15.00 USDAll 8 Sessions Deal - 80.00 USDGenerous Supporter-Full Price for 8 Sessions - 120.00 USD

If you sign up for individual sessions, be sure to let me know which session you are registering for, so I can send you the correct email. You can send this information to me via email (OrangeSpiralArts (at) gmail (dot) com), or in the Note to Seller section.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE BE SURE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS CURRENT WITH YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT. EMAIL IS HOW I WILL BE COMMUNICATING WITH YOU ABOUT THE CLASS.

 

Sample Images

I must tell you that my artistic style is loose and free. I prefer the look of imperfect art and making art that is imperfect lights up my soul!

When you sign up to work with me, you will surround yourself with love and color!

Sample for September 28, 2021-Collaged Cairn Cards 

Sample for November 2, 2021-Stamp Carving 

Playing with rubber stamps is oh so fun!

These Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions are going to be so nourishing for you.

I have done several for my own self-care, and it feels so good to honor thy self.

I hope to see you soon!

With Gratitude and Kindness,

Briana of Orange Spiral Arts

 

Little Handmade Watercolor Journal Flip Through Video

Hello, hello, to wonderful you!

I hope you are safe, and doing well.

I've got a journal flip video to share with you today.

I just recently finished this little watercolor journal, handmade by Emily of Fineberg Art Studio.

I hope you gain some inspiration from this wee little video.

I am really into watercolor, gouache, and ink lately. How about you? What are your go to supplies these days?

Let me know in the comments of this post, or reply via email.

I am working on some new offerings, which will likely be related to the above listed supplies. I am excited about this!!!! With Distance Learning this past year for my son, my time to create videos for online classes has been slim.

I am also thinking about offering some Live Zoom sessions. You can think of them as adult play dates with art supplies, or hangouts, or simply time to connect with other people!

If you'd like to keep informed about upcoming classes and events, be sure to sign up for the Orange Spiral Arts newsletter. On the sidebar of my site, look for my smiling face and enter your email address in the box! Thanks so much for your interest!

Thank you for being here.

You and your creativity matter!

-Briana of Orange Spiral Arts

 

December 2020 Art Inspiration and 2021 MN Visual Journal Collective Information

Greetings, Everyone!

What a wild ride we've been on this year.

I have neglected my blog, as my focus has mostly been on family. However, I have been making some art in the spaces in between.

Above are a bunch of postcards that I mailed out for the participants of the MN Visual Journal Collective who signed up for Postcard Swap Round 4. These cards were a lot of work, yet also quite fun and rewarding to create and send off.

Speaking of the MN Visual Journal Collective, Molly (co-facilitator of the MN Visual Journal Collective) and I have planned out the 2021 schedule. If you'd like more information, visit my page all about the MN Visual Journal Collective.

I also have a couple of random photos to share with you.

First up, here are some colorful stripes I learned how to create in Tammy Garcia's online class Groovy Grunge. I am so happy I signed up for this class. I just love Tammy's ideas, use of color, and plain explanations for how to create . . . well, everything she shares.

Finally, I have been working on an art challenge this month called Carve December. It is hosted by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, and it mostly happens on Instagram with the hashtag #carvedecember or #carvedecember2020.

In early January, I will be sharing a post all about the stamps I carved. For now, if you are on Instagram, I invite you to take a look at my OrangeSpiralArts feed. 

Since I have been way into hand-carved stamps this month, I decided to alphabetize and use a very special set I have been coveting. 

Read the letter to understand what they are all about.

I wrote a little story on Instagram that I will share here, too.

I am so grateful to my mom for sharing her creative energy with me. She is trained as a fine artist, and I am an expressive, abstract artist. Yet, we can still share some of the same supplies, as we both love mixed media, collage, fiber, and printmaking.
A while ago, my mom gave me her set of hand-carved alphabet stamps. I don’t think I used them until today. One thing the global pandemic is teaching me is to use your art supplies, and make/do things you enjoy.

I am sending good energy and love out to you all. Thanks for reading a piece of my art story. 

 

Thanks for reading this post. I miss you all.

Many Blessings and Gratitude to you,

Briana

2020 Handmade Holidays Buyer's Guide

Greetings, Everyone!

Some of you may know that I co-facilitate a monthly visual journaling group here in Minnesota, USA. 

Below is information on how to support members of our group this holiday season. Thanks so much for considering to support our small businesses. 

Kind Regards,

Briana of Orange Spiral Arts

 

 

Welcome to the 2020 Handmade Holiday Buyer’s Guide!

2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges, unfathomable circumstances and, at times, surreal situations. But, during this difficult time as we have been forced to keep our distance from each other, we have overcome the obstacles, called upon our creativity and found new ways to come together. And the members of the MN Visual Journal Collective are no exception.

Formed over 10 years ago by founder Roz Stendahl, the MN Visual Journal Collective has met monthly in person to share art journaling ideas, creative inspiration, supplies and support. When the country shut down this spring, those in-person meetings were put on hold, but the group’s creativity and love for each other were not. Meetings shifted to Zoom, sharing of ideas and support were posted to Facebook and the group has kept in touch through a monthly postcard project.

Many of the artists in this group have been struggling to find ways to support their artistic businesses in a world that has been forced to move to a virtual marketplace. But one thing we have never struggled to do is come together in support of each other. In 2019, members Molly Anthony and Jenny Maroney created this buyer’s guide as a way to showcase
the work of their collective artistic communities worldwide. But this year, they knew it had a much larger purpose much closer to home. This year, the Handmade Holiday Buyer’s Guide features only the work of local Minnesota artists who are members of the MN Visual Journal Collective. Instead of simply making a list of these artists, we wanted to build a guide that would showcase their amazing work and also provide all the ways
to connect with each artist so that you can both share and purchase
their work.

When you purchase from these artists, you aren’t just receiving beautiful handmade items delivered with love, you are also supporting an independent artist, making dreams come true and are making someone do a happy dance – seriously, you may not see them, but a happy dance comes with each purchase! We hope you enjoy the Handmade holiday Buyer’s Guide and we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for buying handmade this holiday season!

Molly & Jenny and the members of the MN Visual Journal Collective

2020 Handmade Holiday Buyer's Guide download

Download 2020 Handmade Holiday Gift Guide Final

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

 

Fresh Paint Art Show and Online Art Sale Begins Today (Nov. 18)

The Fresh Paint Art Show and Online Art Sale is here.

View Briana's (aka Orange Spiral Arts) art here. I have 10 pieces listed for sale on Instagram.

You are welcome to send me an email or send the $50 USD payment via PayPal to my PayPal email address, which is orangespiralarts(at)gmail(dot)com.
I will then contact you about the cost of shipping based on your location. Please include the title of the art piece, so we are on the same page.

Students from around the world took an online class this year with Flora Bowley and Lynzee Lynx. The course is called Fresh Paint. We explored many avenues of creating artwork on square paper, and now we are having an online art show and sale! All art is priced at $50 USD + shipping. Make an artist's day by leaving a kind, encouraging comment, and/or purchasing some art!

Top Reasons to Buy Art from Someone

1. You brighten someone's day, which truly makes a difference.
2. You support someone's dreams.
3. It's fun to get snail mail.
4. The art speaks to you and/or brings you a sense of joy/peace/happiness/inspiration, etc.
5. The world needs more creativity!

Thank you so much for stopping by the virtual show! We appreciate you! 
You can search the hashtag #freshpaintcourseshow on Instagram. Be sure to look at the Top and Recent tabs to view all work in the show, if using a smart phone.

Thank you so much for having a look at the Fresh Paint Art Show and Sale.

If you are interested in signing up for the next round of Fresh Paint, I am happy to share my affiliate link. Thanks in advance, as this also helps support me as an artist.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

With Gratitude,
Briana