Orange Spiral Arts

Survey-Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions for Fall 2022

Greetings, Everyone,

As many of you know, I am a mixed media artist and teacher.

 

Since the Fall of 2021, I have been offering Live Zoom Art Play Dates and Learning Sessions.

 

These are one-hour mixed media art classes that pack a punch.

 

There is laughter and socializing, as well as a lot of fun artful mess making.

 

If you are interested in learning more, I invite you to fill out this survey and weigh in on your preferences for Fall 2022.

Thanks so much!

 

Feel free to tell your friends who may also be interested in class.

 

To clarify, these sessions happen from home via your computer.

You are given a supply list in advance, so you can gather what you need prior to class.

 

Here's the link to the survey:

 

https://forms.gle/3UxH3LCZ7SUhdLsPA

 

You and your creativity matter!

 

Many Blessings and Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts

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

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.

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

 

February Visual Journaling Classes for Adults at Wet Paint

Greetings, Everyone!

Thanks for being here.

I am teaching two different visual journaling classes in February at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I would love for you to attend one or both of them!

Here's the info:

What: More Visual Journaling Inspirations

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $126

What: Visual Journaling Retreat

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $84

Click on the class title to read more about each class and to register via Wet Paint's site.

Thank you so much!

-Briana

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

Hello Folks! 

Thank you for visiting Orange Spiral Arts.

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Wet Paint

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

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

Photo Credit: Wet Paint

Of course, the choice is yours.

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

Photo Credit: Wet Paint

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

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

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

Before I sign off of this blog post . . .

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

Announcement about changes to the MN Visual Journal Collective in 2020

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

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

Photo credit: Molly Anthony

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

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

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

Upcoming Classes and Events

December 2019

Alcohol Inks Family Class

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

Suitable for ages 11 and up

No prior art experience necessary

Caution: Rubbing Alcohol is used in this class

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $35 per person

Register here

January 2020

Briana's Art Show and Sale

You're Invited

Olivet Congregational Church

1850 Iglehart Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55104

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

Show runs through Sunday, April 5, 2020

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

Or make special arrangements with Briana

Thank you for your interest and support!

January Classes at Wet Paint

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

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $60

Register here

February Classes at Wet Paint

Abstract Alcohol Inks

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $56 (includes ink and paper kit)

Register here

Mixed Media Heart Art

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $53 (all supplies included)

Register here

More Visual Journaling Inspirations

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $126

Register here

Visual Journaling Retreat 

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

Where: Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Fee: $84

Register here

March Classes

Abstract Alcohol Inks Continued

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

Where: Wet Paint

Fee: $32

Mixed Papers Junk Journal

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

Where: Minnesota Center for the Book Arts (MCBA)

Fee: $108 + $25 supply fee

Register here

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

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

I appreciate you!

With Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

 

Birthday Sale on Online Classes-Express Yourself Creatively Today

Greetings Folks!

Thank you so much for visiting Orange Spiral Arts.

It's almost my birthday, so I decided to offer up my online classes at a heck of a bargain.

All of my online classes are on sale for $45 USD or less! 

Simply click on the class title to be taken to the information and registration page.

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas $150 to $45 (save $105)

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Ink Art $75 to $45 (save $30)

The Beautiful BEing Program $225 to $45 (save $180)

Mixed Media Paint Scraping $65 to $45 (save $20)

Collage Paper Pies $55 to $45 (save $10)

Winter 2017 Online Class Set-Ink and Oil Pastel, Magazine Mixed Media Collages, and Abstract Watercolor Patterns $50 to $45 (save $5)

Vision Board E-Course $37

Benefits of Orange Spiral Arts online classes

• work at your own pace and at a time of day/night that suits you
• revisit videos and content as often as you'd like (play, pause, play, pause)
• personal support via email (limits noted in each class)
• loosen up creatively
• gain confidence in expressing yourself through art and/or writing
• enjoy the moment
• play and feel a sense of freedom
• relax, reduce stress, and breathe easier
• feel inspired, grounded, and connected (mind-body-spirit)
• feel good about supporting a woman-owned and operated small business
• be entertained while learning a new art technique

Thank you so much for being here.

I appreciate your support and encouragement to keep on keepin' on!

Sending Blessings,

Briana