Caged In...

 I covered up some old journaling that I had already done on this double page spread with gesso and then covered it with some striped tissue paper.  I applied the tissue paper with matte gel medium.  I left it like that for a while before I decided what would go on the pages.  I drew out bird on an old piece of map paper, cut it out and colored it with oil pastel.  Then I stuck it on the page and drew the cage  and the heart - also with oil pastels.  I journaled using a black Sharpie marker.

This page was covered with gesso and then I added some torn map paper here and there with matte gel medium.  I used water color pencils to fill in the color on the background.  I also did some light journaling just to get some "stuff" off my chest and then promptly covered it up.  My bloggy friend, Lea, sent me a sweet package a way back when and there was all kinds of ephemera and goodies tucked in it.  One thing that was in it was a piece of material that was painted.  I've had it in my drawer forever waiting for a special use.   I tore it into strips and then used Mod Podge to adhere it and I also covered it with Mod Podge.

I added some details with the oil pastels again and also some Tim Holtz Distress Stain.  I love that stuff.  They come in bottles with a little dauber at the end for application.  Title was added with a black Sharpie.

When working in my soul journal, I am more interested in what I have to write or say than I am the "art" work usually.  However, because of the personal nature of the journaling, I often end up covering my words.  That's okay.  I'm still getting the journaling out there and I'm also allowing myself to be expressive.  There are times that I write out my words like a prayer and there are other times where they are just random sentences, thoughts, rambles that just come to mind.  I was speaking to a friend about this recently and I think I will be approaching my journaling a little differently and see what happens.  I really feel like I'm playing it safe sometimes and not being fearless with my art or my words.  That has to change. It's just something I know.

When you art journal, is it serious? Light-hearted? Does it mean anything?  All of the above? =)

Altered Water Bottles

Each year, we like to give a little gift to each father that comes to church on Father's Day.  

We do this for the mothers on Mother's Day, as well.

 We bought some inexpensive water bottles in a neutral color.  

Then, using my Cricut and the Alphalicious cartridge, I cut out "You're the Best" and "DAD" from some vinyl adhesive and applied it to the bottles.

We gave one to each father in attendance that morning at church.  

You don't need a lot of money or talent to put a smile on someone's face.  

All it takes is a little thought and creativity! 

Finding My Wings...

I guess you can see a progression here on the pages.  I didn't realize it, but I think I tend to turn to my soul journal more often during the difficult or confusing times.  I don't know, I think it may be because I don't have to betray myself with words that would not suffice.  I am not a complainer.  I don't like to be negative - even with my closest friends or family, so I turn to my books.  I do journal happy times to of course, but sometimes your heart is heavy and you just need to have an outlet.  I find myself praying as I play with the different mediums and textures.  I may not always love what I've created, but I always feel a little better in spirit.  You should try it.  Clearly, you don't have to be an artist.  Just do what moves you. 

It's GIVEAWAY time!!

Oh WOW. I'm so excited to learn that my facebook page, Altered to Perfection, has reached 106 fans. =) 

I'd like to celebrate reaching 100 fans by giving all of you a chance to win one of my CUSTOM DESIGNED JOURNALS. 
All you have to do to enter this give away is: first, make sure you are already a fan by "Like"ing the page on facebook and then SHARE my page on your facebook wall (click the little gear in the top right corner of the page and click SHARE) and then come back to let me know you did that by commenting here on this post or on the facebook thread about the giveaway. =)
As always, thank you for your awesome support.
I will keep this open until Friday 10 p.m. Winner will be announced Saturday morning.

 I sometimes add a pocket in the front.

 I also add tags if I have some cute ones around.

It's my goal to try and personalize your custom book as best as I can.  

I take great joy in trying to really match the person for whom it's been ordered.

You can see more of my work and items for sale by clicking on the ETSY bar on the right on this page.

A Beautiful Life...

This canvas has been re-purposed and re-painted several times.  It has recently just been a work in progress for me and I think I'm finally happy with it...for now.