THRIVE- a FREE Progressive Art Journal Workshop for Artists, Journalers, Faith seekers and Families

I am excited to start this art journaling journey with all of you, some of you old friends and some new. This year I am going at things a little differently than I did the last time we did this free Progressive Art Journaling workshop (#PAJWLH). 

This time I have to really watch myself and make sure that I give myself as much grace as I can. As I mentioned in the announcement post in November, I will be posting more organically, not scheduled like I did last time. I have found it to be just too difficult for me to do so right now, so what I am hoping for is to post at least once a month, so that we can still have some sort of continuity yet still keep me stress free :). I will post at least once a month to help keep things going. In addition we will be doing art inspiration, written prompts, faith/inspirational prompts and childrens prompts. This will help to extend the opportunity for friends and family to work together on these prompts. My kids started this last year and have loved having prompts to go off of, and its an easy way to encourage family engagement.

A lot has changed since the last time I ran this progressive art journaling workshop, I’ve done a lot of contract work, my husband has switched careers and my kids have grown, almost so much that they are so much more independent than I ever thought they would be at this age.  In addition, during this time I dealt with some health issues that have taken my travel, teaching and blog posting down to a minimum and kept me pretty much home bound for a majority of the year.

This is what has brought me to this point right now.

I guess it’s true that you never know what you have until it’s gone. I fully understand that now that I have had to deal with chronic illness and redefine what my world is now with limited energy. It’s not a reason to feel sorry for me but just to understand that what I CAN do now. I now know my limits whereas before I didn’t realize just how little I had, physically.

That’s where my word for the year THRIVE comes in… and I hope you will join me as we dig in deep… you ready?

THRIVE.

For me, this word means more than survive, or succeed. This word (for me) describes being able to flourish in the position you are in. This word really speaks to my heart of being content with where I am right now and moving forward and pressing into what I want out of this life of mine.

When I was at my healthiest, I had so much energy. I was athletic, busy, active, able to eat a meal without having pain… didn’t have to take any sort of medication. I was healthy. Yet with all of that health and vitality… I still kept my dreams at bay. I still wasn’t exactly sure of what I wanted my future to be. I didn’t make any weighty decisions or press forward into some solid career planning. Although I had an idea of what I wanted… I really didn’t feel the need to press into it so quickly. I HAD TIME. I had so many options in life, yet I didn’t set my eyes on one goal, I still felt I could do it all… and by doing it all… it really meant I did a whole lot of things each for portions of time rather than pursuing my purpose 100% of the time.

In my current position, I see now how I took my time and good health for granted, but also how I hesitated from pursuing my passion or my dreams because I just didn’t feel I had to at that time. I was holding my own self back and I didn’t even know it. How many years did I take being healthy as a regular part of life? I truly did not understand the full value of what I had, when I had it. But most of all... I didn't take risks. my time was occupied with keeping busy, but taking steps forward into passion was a risk that never crossed my mind.

And that’s ok.

I could spend days, months, YEARS beating myself up over what I could have done, or what I should have done. I could pick a part all of the things I shouldn’t have done and how I should have studied more, worked harder, ate healthier… but it would have zero effect on my current status, and would not help me one bit… so why do it?

Instead, I’m moving past what I should have done and just going to be grateful for what has gotten me to this point, illness and all. I mean, what good is it for me to worry myself sick? (ha ha, I’m already there… well minus the worry )

So now, I take THRIVE to heart. I have made it my own personal word for the year and hold it close as a reminder of where I am now and STILL all that I can achieve. I am ready to press forward into my purpose, grab hold of those lofty dreams and slowly make my way towards them. My energy may be low, but my ambition will not be swayed. Even little steps forward... are steps forward. And THAT is always a good thing ♥

I hope to share more on this as we grow through this art journaling series. And I hope to hear from all of you on how this and other prompts may speak to you… I love, love, LOVE hearing all of your stories as I know I am not alone (know you are not alone either!). I can’t be a natural support for many, but a kind word to offer... that I can do :)

My promise to myself is to press on. Step into the role that I have been dreaming of and as gracefully as I can, take and appreciate the steps that get me there. It may take me a while (or not), but it will be worth it and it is never too long or too hard to accomplish. I mean that’s what possessing a passion is all about right? It’s meant to be life long, steering you, always a part of your life…. So if the journey takes a bit… It’s should be ok since you are on that path anyways… right? Why hurry?

So I hope that this post finds you in a place that you can press on, step into that passion and peacefully find the steps towards getting you to the place you want to be in this one precious life.

Art Prompt

Take your word and create it into your daily life as to be a reminder to you all year long. 

You can see here, I have it on my daily planner. But look specifically for places to add your art and word for the year. This will act as a wonderful reminder of who you are all year long.. even if you forget (which we all do!).

And here I made it into a tote with some extra duck cloth, structure lining, paint pens and a sewing machine. These paint pens are SOMETHING I LOVE and use all the time. They are water based acrylic paint markers that paint smoothly, dry quickly and allow you to not only layer colors when each layer is dry... but also mix colors when they are wet too. For this I used the Marvy Uchida DecoPaint pens and the Posca Paint pens.

If you are thinking this looks like it would be tough, it’s not. Super easy just take two pieces of fabric (same side, for the front and back panel) and take a long strip and sew the strip between the two panels so the raw edges are facing out. Add a bottom support if you’d like, or not your choice J The key is to not get hung up on it being pretty… just make it, flaws and all.

Written Prompt

If you could be, do or feel any way you wanted… what would that feel like? If you could clear the way to get you there, what would it take? What is one small step towards your goal? Do you fear your goal? How does the thought of accomplishing it make you feel? Is that something you want? I know sometimes physical limitations or strict limitations are a factor, pressing into your dream may not always be as easy… do you feel your dream is worth taking small steps towards?

Faith Prompt (used as written prompt or with art prompt)

Jeremiah 1:5New International Version (NIV)

⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[a] you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Though life offers different options than what our expectations are… how does this factor in with the fact that God knew all of this about us yet still set us each apart for a very special purpose. When you read “prophet” to the nations, how does this make you feel? Do you see how even in small things, God has his sights on us and is ok with our little steps towards victory, in fact, He thinks they are pretty awesome. The word “prophet” doesn’t have to be this daunting role with huge shoes to fill… It is simply stepping into our purpose and doing it with all our might. This is God’s vision for us.

Children’s Journal prompt

In your child’s journal, write the words:

Today I ______________________ and it made me feel _______________________________

All the kids to fill in these blanks and add a picture or more text if they’d like. Here is my son's journal. Of course it talks about video games because if he had it his way he would play video games and it would make him feel happy. This is a great way to connect with your kids and have a way of communicating with them too.

My daughter and I use this journal to write back and forth to each other, anything from daily highlights, to frustrations to goals for ourselves and our family. It is a great way to communicate with your kids and not have them feel like they are on the spot. You can use a notebook like this one below to work with your family or kids. It has a place to write and draw and is around $3.

The whole point of this post is in hopes that we can all take a hard look at our expectations in life… and how maybe adding a little reality doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Looking at things with truth might just give us the tools to move forward passed “what might have been”… into “what could be”.  And “what could be” may just be where you are supposed to be :) We are so easy to give grace to those around us, friends loved ones, even strangers… why is it that we are so quick to hold our dreams hostage with doubt? Doubt not only ourselves but also our ability to move forward into our purpose. We should be KIND to ourselves…First and foremost. Not everyone will be so why not be the first? Be gracious… start with YOU.

I am so grateful to be able to start this progressive art journal project again.

~Liz 

Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter here:

Powered by FeedBlitz

 

To find more art journal prompts click here: PAJWLH (add the hashtag #pajwlh for others to see your work too!)

Join the fun on Facebook too. Lots of fun inspiration on there from me and my friends. Search Liz Hicks Studios for the fun.


This post is a part of a webring of Designers sharing their crafty passion with the world. For more beautiful craft inspiration, take a  look below. You won't be sorry!

Designer Craft Connection
[ Hop back ] [ Hop forward ]

In the Stillness...PAJWLH

I've never thought of being sick as a blessing but in this experience I have learned the value of being still. Something funny happens when you are forced to stay home, in the quiet, away from the kids... just you.

I think everyone deals with things in such different ways.  I for one, when I became sick didn't really think of it as a burden rather than just a common illness that I was sure to pass soon. I had no idea that it would take hold of me for the next two months. In the beginning though, I found myself antsy, out of sorts because all of my regular faculties were not available. I couldn't walk around, take my kids to school, be outside, cook...or even eat. I never realized just how much I took for granted these small details of my life. Fortunately, I had good friends and an amazing husband around to help me out but still... this left me alone, by myself with only my thoughts... kind of a scary thought, lol.

Like I mentioned in the beginning of this experience, I was antsy... just wanting to get back to my work...school...my kids...my husband...my life. But something was happening to me, my health I believe was failing at this time so that I could allow myself the rest that my body needed that I had neglected to give it for so long.

So often in our lives we get caught up in what we think we ought to do rather than what it is that we are supposed to do. I believe that we all have an important purpose and are a valuable addition to this world but sometimes the world takes control of us and we get a little skewed from our path. I think this illness was my body's way of tell me that it was time to stop...Listen...Pray...and Remember...

During my few months of being still... I found out a lot about myself. Somethings I was not too fond of but they are me either way. I can be stubborn, unnecessarily independent, opinionated, over whelmed... and well a whole lot more. This time helped to remind me of my purpose and allow me to see myself as I was. Human. Even the human in me though can use some adjusting. So during this time, I evaluated some of these attributes that I am not to fond of, some of them I came to terms with, but some of these I really had to humble myself and let go. I had to realize that some of these characteristics where not part of my purpose, who I am or who I wanted to be and purging of these attributes became a part of my healing process.

I guess the point of this art journal prompt is to share my perspective of being still and how sometimes it is so very important for our make up. I like so many cat lovers often find myself laughing at my cats as to how much they sleep, but I am sure that they look at me and think.... wow, does she ever stop?

My Cat... Ginger.

*Copyright and Property of Liz Hicks, please do not use without written permission.

So for the last art journal prompt it was to write down a list of words through out your day that you felt. For this journal prompt, divide that list into words that are you... and words that are of the world, not necessarily of you but words that the world displaces you with. Sometimes seeing the difference allows us to recognize and remind ourselves that there is a bigger purpose to us than just our day to day. That each day adds up to a whole life and well, we want this life to count for something, right? During the time of our life we are re-routed by what we THINK we should be doing... what the WORLD tells us is right. Sometimes we go with it, but sometimes there is that gut feeling that tells us that something is just not ok... and well that little something if we listen to it can get us back on track. The important part though is to be still, listen, feel who we are, remember what we stand for and allow ourselves to dig deep into ourselves and evaluate... it can be tough but so rewarding too...

As I have mentioned before, I am not a counselor and don't dare to claim to be. The prompts and art that I share are merely for those who enjoy following my journey. It is in no way to take place for a counselor or anything of the sort. Art journaling is a way of expressing what is going on in our minds and allowing us to connect with those subconscious thoughts that are so important to us.

Thanks for stopping by today. Our family is actually on a bit of a break and visiting family in California for the week. We are taking some time to relax, enjoy loved ones and just be... it is a pretty awesome thing.

~Liz ♥

In the Valley...PAJWLH

The other day my husband gave me a book called Peaks and Valleys, I haven't started it yet but I believe the title is pretty self explanatory.

*photo copyright and property of Liz Hicks may be pinned or shared with credit given and link pack to original post*

It has been a month since my last blog post, and well some of you know that I have been dealing with some health issues for some time now. I wanted to update a little especially with the holidays approaching, I felt that it was important to share a little about myself going into this season.

My health, thank God is doing a lot better but I still have episodes of illness here and there. I have dealt with digestive issues for a while, being diagnosed with a multitude of things (which I will not ruin your lunch by going into detail). On September 17th I was cooking for my husbands birthday which was the next day. We were celebrating on this day since he worked late the next. Out of no where I became ill and it was violent. I had hot and cold flashes, I was buckled over in pain, my brain felt like it was in a blender, my eyes wouldn't focus and I could not stop shivering. On top of all of this, my muscles ached horribly which was excruciating since I suffer from chronic pain (I was diagnosed earlier this year), so this was on top of my condition. From that day I was laid out on the couch for two months, pretty much just trying to be present in my children's life.I would sit up or lay down on the couch and do homework with them, or cuddle and watch a movie... but this was pretty much as much as they got from me. I would have violent episodes where I would have to go to the emergency room and my amazing husband would organize who would watch our children and then rush to my side. I have to say that I hate the ER... but that is a different story.

I tell you all of this not so that you can sympathize or empathize with me, but that in hopes that this explains a bit of my absence on the blog and this next series of art journal prompts that I want to share with you.

During this time of illness which was about 2 months long, something changed in me. It is not this big outrageous come to Jesus kind of change, it was more of a time of rest in which I needed that allowed my perspective to be returned. I am pretty sure that this change was already inside of me, kinda like all the ingredients were there... I just hadn't taken the time to add them all up and make sense of it all.

This month on the blog I had planned on having some close friends of mine help me out with sharing some home made gift ideas and resourceful ways of staying true to this next season. With my illness and some very unfortunate events in my friends lives, I have come to the conclusion that this is my story to tell. So I will invite my friends to help me out with this at the beginning of 2013 and hopefully we can share with you a different twist on what I had planned.

This next week, I want to take some time to share a little in depth of my journey this past two months, this past year...and even some of my earlier life. This is a scary moment for me because well, what I share on the blog is how-to's, art, crafts, recipes and fun stuff, well the truth is that life doesn't always add up to a whole bunch of fun stuff and I have found that even the hard stuff needs to be shared. So starting next week, I will be doing a straight through marathon of art journal prompts that I hope will help you this next holiday season. My goal is not to change you or give you some sort of Ah-Ha hallelujah moment but for those of you who may being having a tough time right now as we enter the holiday season... I just want you to know you are not alone. If you are struggling with illness, finances,loneliness, isolation, regret, separation, hurt... you are not alone and I pray that this series will unite those who are dealing with similar circumstances in restoration and understanding.

I mentioned the book Peaks and Valleys which I am about to read, but I found some quotes from the book on amazon that are right along the lines of what I wish to share this next week. The valley of course is in reference to our low times, or even hardships.

"The pain in a valley can wake you up to a truth you have been ignoring."

"The path out of a valley appears when you choose to see things differently."

I hope you will join me this next week as we share some moments of reflection and come together for the same purpose of understanding.

For today's art journal prompt: take about 5 minutes to jot down your life right now. No art, just words. Jot down a description of your life right now and don't stop for at least five minutes. Use adjectives, places, peoples names, feelings, colors, hopes dreams... everything the good and the bad... just write it down today in your book and date it. There is nothing pretty about this page, but this will help dig a bit into yourself and you might be surprised as to some of the words you find yourself writing.

Feel free to share in a comment some of the words you find yourself writing.

Thanks again for thinking of me and my family during this time, I can only hope that my time of reflection can somehow be shared effectively to you all and bring some sort of peace in knowing.. you are not alone.

~Liz ♥

Virtual Gallery Walk- PAJWLH

So today is the first day of our Virtual Gallery Walk! If you are not up to speed about what this concept is... check out my article from last weeks post here about the Virtual Gallery Walk. The name of this exhibit is Artistic Inspiration: Then and Now.


For this exhibit of our Virtual Gallery Walk, we decided to use various forms of inspiration to draw from. My initial thought was to draw inspiration from classic artists, but with this group of artists... the sky became the limit. Our talks went from story books, to music and well... it just expanded. So the focus for this exhibit will be Artistic Inspiration: Then and Now...

Here is what I came up with :)

My initial inspiration was an artist that I was introduced to during my drawing class. I loved my drawing class because our teacher had a really unique approach to teaching us the basics of drawing through varying mediums and artists. One of the artists that I was drawn to was Sigmar Polke.

Here are a few samples of his work, and for more samples click here to view google images.

Upgrade (Lens Painting) (2007)
mixed media on fabric
31 1/2 x 39 1/4 inches
source:oneartworld.com

 

       source: escapeintolife.com

What I enjoyed about his art was of course his mixed media approach to some of his pieces, but also the use of layers through varying effects such as screen print or image transfers and stencils.

Another inspiration of mine is street art... I have become enamored with the use of stencils in street art and the juxtaposition of some of the placement  of art and content. Banksy and Shepard Fairey are the two that come to mind when I think of influential street artists. With street art you are faced with a canvas that is opportune and available. I love that some of the work that street artists create often cover advertisements, or flyers that are stuck to the wall. Mostly just in the way  that it creates texture... not so much in the illegal way it costs communities to restore.

So with this in mind, I set out to create a piece that offered techniques such as stenciling, screen printing and image transfers but that offered the texture of a random surface. I love the look of stenciled street art that has been created over walls that previously held papers, posters and such... the textures are amazing! That was one of the attributes I knew I needed with this pieces. I had planned on screen printing a bit on this, but after I looked at the last layer I laid... I didn't think it was necessary. So this is it :)

Take Hold of your Dreams

Mixed Media 8x10 Canvas Board

Acrylics, Inks and Resin

Supplies: Acrylic Pigments (Plaid enterprises), Epoxy Resin (Ice Resin), texture stamp (Unity Stamp Co.), spray Inks (Clearsnap and Creative Imaginations), Stencil (Creative Imaginations),  Thread (Gutterman) letter stamps sequin and vintage paper (unknown)

Here is a view of the Resin I applied on the piece. I wanted to add lacquered sort of layer, that was sporadic and not completely covering. I considered using a gel or glaze medium, but I really wanted a TRUE lacquered feel that was completely transparent. I chose to use Ice Resin for this result. PLUS the depth that it offers the piece too :)

 This is a downward view of the right side of the piece. I have a cascade of sequin, thread, glitter, inks and paints creating layers and depth across this piece.

 Now if we are friends on Facebook... you might have heard about my "staples" incident... well these are the staples that were stapled to my hard wood floors... thank God they came up :)

 Here is a bit more of the texture, showing the basket weaving that is in the middle section of this piece. 

The idea for this gallery walk is to remind us all that our reason for creating, though it is our own... is the same as those who we follow... Even the greats had our drive, our passion... we are artists... just as they are. Notoriety has nothing to do with it. We create because it is who we are, not because it is who we want people to see us as... It is a part of who we are.

Today for the gallery walk, we also have the wonderful Jen Cushman sharing. Make sure to check out Jen her on her blog. Jen is part of the magic behind Ice Resin, which I am pretty sure that most of you have fallen in love with! You will definitely want to check out what she created :)

PAJWLH

 I am trying to catch up on some prompts since I have been ill the past few weeks. This blog post seemed perfect to add a prompt to. If you are not familiar with PAJWLH... check it out here. This is a free art journal workshop that I offer on line this year.

Prompt: Why do you create? for your family? For yourself? for healing? For work? look into the root of why it is you create. Is this the reason you started to create in the first place? Does it make you happy? Why?

Creative Prompt: Use a stencil, image transfer or silk screened image.

I am pretty excited that this is the start of this fun artsy adventure... I have chosen some good girls that are amazingly talented... I am so glad they said yes and that you get to be a part of this with us.

So enjoy this gallery walk... I will be your tour guide if you get lost, just hop back over here... am I will guide you to the right part of the exhibit for the day. We will be doing this from October 1st through the 5th... I am sure you will have a blast, pick up a few artistic inspirations that will get your creative juices flowing!

See you tomorrow :)

~Liz Hicks

9/11/2001- PAJWLH

Yesterday I woke up and could feel that it was 9/11.

9/11/2001 I remember this day so well. I was newly wed and expecting our first child. This was the day that we were going to go into the doctors for our very first baby appointment. What should have been a day full of hope became a day that I will never forget for reasons beyond imaginable.

I remember the series of texts and phone calls I got during this time. Friends telling me they were ok, friends worried about family members who later on were found to be ok. It seemed like such a time of uncertainty even the thought of driving to the doctors office which was 10 minutes away seemed scary.

Suddenly what use to be normal, now was not so certain. I think life comes at us with a certain force in which we learn to deal with things on a day to day basis taking certain liberties for granted. On this day I knew that safety was one of those liberties I had taken for granted.

Through the passing of days I saw a certain camaraderie in people begin to emerge. It seemed that everyone realized at the very same moment that life was precious. That nothing is for certain and that each day is a blessing. I saw churches coming together in support opening their doors to everyone to unite in prayer for our nation. Strangers helping strangers for the sake of humanity. At this point we were all equal, people seemed to look past what differences or labels that the person next to the carried and saw each other in one simple form. Human.

As tragic as the events were, from this came a mutual respect for human kind. A certain vulnerability that joined enemies and friends alike as a human race. I have to say, I still remember this. Through the years as safety became more apparent, I have seen this sense of camaraderie seem to dwindle. But still to this day, I remember the only good thing that seemed to come from this horrible incident was that we united as a nation, and the world knew this.

This is one of those things that I miss from 11 years ago. Of course I wish 9/11 never happened. I thank God every time that I see the pictures of the babies who lost their fathers in the events, never to have met them. I look at my son, now 10 and think, why were we so lucky to be spared? I can't help but think of this when this day rolls around. I just can't.

So in an effort of remembrance, I ask for you to take a moment and reflect yourself.

Journal Prompt: What does FREE mean to you? What of this day do you remember most? Do you remember fear? Love?Compassion?Unity? Do you still feel that way, or has time changed your perspective.

Creative Prompt:  Use red, white and blue... it can be bright bold colors, solemn colors, vivid colors, you can even mix them up... just get creative with these three colors.

 FREE 8x8 Altered Canvas

Adhesive: SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L Paint: Folk Art (Plaid) Craft Foil and Glitter: Clearsnap Letters: American Crafts, Stars: Fiskars (punches)

Another story I found about remembering is this article here from Mamiverse CEO Rene Alegria in regards to undocumented immigrants that perished in the attacks at the world trade center. It never occurred to me how hard it would be to find someone who had no identity in the US. Her accounts of this event are beautiful and I highly recommend you take the few minutes to read her article.

I pray that this journal prompt finds you in peace and that your 9/11 was a beautiful day of reflection.

~Liz Hicks