Soul Sisters

This is a 2-part post on soul sisters; I have at least 4 of them, one hasn't a clue I exist but we'll get to that later. 

Anyone who really knows me, especially one of these 3, knows that all they have to do is whisper a doodle task and I'll drop the dusting, the laundry, and the need for nourishment. Hell, I'm nourishing my soul--who needs to eat?

The conversation happens something like this:

SS: "I know you're really busy but I kinda volunteered you to make our button this year. Hope you don't mind and you can say "No"."

Me: "Are you freakin' kidding? You know don't even have to ask."

The funny thing is sometimes these doodles end up resembling her & I. I don't try to do that and I never realize it until after the fact. 

Once again, here we are. (Immortalized on this small town swag.) 

Which gets me to the soul sister who has no idea who I am. 

It's "nesting season" here--cold, snowy, ish. For me, I hate it all except that it gives me an excuse to stay in and create. Sometimes, creating with someone else's art is better than my own. 

Her drawings inspire me, are much like my own, and are so damn cute. (Plus, not having to wait for an etsy purchase is right up my instant gratification alley.)

She hasn't a clue, but embroidering her design was just what I needed yesterday. 

Thank you, Soul Sister Lilipopo.

She calls it "Catching Wishes". I call it love.

You can get your very own instant pattern here..

Which got me thinking (surprise, surprise) that you might need a brain break.

So here's a B&W copy of the "Girls on Escape"--Print it out. Color It. Embroider it. Frame it. Whatever you want to do--just don't sell it. (Karma, remember?) 

Get it here.

Call your soul sister. Tell her Thank you. Make something.

Nesting

I've got a case of the "post-holiday, post winter vacation, mid-winter darkness, almost 40, need a change but haven't a clue" blues. Well, that's a mouthful.

Big thinker, not so great on the execution front. So instead of launching (ie doing something about it), I retreat. How's that for keyboard courage?

Retreat isn't always wrong but a healthier balance could be better.

During this retreating phase, I keep myself doing what makes me feel like me. What makes me stop thinking about the future and keeps me in the NOW.

(It's all about rewards. One could ask themself, "Why are you treating yourself with a reward of allowing  yourself to be yourself?"

Well, that, right there, is dysfunction at it's finest.) 

Anyways, this illustration probably says it all. 

Doodling & reading. A doodling bibliophile. Amen. 

You can buy this print @ my Society 6 shop--along with some other goodies. 

Go doodle something..I'm off to my happy place.

An Homage to the Woosa Work

I'm officially on Art Journal #8 but the truth is, I think I've been cutting out paper and saving it in one way, shape, or form for my whole life.

As 2013 ends, I was paging through these books filled with glue and paint and took photos of my favorite pages. 
You've seen some of these if you follow me on instagram. 
But...here's an "homage" to my woosa work for the year. 

A link to the video if you can't see anything; HERE.

**Credits** 

Flipagram App--it's free! And super easy to use.

Music by "Commes Des Enfants", Couer de Pirate

Wishing most days were "pumpkin patch" kinda days..

There's something about Fall that I love (that I've always loved, really).

The Fall where the sun is warm, but the air is cool.

 

And all seems right in the world some way.

 

October should be when we celebrate the new year, the leaves show us that they even need a change.

 

Here's to a perfect pumpkin patch day. Where the doodles are free, blue hair is more than just ok, the spiders can roam, and the perfect outfit only requires a pair of boots and some printed tights.

 

I went to London: Custom Cards

I judge a really cute outfit by how badly I want to doodle it. The doodability factor also applies to purses, haircuts, shoes, inanimate objects-whatever strikes the old inspiration chord. 

 A co-worker of mine just returned from London. She went to the Cath Kidston store while traveling abroad {be still my heart--I cannot imagine how pretty this place is!} and came back with this.

You can have one too-they ship to the US!

 

She modeled her bag for us, shared her tales, and my "inspired chord" was struck.

She was my doodle subject for the evening.

 

She's mentioned more than once that she'd like a copy of her doodle so I got to work.

 

I turned her doodle into a little gift.

 

A few little note cards packaged in a clever envelope made just for greeting cards--I'm sharing, don't you worry.

 

The "envelope" tutorial is right here. Thank you, Nicole!

 

And just in case you don't have any time to doodle, I've created a download for Meg's card that you can just print on cardstock and cut.

 

 

{Download Here}

 

{You may use for personal use only...Art karma. It's really a bitch.}

 

I hear Cath's website calling my name.

So, sometimes, you just need a reward.

Oh yeah, give me every color.

 

 

Want your very own copy to frame? Download here

Deep breaths

 

Thought for today via the artjournal--when you don't have the time to roadtrip but your soul is screaming, "Get me outta here."

 

4 syllables for you today: Sab-bat-tic-al.

 

Whatcha' Been Doin'?

I was reminded today, since the high is only 68 degrees, that summer doesn't last forever around here. I've been trying to stay outside and enjoy the sun. Trying to remind myself that there is more than enough "studio time" when the air turns frigid and the skies dark.

 

But if something is in our nature, it's hard to go against it.

 

Taking this class , so after the bike rides, coffee on the patio, sunny activities, etc., (PLUS a 50 hour big girl work week) are done for the day, I paint patterns.

 

 

Sketchy Sunday

It's been a long few weeks over here so today was my day.

Spent a few hours filling up pages in my journal--thought I'd share.

Coloring is good for the soul...

Not all people find peace in art, but some of us do. This reminded me that I used to spend hours coloring away.

(Source)

And I still do. Every night (that's the goal anyway..) I try to doodle one page in the art journal. Most recent is this one....

Chic, Rhymes with Geek

The Doodles

A free Saturday is like winning the lottery over here. I choose to use mine with a sharpened pencil, some pinterest inspiration and a blank piece of paper.

I've been OBSESSED (yes, all capitals are necessary) doodling really cute outfits since I took a skillshare class. (We've talked about this class before-but seriously for $20 you get to learn from some of the best!! Go search or sign up--not kidding.)

Jacked up on Coffee & A Day Off

Procrastination in my gig--there are a few preferred methods, but the old doodle bug makes the top 10 list of ways to NOT do the laundry.

I'm on a PTO today (a glorious day of paid time off) and after I've consumed an entire pot of coffee  and read through my blogroll, naturally, the only thing left to do was draw.

(Really? The 1/4" inch of milk in the frig was maybe a good indicator that the grocery store may be more of a priority today but hell, no one is starving in this house.)

I doodled my sister's family to give them for a housewarming gift: I don't cook well so art vs. a casserole is a NO-BRAINER.

 

 

And then, well, I was on a roll:

 

 

The library is my own personal nirvana. Books are the ticket to paradise--I can think of only a few things better than curling up on a cloudy Sunday with a good book. This doodle is destined for more, but the idea is still percolating.

 





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Random Thought #2

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This week at work we had a "Creating Your Legacy" workshop. I tried to keep an open mind, but it was slammed shut after:

 a.) listening to a panelists of "leaders" talk about their jobs. My job and what I leave this world, do not co-exist--other than financially and in a lesson to those after me to please listsen, "Do NOT do anything JUST for money."
and
 b.) then we were asked to volunteer to share our work.

And this girl is, Done.

I take this self-reflection crap seriously and frankly, an introspective exercise should not be made into a group project if you want to do it right.

But, I was reminded that these books I'm filling up with my thoughts/words, might just be considered something of a legacy.

Nice. I've left random thoughts & partial pages. Your "mom/grandma/great grandma" is not a fan of mass gatherings. Your "dad/grandpa/great grandpa" is a smartass.

Your "mom/grandma/ great grandma" hates her hair, nuetral clothing colors, and being cold.

 

& Your "mom/grandma/ great grandma" considers self-inflicted violence to deal with irritation.

Yep, nice. Really nice legacy.

"If I don't do something creative, my head might explode."

Tuesday. (Again. )
Although class is over, still sketching.
(And listening to the Miss Rebekah playlist, the one that shuts down any negativity--it IS Tired Tuesday, you know.)

This one was a happy accident: Papermate felt tip black marker + water--I love the streak-y-ness.

And sketching some more..



 

And then playing to make poster art...

 

 

 

 

 



Playing Fashion Illustrator-Part Duex





We already talked about the skillshare class I'm taking here. Well, forget the sketching peeps, this watercoloring is addicting. (Surprise. Surprise.)

 

I bought myself a big girl set of watercolors (pretty affordable big girl set) on Katie's recommendation and the difference from my cheapy set is night and day.

 

As promised, here's the colored versions:



Valentino 2013: This first one is really what the class was about. Quickly sketching, not worrying about the body, and letting the dress speak for itself.







Pinterest Fav: What I Wish I Wore Board

Cray, Cray Zoe: Her outfit is inspired here. This one is my favorite.

 Erdem Spring 2013- here.

 

The beautiful thing is I can practice the painting in the zee journal. 2 of my current favorite things to do--or should I say, 2 more ways to prevent laundry completion.

Playing Fashion Illustrator

Have you heard of "Skillshare"?  If you love to learn (another obsession over here), this site offers classes on every subject from just about anyone who wants to teach, for a mere $20.

I'm currently enrolled in this class taught by a favorite blog illustrator.

 

This is hers from her blog, PaperFashion

 

 







Guess what we're learning (or in my case, simply experimenting with)? I've learned thus far:

 

 1.)This style of drawing isn't really in my wheelhouse. I don't like to sketch lightly, and I like details. Fashion illustration is about the clothes--drawn quickly, with a light hand.

 

We haven't painted yet, but I've been sketching.

 

Here's my inspiration runway photo (and my pinterest inspiration board):

 

2013 Erdem Spring Collection

I love the colors, textures, & silhouettes of almost all of these dresses.

 

 

So, I sketched Katie's way..

 

 

And then I tried it my way:

 

 

And then I tried it again with this inspiration:

 

 

And I really did it my way--geekery and all..

and Yep, Zoe did go a little cray. cray.

 

 

Painting lesson is next week, so I'll share color when I'm done.

(And keep practicing, and practicing, and practicing..........)

 







Pattern Play: Journal Inspiration

First, I always, always, forget this. (Does journaling help with memory loss?)

 

 

Second,if the music doesn't work (or if it inspires you), something I do when I need to create and just am lacking inspiration is to replicate something.

 

In the below instances, I ordered a scrap bag of vintage wallpaper on Etsy awhile ago, and sifting through them, I was inspired to try copying the patterns, substituting colors that I love. Bring on the paint....

 

The left side is the actual wallpaper sample, the right is my doodle.

 

Forgot the actual, but you get the drift..

I think it would be fun to paint a large canvas with a pattern ---maybe I'll put that on the to-do list.

Oh, and if you don't know what a "kiki" is--you don't watch Glee, do you? Plus I'm completely inspired by SJP's dress.(You can see it here.)

Steve Jobs: The Notes

 The man left a legacy & I can't help myself from watching his Youtube speech over & over again. I'm updating my resume simply because it's on my list of 2013 "Woosa" to-dos. Makes me feel more ready when the "right" opportunity unfolds--gives me the sense that I am in control (dang control freak tendencies).

 

Plus, I think updating it regularly is probably a good habit to get into.

(AND IT HELPS YOU SEE THE DOTS CONNECTING)

 

Job's words give me hope of dots connecting, and patience. I created myself some notes & slipped it into my junk journal--no forgetting that to be great, you must have some courage. (Plus, I really like to practice graphic note taking..) 

 

 



Graphic Recording: Notes on Blogging

Ever heard of "Graphic Recording"?

{These people are resident experts at it if you'd like to read more...}

 

I was more than mildly intrigued after I attended a meeting where the graphic recorder captured three days of notes on 2 huge pieces of paper--all in pictures. All of our sales team's thoughts and words from those 3 days were transcribed into a mural.  

 

My heart did a little leap to think of the possibility. The possibility that my insane doodling during meetings could actually be beneficial.

 

The possibility of a career I never even knew existed.

 

As you can imagine-- fluffy, arty, alternative "notes" are not high on the priority list in corporate offices with restricted budgets.

 

(It's important to note, that the year I experienced this was a fab-o year of sales for our team. The laws of business are similiar to gravity; what goes up usually must also come down.)

 

My little spark of "possibility" was momentarily extinguished (until I can figure out the magic ROI formula) but that didn't stop me from practicing.....plus doodling helps me pay attention.

 

If you are a blogger (or want to be one),  maybe my "practice" can help you figure out what the hell to write about.

{The below is just my opinion on blogging....I make no claims to be an expert.)

 

 

 

 

I'll let you know if & when I ever get to be a real graphic recorder but In the meantime, I'll keep practicing. If you have any ideas on where to start, I'd love to hear them.

 

DIY-Talk Nerdy to Me

DIY-Eye Love You Valentines Card

I love eyeglasses and nerdy girls. I also love handmade anything and the fact that there is a day devoted to professing it to all those that you love.

 I started to sketch and was reminded of those little sewing cards from the 70's--the ones you use shoelaces to outline an image on a card. 

So here we go:  Easy instructions to DIY one of your own.

Supplies: embroidery floss, a needle, the template, and paper

I printed (and designed, really) for this particular paper: You can find @ Michael's and probably at any craft store. If you can't find, you could just use any piece of cardstock--you may just have to do some trimming.

The template is right here: download and print it. (I'll wait for you.)

If you are having issues printing, I've included instructions in the file. Otherwise this is pretty easy to do.

Mine in progress....

The back of the card--If yours resembles a messier version and it bugs you, cut a heart from some scrap paper and cover it up. 

I've made a bunch--you could color this little lady or leave her alone for your "love" recipient to color.

On my final, I used a rounded corner punch on the card, added a few gold hearts, and lined the envelope. A little nerdy love is on it's way.

Enjoy!

Journal Junking

Happy New Year! Spent the Christmas holiday break trying wanting to cram in every last art project I've been dying to complete.

Only,I just couldn't find the mojo--so I cleaned my studio instead. And lo & behold, these patterns kept bugging me--pages of random patterns & neon paint; my apartment in Paris has this very wallpaper in the bedroom.

(That is if I had a Parisian apartment...but what the hell as long as we are using our imaginations...)

Instead of sewing a replica of SJP's ballgown (I swear some day I will recreate that damn minty thing, and WEAR it. ), I tried to journal every day. Some days it was one page, others 3 or 4. Regardless, I find (found) the "Woosa" everytime.

The word of 2013: "Woosa"

(I don't do resolutions 'cause surprise, surprise, I never finish them.That list thing sends me over the edge staring @ me to complete it. Blah.) 

Instead I'll choose a magic word-a reminder word, a conscious state of mind to revert back too.I vow to find the "woosa" in every day. 

(It's a verb, but I've deemed it a noun for this year.)

One of the things I've also learned (but have a hard time practicing) is summed up by this: "Your light cannot shine brighter unless you share it with other people." 

Just to start practicing the art of the share & the almighty woosa that was attained while doodling, You can click HERE.   to see more journal pages.

No judging and if you are, I simply don't want to hear about it. I swear and I scribble. Enough said.

Which leads me to the last of my 2013 awareness challenges; to be a dynamic woman who owns her shit, deals with it, and stops apologizing for it. 

Get your word of the year ready...we've got some growing to do.