ATC Project for February

pitt pen, watercolor, colored pencils

It's been awhile since I've created any ATCs so I decided to pull out some supplies and play a bit. I'm hoping it will help me get ready for my upcoming month long ATC project. I will be creating an ATC a day for each of the 29 days in February.

This is a project close to my heart (and hearts will find their way on many of them I'm sure). As some of you may know, my hubby left before Christmas to pursue a new career which requires him to be away from our home for about 5 months total. The holidays went quite well, lots of family and friends to be with. However as February approaches I've been feeling a bit down knowing that my hubby won't be here for Valentine's Day. It's always been a very special day for us as he proposed to me on that day and we've never been apart for any of them since being married!

A recent visit to this artist's blog was just the inspiration & spark that I needed - thanks so much Jeannine! She's involved in a year-long project of ATCs to mark each day while her hubby is away in the military.

Please be sure to visit and folllow along with my project:
Pieces of My Heart {29 Days of Love & Devotion}

I am so looking forward to sharing this with you all!

Daydreams

colored pencil, moleskine

Do you daydream? Do you find yourself daydreaming much lately? I find that I tend to daydream more when I'm introspective & need to sort things out. However, lately it seems to stem from all the ideas and sparks of inspiration I've been experiencing!

Almost everyone does it naturally and psychologists estimate that we daydream 1/3 to 1/2 of our waking hours, although a single daydream lasts only a few minutes. Because our society today tends to focus on 'getting things done', daydreaming is viewed in a somewhat negative light. To some it may seem frivolous, indulgent or that of someone who is unproductive, but it's actually quite beneficial.

It's been known to help you:
1. Relax
2. Manage conflict
3. Maintain relationships
4. Boost productivity
5. Cement your beliefs and values
6. Boost creativity and achieve goals
7. Relieve boredom

(Source: Article -'Why Does Daydreaming Get Such a Bad Rap?') http://www.webmd.com

So remember to indulge in daydreams - you just never know where they can take you!

Illustration Fri.- 'Soar' / IMT - 'New Years Resolutions'

I usually pass on making firm resolutions and become somewhat introspective instead to reflect on the past year so IF's challenge word 'Soar' and IMT's 'New Year's Resolutions' are perfect for the way I feel at this time of year.

My creative wings helped me soar in 2007 but at times I felt no inspiration at all. However, groups like IF & Inspire Me Thursday helped keep me motivated and challenged. Exploring many mediums was exhilarating, exciting and sometimes frustrating but what wonderful groups to contribute to! It is my 'hopeful resolution' to continue on and share my artistic journey in 2008.

Thanks everyone for your support, encouragement & inspiration. Here's to a wonderfully, creative 2008 for us all!



mixed media, handmade journal, 8x10 (closed)