Art Journaling

I've been wanting to art journal for some time now.  I was first introduced to the craft in the magazine "Art Journaling" published by Somerset Studio.

I found it a bit intimidating, I'm not an artist, can't draw or paint, but that doesn't really matter, and that's not really the point.  You can use stencils, photos, clip art and doodles.  And the painting part?  Well, it's kind of like the water color painting we used to do in elementary school with a few additions to make it last, not rip the page and coating it so you can apply adhesive and ink.  That may be a little simplistic, but I don't believe I have to be Monet.  I purchased a great how to book "The Art Journal Workshop" by Traci Bunkers. She has a super list of supply suggestions and very detailed page assembly/creation directions.  The prompts and exercises are tremendously helpful.

So I've begun gathering supplies and plan to start some pages over the weekend.

When I was in high school, many, many years ago, my best friend and I used to buy scrap books and illustrate songs and poetry with pictures from magazines, cut up wrapping paper and doodles.   

There are several songs I would like to illustrate in an art journal, as well as some poetry.  

I'm sure I will eventually get into putting my own thoughts on the painted pages but until I feel more comfortable with the medium, illustrating poems and songs is just fine.  

Can't wait to share my progress.  

Wish me luck.

How Can I Give Back?

When I started thinking about blogging my focus was on needle crafts, art journaling, scrapbooking, gardening and a few thoughts on life in general tossed in every now and then.  It seems as though the thoughts on life are presently taking all of my energy...  

Our family is going through a difficult time with the extreme illness of my sister, Jerrette.  She was diagnosed five years ago at the University of Michigan with a rare tumor, a pancreatic endocrine neoplasm.  Her first treatments were radiation therapy at the University of Michigan.  And she did pretty good for about 3 years; then the disease reared its ugly head and began its slow, unceasing destruction of Jerrette's body.  The past 6 months have been nothing short of a night mare for her and her devoted husband Dan, their daughter Kelly and son Dan Jr.  Loosing a sibling is no easy feat.  My other sister, Onna and I are constantly trying to figure out what we can do to help and possibly ease the burden for the immediate family, knowing full well there is nothing we can do.  As in so many, many cases, cancer is going to win this battle.  We grieve for them and we grieve for ourselves...our loss is devastating.

Jerrette, Onna & Me (Helen) many, many years ago at Kelly's wedding

When I found out that Jacquie Fisher of BlogKC was putting together a group to "give back Kansas City" I knew immediately I wanted to be a part and I knew exactly how I wanted to give back.  With so many lives touched by cancer as well as other catastrophic illnesses; we as caregivers are always searching for outside help and comfort.  Turning Point, in Kansas City is one organization devoted entirely to the support, education, and comfort of those faced with debilitating and often times life ending diseases.  When she was able, my sister attended the Monday morning support group, restorative yoga (I was able to attend with her) and we also took part in many of the educational workshops.  I had an earlier connection to Turning Point when my husband, who is a cancer survivor, was part of one of the very early support groups lead by Moira Mulhern, Phd.  We have never forgotten her kindness, generosity of spirit and her gentle ways.  When Jerrette was diagnosed we encouraged her to seek out the support available at Turning Point.  She did and has made several, good friends and found comfort in their camaraderie.

One of the ways I am giving back is by knitting and crocheting adult & child chemo hats and prayer shawls for Turning Point to give to those in need.  It doesn't seem like enough to me; but, I don't know how to cure cancer, I can only do the little things that might help ease someone else's pain and suffering even in the smallest way.

If you would like to help out, please click the link for Turning Point.

This post is part of a blog hop of Kansas City bloggers looking to give back to the residents of the Greater Kansas City area.  We all hope that you will share the information contained in these blogs and help out in any way you can.  The kindness of strangers goes much further than any of us can ever measure.  Your loving thoughts and well wishes do make a difference.   Thank you from all of us and Happy Holidays.

To learn about other Kansas City charities and how you can make the season brighter for others, visit these great blogs:

Everyday Truth --- Bear Hugs

it's me, debcb! --- Safehome

Back to Allen --- The Children's Place

Whatcha Makin Now --- Wayside Waifs

Soleful Suitcases --- KC Rescue Mission

Wayward Dogs --- Midwest Adopt-a-Bull

Sarah Scoop --- Toys for Tots

Laughing Cat Creations --- Turning Point

Blogchickabowow --- Jewish Family Services

Healthnut Foodie --- Veronica's Voice

Raising the Barrs --- Hillcrest Transitional Housing

KC Edventures --- Salvation Army

The Happy Family Movement --- Rose Brooks Women's Center