And the ink experiments carry on! I am working in so many different books at the moment and have no plans to stop any time soon. I am becoming more comfortable experimenting with color and bringing in experimental calligraphy with cola pens. My next step is to go in and add details with gel pens…a step I cannot wait to begin!
{ ART JOURNAL MEGA PACKS } //
I have been dreaming of making ART JOURNAL MEGA PACKS for a while now. After delivering my show to the Black House (pictures to be included in an upcoming blog post...I want to wait for my Opening Reception to happen on June 2nd fro 5-7 pm), I finally made a true commitment to get these monster packs made and listed on my Etsy shop by Monday, May 22nd. But I just could not wait. These mega packs are over 1.5 lbs and are brimming with items to begin your art journal or to add to your collection. Take your creativity to the next level!
Aren't they too cute? I am definitely in LOVE. Now...back to the studio to make MORE packs and inspired play in my art journal!
{ DESIGNING ART JOURNALS } : A Paper & Book Art Workshop //
'Designing Art Journals' is a book and paper art workshop happening at my studio (1600 Glade Road; Blacksburg, VA) on Saturday, April 22nd from 10-4.
In this 1 day workshop, participants will create a dynamic 6 x 6" wire bound sketchbook bursting with colorful handmade papers. We will explore a wide variety of techniques that can be used in art journaling, collage, mixed media projects and bookmaking.
Upon registering for this class, participants will receive a Welcome Letter that outlines the full class curriculum. In addition, participants will receive a handout at the end of the class that will outline all techniques used so you can have more FUN playing and not have to worry about trying to remember all the techniques!
Registration REQUIRED : http://www.etsy.com/shop/BimburBooks
{ Valentine's Love Letter Workshop } : January 28, 2017 // Blacksburg, VA
I am so excited to partner up with my friends over at The Joyful Quill to create this truly unique bookmaking/writing workshop on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at The Artful Place in Blacksburg, VA. I will be kicking off the workshop by leading a 'Flower Fold' bookbinding experience. This mini book is adorable, so easy to make and looks terrific! Next up is Lesley and Jenny from The Joyful Quill to lead you through a writing exercise to help you craft the perfect love letter for your Valentine!
Pre-registration is REQUIRED...so please follow this link for event details!
{ GRATITUDE } :: An Extension of my *Discipline* //
In my last post, I talked about why I decided to make 'Discipline' my Power Word for 2017. It started in the end of 2016, when I decided to resume my long standing practice of morning journaling. I knew that this morning ritual was key to finding answers I am seeking. Long before the new year began, I put pen to paper and began writing. Some days it is easy to pound out the pages, some days it seems to take me awhile to get the words out. This isn't book writing here, either, this is 'stream of consciousness, no body is going to read this but me' writing...nonetheless, it can be a challenge. One morning, I was writing and noticed that I was being very hard on myself. Berating myself in my journal about all that I was NOT accomplishing on any given day in regards to my art biz. So I made the conscious decision to add something to my journal...a nightly entry of what I accomplished that day. No matter how big or small the task is, it goes on the page. I have recently started to add what made me happy, laugh or feel joyous on that day as well.
What is this daily (and now nightly) practice doing for me...specifically my wonky mental health in the long winter months?
LOADS.
I never noticed how much I laugh on any one given day. My daughter is HILARIOUS. She hits the ground running every morning and it can take me awhile to catch up but when I do, we have these lovely quiet mornings together that I cherish. She sees me writing and grabs her little 'dairy' and sits at the table with me. We share a meal together and get ready for our day. This is truly a blessing.
My mind has been blown by the positive feedback my new approach to art is receiving. I will still make books (that is my true Soul Work) but I wanted to expand my artistic chops so I challenged myself to make one new paper collage per day. (You can check out a few of them right here or you can see them all on my Instagram feed).
Beyond that, now my day does not feel like it is one long to-do list that never seems to get done. I can SEE what I am accomplishing and it encourages me to KEEP GOING.