All Things Creative

I have a tendency to go all in when I'm passionate about something. It's all or nothing thinking. But this time it was for something positive in my life. 

I began attending lots of Zentangle® events and soon began networking with other creatives. I then spread by wings and began attending online events and other types of art events. 

Soon, I was creating journals, and collages. I experimented with acrylics, and watercolors. Then I discovered oil pastels, and paint markers. And the list goes on.

It took me a few years to call myself an artist but now I fully embrace that title. My artworks come from a very intuitive and soulful place. When I'm creating, I'm not in my head, I tend to go into the mystic, or into my artist soul. It's such a wonderful place to be. 

I have learned so much about myself through my art. 

I now exhibit, and sell my art. I also teach classes online and in person. I cater to women who are willing to jump forward and use expressive arts to discover what's next and to have fun. 

Creative play is the greatest thing you can do for your soul.

I believe everyone is creative, in some way. 

To the perfectionist out there, I like to say, "it's just paint and paper". 

In my next few posts, I will be looking back and sharing my artwork.

And one day at a time it was. The biggest challenge I had was filling in the space of time that came from retiring. Yes, I now know it would have been nice to explore this before I retired. 

One of the things I did do after I retired was substitute teach in the art department in the school where I was an assistant principal, before I retired. Oh my, I was amazed at all the teachers and how they were able to engage all students into their creativity. I saw students, that I knew who struggled in more academic classes, thrive in these art classes. I began to watch them closely, and oftentimes I would sit down next to a student and ask them to show me how they did a technique or why they used a certain color. I then began to do art with them. That was the beginning of finding a new joy in my life.

Soon after, I went into a Michael's store and picked up a book on the art method, Zentangle®. I browsed through it and thought, hmmm maybe I'll try this. I took it home and began playing around with tangling and before I knew it, I was hooked. From there I became a Certified Zentangle® Teacher and started doing what I know how to do-teach. And teach I did. 

The final part of this series will be tomorrow. Thanks for reading. 

My journey to my artist soul is a 3-part series. This is part 1. Thanks for reading and I read all comments. 

Creativity is much more than just painting or drawing; it’s a way to express yourself and manage stress. Research shows that engaging in creative activities can reduce anxiety, boost happiness, and even improve mental clarity. As the holidays threaten to wrap you up tighter than your grandma’s knit scarf, throw in some creative acts to help unwind. Check out my free e-book, "Four Ways to Nurture Creativity", for simple tips and exercises to soothe your holiday nerves.

Do you remember how fun it was to finger-paint as a child? Well, diving into a tactile creative process can do wonders for regrounding you. Experiment with clay sculpting or try your hand at the ever-meditative Zentangle®—no previous art experience required! Use these art forms as a mindful practice to keep your holidays mellow and bright.

Why not swap out the usual ornaments for some homemade ones? Grab some natural treasures like pinecones, leaves, and twigs to craft unique decorations. Engaging with natural materials can be incredibly therapeutic and a reminder of the beauty around us. Not to mention, it's a sustainable option that even Mother Nature would applaud.

During this festive time, it's easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed. Joining a community of like-minded creatives can remind you that you’re not alone in your experience. Whether it's an online group or in-person class, sharing your art and ideas with others can enhance your creative journey and enrich your holiday spirit. Don't forget to join one of our creative courses and embrace all the artful joy!

If elves can run Santa's entire workshop, you can surely allocate some time to let your inner child play. Color outside the lines, scribble, doodle, and have a laugh at your masterpiece (or epic artful fail). Check out my latest YouTube Mess to Magicvideo where I made a mess into magic. Remember, it's just paper and paint—no pressure, no judgments, just pure creative joy.

Creativity isn't just a holiday season stress-reliever—it's a lifetime gift. Here's a reminder: when in doubt, art it out. Dive into the boundless ways your creative spirit can steer you through any seasonal storm. To learn more ways to integrate creativity into your life and join our joyful community, consider signing up for one of our courses. Happy art-making, and may your holidays be filled with colorful joy!

Click on the link below. It will take you to a blog post that I wrote several years ago that I think still applies.