Get Messy Art Journal: Pen + Ink Class

It's here!! Get Messy Art Journal has launched a new online class! In the Pen + Ink course*, Julia shares all sorts of fun ways to use pens and inks in your art journal. From expressive lines to inky drips and splatters, even the most basic techniques will generate an abundance of creativity. 

To be honest I have been in a bit of a creative funk lately, but after watching Julia's incredible lessons I couldn't wait to start playing in my journal. I even decided to create my own to use specifically for this course! 

This course is all about letting go and embracing imperfection. As a perfectionist I often find myself pondering over pages for days. Sometimes I never even get around to actually sitting down and art journaling. There's a certain fear behind starting a new page or messing it up, but this course strips all that away one bold stroke and ink smear at a time.

First, I played on scrap paper while watching Julia's videos, and it was so relaxing. I quickly found myself lost in repetitive mark making and broad washes of color.

I also followed Julia's advice to try out different techniques over and over, and after a while I learned what I liked and didn't like. Most of the pages I made feature colorful backgrounds created with felt tips and the simple addition of water, definitely my favorite technique. 

In addition, I love how Julia encourages experimentation. There is no right or wrong in this course. Even the craziest color combinations look amazing, and the reactions between each medium are so unpredictable. 

It's so fascinating to watch, and once you start playing it's hard to stop. Each technique I tried sparked a new idea, and now I have inspiration for days. 

Now, if you are ready for a whole new adventure making art full of wonder and magic, enroll in the Pen + Ink course here!* Plus, for members, there's a discounted price of $15 USD, but only til June 25th! So don't wait, enroll now!

*This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to enroll in the course using this link, I will receive a small portion of the sale which supports me and my art. Pen + Ink is an exciting new course, and I truly believe it will reinvigorate your inner artist and spark your creativity. Thank you for your support!

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Get Messy Art Journal is an art journaling program/community. We are a group of like minded art journalers who have come together under this art form to learn, share, practice our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. Our community values consistent creating, encouragement and support, and trying new things. We would love to have you join us as a member of Get Messy Art Journal. Join Get Messy now!

The Circle Zine

Ok, I'm seriously beaming!! I had the chance to collaborate with the amazing Zine Squad! Together we created The Circle Zine for Clare, and I'm so excited to finally share it! For the cover, I added all the gold accents, including some gold washi tape along the spine.

This is the very first spread. I drew a mandala on a piece of tissue paper and stuck it in randomly with a bit of washi tape. Katie moved it to the left side here, and I just love how her page on the right complements it.

I love this spread (by Julia I think)! I grabbed my gold Sharpie pen, and just added some gold dots around the figure 8.

Here is my full spread. I used watercolors for the background and screen-printed the floral image on top. Then, I added a few round stickers and some paint splatters to finish it off. Katie added the colorful washi tape at the top of the page.

I created the left side of the page. I don't usually work on half pages, so it was interesting trying to figure out a way to complement Vanessa's page on the right.

More gold! I added this fun sequin trimming to the page on the left. The right page is by Katie.

Here, I screen-printed the text on the left. It says "Life is beautiful" in Italian which echoes the journaling (by Vanessa?) on the right side of the page quite nicely I think.

I added gold details to create flowers in bloom with golden leaves, and also added the journaling on the left above some thin-line washi tape.

On the last page I stamped a lovely sentiment. Then, I gold-foiled a sheet of plastic with a confetti-like pattern and tipped it in with some washi tape. On the right, we all signed our names.

This collaboration was so much fun! The Zine Squad is truly the best. Don't forget to visit Katie, Julia, and Vanessa's blogs to see the rest of the zine and their amazing pages!

Get Messy 2017 Creative Team Blog Hop

Hello, hello! Today, the 2017 Get Messy Creative Team members are doing a super fun blog hop to kick off the new season, the Season of Color! Yes, get excited!! For the next six weeks, we will be mixing and matching colors, exploring color in our surroundings, and trying new techniques with all the colors of the rainbow.

I first joined Get Messy in June 2016, and I'm thrilled to be on the Creative Team this year. I created this spread after reflecting on the new season and my experience as a Get Messian. This community is so welcoming and supportive, and every day being a part of Get Messy just makes my world a little more brighter.

If you want to learn new art journaling techniques, to boost your creativity, to meet like minded individuals and make long-lasting friendships, join the Get Messy community here. There are monthly, seasonal, and annual membership options. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, there's tons of inspiration waiting for you and a community full of love and support to encourage you along your journey.

Now for more color love, hop on over to Elizabeth's blog. And be sure to visit the rest of my fellow team members' posts because they're all so incredibly wonderful and talented.
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Get Messy Art Journal is an art journaling program/community. We are a group of like minded art journalers who have come together under this art form to learn, share, practice our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. Our community values consistent creating, encouragement and support, and trying new things. We would love to have you join us as a member of Get Messy Art Journal. Join Get Messy now!