Get Messy 2017 Creative Team Blog Hop

Hi, everyone! I've enjoyed being a part of the Get Messy creative team so much. As the year comes to an end and Get Messy Art Journal gets ready for a whole new team of Mess Makers in 2018, the current creative team decided to put together one last blog hop. This go round we each created a page inspired by one of our fellow creative team member's art.

So, today you can call me Sasha! Recently Sasha started a "Call Me" series where she creates art journal pages inspired by her favorite artists. I created this page based on her abstract painting style.

I am most inspired by Sasha's use of color. I always recognize her work by the bold swatches of color in the background, and the color combinations are so fresh. She is a true messy artist who's not afraid to play with paint, mix colors, and make marks. It's completely intuitive.

I also love how she uses black to balance the page and usually adds an inspiring quote to complete it. I've learned so much from Sasha as a member of the creative team this year. Besides creating beautiful art, she leaves the most sincere and thoughtful comments and is just as eager to learn from others as she is to share her own knowledge.

Be sure to follow #getmessysasha to see more of her work and visit her Instagram (@sasha_zeen) for the next stop in the hop!

Get Messy Art Journal: Painting Galaxies Class

Last week Get Messy Art Journal launched a new course, Painting Galaxies, and it is out of this world! I've been so inspired by the course I made an art journal just for it! The incredibly talented, Katie, teaches the course, and I love how she breaks down every single step for you to paint your own galaxies, moons, and milky ways.

Katie makes it so easy to follow along, and shares so many great tips and techniques for using both watercolors and acrylics. With watercolors, the colors blend together so beautifully, and I love the softness. I enjoyed following along and creating this abstract watercolor galaxy, and I plan to frame it as a piece of art in itself.

I thought it would be difficult to create an acrylic galaxy, but Katie's blending methods helped tremendously. After several attempts using a paintbrush, I switched to using a small sponge, and I love the effects. There is great contrast between the watercolors and acrylics. While the watercolors are soft and dreamy, the acrylics are more bold and vibrant. In either case, the results are pure magic!

This course is as brilliant as the stars. As I was painting the moon following one of the lessons, I remembered this beautiful quote from a poem by Pablo Neruda: "As if you were on fire from within, the moon lives in the lining of your skin." I decided to print a photo of my hand on vellum, and I think the ink smeared in the process. I considered reprinting it, but another look and I realized it illustrated the quote perfectly. Even though it was an unexpected mishap, it's almost like it was written in the stars!

As I mentioned, Katie's teaching is beyond amazing, and there are so many possibilities. This class will spark your creativity in whole new ways. I even "painted" a galaxy using a collage technique I learned from Essie's Heart Journal course!

If you want to learn how to paint the cosmos, this course is for you! It's in the Get Messy shop waiting for you to sign up here!

*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. 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!

Get Messy Art Journal: Heart Journal Class

Last week, Get Messy released a new online course, and I think it's one we've all been waiting for! The course, Heart Journal, was created by Essie who has the most beautiful spirit and a heart of gold. Last year she offered an email series called The Heart Journal where she presented thought-provoking prompts and shared a bit of her own process week after week to help you get in touch with your inner self. It made such a huge impact on me and my approach to art journaling, so I'm thrilled to say this new course is the same and so much more!

My art journal is my still space and my safe haven. It's a place for me to express my innermost thoughts and feelings and to find my center. If you flip through one, you will find my heart all throughout. And still, Essie has a certain way of teaching that inspires me to dive deeper.

The course is made up of six lessons, and each one is so heartfelt. In the course, Essie introduces you to artists who have inspired her own work which I found quite intriguing. Then, she shares a new technique to try. For me, the key to this course is the printable worksheets. They require some contemplation in order to process five categories of emotions (Joy & Happiness, Sadness & Grief, Anger & Rage, Wonder & Surprise, and Peace). Additionally, they help you identify the colors, shapes, and materials you associate with each emotion so you can communicate these feelings effectively in your art journal. I used the worksheets as a guide, and they helped me find my footing as I explored some complex feelings.

Don't be surprised if one lesson tugs at your heart strings more than another. Initially, I was excited to begin creating colorful, Matisse-esque collages taught in the Joy & Happiness lesson, but when I sat down with my journal a different emotion presented itself, sadness.

I was moved to create based on these conflicting emotions, and I was able to express them in my own unique way. This is why I love this course! Essie gives you all the tools you need and teaches you how to access your emotions, but it is your heart that's on the page.

If you are ready to connect with your emotional self and lay your heart bare on the page, sign up for the Heart Journal course here!

*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. 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!

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!

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!

Get Messy Art Journal: Season of Contrast (Weeks 4-6)

After a long break, I managed to finish a couple more pages this season. This one features a bit of collage and words from Charles Bukowski's poem Nobody But You. I didn't dive as deep into the Season of Contrast as I hoped, so I plan to return to some of the prompts and tutorials in the future. For now, it's on to the next season.

Tell me, how did you feel about the Season of Contrast? What was your favorite part?
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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!

Get Messy Art Journal: Season of Art 101 (Weeks 4-6)

Weeks 4-6 of the Season of Art 101 flew by so fast. I did manage to make a few more pages following some of the techniques shared, including connected lettering and scrap collage. I made an accordion style journal to keep all of the tiny art I made during the season, and then I wrapped it in a bow. You can see a flip through here. I've learned so many new techniques and I've met some seriously amazing artists this season. I can't wait to get started with the next season!

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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!

Get Messy Art Journal: Season of Art 101 (Weeks 1-3)

This is my first season as a Creative Team member for Get Messy Art Journal, and I'm so excited! The first three weeks have been amazing. I've learned so many new techniques, and I've enjoyed viewing other Messians' work as well. The participation level and overall enthusiasm is incredible!

The Season of Art 101 is all about going back to the basics, learning to play, and experimenting with new techniques. I decided to go tiny using 2.5 inch square watercolor paper. I never worked quite this small, but I'm loving the challenge. It's super fun making these mini art pieces, and at the end of the season I plan to make a tiny journal for them. This self-portrait piece may be my favorite from the first week. We were given a pop-up prompt to create a self-portrait inspired by security envelope patterns. I used two different patterns to accentuate my wild, natural hair and my lips. Then I cut out some tiny flowers to finish the look. A pink dotted pattern helps frame the whole piece.

The main theme for the first week was watercolor. Here, I tried the wet on wet technique with an inexpensive set of watercolors. I absolutely loved the result! The colors came out so soft and dreamy. After adding a few splatters, I cut this large watercolor sheet down to size. Just a few collage scraps complete the piece.

The second week was all about texture. For one piece I decided to experiment with puffy paint, and I love how it turned out. I cut the flower out from an old greeting card and glued it to one of the watercolor backgrounds I created the week before. Then, I drew some leaves with some clear crystal puffy paint. I love the three-dimensional aspect of this piece, and there's some serious shimmer happening from all the glitter.

The third week we explored acrylics. I enjoyed creating several different acrylic backgrounds. One included a faux marbling technique. After I did the technique, I instantly saw a flower shape. I knew exactly how I wanted to enhance the shape and bring it to life. First, I outlined the shape of the marbled paint with a black pen. Next, I defined the petal shapes. Then, I added a series of lines to the petals. I love how the pen reacted to the paint. Most of the ink pooled in the center, and I used the end of my paintbrush to add a bit of white afterwards.

In week three there was also an amazing tutorial about layers by Pam Garrison. Building up layer upon layer was so much fun. I considered calling the piece done once I finished the random doodling, but I decided to see it through to the end. I used alphabet letter stencils to spell the word "create", and then I painted black around the outlines. I loved the outcome so much, I just had to try the technique again!

We're halfway through the season, but there's still so much creative inspiration to come. If you haven't joined Get Messy, now is the time! Say yes!
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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!

Get Messy Art Journal: Season of Dreams

The Season of Dreams at Get Messy Art Journal was so inspiring! Even though I only completed a few spreads, the ones I created hold so much meaning for me. We were encouraged to keep a dream journal to record our dreams during the night, but I mainly focused on dreams in terms of my hopes and aspirations. 

The first week I created this mandala dream catcher. Drawing the mandala portion was so relaxing, and I became completely lost in thought pondering my dreams and aspirations.  I used some of my own handmade washi tape feathers to add a three-dimensional aspect to the page. I think interactive pages add so much interest to an art journal, and I love the tactile quality of these feathers on the string. I remember making a dream catcher years ago when I was a young Girl Scout, and I hung it on my door every night. It was adorned in beads, sequins, and feathers and I truly believed in its magical powers. I love the idea that the nightmares pass through, but the dreams are kept.

In this spread I illustrated what I believe is happening in my brain as I sleep. I tend to have strange, sometimes insane dreams, but I try to focus on the positive parts. I relate it to creating found poetry. When I look at text in a book, I try to pick out words that speak to me so I can create a beautiful, inspiring poem. Here the poem reads, "Like a rare butterfly / She would survive it / To be free again". To me, these words are so powerful and so uplifting. I also love the brilliant gold against the stark black background to represent me finding the light in darkness.

Finally, I come to this spread in my journal which came together very spontaneously. I was looking through my magazine scraps and found the image of the clock, and then I came across the "I'll do it later" text in a pile of words I had cut out. I instantly thought about my new endeavors and finding the courage to follow my dreams. This serves as a little "note to self" that I must go after my dreams with great passion and vigor. There is no point in waiting or putting it off. The time is now!

I am excited to announce that I will be a Creative Team Member for Get Messy Art Journal in 2017! This year I have come to realize that the smallest steps sometimes have the biggest impact. I made the decision to follow my heart's desire despite the fear and the doubt, and now I am so honored to be able to share my love of art journaling with such an incredible community of artists and creatives. 

What are your hopes, dreams, and aspirations? What steps have you taken to follow your dreams and create a life you love?

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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!

Get Messy Art Journal: Season of Introspection

I recently signed up for the Get Messy Season of Introspection, and it has been such a whirlwind of ideas, inspiration, and insight. I was hesitant to join Get Messy at first because I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm so glad that I decided to become a member. The weekly prompts have allowed me to tap into so many feelings I've dismissed and kept hidden, and I'm so grateful for the support and encouragement I've received from the Get Messy community. I've been posting most pages on my Instagram (@sweetashleyann), but I wanted to share my thoughts on this season here as well.

I decided to use a little pocket notebook (4.25" x 5.5") for my art journaling, because I love working on a smaller scale. Something about it feels more intimate which I figured was perfect for the theme of this season. For my first spread in Week 1, I created an introductory page, and didn't adhere strictly to the prompt. I found this gorgeous girl in a magazine and immediately felt like she belonged here. The way she gazes out into the distance gives me a feeling of hope, and hope is what I hold on to every day. The sentiment in the top corner is a lovely reminder that I am a work in progress. I am a canvas with layers upon layers, some good some bad, but all necessary in the creation of something beautiful. 

The next spread I tried the inkblot technique using some acrylic paint I had on hand. I did it a couple of times because I didn't like how it turned out, and then I covered parts of it using a flower stencil. I was stuck on this page for a long time until I finally decided to look through my magazine stash for an image to put in the center. 

I settled on the image of this horse, and pondered the symbolism behind it for quite a while. Then, I thought of the movie Black Beauty which lead to the journaling on the right. I must admit I find it a bit difficult to add journaling to my pages. I never quite know what to say, and I always feel like it needs to be poetic. This turned out to be a success, but I hope to be able to add more journaling to future pages. One of the things I love about Get Messy is that they provide journal prompts in addition to art prompts. There are no strict guidelines to follow the prompts exactly, but I feel like the journal prompts allow for deeper reflection which is something I struggle with and would like to explore more.

Right before the Week 2 prompts were posted, I came across this amazing quote by Audre Lorde. It immediately spoke to me, and once I read the prompts for the week I knew I had to include it in my art journal. As I mentioned, I don't normally do a lot of journaling, so I decided to do some scribble journaling. It's totally illegible, but it expresses all my innermost thoughts and feelings. I mainly wrote about the paralyzing effect of fear, and as I painted a wash of white over my own handwriting and stamped each letter in black, I felt a bit of that fear slip away.

Week 3 I had an interesting idea in my head that didn't translate exactly how I wanted it to on the page. I was listening to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United, and I felt moved to create a spread dedicated to the message I received. I found the image of the boat in a magazine, and I wanted to create something otherworldly. As the week went on, the deep, dark seascape and the galaxy of stars I imagined became much more simplified. Even though it's not what I originally had in mind, the message is much more important and quite dear to me.

Finally, I come to this page in my art journal. It's not based on any of the prompts, but I still wanted to share. It's kind of messy and not my favorite spread, but it sums up what the Season of Introspection means to me. It has given me the power to dig a little deeper, and the more I dig the more I uncover parts of myself that I buried long ago. On this journey of self-discovery I'm realizing to know myself, my true self, is to be more alive.

Are you a Get Messian? Have you started the Season of Introspection? What does introspection mean to you, and in what ways do you practice it?

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Get Messy Art Journal is an art journaling program that is a school, art playground and family. 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.