Collage Diva

Wishcasting Wednesday - Sharing the Journey

What do you wish to share? Jamie Ridler poses this question for this week's Wishcasting Wednesday.

My first thought is sharing the creative journey. I love connecting with other creative people. I get so many ideas when I see what other people are trying out. The encouragement found online is amazing and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

The journal pages that I share with you today are from a project I participated in last spring where a number of us collaborated on a journal to give to Michelle Ward who has been a huge inspiration to so many. I've been meaning to blog about these journal pages for months now and today's question gave me a good opportunity.39 of us participated in this top secret mission to surprise Michelle. Special thanks to Secret Agents JeriAnn, Julie, and Lisa who schemed and plotted and gathered a generous, thoughtful, loving, talented team of participants. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this special gift.

Related Links:

See Michelle Ward's post here.

See all of the journal pages here.

Jamie Ridler's Wishcasting Wednesday.

Carpe Diem! Seize the day and learn something new.

When I read Michelle Ward's challenge for September, "Learn Something New" I smiled and said, "that's easy, I'm always learning new stuff." In the last two years I've taken three classes between the local art institute and museum art center including digital photography, making art with Photoshop, and mixed media painting. I've taken four workshops and five online workshops. I even offered my first online workshop this summer that was a huge hit with 42 participants from 5 countries and I'm gearing up for two workshops starting this week. One is on "personal retreats" featuring a fun art journaling project where participants can make their very own retreat houses. The second workshop is a re-run of the Vision Card/Vision Journal workshop.

Although I've taken to offering some of my own workshops, I don't slow down on learning new things. I'm a committed life-long learner. Pictured above is my first painting using Chinese brush painting techniques. We started with practicing the word chrysanthemum and then painted them. This is one of four flowers taught in the Sumi-e tradition. The four flowers follow the seasons - chrysanthemums in the fall, bamboo in the winter, plum blossoms in the spring, and orchid in the summer. Our instructor Bruce Iverson shared some history and taoist philosophy as well as his deep love for the art. I was so impressed with how easily he made each brush stroke look. I have a lot of practice to do! I'm eager to carve out some quiet time for myself to practice.

This summer I started Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) lessons and I continue with the lessons this fall. I absolutely love this art form. Pictured above is my more recent arrangement. To see all of my arrangements so far, CLICK HERE.

The classes that I'm taking these days are bringing me back to my interest in Chinese and Japanese art forms and philosophy. I have so many things I want to learn and practice! In addition to learning the Asian calligraphy I'm interested in Western calligraphy and typography. I have some lovely books that show illuminated letters and other books that show so many beautiful scripts. I'm searching for a good instructor nearby as I know the best way to learn is from a good teacher.

Like many of my creative friends, there never seems to be enough time to do all the things I want to do. When I look back over the last couple of years, I can see that I haven't wasted my time. I've learned and shared so much. It is in the sharing, the exchanging of ideas and techniques that I find so much pleasure. Michelle Ward's GPP Street Team blog is a great hub for creatives to meet and greet. I encourage you to swing by there to see what other creatives are learning.

Cheers to seizing the day and learning something new!

Kathryn Antyr

RELATED LINKS:

Michelle Ward's GPP Crusade No. 33

Bruce Iverson, Chinese Brush Painting

Ikebana Flower

Creative Every Day

Joy Diet #1 - Do Nothing

"To begin the joy diet, you must do nothing for fifteen minutes each day." Martha Beck prescribes a daily dose of meditation as a means of quieting our minds and taping in to our inner wisdom. My first experience with meditation was over twenty years ago when I learned Transcendental Meditation (TM). I met with a small group of people all of whom were 15 - 20 years older than me to quietly gather to meditate. It was a powerful experience that I'll never forget. Over the years I've experienced various forms of relaxation including yoga, tai chi ch'uan, and walking meditation. This week I've enjoyed returning to a practice of sitting meditation. I am all too familiar with the chattering mind and a body that wants to stay busy. To move through the chatter I found myself shifting from a focus on my breath to a mantra to labeling each passing thought. As I stuck with my practice I found my body relax and sink into a peaceful solitude leaving me feeling grounded.

There are many ways to achieve this connection with our self that I explore in my new online workshop on "personal retreats." To retreat is not to run away from but to unplug from our busy lives and to tune in to our selves. In the online workshop we look at retreat moments and try out various practices that we can incorporate into our daily lives.

Pictured above is my son taken many years ago (he is now 13). His father and I taught him how to meditate, a skill we felt would help him throughout his life. Isn't he adorable? Now if this little guy can sit still for 15 minutes, I think any adult can too!

Check out these links for more information and inspiration:

Jamie Ridler's The Next Chapter Blog Book Group: The Joy Diet

True North Arts Online Workshop: Personal Retreats

Creative Every Day

Wishcasting Wednesday - Luxury

Each Wednesday Jamie Ridler hosts Wishcasting Wednesday and today she asks us, "What luxury do you wish for?" For many years in my life I resisted luxuries, small and big ones, as I felt as though it was selfish to want and have nice things. Over the years I appreciate fine things more and more - wines, food, high-thread count sheets, lovely hotels. I also seek more comforts like my luxurious bed. I take stock of little pleasures like a fine bar of soap or an exquisite floral arrangement. To answer Jamie's question, at this moment, I would love the luxury of time and money to travel. To pack my red bag and follow the music of my heart as I visit places all over the world. Just think of the photos I would take, the people I would meet, the food I would sample, the travelogue I would design.

What luxury do you wish for?

Ikebana - Lesson 6

The fall term for the Ikebana classes has begun. Pictured above are the raw materials that my teacher selected for my next arrangement. It is hard to believe that this will make a stunning arrangement.

I begin by cutting away the dried leaves on the stems of the Japanese lanterns. As I cut each leaf I think about the tired, worn out, and dead relationships in my own life. It feels good to cut these leaves and reveal the interesting line of the stems and the vibrant, whimsical lanterns.

Voila! Each branch and flower were carefully cut based on the size of the container. This is a new container for a new season. In the fall, black vases, baskets, and pottery can be used. Notice that the stems of the Japanese Lanterns are not cut but remain in tact - these make for interesting lines in the arrangement. Each piece is placed facing upward and inward toward the heavens offering the viewer a subtle reminder to not look down and out in life but in and up.

The flower in the front has the shortest length and widest blossom. The petals are spread open to reveal in this particular flower a wonderful variegated pattern. It is placed to hide the Kenzan (holder).

The blossom on the right is position at a 45 degree angle. The petals are cut away to emphasize the stem. The tallest branch in the back represents heaven and the flower next to it is its companion. Notice that this blossom is of the three yet to open. I positioned it at an angle to the branch to show a dance like movement. A single lantern rests next to the dish - note that it points inward.

The arrangement placed against a white background offers a different look. I like the details we can see in the cabbage roses and the interesting lines of the shadows on the left. As you look at this arrangement connect the orange blossoms and notice the curve that forms. Now look at the alternating curve of the cabbage roses. I love this movement between the two materials - it creates a tension and yet a flow, much like a dance.

Looking down on the arrangement we can see the wonderful swirl pattern in the dish. Notice how the swirls in the dish continue the movement as seen in the placement of the flowers. Point your finger at this photo and trace the swirl, notice the beautiful circle that forms - this is the circle of life.

Looking at the arrangement from different angles reveals more details. Notice that not all cabbage roses have the variegated petals.

From this angle we can see more of the lanterns. You can also catch a glimpse of the Kenzan (holder).

When placing the Japanese lanterns I had to twirl the branches around the stem so the blossom didn't touch the edge of the dish or the water. I love the swirled lines that formed. This is perhaps my favorite photo.

To learn more about where I am taking my classes visit: Ikebana Flower in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Creative Everyday Guest Blogger -- It's me today!

I felt so honored when Leah at Creative Every Day contacted me about offering a post about Inspiration. Leah has been a great source of inspiration for me and this month she has asked several of us to make contributions. I love the variety of voices and ideas. It truly is an amazing place, bloglandia.

Swing by Creative Every Day today to read my post, "Getting Unstuck - Finding Inspiration in Collage Making"

Thank you Leah!

The Joy Diet Begins

Now this is my kind of diet! Jamie Ridler is hosting a blog book group and our next book is "The Joy Diet" by Martha Beck. The timing and the book choice couldn't be more perfect! This week at work we kicked off an 8-week wellness program where the focus is on getting moving. Check out the darling "passports" that I designed for tracking activity POINTS.  I'm excited about this book as it feeds the soul. My projects are all about soul food so this diet is really my cup of tea. 

I took a peek at chapter 1 and it is about doing nothing. The challenge is to do nothing for 15 minutes each day. I'm looking forward to reading this chapter and sinking into some solitude each day. I'm gearing up for my new online workshop on creating personal retreats and this first chapter ties in beautifully. 

I hope you can join along in the fun. Each week we work through another chapter and blog about it.

Check out these links for more information and inspiration:

Jamie Ridler's The Next Chapter Book Group: The Joy Diet

True North Arts Online Workshop: Personal Retreats

Creative Everyday

But wait before you go you have to take a closer look at this flower arrangement.

I never thought of combining mums and roses. Setting a pretty table is one thing that brings me so much joy. 

Have a joy filled autumn!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

A *WISH* for good health

Today is the kick off for an 8-week wellness program where I work. My dear friend and colleague is the Human Resources Director (I like to call her the Director of Fun) who organizes two wellness programs each year. When she told me about her program I suggested that I design a "passport" where participants can record their goals and progress. Pictured above shows a few of the pages. I had so much fun designing this.

I have three wishes that I would like to share in this post and with the Wishcasting Circle hosted by Jamie Ridler.

WISH ONE: Since June 30th I have been taking steps each day toward living a healthier and more balanced life. My wish is to stretch myself in my daily yoga (this is the good feeling stretch) and the daily walks (these are feeling better and better especially the new hill I just discovered).

WISH TWO: I wish that my colleagues are inspired to get moving and stretch themselves and have fun filling in their little passports. May they reach their health and wellness goals.

WISH THREE: I wish to design more pieces like this passport that will inspire people to make time for themselves.

Do you have a wish? Visit the Wishcasting Circle to share.

{soul hugs}
Kathryn, Collage Diva

SoulCollage - One of Those Days

Last week I pulled out some magazines and decided to make 2 SoulCollage cards in under 1 hour. One thing I learned from one of my art teachers is that I have the tendency to work slowly. He would push me out of my comfort zone and into the creative zone. So on this day I decided to give myself a time limit and see what images come up in the cards that I created.

Here is my interpretation of the card above: "I am the one who runs and runs and runs toward an unknown future that seems to spiral off into a fog. I feel the pressure of moving forward. I feel overwhelmed. I feel like I'm not enough. I feel ready to quit. Then I look up and I see a turtle gliding swiftly and gracefully. A large feather comes in to view and I realize that I can stop running and be like the feather - soft and light. I now think of tension as forming like a bead of water on the feather andI know it is time to let it roll."

I'm always amazed at the inner work that I do each time I create a SoulCollage card. The morning after making the card I stepped out of my car to head into the office and there was a little feather, perfectly shaped. I smiled and picked it up and twirled it in my hand as I made my way up the stairs and down the hall to my little workspace. This token is my new touchstone and it reminds me to "be like a feather."

Since making this card I'm easing up on myself. I'm just having fun and sharing what I do both at the office and here in bloglandia. I know I find myself in this "running into the fog" state-of-mind by comparing myself with others. I'm impressed each day with all of the talent, especially in bloglandia. My lesson here is that there is room for me in this amazing world of creatives.

This morning I received an e-mail from Goddess Leone who shared her recent blog post, titled, "One of those Days." As I read it I kept nodding my head and saying, ahhhh, yes, hmmmm. I felt comforted by our similar experiences but surprised as I've looked at Goddess Leone as someone who is making it and yet here she shares her own feelings of not being successful. Here I send the darling Goddess Leone a SOUL HUG and I invite anyone who visits my blog to take a moment to visit her and give her a big SOUL HUG. Be sure to leave her a juicy comment that tells her just how talented she is.

Now for my second SoulCollage card. This one is very different from any of my other cards. This time I invite *YOU* to leave me a comment in response to the card. In your comment finish the following sentence,

"I am the one who _____________________________."

I think we have all felt like the pouting princess.

I hope that in this day your tensions bead up like water droplets and you feel like the feather. Let it roll!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

About the collages in this post:

Each collage is made by cutting and gluing magazine images. We pause here to express our gratitude to the many photographers, artists and graphic artists whose images lead us to new insights and discoveries on our SoulCollage® journey to wholeness. Thank you!

Click here to learn more about SoulCollage®

Quick Collage for Labor Day

To get my creative mojo moving I've been creating quick collages in a small notebook. I made the collage pictured above and realized this morning that it ties in nicely with today's holiday, "Labor Day." When my teenager read, "Creative souls love work" he cocked his head and looked bewildered. I can't speak for all creative souls but this creative soul thrives on work, MEANINGFUL work. My grandmother gave me some advice when I was young, "Stay active, keep busy." She added, "Idleness will lead to misery." Her advice rings true for me, I need my projects. I thrive on the creative process. I love to work.

Are you looking for work of the meaningful variety? Do you have a clear vision for how you want to spend your days? Do you want to love work? Consider my Vision Journal Online Workshop. The next 6-week session starts October 1, 2009 and it is priced at the budget friendly cost of $30. CLICK HERE for details and to register.