True North Arts

Soul Shields - Protecting Our Thoughts, Feelings, and Ideas

Are your thoughts, feelings and ideas safe? Do you feel free to share how you REALLY feel in your journal? Do you have privacy? Have you been betrayed? The topic of protecting our journals came up this last month on the True North Arts Yahoo! Board and I thought I would share some ideas on how I've protected my journal entries.

Idea #1 BLACK GESSO

Pictured above is a journal page that was covered with black gesso. You would never know that under all of that black lies some very personal thoughts.

IDEA #2 DECLARE IT!

Making it clear that the journal is off limits may be enough to let others know not to enter. This works when those in your life will honor your wishes. Pictured above is my journal with some police tape wrapped around it. Last week we had a tragedy on our street. While walking my dog, some left over tape was still tied around a sign post. As I picked it up I thought about this journal prompt and I shivered thinking about boundaries. How do we make it known not to cross the line? The tag was made from altering a clothing tag.

IDEA #3 - CREATE A MAUSOLEUM

Internment is one safe way to protect your journal pages. A greeting card from Papaya was altered for the journal page above. The personal thoughts were written on the back of the card before securely pasting the card using Yes! paste.

We need safe places to unload those ugly feelings. Our negative emotions are real and normal. The last thing I want to do is to hurt the people involved. No matter how I feel about someone, I really don't want to hurt them. Here no one gets hurt and I feel better.

If you have a lost love, you may want to enshrine your thoughts and feelings behind an image of the Taj Mahal. You could draw, paint, or print a photo of the monument and then cover your journal entry. What a beautiful tribute to love!

IDEA #4 - WHITE GESSO

This journal page had some dreams on it that will never be realized. Circumstances have changed and I know that I need to move on. I realize that seeing the journal page before I altered it may stir up some sad feelings and disappointment. Here I need to protect me from my own journal. 

I tinted some white gesso and dry sponged it onto the page. I then followed up with some journal notes declaring that some dreams need to rest in peace.

IDEA #5 - BURN IT!

And sometimes torching the pages is what is necessary. It felt good to burn these very old pages from years gone by. 

 It was fun to photograph too!

IDEA #6 - COVER IT!

This journal page was created by covering it with pieces from a color copy of my soul armor journal page. Other images like the turtles and face were added. New journal lines transform this page from fears and worries to encouragement.

Above the only original journal entry is peeking out on the left.

Here is a look at my original journal page that I color copied and cut up. I love the metaphor of soul armor. 

IDEA #7 - TUCK IN AN ENVELOPE AND SEAL

A photo of my soul armor was altered to create a soul shield that I glued to seal this envelope containing private thoughts.

How do you protect your heart and soul? What might you try this month? Share with the group what you've tried. Blog about it and leave a comment here. I'll also lift it up on the Yahoo! board and True North Arts fan page on Facebook.

May you find your journaling is a safe haven for your soul!

Namaste!

Kathryn Antyr, Collage Diva

Follow me to Collage Diva's Halloween Blog Party

CLICK HERE to see what happens when Collage Diva sets out to go to the Fanciful Twist Halloween Party.

What's Bottled Up Inside?

This month's prompt takes journaling out of the journal and into an unexpected container. 

What emotions do you have bottled up inside? I took a look at my journals from the summer and they were charged with both positive and negative emotions.

Journaling is a helpful and healing practice for letting out those feelings. This project idea encourages those strong feelings to come out and provides a safe container to put them in -- an altered bottle, or two or more!

I wish I could take credit for this brilliant idea and it is the first prompt here on True North Arts that wasn't my brain child. Sharon Soneff published this project in her book, "Art Journals and Creative Healing - Restoring the Spirit through Self-Expression." Her example uses patterned papers and digitally designed labels. 

My labels are made with painted papers, color photo copies of painted papers, and hand lettering. The only store-bought patterned paper was used to cover the four-pack carrier. I loved using my own hand-painted papers. I thought of so many possibilities for designing my labels. I may just have to design some more -- I have collected some other bottles and jars.

What do you have bottled up inside? Inspired to design your own bottles? I sure hope so. Be sure to share your take on this project. Leave a comment here when you've posted your project to your blog or Flickr account. Join in on a discussion of journaling outside of the lines on the True North Arts Yahoo! board or Facebook page.

Have fun creating this month!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Antyr, Collage Diva

Related Links:

"Art Journals and Creative Healing - Restoring the Spirit through Self-Expression" by Sharon Soneff

Sharon Soneff's Web site: www.sonnetsstudios.com

True North Arts Page on Facebook

True North Arts Yahoo! Board

True North Arts Retreat House

Welcome to the True North Arts Retreat House and Creativity Studio!

Pictured above is one of several projects that participants in the Personal Retreat Workshop can make. It is an accordion book made of cardboard and covered in paper. Each panel is a surface for visually journaling each week's lesson.

Would you like a look inside?

Oh I don't mean to tease you too much. Here is only a little sneak peek of what's inside. I'm getting so very excited about this new workshop. I'm bursting with so many ideas!

The topics include:

• An Introduction to Personal Retreats
• Cultivating Awareness
• Creating Sacred Space
• Savoring Inspirational Readings
• Connecting with Nature
• Nurturing Creativity
• Living Your Retreat Every Day

The material draws upon a variety of traditions from Chinese Taoist philosophy to the practices of Benedictine monks. My interest in personal retreats began with a desire to go on retreat but found as a single mother that time and limited funds made this a challenge. I decided that I wouldn't let this stop me from having a retreat experience. In fact, I loved the idea of living in retreat and creating retreat moments in my every day life. I set out not to change my job or where I live but to change how I live. Each week I've prepared sample retreats, creative project ideas, affirmations, and my favorite resources. I look forward to sharing six weeks of personal discovery.

This budget friendly online workshop is only $30!

Click here for more information and to register.

Namaste!

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Read What Participants Have to Say About the True North Arts Vision Journaling Workshop

I pulled up the survey results from the recent True North Arts Vision Journal workshop. I am so touched by the response. Actually, I'm feeling pretty giddy and fired up as I prepare to launch my second workshop on Personal Retreats. I wanted to share these comments for you if you just discovered True North Arts or have been considering an online workshop. Many thanks to each of the participants who shared their experiences.

It was if I was sitting down across the table with you, sharing thoughts, creative ideas and coffee!

I loved this workshop and it came just at the right time for me!

This was my very first online workshop and I was thrilled with it. I already knew Kathryn’s work so knew it would be full of surprises and good things.

I loved it! and looked forward each Sunday to a new prompt.

Great fun but also deep inner discovery too. I was so sad that the six weeks had past and was so happy when I saw there was another workshop.

I have found the workshop very helpful and have signed up for the next one!

Wonderful!  I'm still creating my journal pages/affirmation cards and the process has changed my thinking and perspective and has added the dimension of focus to my life.  

The timing for this workshop was perfect for me.  I had been floundering and wondering what was next for me, because I couldn't imagine going on for much longer as I 

have been...she helped me have a focus and vision for my REAL personal dreams.  

I appreciated the positive-ness and that there was no one right way to do things, just the way that was unfolding before you.  YAY! 

I did the summer session of this workshop and would highly recommend it!

Considering an online workshop? My workshops are designed to offer you gentle reminders each week to make time for yourself. The next two workshops begin October 1st.

The Personal Retreats workshop offers ideas each week on how you can create your own personal sanctuary. For those who are looking for a weekly dose of soul food, this workshop is for you. Journal prompts and creative projects are also provided to inspire creativity.

6 weeks, $30

CLICK HERE for more details and to register.

Are you looking for a clearer vision for your life? We’ll use collage, a fun and easy medium to design clear pictures of your heart’s true desire. This workshop goes beyond cutting and gluing magazine images -- it is a series of projects that review many of the principles made popular by the Laws of Attraction (see “The Secret”), Shakti Gawain’s “Creative Visualization” and Dr. Wayne Dyer’s work including “The Power of Intention” and “Excuses Be Gone.”

6 weeks, $30

CLICK HERE for more details and to register.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at kathrynantyr@mac.com.

I hope that whatever you decide to do this fall that you find time for *YOU*

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

Celebrating 1 Year!

Yesterday I discovered that one year ago today the True North Arts Yahoo! Board was started. OMG!!!! I couldn't let this day come and go without celebrating with all of my creative friends. I want to thank our two newest members for joining so I would take notice of this milestone. The board has been a bit quiet and so have I this summer. The online Vision Journal workshop was keeping me pretty busy and I'm delighted to share that 42 people from 5 countries participated! I'm making it available starting October 1st, CLICK HERE for more details and to register.

I took a moment and pulled out my journals and notes from the last year. I can recall how I felt when I first started designing art journal prompts. It has been a very fun and rewarding year.

As I was thinking about what I could do for today I really wanted to thank each and everyone one of the many lovely and creative people who have participated in some way in the last year. I pulled out a new book that I started altering this week and decided to roll up my sleeves and get creative.

Our celebration needed cake and cute mini banners, don't you think?

This is no ordinary cake, it is a magical cake with a magical candle. You see anyone who visits can make a wish and blow out the candle. Go on make a wish.

And tuck it in here.

Join me in the celebration!

I have admired the many creative banners that I've seen around bloglandia and I've wanted to make one for some time. It dawned on me that this would be a great time to make one, a virtual one where all of my creative pals could join in on the fun.

As I was making my pennant that you see pictured above and looking at the cute miniature ones on the facing page, I was reminded of Tibetan Prayer Flags. I thought about how beautiful it would be if we each made a pennant and I posted them here as I've posted other True North entries.

Want to play?

• Make a pennant - any size. It can be in your journal or something you hang up. As you make it think about your last year. What did you learn? What did you accomplish? What do you wish for in the next year? What prayers would you like to hang on your banner?
• Post a photo or scan of your pennant on your blog or Flickr page. 
• Link back here at: www.truenortharts.com 
• Leave me a comment so I know when you've posted your artwork. 
• Enter by September 19, 2009, midnight (EST) 
• I'll post a running list of links of entries on the sidebar for inspiration. 
• I'll post a gallery of images and links the weekend of September 26, 2009. {This is a great opportunity to meet and greet.}
• Open to all and anyone can play. You don't have to be a Yahoo! board member to play. Whether you've been following for the last year or just discovered this site, I hope you'll find some time to pull out your favorite art supplies and play with us! 

Thank you again for sharing this creative journey!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

New Workshop! True North Arts Personal Retreat Workshop

 

The fall is a time of picking up the pace as our kids return to school and businesses get in gear after summer vacations and preparing for the busy holiday season. I've designed a new online workshop that encourages you to make time for *YOU* with ideas, reflections, and creative projects to make personal retreats a regular part of your life. This six week series begins October 1st and will finish up well before the holidays kick into gear.  I invite you to participate in this new workshop called, "Personal Retreats - find your inner peace and wisdom." 

You are ready for this workshop if:

• You need to rejuvenate, “ground” yourself, re-balance your energy and refresh your soul.
• You want to get in touch with your inner wisdom.
• You seek clarity, insight, perspective, or focus about an issue or problem in your life.
• You wish to create a life that beautifully expresses who you are.

In this workshop you will:

• Learn about different types of personal retreats from mini-retreats lasting only a minute to longer retreats lasting a couple of hours or an entire weekend.
• Explore the use of ritual and the elements of the retreat process.
• Create a sacred space.

Join me in a new six-week online workshop series to find your inner peace and wisdom. Take some time for yourself before the hectic holiday season begins. In this six week workshop we will explore the practice of personal retreats. You don’t have to leave your home to experience the benefits of a retreat. The topics for this series include daily rituals, creating sacred space, cultivating awareness, embracing change, and inspirational reading. Weekly prompts and reflections will be illustrated with art journal pages and photography. You may wish to keep a journal to record your reflections.

Welcome to the True North Arts Retreat House and Creativity Studio!

Pictured above is one of several projects that participants in the Personal Retreat Workshop can make. It is an accordion book made of cardboard and covered in paper. Each panel is a surface for visually journaling each week's lesson.

Would you like a look inside?

Oh I don't mean to tease you too much. Here is only a little sneak peek of what's inside. I'm getting so very excited about this new workshop. I'm bursting with so many ideas!

The topics include:

• An Introduction to Personal Retreats
• Cultivating Awareness
• Creating Sacred Space
• Savoring Inspirational Readings
• Connecting with Nature
• Nurturing Creativity
• Living Your Retreat Every Day

The material draws upon a variety of traditions from Chinese Taoist philosophy to the practices of Benedictine monks. My interest in personal retreats began with a desire to go on retreat but found as a single mother that time and limited funds made this a challenge. I decided that I wouldn't let this stop me from having a retreat experience. In fact, I loved the idea of living in retreat and creating retreat moments in my every day life. I set out not to change my job or where I live but to change how I live. Each week I've prepared sample retreats, creative project ideas, affirmations, and my favorite resources. I look forward to sharing six weeks of personal discovery.

Workshop Format

• The workshop can be accessed online anytime 24/7 at a password-protected e-course blog.
• Weekly lessons include several photos and colorful examples posted each Thursday starting October 1, 2009.
• Work at your own pace - If life gets busy, not to worry, you can pick up where you left off.
• Registration ($30) will remain open until November 15, 2009. Participants can take their time working through the lessons as the workshop remains available to them until December 31, 2009.
• Participation is optional. You are welcome to share your reflections and experiences as well as your journal pages but this is not required.
• Having a blog or Flickr account is not required but encouraged to share your work. 
• I’ll be available to answer your questions by e-mail at kathrynantyr@mac.com.

Fee and Registration Process

This workshop is being offered at the budget friendly amount of $30 for six lessons.

• To Register click on the Pay Now button. You’ll be taken to a PayPal payment page.
• You may pay by money order. E-mail me at kathrynantyr@mac.com to make arrangements.
• After payment is received you’ll get a welcome message a week before the workshop with instructions on how to access the workshop.
• Password: In the welcome message you will be provided a username and password to access the workshop.

Fall Workshop Now Open! True North Arts Vision Journaling Workshop

True North Arts Vision Journaling Workshop

~ Create the life of your dreams ~ FALL WORKSHOP NOW OPEN!

Instructor: Kathryn Antyr

The summer session was well attended with 42 participants from 5 countries! I've received several requests to offer this workshop this fall. If you missed it, not to worry, you can jump in on October 1, 2009.

You are ready for this workshop if:

• You are ready to make a change in your life.
• You feel stuck and need help refocusing.
• You need help clarifying your dreams.
• You wonder if there is more to your life.

In this workshop you will:

• Learn to tune in and listen to your heart and soul.
• Clarify your goals and dreams by setting positive intentions.
• Explore the common blocks and obstacles and strategies to work through them.
• Create a vision journal and vision cards.

Join me on a new six-week online workshop series to create the life of your dreams. We’ll use collage, a fun and easy medium to design clear pictures of your heart’s true desire. This workshop goes beyond cutting and gluing magazine images -- it is a series of projects that review many of the principles made popular by the Laws of Attraction (see “The Secret”), Shakti Gawain’s “Creative Visualization” and Dr. Wayne Dyer’s work including “The Power of Intention” and “Excuses Be Gone.”

What is Visioning?

Visioning is the practice of clarifying what you want in your life that leads to making it real. Vision boards (also called dream boards and inspiration boards) are made by cutting and gluing magazine images and words onto a piece of paper, poster board or journal. It is an effective way to help you to “see” your dream. Creating a clear idea or picture of your dream is essential to making it happen.

Workshop Format

• The workshop can be accessed online anytime 24/7 at a password-protected e-course blog.
• Weekly lessons include several photos and colorful examples posted each Thursday starting October 1, 2009.
• Work at your own pace - If life gets busy and will miss a week or two, not to worry, you can pick up where you left off.
• Registration is open until November 15, 2009. Participants can take their time working through the lessons as access to the workshop will remain open until December 31, 2009.
• Participation is optional. You are welcome to share your reflections and experiences as well as your vision boards but this is not required.
• Having a blog or Flickr account is not required but encouraged to share your work. 
• I’ll be available to answer your questions by e-mail at kathrynantyr@mac.com.

Fee and Registration Process

This workshop is being offered at a budget friendly rate of $30 for 6 lessons.

• To Register click on the Pay Now button. You’ll be taken to a PayPal payment page.
• You may pay by money order. E-mail me at kathrynantyr@mac.com to make arrangements.
• After payment is received you’ll get a welcome message one week before the first lesson with instructions on how to access the workshop.
• Password: In the welcome message you will be provided a username and password to access the workshop.

Basic Supplies

• Sketchbook or blank journal (I like using a large sketchbook sized 11" x 14")
• Watercolor paper or card stock (for making the cards. I’ve even cut up old greeting cards)
• Notebook (optional for brainstorming, writing reflections, and note taking. You may want to use your sketchbook for this too.)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Brayer (optional)
• Magazines of various types
• Collect various things to cut up like greeting cards, junk mail, etc.
• Art and office supplies - the lessons may inspire you to pull out markers, highlighters, colored pencils, and other art supplies that you most likely already have on hand.
• Candle

About Kathryn Antyr, Collage Diva

Kathryn Antyr is a teacher and mixed media artist. For over ten years Kathryn’s students find her lessons to be insightful and inspiring. People from more than 60 countries have accessed her unique online art journal lessons in the last year. To see examples of Kathryn’s art journal lessons visit www.truenortharts.com.

Winner Announcement

Here is a peek at the True North Arts bag that is the prize for one lucky winner of the Serendipity & Synchronicity contest.

I pulled out a tea pot that belonged to my grandmother. Isn't the handle so swirly cool? I also pulled out my busy bee paper. I donned a new plastic bauble and pulled out Teri's name! Congratulations Teri on winning the drawing. If you haven't seen Teri's entry, be sure to check it out. She made a bagua house. It is on my to do list to make one myself.

The next True North Arts theme is about creating vision cards and vision journals to make your inner dreams a reality. I'm still working up the details and logistics on this one as it will be a bit different than the other prompts because isn't just one prompt but six! I will post an announcement about this series here, in my newsletter (sign up form is on the right) and on the Yahoo! board within the next week.

I want to thank you all for joining me on this creative journey!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn Antyr, Collage Diva

Serendipity and Synchronicity Gallery

Discover how many directions you can take with the serendipity and synchronicity theme with a tour of the following blogs. New to this site? Scroll down to see how the theme was presented. If I missed your post, please let me know and I'll add you ASAP. The winner of the random drawing will be announced on Monday. I am so touched by the creativity and talent that we have here. Enjoy your tour! 

Lady North, Canada Haloquin, Wales Melissa, USA Vickie, USA	MLaura, USA Lay Hoon, Malaysia  Angie, USA MotherHenna, USA
Dianne, USA	Michelle, USA
Carol, USA	Teri, USA
Gil, Brazil	Anne, USA
Gemma