Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Tuesday Tips and Techniques: Play with "What If "

My inspiration for today's post comes from my friend, Jenny, over at A Simpler Life.  I hope you'll take a look at Jenny's "Playing with What Ifs" post.  Who would think that two little words could have such an impact on one's creativity?

I decided to give "What if?" a try.  I began by thinking, "I usually begin my pages with writing and scribbling.  What if I begin with deliberate lines?"


And what if instead of applying acrylic paint randomly, I use pastel pencils and apply color deliberately? 



"What if", I thought, "I use water soluble crayons on top of the pastel?  I've never tried that before!"


WHAT IF.......I add the printed word instead of writing something.....


...and add all of my details with oil pastels?  I've never applied oil pastels on top of water soluble pastels or pastel pencils.

And WHAT IF........I don't like it when I'm finished?


"The reward of creative art journaling lies not in the destination, but in the journey!" - An'Angelia


Allow Yourself to PLAY!

WHAT IF...........You throw all caution to the wind 
WHAT IF...........You play with your art supplies like you've never seen them before
WHAT IF...........You abandon the idea of having a great looking page when you're finished!


Go Ahead!  Give "What if" a Try.  You'll Be Amazed and Delighted

Here are some "What If" ideas to get you started:

What if you create an entire page using only one shape in different sizes.
What if you apply your initial background with your eyes closed.
What if you only use your fingers to apply paint.
What if you only use two colors to create a page.
What if you reach into your scrap bag and create a page around the first item you pull out
What if you do the opposite of your usual journaling techniques
What if you journal on loose paper and adhere it in your journal later.


What if you try multiple pages with "What If" techniques.  You might stumble upon something new that you really like and incorporate into your every day journaling!

Happy creating, and I hope all of you have a safe and Happy 4th of July spent in exactly the way you desire!

CELEBRATE * LOVE * CREATE

9 comments:

  1. Oh WOW Angelia... I LOVE your 'what iffing'... fabulous to see the progress shots of your first gorgeous page... and the end result is wonderful!!
    And the second is magical with the face within the tree... thank you for the mention too... you are such a sweetie... awesome 'what if' prompts as well...

    Hugs
    Jenny x

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    1. Jenny, I'm SO glad you enjoyed this post as you were my inspiration for the technique. I was going to email you to let you know, but you were QUICK seeing it! :o) I can't tell you how great your post was. Asking myself "what if" has been an inspiration far beyond my expectations. Thank you! xoxoxox

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  2. Wow Angelia! This is one of the most inspiring posts, if not the most inspiring -- I've ever read! It shows what happens when we give let go and let ourselves play in the process, and not worry about 'product'. And I bet it was fun! What fun for me to see the bird emerge from "what if..." thank you!!

    P.S. It's always nice coming back to your blog (I've been on a blogging break for a while. My creative passion has naturally gravitated to knitting...so I'm letting my creative spirit lead. No arguments on my part :) -- Here's what I've been knitting the last 2 years: http://motherbearstudio.wordpress.com/

    Abundant blessings to you and your family. ~Cheryl

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    1. Hi, Cheryl! It's so good to see you again! Thank you for your kind comments. I can't begin to tell you how much impact these two little words had on my creative process! I'm going to ask myself that question much more often. I took a look through your knitting project and intend to share it here on my blog soon. Big hugs to you!

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  3. You certainly give people inspiration! And look: you found a bird again! I think I'll print out your list and hang it above my desk!

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    1. Thank you, dear Denthe! Yes - another bird! LOL I'll have to see how things go this week - I've done 3 spreads without seeing one and I'm a little happy about it! LOL xoxoxo

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  4. You don't like your finished page? I think it's wonderful and your step by step comments and photos are inspiring. I have to try some of the pastels and crayon techniques.
    Pat from Chicago

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    1. Welcome, Pat! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment, and I'm glad that you found this to be an inspiring post. Don't be a stranger! :o)

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  5. Thank you all for your wonderful comments! I apologize for not responding promptly - I don't know how I managed to miss these comments for so long!

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! It's a pleasure sharing the creative world of art journaling with you. I love hearing from you, so comments and questions are always welcome.

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