This Fall has been an experience of wonderful highs and a big fat low.
I had an amazing Second Annual Share Your Joy Book Tour through my home state of California in September. I was able to connect with some of you and reconnect with friends I made during last year's tour. It was such a rich and fulfilling experience. It all came together kind of last minute, but it must have been meant to be because everyone I approached to host me for an Art Play Date responded positively and we had amazing turnout. From Christine MacShane Art Studio in Chico, to A Work of Heart in San Jose, to Heart Craft Studio in Rancho Cordova, and finally Claudine Kitchen & Bakery in Encino, I was greeted with welcoming energy and got to share joy with many who've been following me virtually, as well as some dear old friends. I came home uplifted and energized.
In October, I got to travel to Connecticut and Maine and taught two classes. What an amazing place to visit in the Fall! I'd never been to New England, and now I cannot wait to go back. Thanks to friends who connected me with a couple local venues, I taught "Kindness Cards" to a lovely group of students at Papercraft Clubhouse in Saybrook, CT, and then to more amazing ladies at The Painted Dog Studio in New Brunswick, ME. Just visiting these states, (with heartfelt thanks to my wonderful tour guides Judy in CT and Amanda in ME), was an experience I will never forget and always cherish. And one I hope to repeat one day! Life in New England is so different from my own in Southern California. I returned home so enriched by these experiences.
Since early November, my over-thinking nature has taken over and I find myself ruminating on things I can't control. I know what this negative thought spiral looks like and feels like. And I know that creativity is my resource for calming my nervous system and soothing my soul. I have been leaning into that, but the pull of my thoughts...a troubling worry...still plagues me like a chronic undertow of hopelessness. I feel torn between trying to get out of my head, and feeling like I need to stay there, stay informed, and do my part to change things.
Someone once characterized my art journal pages as full of love. Indeed, they are...full of my joy of creativity, the excitement of playing with color, and the thrill of transforming my art supplies into something I love. Remembering this, it is my hope that the weight of all the hate I'm witnessing might be lightened as I embrace this love and share it as much as I can. It's my small part. It's self-care for me, and I hope that this can ripple out into the world. It may not be much, but it is something I CAN do. So much of the rest of it is just out of my control.
I am so grateful for my art community, and to you, especially, my subscribers and students. There are many wonderful classes and opportunities for learning in this community, and I appreciate that you're here with me and purchasing mine. Right now, there are a few offerings I'm part of that are on sale, so it's a good time to join in on some creative self care and make something YOU love.
First of all, if you're a subscriber to my website, you should have received a discount code for my Teachable course: "Creating Zines from A Mixed Media Master." If you are interested in this course, and have not received this code, please feel free to email me and I will send it to you right away.
Next, I'm part of Make Create Express 2024-25, brought to you by Art Is Magic online. The "Temper Sessions," in which each Make Create Express teacher offers a short creative tutorial, are available to watch now, until December 2. It's a replay of the weekend of videos that were available this past August, and it's FREE. My offering is "Brush Letter Ephemera," a fun way to add a word/statement to your journal pages or shareable art. I'm teaching "Intention Journals" for Make Create Express 2024-25, with my first lesson arriving December 16th. First, we will create the journal. Then, in 2025 we will set our intentions, create some watercolor ephemera, and embellish our journals. Click on the photo below to learn more.
My course hosted by Willa Workshops, "Love Your Imperfect Art Journal," is on sale for a special holiday promotion. As my subscriber, you get a special discount code JUICY25, to get 25% off the purchase price (sales taxes may apply). That is a savings of $34.25 off the normal purchase price of $137! This offer extends between December 1 and 3 (code expires at 11:59PM on December 3). This is a great opportunity to join me for this very comprehensive and joyful exploration of intuitive art journaling. It has almost everything I've learned through my self-taught mixed media journey! There are over 10 hours of video, and lots of downloads to support your learning included in this course. Each instructional video has been created with care and attention to detail to inspire you and give you a rich experience focused on providing you just what you need to tap into your own intuitive creativity. Click on the image below to take advantage of these amazing savings!
At Create Arts Online, the Black Friday Sale includes my course: "Juggling Journals." I really enjoyed creating this course with CAO, because it felt kind of like an in-person class. I instruct as I create, narrating my process and motivations in the moment, while I "juggle" between two different art journals and create two unique, multi-layered art journal spreads. Use discount code GRATITUDE2024 at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase. There is a link below, just click on the photo.
It may seem trite to be embracing gratitude at this time of year, but I know from experience that an attitude of gratitude can lift you up out of the lowest of lows. So it is with immense gratitude that I write this to you, my art community and friends. Thank you so very much for your interest and support. Wishing you love, joy, and peace this holiday season.
In Creativity, Love, & Joy,
Sarah
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