Finding Faith: Pursuit of Happiness

Hi friends! My apologies for not posting last week, lots of personal issues to deal with, but this week things seem to be back on track. I've been working on a book of collaged elements and sayings inspired by Brave Girls Club. It's called "hello, believe in yourself.

The first page starts with a tab labeled, "I am free to make a change" and the page collage with Dear Authentic Me, free your soul, I am free to notice beauty, good fortune, and everything is going to work out beautifully. (Pass it on). There is a tab that opens, and inside are the things I am free to do that might not seem good for me. This was really a way of dropping judgements and allowing myself to not have to be "perfect" all the time. 

Giving myself the power to choose, knowing I'm not powerless in my choices. Good or bad I get to decide. That made me feel a little less enslaved to "bad decisions". I am free to numb myself out...even when it will keep things as they are. I am free to disappear for a while...even when others expect more from me. I am free to be selfish...even when others might not like me. I am free to be reckless...even though it might hurt me. I am free to blame...even though it would keep me stuck. I am free to eat junk food...even when I know it's not the right choice. I am free to walk away from it...even when others might reject me. I am free to shame...even when it might make things worse. I am free to resist...even though it might hurt my life. I am free to admit how I feel, I am free to give up, I am free to say no, I am free to say yes...even when I don't know how it will turn out.

The second page has a tab that reads, "I can make and keep boundaries". This is often a challenge for me. Elements collaged on this page include, I am free to ask for what I need, making boundaries is an act of love, you are worth taking care of, today I will be brave enough to enforce my boundaries, I can make self-care a habit instead of a luxury, I will protect my soul, ...even when others might get mad at me.

Page three has a tab "I will stay peaceful". The page reads, I will spread peace everywhere, I protect my peace, no one has the right to hurt you, I will behave in ways that keep my heart at peace, I will do what brings me peace of mind, bliss, and I can create peaceful places.

Page four is "I am free to speak up". I am free to let go, I am free to honor how I feel, she is doing her very best, it's all ok, I don't have to hold the world up, ...even when it seems too selfish.


Page five is labeled "I am free to live how I live". I am free to be who I am, I can connect deeply with others when I don't hide, you are good enough, it is so important to surround yourself with souls who believe in you, I can ask for help, and do not allow others to take advantage of your weaknesses.

I find collage to be an extremely therapeutic and meditative practice. Using chip board books, decorative papers, found objects and ephemera with pictures and sayings. It also gives me something to look at and ponder on days I need a little encouragement.

I leave with this thought...

Until next time!

Creatively yours,

Faith

FindingFaith: Brave Girl Soul School

Hi friends!
 I can't believe it's December already! (My birthday month! The big 45!) it's off to a great start though! Awesome workout with Shana. Feeling excited to get back on track with my workouts and eating right, now that I'm used to my work schedule. And I'm excited about a new project! A monthly membership I signed up for through www.bravegirlsclub.com called soul school.

 Check out their site, I have taken online classes through them before and I have always gotten so much out of it.

  I actually believe that a lot of what I have created recently in my life was cultivated in some of those classes. There is something incredibly powerful in creating art that has purpose and intention, and focusing on words that are positive and beautiful, gives birth to it in your life. I have seen it happen in my life. One of these days I will share some of the things that I made in those classes. It's fun to look back on now and realize how far I have come, and that anything is possible.

 Dream big friends! The focus of December's lesson is "Go where the peace is". It involves projects centering around setting boundaries, living life without regrets, and letting others know they matter. There are some art journaling lessons, a peppermint sugar scrub DIY, as well as lessons on making truth cards and a "Go where the peace is" question book. I'm exited to get started, and will be sharing some of my experiences with you as I go along. So stay tuned!

Creatively yours, Faith

FindingFaith:The Perfect Creativity Organizer

Hi friends!
So I've been obsessed with trying to make the perfect creativity organizer. This week I decided to try Duct tape! I also found a roll of chalkboard paper and a roll of whiteboard paper by the Duct tape at Michael's.

 I cut a long strip of both rolls and adhered them to each other. I trimmed the whole thing with flowered Duct tape. I wanted it to be a binder, so I can add folders with my latest projects, and file them away when I'm done.

 

I also made a pouch with a Ziplock Baggie, and a pocket in the front and back. I then added a strap and taped in magnets for the closure. The next one I make I will probably add more pockets. I also want to include a calendar and sketch book, but I'm pretty happy with this one, and no sewing involved! 

 I just cut the metal rings out of a cheap binder I got at the $1 store. I decorated some file folders and punched holes in them with a hole punch and labeled them with my label maker ($10 at Michael's, $6 after my 40% off coupon). 

Hope you enjoyed my latest project! Have a great week!

Creatively yours,

Faith