Still trying to relax more

Bit like buses really, no blog for ages then 3 at once. I have joined an on-line mixed media group, so I take pictures and load them each day, therefore they are ready to pop on here and only takes a mo. Besides, I do like to keep you all entertained, and the more of my attempts you see the more you know you can do this too, and probably much better LOL.
So, OH tells me I am trying to hard again and need to chill out and just enjoy what I am doing without worrying about whether or not I will create the next masterpiece. Today has been just that and my creation of Freda the Fish and her dancing friends now has him quite concerned the plot is on its way down the road - I thought it was fun turning my silver slodgy circles into little dancing characters, poor Freda was not as whimsy as she should have been, my head had her more floaty I dont quite have the hang of that yet...






Now although Teddy is not the best he did teach my how to free draw with charcoal on layers today, was a bit scary but improvement on the outlines than ink I think so might be having another go at this, I had quite a time playing with charcoal today basically just making marks to try get some control.



Lasty is today's Art Journal entry, I have joined a few groups on this too so sorry you may well be subjected to viewing some waffle in the journal from time to time, Art Journals are great for daily practice. Tomorrows pages are currently gesso coated in readiness for then, not that I have a clue what I am doing yet if anything.. as spending most of the morning having to split up all the dog walking with having no car then the afternoon awaiting the fix-it man, not ideal to start any painting so hoping there will be some time left afterwards.



We were lucky enough not to get any snow here over the weekend, though it was very chilly earlier with freezing fog and ice, the pavements were deadly - good job I just walk my oldest dog first thing, although I was slower than her today and the penguin style walking is not kind to the legs. The local park walk with them all later on was ok, still icy and both Alfie and Jaja managed to fall over on the ice, the old lady Tess had more sense though and avoided the slippery parts.

Hoping we get a few warmer days in, I'm told the freeze is back for next weekend though, bbbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrr.

~SimJaTa~

A Day off, to take away pressure

I followed some fabulous advice from a blog link on Zoe's blog, basically stop trying so hard. I was spending all my time desperatly trying to create something fabulous, too much pressure. So yesterday was a day off to just play with paint, pencils and inks. I did the above painting in my journal for fun and straight from my head (how worrying is that?) obviously my poor little people need some work, but the rest of it wasnt too bad, and I enjoyed it, used inks, watercolours and coloured pencils.



My mermaid was my very first attempt at drawing with indian ink and a dip pen, then painted her in watercolour and added inks to the background sea (yes, its meant to be sea) but again, relaxed and just had fun.



Not sure if you can read this, found out later the blue ink is rubbish and not water proof, but this was my free art journal time, after being very lucky enough to win a super book "Journal Bliss by Violette" on Darlenes blog "Freenie Belle - Living the Creative Life", everyone should have this book, as Violette says 'cheaper than a therapist'.. Now I am lucky enough not to sufer from depression (but I have done many years ago) but to anyone who does, this book is made for them, such a positive book with suggestions on how to 'let it all out' in your journal.
For me, the Art Journal is to create and have fun (well it is now I read the book) also the more practice done the greater the improvement. So I am going to (at least try hard too) stop trying and relax and enjoy.

Also need to sort out a chair, to try stop the neck ache that is causing some grief, must be a way, so going to try an adjustable chair from the other room, and perhaps look out for a more suitable stool or something to put myself at a better height, so frustrating not being able to do as much as I would like, though I do keep loosing hours worth of time.

Wont get much done today, got to go out soon and its dog class tonight - but hope to find an hour later at least to pick up a pencil for a while.

Todays lesson to anyone feeling the pressure - take some time out, it helps.

~SimJaTa~

Aromatherapy ~ Folksy Friday

Oh dear, I dont seem to be finding so much time to keep up with the blogging these days, thats due to having far too much fun with the crafts I am working on. I did have a distraction this week though, my friend treated me to a tarte burner and a well known brand of tartes/melts to go with it. These magical frangrances have my house smelling delicious and have a very relaxed and happy SimJaTa busy working in such fabulous aroma's. BUT as we all know 'handmade is best' so I set toward the Folksy forum to see what was on offer, and got some fantastic recommendations, seems our talented Folksy crafters can quite easily out-do the well known candle company with the most amazing fragrances - I have mine on order from Folksy now and cannot wait to receive them.

Therefore, let me introduce you to what is on offer on Folksy, great fragrance, great prices and top class service.

Highly recommened to me was Pauline's Candles, I am currently a fan of the melts but this wonderful gift set is on my wish list an Aromatherapy set.



'Over the Rainbow' was also recommeneded, how cool are these? Essential Aromas wax melts



'One stop pamper shop' also on the list, and a great help to me in making my choices which I can hardly wait to arrive. Here are her fabulous Love Heart melts, which come in a variety of scents.



Our quest was joined by Lil-Piranha-Fish, who has the last of her melts on special offer



'Scratchycat Candles' has some wonderful choices in her shop, these sound very appealing "Rhubarb and Raspberry soy wax melts"




Dont forget the pictures take you straight to the shops for further information, and what else is on offer there.

For anyone who doesnt know (as I didnt till recently) you have a melt/tarte burner, a little tealight sits in the botton, and there is a place to sit your melt/tarte in the top, the tealight melts the candle and releases the most amazing scents accross your home and environment, making it all lovely.

So, what are you waiting for? go look at these shops - some of them have burners for sale too so you too can join in with a home of relaxing aroma's. Great treat for yourself.

~Bags of Swank by SimJaTa~