My Paper Addiction...The Traveler's Notebook

Creative addictions...

I have them, I admit it. 

Paper, it's my not so secret happiness enabler. 

It gives me joy. 

I find bliss in textures, sizes, finishes...it's my creative canvas and it's potential is endless.

My collection grows as the years pass. Journals, notebooks, sketchbooks, planners, even old vintage books that I can repurpose. 

All this being said, there is one book that I love the most.

The Traveler's Notebook.

I adore this little treasure keeper.

I've tried to replace it with other pretties, but they are just not the same. 

I always return.

 

Both the original Midori and faux ones are amazing. 

Choose the size, cover material, and notebooks you love and stuff it full.

Change your books on any given whim. 

Add little pencil pouchs, pen loops, card holders...there is so much to create to make this little set of books uniquely you.

They make great journals, planners, art journals, and so much more.

Mine currently contains; 

Book one: Journal both for thoughts and sketches

Book two: Planner

Book three: Leather zip pouch / card holder.

Book four: Jotter notebook, just for random thoughts, ideas, and events.

This little book has become my carry everywhere notebook.

Until next time, continue to create the precious works within your heart.

Hugs,

Anna

A Peek Inside My Creative Mind

If you were to peek inside my mind...

You'd at first be amazed at the organization. 

Perfect lists, major priorities, fun kid friendly activities... 

but dig a little deeper; and it's like looking behind a closed door.

So much rubble is just waiting to tumble the moment it is disturbed. 

Seriously, I have a mind that runs nonstop and seems to collect every detail for later use.

I try my best to somehow let it all spill out onto paper. 

Drawing, journaling, coloring...overall just creating.

Using one memory at a time to fuel my inspiration. 

Some days my desk is a complicated mess of projects. As many as I can fit onto the small tabletop. 

Books, markers, pencils, photos, paint; and a dozen half finished works of art.

This is my current state of mind.

"Get it all down and polish it later."

Here's an inside view of the creative fun.

 An overhead view of my work desk. Contains: Journal, sketchbook, Midori travelers notebook as an art journal, colored digital stamp, and pen & pencil pouch.

Stacked and pretty. A side glace at my must have books and my favorite pencil and utility carrier.(It's actually a wristlet  purse, but works great for art supplies.)

Freedom to Create, colored in Copic markers.

Love this image!

A newly finished art journal page. I think this layout is beautiful. Most definitely my favorite mixed 

 media work yet. 

A nearly finished work in progress. I love this sketch. It's just soft & romantic. A little ink and a bit of color and this Cuddlebug will be ready to go.

A autumn remake. One of my original Cuddlebugs redrawn with bigger eyes, fluffier hair, and sitting pretty on a tree.

Love the pose, love the theme, still working on the bottom half. I'm just not sure of the legs. It's cute with the socks, but a fluffy skirt might be fun too? Still contemplating this Halloween witch Cuddlebug. 

Hope you enjoyed sharing my creative prospects. 

Check out my Instagram for nearly daily works in progress updates.

Hugs,

Anna

Documenting Your Creative Passions In An Art Journal Scrapbook

 It took so much courage to overcome the fear of having an art book that I added color to. Something about giving up the ability to erase my mistakes just stopped me in my tracks. I've realized that the imperfections of a page can make it special. You learn from trying and if you don't jump you limit your possibilities. The joy that comes from having a little journal where you can flip through the pages, by far overrides the blemishes.

The more pages I complete in my little journal, the more inspired I am to continue to add to it. Everyday I feel the need to just spend a little time sketching, painting, or writing. To spill my thoughts and emotions onto the pages.  Determined not to let my days crumble at my feet just to be left behind as a blank and empty spot, that I will likely forget as time passes by. 

This has become my favorite way of documenting my everyday. Each page holds joyful memories and intense passion. A splendid freedom of just letting go and enjoying the moment...

Here's a little freebie to release you creativity on. 

Enjoy coloring and crafting with Sweet Butterflies, but please give me; Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her.

 

 

Sweet Butterflies Cuddlebug Cuties

 

 

Hugs,

Anna

Mixed Media Art Journal Girl

Water based media.

Markers, pencils, crayons, and watercolors. 

I experimented with all of them for this layout.

All brand new media for me. 

Little to no experience with these tools; and with no real research on how to best use them, I just jumped in and decided to create a spread.

It was awesome.

Freedom to just play; no rules, no worries.

I highly recommend experimenting with new toys and just enjoy the process of creating art from your heart.

Freedom To Create, Art Journal Girl Cuddlebug Cuties

  

Art Journal Girl Close-up Cuddlebug Cuties

Freedom To Create, Cuddlebug Cuties

Enjoy coloring and crafting with Freedom to Create, but please give me; Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her.

Hugs,

Anna

Handmade Happiness

Embellished happiness.

I'm truly beginning to love this term.

When I first began my life as a crafter I was quite sparse with the extra little pretties. I enjoyed letting the main focal point of my work be nearly all of my piece. As time passed I became a bit braver and more eccentric. Instead of saving my treasures for that "special someday" project; I began wanting to use every little bit and bob that I had. 

I've found so much true joy from creating.

Handmade has become a part of who I am.

And anything that I can customize with embellishments brings happiness to unexpected places.

My Filofax art planner and my pink Moleskine journal are two of my daily favorite places to create, embellish, and pour my thoughts into. The pages are full of images that make me smile, favorite memories caught on camera, and powerful thoughts that overload my mind and fuel my imagination. I treasure these little books. 

Filofax Art Planner; weekly layout; kitty themed

Pink Moleskine journal, Legacy Sticky Notes by Mandy Lynne, kawaii ink pen

Pink Moleskine inside pages; soft vintage layout

Don't hold back. Create something today that will inspire and move your soul. Use your pretties and enjoy the process. Keepsakes journals or planners are a great way to start. All you need is a bit of paper and some imagination. 

Hugs,

Anna

Courage in Art Journaling Spread

A brand new art journal.

Crisp, clean ...and blank pages.

Close your eyes. Breathe. Now jump into a new spread and just let yourself go.

Do not fear the empty pages.

This is freedom.

There's no right and no wrong.

No mistakes.

You are the artist. Fill the paper with what's in your heart.

Draw, doodle, scribble, write, stamp, color, and paint with your hearts truest desires.

 * * *

I have found that art journaling is one of the most relaxing and pleasurable forms of art. While I do strive for pretty; I create for me. The art doesn't have to be perfectly polished.  I experiment and create without fear. Unexpected outcomes can be quite pleasant. Taking chances and exploring opportunities is thrilling. 

I have started a brand new art journal illustrating, the courage needed to overcome fear; in my first spread.

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Journal Courage Spread

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Journal Courage Spread and Supplies

Supplies:

Midori blank pages notebook

Gesso

Handmade cloud stencil

Circle stencil

Graphite pencil

Copic multiliner pen

Fineliner pens

Watercolor pencils

Water brush pen

ink pads

Finishing Spray

Hugs,

Anna

Paper Fanatic

I've come to the conclusion that I am a paper fanatic. 

I love paper.

 Pretty paper or drawing paper; any type of paper is a toy for me. It makes it difficult to complete a journal because as soon as I get new paper I want to try it. By the end of any given day I'll have several art journals and sketch books scribbled in. I've often wondered if I should tear all the paper from my books and store them all together in a ringed binder. It would be the best of both worlds; trying many types of new paper while still keeping all my work together. 

Would I still be able to field journal with it? I have the feeling that I would have it stuffed so full that it would be difficult to travel with. Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to destroy a book and give it a try. 

A Collection Of Journals

From top to bottom;

• New drawing paper. Super thick and amazing quality. Perhaps a new favorite.
• Sketchbook. Beautiful cover, light weight, and purse size.
• Art journal. Huge pages with lots of room.

A view of the inside.

Cuddlebug Cuties Works in Progress

Cuddlebug Cuties Works In Progress

Bear, Fancy Dumbo Furbaby

And of coarse, Bear is almost a constant fixture on my work desk. He's now litter box trained and doesn't mark, so I love to spend the day with him supervising. He'll just quietly rest on my markers and watch. I can even snack while working and he won't budge. Never sticks his nose in my plate; just sweetly waits to be offered nibbles. My pups aren't even that well behaved, lol.

Many hugs to my wonderful arts and crafts buddies,

Anna

Adopted Furbabies Inspired Art Journal Spread

I am an animal lover.

I have bought food for my dog when I had none,

 I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand.

I have hugged those that are vicious because they're afraid.

 I have fallen in love a thousand times,

...and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless 

body more times than I could bare.

I am an animal lover, my home is never quiet,

my wallet is always empty,

but my heart is always full.

~unknown

I love this quote. It rings so true to me. 

Recently, I have rescued a handful of new fur-kids.

I am truly smitten with them, but I have faced loads of stereotyped negativity for giving them a forever home.

I really don't understand the idea that some lives matter less than others.

I know that saving one animal won't change the world, but it changes the world for that one animal. Seems like you were given the ability to change a life, why waste it. 

I am an animal lover.

If you asked me what type of animal person I am...
I'd tell you I'm a cat person. There isn't a kitty in this world that I wouldn't drop to my knees and cuddle.

If you asked me who my best friend is...

I'd tell you it's my dog. We have a special bond and we are together nearly 24/7. She's always happy, always makes me smile, always there when I need a shoulder to cry on, she's my buddy.

If you asked me who my most social and well trained pet is...

I'd tell you it's my new handful of fancy rats.

Yes, I did say rats,

Fancy Rats.

This is where the negativity usually begins. I'm not expecting to change anybody's perception, and not really expecting anyone to agree with me. So far, no one has supported me in my decision to rescue them. Honestly, I'm okay with that. I too, had a bit of fear lurking in the back corners of my brain when I first came upon them, but they were in need and I'm not capable of turning my back and forgetting.

In the past several weeks they've have taught me so much about respecting animals.

They are so incredibly sweet and beyond smart.

I easily litter box trained them, they take food so softly and gentle, they come when I call them, and my most special one will run up and kiss you like a dog would. He'll lick your hands or your cheek, it's so cute.  

They all love to snuggle and will sit in your lap endlessly to get petted. 

I have zero fear of aggression from them. They'll let you give them baths, groom them, check their teeth...and not even a squeak out of them. Actually, something kinda interesting; they purr. It's very similar to when a kitty is happy. Sometimes they get so into it their eyes bug out and kind of wobble. It's one of the funniest and most adorable things I've ever seen.

They are not the evil pests that I feared.

They are just like any other animal.

They want to be loved and feel safe.

I love my new fur babies, and I'm okay with being just a little bit different.

This is just who I am, and I except that. I'm not perfect but I have a good heart.

I want to share some fun Halloween photos I took of the new little guys. 

We were having so much fun bonding and picture taking.

I've also have an art journal work in progress inspired by them.

If you are truly afraid / phobic of fancy rats, I understand. 

You may want to skip the following pictures, as I don't wish to give anyone bad dreams tonight. 

And if you can't look it's okay, I can't stand looking at pictures of spiders or sharks; I shudder every time.

This is Thor. He is my heart rat. He is so curious about everything. He spends most of the day on my shoulder then running down my arm to inspect everything he can get his little paws on. When I draw hes sits on my wrist and watches every move I make. He just like being included in everything.

Jax, my snuggler. Loves to cuddle and will except lovins from anybody. He's my biggest guy and I got a really good laugh watching how determined he was to squish is butt into this fish aquarium prop. 

Loki, super sweet little baby and so tiny. He was 5 weeks old when I took this picture. He will start purring almost the moment you touch him. He's just a very content happy little guy.

Jasper, my smallest and palest addition. Loki's brother and also 5 weeks at the time of the photo. He loves to hide in the collar of your shirt. Nothing but his little nose sticking out. 

I have three more adorable cuties, but they came a few days after these photos. I'm not sure if abused is the right term for their previous situation but they all came to me in different states of suffering. But a lot of love, bit of vet visits, some medicine and some dental work and they are all very happy and adjusting well to actually being wanted and loved. I'll have photos of them soon.

And now for the artsy stuff.

This is an art journal page work in progress.

It's dedicated to my new family members. 

Two of my unpictured ratties have dumbo ears, so I had to draw big adorable ears.

And the cuddlebug on the left would be holding Thor. This is where he is most commonly trying to explore from.

Love this Cuddlebug. Definitely going to ink her up and make her a digi soon.

Hugs,

Anna

Creativity

I have found that the best way to achieve unrealistic goals of productivity and creativity at the same time is to put in all on paper.  Carry a little journal or notebook with you everywhere; and when you come up with an amazing idea, pocket it the book for later. 

Throughout any given day, I think of several dozen things that I want to write, create, and do; but usually by midnight I just fall into my bed with all the wonderful ideas lost in the shuffle. By the time a new day starts I can't remember what inspirational little quote moved me so much the day before, what awe inspiring blog topic I wanted to write about, or which of the hundred pins I added to my Pinterest that I wanted to create. Some days it feels like a starting bell rings and I'm running with my coffee in hand just trying to keep up.

Truth be told, I love it. I don't always have time to photograph and scrap all the joyous moments of my life, but I have found little notes and lists help me work with the time I have. I have a nice purse sized book full of inspiration. Scribbled throughout the beautiful parchment papers are lists of blog topics, inspirational quotes, crafty ideas, hopes for the future, and so much more.  All decorated with  quirky sketches and quick doodles.

It's by far not organized enough to be a planner; not elaborate enough to be a handwritten journal; perhaps, it is a very basic art journal.  It carries some of my thoughts and my pretties.
And even though I am going to share pieces of my book here,  I love that overall it is a private piece of work. It's for my eyes and my heart. It doesn't have to be perfect. I don't have to spend hours trying to make my sketches appear the way they do in my head. I don't have to impress anyone. Simply put, it is my little pocket of inspiration. When I am ready to create a piece of art, it will be there waiting to guide me.

Embossed Leather-bound Inspirational Journal

Never give up on your dreams, you have the ability to make them your reality.

Hugs,
Anna

Art Journaling Inspiration

I am truly enjoying the art journaling process. I'm going at it very slowly, almost timid. It seems so odd to me just to throw color at an entire page. There is a small part of me that has this really annoying fear of messing up my page and therefore ruining my entire book. I know it's silly, and a normal part of the artistic process. I guess I'm just used to sketch books where all I use is pencils and erasers. If I'm not happy I just erase and try again. Now I am working on telling myself if I don't like it I'll just paint over it and try again. I'll learn from it, and no matter what I'll enjoy creating because that's really the most important thing. It's more the quality of what you get out of it then the outcome of the piece. It is so very true that the worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt, and worry is completely a misuse of your imagination. 

My goal is to express myself; to know that my work is beautiful just the way it is. Not to look at what it is not, but to focus on what it is. My hope is that I can inspire others. I find so much peace in art and I want to share that feeling with everyone that I can. It would be a dream come true, for someone to tell me someday... that I influenced their work, that they believed they could because I said trying is wonderful, or that they didn't give up because of me.

So, I will look at the blank pages before me with courage.
One day I want to look back at this book and smile because it was a stepping stone in my life.
I had to tip toe at first, but I took that step.
I turned my dreams into my future.
I wasn't discouraged by my problems but instead led by my dreams.
I have found my gift and I rejoice in giving it away; hopeful that others will find their happiness with it, just as I have.

Dear friends,
Today I have a little gift for someone out there.
It's just a little bit of "get you started candy".
I have a limited edition moleskin Micky Mouse journal.
It a perfect size to start with and it's lined to make writing easier but it still has loads of potential to doodle, color, and paint in.
I have include 12 multicolored Foray pens. These pens write beautifully; they are one of my favorite tools.
There is a set of self inked set stamps that will help add little bits of fun to your pages.
And,
A really fun little tote bag to store all your art journaling media in. Making taking your craft on the go easy.

To be included in this candy drawing all you have to do is be a follower of Cuddlebug Cuties and add your name to the link up below.

Everyone is welcome to enter.

 You do not have to post a picture of the candy on your sidebar or do a shout out post to let others know of the goodies, but I'd love it if you do, and I'd be very grateful. I'll throw your name in the drawing hat an extra time if you do.

Good luck everyone.

Hugs,

Anna 

Life Lately

Hello all my wonderful friends,

I know it's been awhile, much to long actually. 

Life has been full of challenges recently. I'm normally a happy, perky, optimistic person, but I had a little streak of sadness take over for a bit; and even though the events would have made great stories, I really didn't want to make everyone tear up day after day.

However, I do feel I owe everyone an explanation for my extended absence.

Pretty much, it started with the death of a very close family member. She had been one of my closest friends for my entire life. Her unexpected passing left me feeling so very much alone. I found myself many times dialing her number then crying as I realized that she would never answer again. It just hurt so very much.

Then, well to make a really long story short, I fractured a bone in my arm, and it hurt more than I thought a broken bone ever would. This event truly set my art back. For the first little bit it was almost impossible to create with it, but I learned, and now I feel so much better that I can use a little art therapy to cheer me up.

Finally, the topper that just broke my heart.

I recently lost a pet. It hurt like nothing I had ever felt before. She was the first furbaby to pass in my adult life. She had been a family member since pretty much the day she was born. She was an abandoned  rescue that we hand fed formula to every few hours, I was holding her the first time she opened her eyes, the first time she took her first bite of solid food, and I was holding her close while she took her last breath. I miss her so badly, words can not even explain.

So after a handful of sad events, I was a bit lost and needed to take some time. Lately though, I've been waking up with a renewed sense of life. I'm ready to jump back up and enjoy the little things in my everyday again. Ready to be a positive and uplifting person. Ready to enjoy the activities that make me who I am. 

And most of all, ready to create! 

Art is a great release,

a great source of happiness.

I've put a lot of thought into where I want to go with my creations. I want to expand from drawing and papercrafting and add art journaling and mixed media to my list. During the past few weeks I have amassed a huge amount of supplies for this endeavor. I'm truly excited to try something new and I can wait to share the outcome with you guys.

My latest Cuddlebug - Coming Soon

I'll post a list of my goodies that I'm starting out with soon, as well as a new Cuddlebug for you all, and I'm putting together a little Prima blog candy too.

Hugs,

Anna