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

Sitting Pretty

I'm a girl of few words today.

 I'm pretty much just enjoying my time creating little wonders that make me smile. 

Life is good and I'm looking forward to a new day full of new creations.

Sitting Pretty Cuddlebug Cuties

Sitting Pretty Cuddlebug Cuties

Enjoy coloring and crafting with Sitting Pretty, but please give me; Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her, and if you have a moment please feel free to leave a comment letting me know that you stopped by.

Hugs,

Anna

Creative Joy

Document everyday with creativity and joy.

This is my current life motto.

I love to create, inspire, and share.

Adding a piece of art to my everyday life brings me tremendous amounts of comfort and joy.

I may not know where my creative path may take me but I am grateful for the healing pleasures it gives me on a daily basis. 

Drawing, coloring, writing, & even adding sparkles to my art planner. 

I let my allotted time and mood choose my creative activity for the day.

I don't plan or push my creative actions.

I simply let them flow and unload onto paper as I feel inspired.

However, this being said, I am inspired a lot.

Finding time is far more difficult than inspiration. 

Within just about any given day, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy a creative lifestyle. It make take a bit of creativity and multitasking just to make it work, but it is well worth it.

Over this past year I have spent nearly everyday with pen, pencil, and paper. 

I now have a very wonderful collection of journals, art journals, sketchbooks, and even pretty planners to look through. They are full of inspiring heartfelt moments from each and everyday.

Love spilled directly onto paper.

I encourage anyone with even the smallest amount of curiosity to take the creative jump. 

One little notebook to fill with all your dreams; creates wonderful memories to smile and look through in the future. 

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

Enjoy coloring and crafting with Joy, but please give me; Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her, and if you have a moment please feel free to leave a comment letting me know that you stopped by.

 

Joy Cuddlebug Cuties

 

 

Joy Cuddlebug Cuties

Hope everyone has a wonderful joy filled weekend.

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

Hailey Digital Stamp

The recent summer days have been filled with joy and fun.

They've been a bit rainy, but my little and I are not shy about jumping in puddles.

We've added a new pup to our family. She's adorable and completely full of energy. There have been a few sleepless nights; with the new addition; but the endless love and kisses are a total trade off. 

My son and the pup make a great pair. They run and play with one another until they both pretty much fall over. They keep me on my toes, trying to teach both of them not to be too rough with one another. Although, I couldn't help but giggle when I caught her chasing my little man through the house while he's yelling at her, "I'm not a chew toy!"

At the end of a long day they'll cuddle up on the couch and watch cartoons together. His arm around her and her head on his lap. It makes your heart melt.

She sleeps this way all the time

Now that life is starting to settle back down a bit, I've jumped back into the creative life. I find peace in art and I hate to step away for to long. It's a part of me and I feel a little lost without it.

I've spent more days filling up my midori art journal than my sketchbook recently. The freedom of mixing media and layering goodies has just been so appealing. It's fun to expand your creative bliss. 

No worries though, I'm still sketching on every art journal page. There are so many new Cuddlebugs on the way.

Hailey Cuddlebug Cuties

Hailey Cuddlebug Cuties

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

Hugs,

Anna

Just Dance

My creativity has been in over drive lately. 

Which is kinda funny since I haven't posted art in a little while. 

Just seems like my head is completely spilling over with ideas and it's all I can do to get them on paper. I truly have several dozen half finished pieces of work. Everything from line art, that will hopefully be digital stamps soon; to art journal pages that are either full of sketches or full of paint.

I made myself sit down this week and made a little inventory of what I'm working on. Before I start too many more projects I want to finish what I started. (or at least a little bit of what I've started)

I choose to first finish an illustration that I started in April.

I love this cuddlebug's pose. A little reworking of the dress and she became a super fun little piece of art.

Just Dance, cropped, Cuddlebug Cuties

Just Dance Cuddlebug Cuties

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

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

Free Spirit Calista

There's something special about this Cuddlebug.

Her stance is just adorable; but you can also see a bit of sassy strength in it too.

I love that.

I'm cute, strong, and can achieve anything attitude.

I took special care while coloring her. 

I wanted her just perfect for an art journal layout I have in mind. I can't wait to fully complete a set of pages for her.

Calista Cuddlebug Cuties

Copics:

Skin: E13, 21, 30, 50, R20

Hair: E41, 43, 44, 47, 49

Clothes: BG90, 93, 96, 99

E42, 43, 44, 49

E70, 71, 74, 77

Calista Cuddlebug Cuties

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

Hugs,

Anna

Jump Rope Sweetheart

A creative late night of drawing turned out pretty cute.

Jump Rope Sweetheart Cuddlebug Cuties

Jump Rope Sweetheart Cuddlebug Cuties

Copics:

Skin: E13, E21, E30, E50, R11

Hair: E79, E77, E74, E71, E70

Clothes: B99, B97, B95, B93, B91

R81, R83, R85, R56

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

Hugs,

Anna

A Little Artwork For The Midori

I'm having an insomnia night.

I laid in bed staring into the darkness for hours.

Watched art journaling you tube videos on mute; so not to wake anyone else.

Finally I gave in and retreated to the craft room with a cup of coffee.

I did a little journaling in my Midori and decorated a few pages with stickers, paper tape, and die cuts. I've been adding little bits and pieces of love to this book for quite some time now. I carry it with me everywhere. It is the best all purpose little book I've ever found. I absolutely love it.

I have a little plastic sleeve in the front that's been empty since day one. 

I knew that I wanted a little piece of artwork for the space.

Just a cute little rough sketch.

However, I didn't want to tear a page from my sketch book or art journal to do it; 

and these books usually take priority over doodling on scrap paper.

Tonight however, I am in full on decorating my little leather bound travelers notebook mode; and that space needed attention. 

Cuddlebug Cuties Jump Rope Sketch

I think the little jump rope cutie is adorable and perfect for summer.

I am so ready to get outside and exercise.

I think this little sweetheart, being in the very front of my book, might just help keep me motivated to move a little more when the weather gets a bit nicer.

 

I'll post an polished up inked image this weekend.

Hugs,

Anna

Easter Sweetheart

I have two little bunnies that have made a home in my backyard.

They've been my neighbors since last summer.

I worried about them all winter, and insisted to my hubby that we buy rabbit food to keep them fed when it was icy out. (we fed the squirrels and the birds too, didn't want anybody to go hungry :) Apparently they have become accustomed to us now.

My husband decided late in the afternoon that he wanted to smoke a turkey. So, now it's dark. The smoker is still cooking and we have a big spotlight focused on it so we can keep and eye on how it's cooking. About a foot away from the smoker we have our two bunnies stretched out on the grass enjoying the heat. They seemed to careless about the light. You might think that walking outside would send them running...nope they didn't even look at us. Walking over to the smoker didn't even scare them. One of the little fuzzies actually started giving himself a bath.

Guess I have two new outdoor pets. 

I told my husband we should buy a little hutch for them to sleep in.

Just a little opened door box of some sort. 

Where they can go in and out as they please.

Just a safe place from birds and the elements.

Pretty sure he thinks I'm nuts, but he didn't protest.

Easter Sweetheart Work in Progress

Easter Sweetheart Digital Stamp Cuddlebug Cuties

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday, full of joy and blessings.

And hopefully this new Cuddlebug will start your day off right.

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

Hugs,

Anna

Starting The Day With Creativie Inspiration

Do you do something every morning to start your day off right?

Something little that just makes you smile and gives you that extra little push to get you through all the must do activities, so that you can reach the can't wait to do ones.

I like to start my day with creativity. A little inspiration for motivation. 

Usually I flip through my sketchbook, read past journal entries in my modori, or flip through my art planner; while enjoying my morning coffee. I decide what goodies I want to create with for the day; pens, pencils, paper tape, journaling cards...an endless list of possibilities. 

This morning I started the day with my sketchbook. I have so many works-in-progress right now.

I want to polish them up, ink them, get them posted, and lets not forget color them.

I can't wait to color them.

Here's a peek at my morning of inspiring sketches.

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Girl Sketch

 

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Girl Sketch

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Girl Sketch

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Girl Sketch

My goal is to get these up within the next few days.

Starting with the bunny for the holiday.

I'd love to have that one up by tomorrow.

Have a wonderful and joyful day.

Hugs,

Anna

Paw Prints On My Heart

Loving adding cutie furbabies to my big eyed art girl collection of characters.

Paw Prints On My Heart, Cuddlebug Cuties

Copics:

Skin: BV20, E11, 13, 51, 50, 00

Hair: YR000, 02, E08, 19, 59

Clothes: E99, 97, 95, 93, R01

B52, 91, 93, 95, 97, 99

E11, 13, 15, 17, 18

Pup: E00, 53, 33, 17, 27

Paw Prints On My Heart, Cuddlebug Cuties

Paw Prints On My Heart Sketch, Cuddlebug Cuties

Enjoy coloring and crafting with Paw Prints On My Heart, but please give me; Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her.

Hugs,

Anna

You've Got My Heart

 I've been wanting to redraw a few of my older Cuties for quite some time.

I feel like I've learned so much in the past few years and I want to breathe new life into some of my favorite originals. Bigger doe like eyes, fluffier hair, more movement in clothing...

A previous Valentine's Cutie, You've Got My Heart, was the perfect place to start with the holiday right around the corner. I always loved this Cuddlebug, but I remember when first creating her I ran out of room on my paper which left her cropped. I don't mind a cropped image but this time around I wanted a full image and I wanted all the other features that I listed above too.

Cuddlebug Cuties You've Got My Heart 2015

Cuddlebug Cuties Valentine's Planner

Cuddlebug Cuties You've Got My Heart 2015

Copics:

Hair: E41, 43, 44, 47, 49

Skin: E13, 11, 00, 000

Clothing: B91, 93, 95, 97, 99

RV10, 11,34, 66,69

E44, 43,42,41,40

Hearts: R85, 56, 59, RV69

Enjoy coloring and crafting with You've Got My Heart 2015 but please give me, Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her.

 

If you'd like to view my rough sketches check out my Instagram on my right sidebar.

 

Hugs,

Anna

My Pretty Little Paper World

I am continuing to enjoy creating in my little paper world.

I often add to my journal collection.

Both art journals and writing journals, and anytime possible I try to create a book that can contain space for both. Any book that has a beautiful cover and wonderful pretty paper is simply a must have.

And I am actually making a very conscious effort to use my books and not just save them.

Midori Traveler's Notebook

 My latest addition is a brown Midori Notebook. 

It's wonderful!

The cover is a beautiful soft leather and it expands to hold numerous little books.

I've added an unlined book for doodling and a lined book for thoughts.

Next on my add to list is a plastic zip sleeve, a craft paper booklet, and I'm currently working on creating the perfect handmade pockets.

Pretty Paper Journal

This wonderful little book is full of the most romantic and beautiful paper. I've altered the size, rounded the corners, and added holes to a good portion of the paper and am now using it for creative thoughts journaling in my art planner.

Cuddlebug Cuties Art Planner

Cuddlebug Cuties Take Note

This little digi makes the perfect DIY sticky note for my art planner or for other paper crafts.

(colored with colored pencils)

Cuddlebug Cuties Take Note

Hugs,

Anna