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

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

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

Sweet Violet Cuddlebug

It's been a long and trying week, but somehow I finally feel like I came out on top.

Last night was a close call for a bit of a superwoman breakdown.

At 1am I'm rushing into a 24hr animal emergency room begging the poor girl behind the desk to find me a doctor who treated rats... looking back now; her face was quite priceless.

Long story short; when male rats get into a squabble it's bad. Really bad, and stitches are likely. Everything worked out fine. My little furbaby is all fixed and has been spoiled all day. I think he quite likes laying on my drawing desk and getting hand fed little veges one at a time. Did I say spoiled? 

He hasn't move to terribly much but he seemed to enjoy watching me draw and color my latest digi. He'd do his cute purr and his eyes would boggle when I'd talk to him. Every now and then, he'd do a long stretch toward me and give my hand a dozen or so kisses.  It's really been sweet. 

Sad as the entire experience was, bonding with him today has just seemed to make all of the tough moments from the week evaporate. They really didn't have as much weight as I thought they did in the moment. He brought quite a bit of peace to my heart and mind. Big blessing can come in small packages.

Sweet Violet Cuddlebug Cuties

Sweet Violet Cuddlebug Cuties

 Copics:

Skin: E50, 30, 11, 13 R20

Hair: E29, 39, 23, 21

Dress: V09, 6, 12, 01

BG78, 49, 45, 01, G21, Y11

E33, Y35, YR 31, 30

 

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

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

Creative Mary Beth Digital Stamp

I literally walked around today with a purse full of Copics. 

I was determined to get my latest illustration colored.

At one point I'm sitting in Starbucks parking lot coloring.

Every time I had a few extra minutes, I'd start digging around for markers.

It wasn't my usual relaxing way to create, but it got things done.

Sometimes you have to be creative with the time you have.

I think it all worked out well. This little Cuddlebug is adorable.

She's cute with a fun style and looks like she's ready to create.

                          

                            Cuddlebug Cuties Mary Beth

Cuddlebug Cuties Mary Beth

If you love this illustration, I also have a To Do List printable here, featuring Mary Beth.

It's great alone or for a ringed planner.

Plus it gives you something to color while you're making you lists :)

Copics:

Skin:    E13, 50, 51, 53

Hair:    E43, 44, 47, 49

Clothes:BG90,93, 96,99

      E41, 42, 43

      E43, 44, 47

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

Hugs,

Anna

Just because you grow up ...

Do you remember sitting in high school writing notes to your girlfriends instead of paying attention? 

The paper would be fully decorated with perfect handwriting and little hearts; brightly colored with pens and markers. You'd put such incredible effort into making it perfect and pretty.

Do you remember your high school bedroom?

If you were like me, I bet somewhere in that room was a collage board or maybe even a collage wall.

All your favorite photos of friends, pictures from magazines, artwork, and awards prominently displayed.

Do you remember going to bed one night feeling young and carefree...

 then waking up with a career, mortgage, and a family?!

You're suddenly responsible for more than just yourself.

People depend on you.

Where did the time go?

Just because you grow up doesn't mean those decorated notes and displays can no longer be a part of your life. Creativity has no age limit.

Decorating my Art Planner has become my new favorite craft hobby. Little notes, pretty papers, photos, artwork, and pretty much anything I can think of to put inside and keep as a little treasure; and yes, still all decorated with bright ink and a few little hearts.

Everyday I add a bit more color and a few more memories. At the end of the year I'll have a perfect little book. Someday I'll sit and read this book; and the ones that will follow, and rejoice in the memories that I cherished enough to stow inside.

Here's a few pretty planner supplies to get you started personalizing your Art Planner and making it fun while encouraging you to stay organized.

Washi tape.

 Colorful Pens

Paperclips & Journaling Cards

Sticky Notes

Pretty Paper & Envelopes

 Pictures

Scrapbook Paper

And Here's a bit of it all starting to come together.

Notes on pretty paper with washi tape. Opposite Page: Scrap paper, sticky notes, stickers, & paperclip.

** And **

I have created 2 To Do List Printables that are free for anyone to use in their personal Art Planners. 

If you are new to my blog, please read my Angel Policy tab about the use of my artwork.

 Tomorrow night I will have a digital stamp of the Cuddlebug on the left, so check back for your freebie; and I will be throwing color at my Art Planner this week; feel free to stop by next Thursday to see how it turns out.

Hugs,

Anna

 

Cuddlebug Cuties To Do List

Cuddlebug Cuties To Do List