Prepping Fabric for an Art Journal Spread
Welcome back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! This particular post is in two parts. The first part is focused on my Illustration Pic of the Week. The Second part is focused on the video content above and what I am sharing with you from my studio space. If you're interested in my illustrations from my personal journal and/or you would enjoy an inside look at my art journal process, then this post is for you!
Now on to the Illustration Pic of the Week. I create an illustration in my personal journal each evening as part of my daily journaling practice. So that's 7 illustrations to choose from for the Pic of the Week. This week I'm sharing "Prepping," an illustration to highlights the time I spent in my art journal, using a new tool for cutting fabric! I'm excited to experiment with using something other than a regular scissor to create a new design in my art journal. In the Studio with Dawn: Art Tools of the Trade
For this Part 2 segment, I am sharing a video of my behind-the-scenes activity in my Art Studio space, and I am showing some new cutting tools, my experience with each one, and I demonstrate how I am building a design for a new art journal spread. I'm excited to try new tools that might make my work with fabric easier, since I love using fabric as collage material, which I discuss in detail and show in the video.
I decided since the Illustration and the video cover the same topic, I thought it would work well together to put them in the same post, so you can see the process of my art journaling and how it translates into something worth remembering from my day! My goal and my delight is for you to be inspired by what you see that will lead to your own creative pursuits! It can be exciting to find a tool that really works to make creating easier and more fulfilling. I wish the same for you in whatever creative activity you enjoy engaging in. If you have recently found a tool in your creative trade that has made a difference for you, you are welcome to share in the comments below! I love celebrating with you in community! Journaling Prompt: What makes keeping your journaling practice easier? Is there a particular tool such as type of pen, journal or other accessory that you especially enjoy using? Why? Is there something you would like to experiment with that you have yet to try? How do you think it will enhance your experience? Thank you for being a part of my artistic journey. I appreciate your presence here. And I wish you the Very Best of Beginnings!
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Blooming in 2024: My First Art Journal Spread
Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. And this is my first blog post for the New Year of 2024, and I'm excited to bring you my first completed art journal spread, which I have titled: Falling Apart in Order to Bloom. I did the majority of this spread in 2023, starting back in July, when I was in the throws of grieving my father's passing in January (1/8/23 will be a year).
Now, what does that mean exactly? As of this writing, (1/5/24), I'm still contemplating. But in reflection, I think it speaks to the "falling apart," or breaking down phase when you are reckoning with a life changing event that correlates with some very deep rooted parts of your life experience that are foundational to who you are. And my father's passing certainly contributed to that experience. Somewhat of a metamorphosis, which entails a breaking in order to re-build and bloom. And this takes courage! And discernment of how to get from the beginning of this process to the beauty of transformation.
So here is my art journal tool and supply list used in this spread:
India ink Gouache paint oil pastel water soluble pastel colored pencil, both water soluble and non water soluble fabric in various prints buttons sequins leaf stamps in various types and sizes letter stamps gel medium matte medium magazine clippings Journaling Prompt: Have you experienced a "falling apart" in order to bloom in a new place? What was that like for you? What did you learn from it? What new undrstanding do you have of yourself now that you didn't have before as a result? How did you take care of yourself in the process? Thank you so much for being a part of my journey as artist and creative. Your presence is greatly appreciated. <3 I wish you the Happiest of New Years in 2024 and the very Best of Beginnings! My Song: I Believe
Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about fresh starts, new cycles, exploration, experimentation and creativity.
In this post, I will be sharing with you some Music I’ve released, including lyrics and my reflections on what the song means to me, as well as some journaling prompts for further reflection. I always get excited when I’m ready to release new music so I can share my joy with you, with the intention and hope of your spirit being lifted in some meaningful way as we traverse this world at the same time in history. The new song I’ve recorded is titled, I Believe. I wrote this song several years ago (I’m not exactly certain when, but it was within the past 4 years since I’ve been writing music for about 5 years, just to give you an idea.) I’ve had this song in my piano book for a long time, but recently it has really been speaking to me, and I’ve been playing it with a new cadence that is deeply meditative, with a supplications vibe toward Spirit, and for me, it is a deeply empowering message. Here are the lyrics below: I Believe by Dawn Herring HIDE ME SHELTER ME KEEP ME SAFE I BELIEVE LOVE ME PROTECT ME I BELIEVE I AM SET FREE IT IS ALL DONE FOR ME I BELIEVE I CAN SEE WHEN YOU SEE THE TRUTH IN ME YOU WILL BE TRULY FREE (Words and music copyrighted to Dawn Herring 2023) When I wrote this song, it was in response to my scripture study and prayers in connection to my song writing, which is a natural outpouring of what Spirit speaks to me in the moment. In the process of writing the words, stanza by stanza, I sensed a supplicating essence that I could feel within myself. My desire to feel safe, secure, loved and heard was deeply resonant. And as I made my requests, I could feel my faith rising up, knowing I was heard and was not alone. Then a deep realization of what I actually truly have in Spirit came upon me, I felt more awake to what was alive inside. Then, in response to my faith and supplication, I sensed a reply and directive coming from a deeply loving essence of Spirit that shared the importance of vision, clarity and truth and how Waking UP to this reality brings Freedom. Yes! What a victorious response that lifts my spirit, bringing me hope that I AM FREE. In this world filled with so much uncertainty, we all feel the need to be protected and loved; we need that assurance that we will be ok. That we are not alone. That we can see. And with what we can see, we are Free. Free to be Who We Are. Not bound by societal standards but only the boundaries we set for ourselves, for protection and care. Spirit is there for us when we need Spirit most, during those moments of the deepest fears, doubts, insecurities, overwhelm, and uncertainty. As we reach out for what we need, as we seek, we will find. And when we seek together, we can support each other through the toughest of times. And experience freedom in community! Sounds like the Best of Beginnings to me! How about you? Below I provide some journaling prompts for further reflection. I trust they will help bring clarity, focus and freedom to your life in this moment. ❤️
JOURNALING PROMPT:
Make a list of the times when you have felt most free, whether in childhood or whatever time comes to mind naturally. What is the common thread that you can see on this list? People? Places? Activities? Pick one from the list and detail it as much as possible, reliving that sense of freedom you felt. Do you feel that way now? What has changed or what is different? When have you felt the most protected? Was there someone who came to your aid, such as a good friend or mentor or a family member who really gets you? List times when you felt the most heard. What was the conversation about? Who was listening? How did this impact and change you for the better? What is your truth right now? What can you come back to again and again that grounds and centers you no matter what you’re facing? Write this down on an index card and keep it in a place where you can be reminded of this central truth. ❤️?
Disclaimer: journaling prompts are to be used at your own risk. If you feel overwhelmed or emotionally distressed, please seek out a counselor or therapist or call 911.
Dawn shares new art and music
Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity. In this post and video, I share a new illustration, talk about specific art supplies and how I've been using them. I also discuss new music I'm working on.
I'm all about experimentation with new supplies and with new approaches with different substrates. With my new illustration, I share my art supplies from CaranD'Ache and Prismacolor and when I use the water soluable qualities of the colored pencils and pastels. In my previous illustration that I shared in this video/post, I did not use water. I just used the art supplies dry. But I desire to stretch myself as an artist and try new things and see what works and what doesn't. Yes, this requires some risk taking! But it's essential to explore with my art tools to see what they can do and the effects I can create with them. Some I love and some I don't. I take note mentally of what works and what doesn't. I use scratch paper to test supplies and wet them to see what they will look like before applying them to my illustration. Sometimes even after application, I have to learn how well the pencil or pastel works. And I also note how the paper holds up with repeated application. Strathmore is my go to substrate of choice; in this video I show the size pad I used and how that worked out for the size of the illustration. I show the actual result of my work in the video. You can also view the illustration on the website for Bill's Quality Electric, LLC on our electrical safety blog here. I have really enjoyed writing scene based posts for electrical safety which I talk about in the video as well. I also share the two new songs I've been working on plus my most recent song I've composed for piano and what that experience has been like. I trust you will be inspired watching and reading and I wish you the Best of Beginnings! Journaling Prompt: If you work with art supplies, what are your favorites and why? What are you go to tools to create what you love? If you work in other contexts creatively, what is your favorite aspect of this activity? How often do you engage in this activity? Do you want to make more time for it? If so, what time would work best for you? How do you feel after a session in your creative space? Note this in detail in your journal. Thank you & Good to See You
Hello and welcome back to Beginnings, where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity. This is a special post since I am sharing a new video where I've come back to say hello and share my new Life Cycle, New Art Studio and some art I've made in the past few months that you may not have seen already.
You'll see two illustration and an art journal spread that I shared in a previous post. I also share what's going on with my music and my new art studio space and how I'm processing some major life changes that I've shared in previous blog posts. I'm not referring to this video as a vlog. It simply an update so I can say hi and share from my heart to yours. I hope this video is an inspiration to you in your own creativity! You're welcome to leave a comment either on YouTube or here on this post sharing your life update or a new life cycle you are currently experiencing. I am here to support you just like you have supported me and have been part of my journey. I also would appreciate it if you enjoy the video to please give it a thumbs up and if you haven't already subscribed, to subscribe if it is beneficial to you. This helps my channel get more visibility. I so appreciate your support. Thank you for watching and reading and I wish you the best of Beginnings. Coming Full Circle: |
I also wanted to add here that I got back to sketching with just fine black pen this year, getting Back to the Basics, as I like to put it. If you would like to see my pen sketches, I show them inVlog 1 and Vlog 2.
Well, that wraps up my 2022 Year in Review! It’s been a fun ride, an interesting journey and I look forward to what is in store in 2023. I do hope you will join me as we continue our creative journeys together; that makes it so much more fun, doesn’t it?
I am always here to cheer you on, to encourage and inspire you and even empower you to take those first steps, choosing courage as you determine where you will express yourself as only you can do!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!
Here’s to 2023!
And I wish you the very Best of Beginnings!
Beginnings Theme Song Release!
This is a very special post to me because I am sharing a brand new song that I received basically as a surprise in connection with this new blog, Beginnings. I’ve been working diligently behind the scenes, working with lyric, melody, tempo, and composition on the piano in readiness to share this song with you, dear friend.
The reason why I’m so excited to share this is the Message behind it. My aim and goal with this song is to encourage you, inspire you and empower you as a Creator in your own life, giving you the impetus to take those first steps, with courage and bravery, in whatever way you are choosing to do.
I have shared the lyrics to this new song, our theme song, Beginnings, with the purpose to giving you something to run with, sing along with, to buoy you up, especially when you could use a little uplifting in your journey.
If you would like to learn more about my experience with receiving this song and writing the lyrics and what that has meant to me, you’re welcome to watch my first vlog here. I explain it in detail.
Let me just say here that it is a gift to me as a Creator and I want to pass that gift on to you!
I hope it deeply resonates with you. Please let me know if it becomes a source of encouragement to you in your
creative pursuits! I’d love to hear from you.
Beginnings
Words and music by Dawn Herring
This is your Beginning
Just knowing Who You Are
This is your Beginning
Look how You’ve come so far
Beginnings are the Magic
That spur You on
Beginnings Reveal
Where You’ve come from
Beginnings are the Place
Where It Starts
Beginnings are the Promise
That Sets You Apart
Believe in Your Vision
In What You See
Believe in Your Power
To Make It Be
Believe in Your Knowing
That Shows You How
And Watch It Grow to Be
From Just a Seed
To a Flowering
You are welcome to watch the video so you can hear the melody; and then you’re welcome to sing along!
I hope it’s a song that resonates deeply and gives you courage to keep going toward your creative dreams!
Believe in yourself as a Creator; Trust Your Intuition; See yourself doing what brings you the Greatest Joy and then take one step and then another until you’re on a roll! And then keep going!
You have a Creative Gift that only you can fulfill. Use it to make the world a better place.
And we will Celebrate together!
Because here at Refresh with Dawn Herring, Beginnings Are Celebrated! And so are YOU!
I wish you the very Best of Beginnings!
Dawn Vlogs!
In this post, I am sharing my very first video log (vlog) where I talk about and share new art, pen sketches to be specific, my experience with new music and my thoughts on a video project which is already published on my YouTube Channel, which you can access here on my website.
I decided to record some behind the scenes footage to share more of my thoughts and intentions with my creativity and with my content that I share here on my website. This is a new venture for me and I'd love to know what you think!
I've been inspired by other artists who have vlogs and decided to try my hand at it; if you like it, please give it a thumbs up on YouTube and leave a comment below on your favorite part! I hope you are inspired in your own creativity; that is my aim and goal always.
Thank you for watching and supporting my YouTube Channel and my presence online as a creator.
That means a lot to me!
And I wish you the Best of Beginnings!
Beginnings Illustration: Art Demo Video
For this blog post, I wanted to share with you how I determined the design for my Beginnings Illustration (which you can see above). I was excited to consider how best I could represent the Idea of Beginnings as the new theme for my website and blog, as well as show the topics that are closest to my heart that I love to share with my friends which include Art, Illustration, Music and Journaling.
The initial idea was to use new leaf growth as a motif, the freshness of the start of what could potentially become a full grown beautiful plant benefiting the caretaker of such a delight. Then I considered how I present them, on their own as well as in pots with soil.
The leaf motif is full of vibrant color, that new yellow green that happens to be one of my favorites! I find this color so inspiring and I’m very attracted to it, whether it’s a plant or tree with the sun shining upon the leaves, really enhancing the beauty of such life.
It also represents to me possibility: we can really use our imaginations of where this new growth can go. What does that represent to me as an artist, an aspiring musician, and journal keeper?
It also represents to me new cycles. Each new plant begins as a seed and then this fresh new life reveals itself as it pokes through the soil, as if saying, celebrate with me! It encourages me as I make my way into a new project, new song, new art, new love, new discoveries, new curiosities!
It all takes action, persistence, devotion, decisiveness and even confidence and courage! Yes!
The figure holds in her hand this newness and is ready to see what it will grow into. She is optimistic and ready to move step by step into what this moment holds.
And I think that’s the key to Starting Anew, to Beginnings in themselves.
Instead of looking too far ahead, we can stay in this Present Moment and relish this New Start, this New Season, this New Cycle and what it may contain. One step is all it takes.
One note is the start of a new melody. One pencil mark is the start of a new illustration. One word is the start of a new journal entry. One seed is the start to a new garden. One tap of a key on the typewriter or keyboard is the start of a new story.
It all starts with that first step. And an idea or a concept or a plan…
So what are you starting today? Every thing you do each day is a new start. Think of all the Fresh possibilities that await you! Or maybe just think about one. And focus on that next step, putting your whole heart into it. Fully present, ready to take on what’s next.
Feel the excitement, the pleasure, the satisfying sensation of moving forward.
And if you feel a little unsure, that’s ok too. Step into that Courage that is available in your heart and go for it anyway. Your intuition will guide you.
Hold the possibilities in your hand and smile.
Because this is just the Beginning!
(and I’m Cheering You on!)
Here’s to beginning anew!
Author
Dawn Herrings is an Artist, Illustrator, Aspiring Musician, and Avid Journal Keeper. She enjoys spending time writing songs, composing for the piano, playing with all kinds of art media, including colored pencils for illustrating, exploring design and textures, having fun creating spreads in her art journal and writing about her day, her dreams and her vision in her journals. Dawn is also Office Manager and partner in business with her husband, Bill, of 33 years.
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