Creative Blogging!

Good Monday Morning Crafty Bloggers!  Last week Mary Brack asked me to participate in a Blog Hop with a difference!  I was stunned to say the least, but honored at the same time! As I am fairly new to this online community, I really appreciated Mary thinking of me and allowing me to share with you all!

As this was a different kind of blog hop in that all I had to do was answer four questions, I was up for the task!  I’ve been told I have the gift for gab (or as some would say….I like to talk a lot..LOL), so here goes my crack at!

What am I working on?

Right now I am working on a journal page and a couple of tags.  I have also started jotting down my Christmas list.  I love making things for people as opposed to buying something, when I can, because I feel like it just has a more personal tone to it.  It is a little piece of “me” given to them.  It is something that I worked on and took the time to think about who they are to me and then base whatever I am making around that.  We all have gifts inside of us that we can give that far outweigh or are more valuable than anything you could buy in a store!

Part of my "creative," and very messy, work space!

How does my work differ to others of its genre?

I tried to think about what “genre” I fit into and wasn’t really sure.  As most of my projects are done in a journal, I guess you could say my “genre” is art journaling.  I have separate journals for mixed media, water color, nature journaling, and Zentangle.  I also love to do mixed media canvas, make cards, art tags and ATC’s.  So again, not sure of the “genre,” but there you go!  I would like to believe that the difference of my work in any of these areas is that the inspiration comes up out of the Spirit that is dwelling in me!  I am a devout Christian and I continually seek what God may be saying to me at the moment.  I would like to think that whatever piece I create comes from the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Why do I write/create what I do?

That’s a really good question.  I will say it all started out of my drive to get over fears that I had always kept inside of me.  You could call it a midlife crisis, but I would like to call it a bondage breaker!  Growing up I had always wanted to create things, but didn’t have enough self-confidence to try the things I wanted to.  So initially, I started creating to press through my fears.  But once I started, it was like a flood gate opened and I couldn’t stop!  As I mentioned before, I am a devout Christian and as this started as a breakthrough, I knew that I wanted to continue my creativity out of what God was speaking to me.  So my creativity is an outreach, it’s a ministry, it’s an expression of me, it’s an opportunity to be a vessel and sow God’s Word!  And lastly, it’s so much fun to create!  I love getting sticky, messy and just seeing what God does through me!  The end results always make me smile!

How does your creating/writing process work?

                        

For me, its God inspired.  I do daily Bible devotions and Bible studies, and as I study, I keep a pad to the side that I write inspiring scripture or key words that come out of my studying.  I also like to draw a quick sketch (however cryptic it may be) so that I don’t forget where my train of thought was at that moment in case I don’t have the time to work on it just yet.  Then when it’s time for a new project, I will pick one from my list that is speaking to me at the moment.  I love seasons and holidays and I love creating according to those special occasions.  I love doing birthday cards or thank you cards with personal touches as well so I just try to keep a list with dates jotted down and as with all things, I will go to that same list and pull some scripture or important word to bless them with.  My favorite part of the process is watching them receive their gift!  Not for the accolades or because I think it is so wonderful, but just to see and know that I have blessed someone with an encouraging word!  God always has a way paved for His plan to be worked out, whether I choose to be a part of it or not!  I just happen to choose to be a part, honored to be used by Him!

Well, as part of the hop, I want to introduce you to a blogger that I follow whose projects I anticipate and love seeing.  Her name is Susan Carol!  You can go visit her blog Faith Words Faith Expressions!  I met Susan through this wonderful community and have enjoyed getting to know her beautiful spirit!  She shares her art through her faith with amazing journal page spreads, cards and crafty projects!

Hop on over and visit Susan’s creative blog and on next Monday, October 6^th, she will introduce us to some of her friends!  I am so glad you took the time to visit here on my blog!  Thanks again to Mary for inviting me to come hop along!

Blessings to you!