The first part of my creative journey this summer was all about playing with paper and learning to make a new flower. Back in May before school was out, I purchased Jessica's tutorial on how to make this flower. I anxiously awaited school to release so I could have a little summer of play. Midway through summer(it's been a busy one for sure), I crafted my Cafe' Olait Dahlia with my own unique style and decided to have a fun photo session to celebrate it. What I didn't realize was that this was so much more than making a new flower and taking some pictures. It became a celebration of womanhood, strength, femininity and feeling free and confident in your own skin.
These photos represent my daughter’s love for life, and confidence while twirling and making silly faces in front of my lens. And yes, I printed every single one of them.
I realize now, the purpose of this art for me is to really see life with moments of mindfulness and gratitude. It is so much more than an art but a way of life. It's not about the product but the process and journey of it all.
This is a time for us to show ourselves the love and compassion we need to get through the ups and downs in life. It is a time for us to say beautiful, positive loving phrases to ourselves and encourage growth and happiness. Whatever you are going through today, please know you are not alone. Remember you are made to add beauty in the world so it is ok to ask for help and to lean on others to help you shine.
Through my counseling journey I have learned the best tools for resiliency are feeling grateful, mindfully living life and feeling compassion not only for others but more importantly for yourself. I believe creating with your hands can open your mind to the beautiful vulnerability of making mistakes, learning, growing and sharing your gifts.
My Love for Crepe Paper
If you have followed me for a while you have seen my obsession with crepe paper and making magical little creations with it.
I have been playing with paper for many years but just in the last year got serious about it. I find it as kind of a relaxation or creative therapy when I need to unwind.
I have many favorite artists and have taken some online courses. My first is Tiffany Turner. She is a large flower installation artist and has an amazing book that I find myself oogling over all the time. She brings such a realness to her creations and really thinks outside of the box.
Her book: The Fine Art of Paper Flowers is a gorgeous book you will want to display on your coffee table and read over and over.
I am also a subscription member to Lia Griffith. If there is a flower you want to make, she has it no doubt. She also sells her papers and supplies on amazon.
My new favorite artist that I have recently taken a Dahlia tutorial from is Jessie Chui from craftedtobloom.com.
Did you know she started a podcast for people like me who are obsessed with making paper flowers? It is called Paper Talk and it is seriously inspirational.
I am 4 weeks out from school being out for the summer and I will be learning and crafting all summer long!
Below is my new Vision Board. As you can see I am adding many inspirational crepe paper photos!
Here is my latest creation for a dear friend who lost her father recently. I added different shades of Pink Peonies, white peonies, apricot and pink roses. I am still learning but this little passion of mine gives me so much purpose and happiness every time I sit down to create a single flower.
In this arrangement I used all Werola German Crepe Paper from Rosemille.com. I used the heavy crepe as well as fine crepe paper to give the arrangement some depth.