Journal Life: Morning Journaling

Posted on September 27, 2021 by layeredpages

“Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding.” – Jen Williamson

As many of you know, I keep journals and notebooks. I’m constantly taking notes and writing my thoughts or things I’ve learned or want to remember. There are many types of journals and I enjoy exploring new ways in creating them. I find the more you journal, the more ways you discover new techniques and ways to use them. I’d have to say that journaling is a very important part of my life and it has helped me develop new ways in expressing my thoughts and feelings better.

For the last eight weeks, I guess it was, I shared a morning journal on Instagram that I made out of small envelopes. Small index cards I used for journal cards, fit perfectly in the pockets. Each week I decorated a new page and each pocket represents a week’s worth of journaling. Despite it only had six pockets, I managed eight weeks because of the decorating… I use a ribbon to keep the journal closed when I’m not using it. I’m surprised how sturdy it is and the compactness of how the envelopes ended up with all the ephemera and journal cards I added. The envelopes are from the Dollar Tree. I believe there was forty to the pack and the brand is Mead.

My morning journals consist of my morning thoughts, encouraging words, prayers and things I want to get done for the day. I’m pleased with how this one turned out and will be using this style of journaling more often. Do you use a morning journal? How has it impacted your life?

There are a lot more images of the journal on my Instagram! Be sure to follow my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages!

My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

Stephanie Hopkins

Mini Junk Journal: Part IV

Posted on September 14, 2021 by layeredpages

Today is part four of my mini junk journal series. In this series you will discover ways to use recycled materials to make pretty journals without breaking the bank. It is possible to make pretty journals with junk!

I love taking things you would normally throw out and use them for my crafting projects. It’s a fun, creative, rewarding and a cheap way to craft. Junk Journals are books made through found objects, and recycled materials.

I have an insane amount of scrap paper from various craft projects. I’m constantly trying to use them up until there is nothing left to use instead of throwing them away. Well, I have way too many that are little bits of paper that have been recycled many times over. I collected a pile and say them on my desk to either create one more craft with them, or throw them away. I’ve been wanting to make little dollhouse journals for a very long time and thought the scraps would be perfect for this project! Sure enough, they were and these little journals turned out great!

I can’t not express enough how much these little books were fun and rewarding to make. The biggest challenge, will be to decorate the inside pages. This endeavor is a worthy one and will no doubt, show how creative one can be. I did, however, decorate a page on one of the journals to show you how they can look. Of course, there are thousands of ways to do this.

The trick is to fold the papers in half and join them together as a signature. Once you have done this, then you cut to size and added it to your journal cover. Then take paperclips to hold it together so you may start the binding process. I mostly used staples to bind the spin. Then added trim along the spin to cover the stable. Only two of the spins are bind with thread and are shown om my Instagram.

These little journals would make great gifts and they can be used for various reasons. Part five and the final post of this series will be a journal made out of junk mail, and plastic food wrappers and mail packaging!

Meanwhile, be sure to check out my other blog posts in this series. The direct links are provided below.

Stephanie Hopkins

Mini Junk Journal: Part I

Mini Junk Journal: Part II

Mini Junk Journal: Part III

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

(Images are subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie Hopkins.)

Art in Motion: Artist Trading Cards

Posted on September 9, 2021 by layeredpages

I belong to two ATC swap groups and I thought I would share the latest cards I received in the mail. These are such a blast to create and trade with artists around the world. This year, I believe I have already received over sixty cards from artists around the world. At the end of the year, I would like to list and blog about each country they have come from. The talent of both these groups are truly inspiring to one’s craft and collection.

ATC stands for Artist Trading Cards and measure 2.5″ x 3.5″ in size. Back in May, I blogged about this very subject and I have been recording my journey in this endeavor over on my Instagram account.

These two swap groups are open with how you choose to create your cards. I usually create collage as my background and work from there. I have created a few of my floral and landscape paintings for the swaps. These cards are for trading only, and conducted via mail from online groups.

What a wonderful and worthy pastime and community to belong to. Aren’t these cards beautiful?!

Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art gallery here at Layered Pages! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

Cover Crush: The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer

Posted on September 3, 2021 by layeredpages

About the Cover: Firstly, I have to confess that it wasn’t the cover that directed my attention to this book, but the title. If I were designing the layout, I’m not entirely sure I would have chosen the shade of blue to contrast the Mona Lisa painting. Nonetheless, if you look closely, you will see the cracks in the painting carrying over to the right side of the cover. I thought that was a nice touch and the pealing of the upper left corner and tears in the image represents age.

About the Book: The Mona Lisa is a famous portrait painting by artist Leonardo da Vinci and is, without a doubt, the most talked about painting in history. I remember as a young child learning about the Mona Lisa and the artist. I have to admit, throughout most of my life, shockingly, the painting didn’t leave an impression on me as one would expect. It wasn’t until later in my adulthood that I developed an appreciation for the painting and the history. Maybe, it’s because of its artist and depiction in various forms and media that sparked an interest in me to learn more about its creation.

I’ve added The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer to my book pile and look forward to reading the story. – Stephanie Hopkins

Book Description:

Published August 17th 2021 by Sourcebooks Landmark

August, 1911: The Mona Lisa is stolen by Vincent Peruggia. Exactly what happens in the two years before its recovery is a mystery. Many replicas of the Mona Lisa exist, and more than one historian has wondered if the painting now in the Louvre is a fake, switched in 1911.

Present day: Art professor Luke Perrone digs for the truth behind his most famous ancestor: Peruggia. His search attracts an Interpol detective with something to prove and an unfamiliar but curiously helpful woman. Soon, Luke tumbles deep into the world of art and forgery, a land of obsession and danger.

A gripping novel exploring the 1911 theft and the present underbelly of the art world, The Last Mona Lisa is a suspenseful tale, tapping into our universal fascination with da Vinci’s enigma, why people are driven to possess certain works of art, and our fascination with the authentic and the fake.

September Bookmark Swap

Posted on September 2, 2021 by layeredpages

Our September 15^th bookmark swap is quickly approaching and I couldn’t be more excited! Our group is growing and I’m always blown away by the raw talent of our members! The bookmarks you see in this post is a little sneak peek at what is to come. This group is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people from different places in the world and what a joy it is to receive happy mail to put a smile on your face. There is not a required theme, we just create what inspires us and enjoy the process!

This group swaps bookmarks in the shape of tags and the standard shape. I’m currently accepting US crafters and will open more spots internationally soon.

We are swapping 4 bookmarks a piece. You can not only use them for books, but for your journals and notebooks! I’m also including a bookmark holder, an extra bookmark and extra fun ephemera to craft with in each set going out to our members.

For those who would love to join, you still have a little time to get your bookmarks turned in but, if you can’t get your bookmarks turned in on time, do not be dismayed. Our next swap is in December and we would love to have you join.

The due date for this month is September 15th.

Our hashtag on Instagram: #stephslpbookmarkswap The lp in the hashtag stands for Layered Pages.

You can DM me at my IG @stephsartjourney or email me at layeredpages@layeredpages

My wish is for you to be encouraged and inspired.

Stephanie Hopkins

Journals are Treasures

Posted on August 16, 2021 by layeredpages

I genuinely don’t know what I’d do without my journals. Do you journal or keep a notebook? Do you feel the same way? This leather-bound journal was gifted to me by my daughter in 2017 for my birthday. I mostly reserve the pages for special moments and an occasional art spread. I still have many pages left to fill and this past Saturday, I felt compelled to collage and used this journal for the task. The center piece on the left side is a secret pocket where I can tuck in a sheet of my writing.

I have even painted and added mixed media textures to a few of the pages. I don’t work in any particular order in most of my journals, except for my morning journal.

Journals are treasures to cherish. They’re the keepers of your innermost thoughts, memories to cherish, prayers, biblical studies, dreams, and trials you may face. They are your best friend, your confidant.

Be sure to follow out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery, here at Layered Pages!

My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged.

Stephanie Hopkins

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part IX

Posted on July 31, 2021 by layeredpages

Challenge Completed

I’m thrilled to be sharing this week’s final 2021 ICAD’s with you. The abbreviation ICAD means, “Index Card A Day.” This challenge was created a few years ago by artist Tammy, and her challenge has really grown over the years. I enjoyed creating these cards and look forward to sharing more about them soon. Below are the links to the previous posts of this challenge.

This final week’s cards are days 55-61

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part I/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part II/ ICAD 2021 Challenge Part III/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part IV/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part V ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VI/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VII /ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VIII

My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged. Have a blessed weekend! -Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages!

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VIII

Posted on July 24, 2021 by layeredpages

I’m thrilled to be sharing with you all this week’s ICAD’s. The abbreviation ICAD means, “Index Card A Day.” This challenge was created a few years ago by artist Tammy and her challenge has really grown over the years. Below, is her IG account where you can find out more about her and her art.

We are getting close to the home stretch of this challenge and I must say I’ve enjoyed it a great deal! I’ve been thinking about how I’m going to store the cards and I usually go with an acid free photo box to store my little creations. Right now, they are sitting in a ceramic basket on my bookshelf. I might keep them there for a while. I love walking by and stopping to take a look at them.

This week’s cards are days 48-54

Which one is your favorite? ICAD 2021 Challenge Part I/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part II/ ICAD 2021 Challenge Part III/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part IV/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part V ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VI/ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VII

Tammy IG @gypsy999

I look forward to sharing the rest of this week’s challenge and the following week with you next Saturday! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged. Have a blessed weekend! -Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages!

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VII

Posted on July 17, 2021 by layeredpages

It is absolutely wonderful to see the collection of cards I’ve made thus far. I have them sitting pretty on my bookshelf in a ceramic basket. Where is the picture? I’m going to share it on the last post of this challenge. I can’t wait! Like all the previous weeks, I love this week’s cards!

This week’s cards are days 41-47

Which one is your favorite?

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part I

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part II

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part III

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part IV

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part V

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VI

Tammy IG @gypsy999

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages!

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part VI

Posted on July 10, 2021 by layeredpages

Day 34: On the day I called, you answered me; you made me bold with strength in my soul. – Psalm 138:3

Day 35: Tropical Dreams-I love the colors of this card! I used green paints for the background and then inked and stamped it. One of the collage elements is a paper towel.

Day 36: Crafting is Therapy-
As far as the saying goes on the card, I dare say it might depend on the therapist hourly rate and the brand of crafts you buy. That said, the saying fits the bill. You get achievement in crafting.

Day 37: Be Wonderfully You, Everyone Else is Taken

Day 38: Dream Big, Aim High

Day 39: Weekend Dreams-I used some of my new papers to make this card and the last two. I love the simplicity of the collage and the design of the papers.

Day 40: All About Eve- A line from one of my favorite American Movie Classics.

Brilliant, witty and sharp tongue dialogue. Stark portrayal of behind the curtain drama.

Bette Davis, brilliant as always. The fake naivete and conniving ways of Eve (Anne Baxter) is so convincing that I had a hard time caring for her in other films she starred in. Sign of a great actor one must say. Love everything about the film.

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part I

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part II

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part III

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part IV

ICAD 2021 Challenge Part V