New Mixed Media Tutorial Part 2

 

Part 2- Starting to "Process" all those Feelings

 

 

 

This 3 part Series is just me Sharing a way of Processing Anger, Grief, Sadness- or even Joy in a productive and creative way.  It's been such a Cathartic and Healing process that I just really wanted to share it with you.

 

If you missed Part 1- you can jump on over right here:

Part One- Working through Pain and Anger with Art Journaling

 

 

 

Just a quick Review- we started with 4 x 6 Index Cards- or whatever you have lying around- and a Pencil and Scribbled out all our Hurt, Anger and Pain.  There were no rules here and I encourage you to be Painfully Blunt and Honest- No one is going to be able to read these on the Finished Piece so let yourself go.

  

Now that we have a few- or in my case a PILE- of them, We used a Sharpie to write Words that Described our Feelings over the pencil.
 

  

You might use some of these Words to help Identify what you are Feeling:  Choose only the ones that  resonate with you:)

Next, after looking them over,  I tear these in Four "More Digestible" pieces.

Now we can start to really "Process" things a little more.

 

I love that the Index Cards have a little more 'weight' and 'heft' than normal paper.  It really does well with Collage Gel Medium, glue or Mod Podge and it provides a Sturdy Foundation for whatever you decide to do on top.

 

Here I used an Art Board or "Canvas Board"...not sure what the official name is:)  I think this on is 12 x 16... so this one is pretty big. 

 

This would be just as Effective on Mixed Media Paper, Mailing Envelopes or even a "File Box".  I like to use a Credit Card here as it keeps everything smooth and I go over the top of the card with it to get out the bubbles.  I then put another layer over the top to seal it.  Then I let it a dry a bit.

 

Next- it's time to take all of that Hurt and Grief and Negative Energy and cover it- But Not Completely!- with Gesso.  You could also use Watered Down Acrylic Paint here.  I find this part very Cathartic...it just feels good to cover it up.  It's not being 'Ignored' or "Shoved Down" it has been expressed, honored and appreciated- we are just Clearing that out now to make room for more Healthy Growth and Healing.

 

 

 

AHHHHhhhhhh.....

 

This coat of Gesso- as with our newly Released Emotions needs to Dry, Settle and become a Firm Foundation for the new Growth that will Cover it.

 

 

Next, I choose Words of Wisdom to 'Replace' or 'Cover' all of these pieces.

 

 

I love to use Scripture, my Favorite Quotes and just Descriptive Words of where I would like to be.

Here is one that I used as my Vision Board for my Creative Business.  It's full of Scriptures that I would like to have as the Foundation for everything I do in Business.

 

Here I just used a Sharpie- I wrote in lots of different directions so that no matter which way it hung it had something 'right side up'

 

 

My Favorite's  for this are words that Focus on Peace, on Shelter and Protection. 

I love Psalms 91- here are  parts of it:

 

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

 

And,
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

 

I also Love this one:

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

 

I would love to have you leave some Words or Quotes that Inspire you in the Comments.  I will share them with everyone on a New Post:)

Words of Release are next...

I end up writing "Release" and "Let it go" Over and over...because, well, I am a Control Freak and even when I think I have worked through it, I will pick up that old Bone and just Chew on it again! So seeing those words all over it are just a gentle 'kick in the pants' to let me know that I am only burdening myself by keeping all of this.

 

 

You might want to use words like "Peace, Flow, Release, Quiet, Healing, Relax, Light, Gentle, Lovely or Free"

I also like to write out what I am going to use to Replace those Negative and Hurtful Remembrances- As a bit of an Obsessive/Compulsive ADD personality there IS going to be something circulating in my head...I want to choose what that is instead of spiraling around these painful memories.

"Whenever it hurts,  think about what is Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable, Excellent, Praiseworthy or Beautiful.."

 

 

This is my paraphrase of Phillipians 4:8.

 

Then.....Nothing!

 

I let it sit for a few days.  Every day I read the Phrases aloud to help Set them in my Mind.  You'll know when it's time to move on to Step 3:)

 

I would love to hear some of your Healing Words, Quotes and Scriptures!  Leave me a Comment!

 

Love to All!