Hello! I hope you’re well.
Yesterday morning, as I sat down to do this, it was very stormy outside and the sweet chestnut trees next to us sounded like seaside waves crashing against the rocks. As I got myself cozy by making myself some tea and lighting our favourite yellow candles, I couldn’t help but notice how lovely this habit has become. What a warm feeling it provided!
I love this time of the week when I allow myself some space to reflect and literally gather my thoughts.
My Inspiration
This week on my walks, I allowed myself to spent time admiring nature, especially birds and snowdrops. It was good to not feel rushed. Regarding birds, I think I want to learn more about British garden birds. Maybe drawing them as I learn information would help me to go deeper. Regarding snowdrops, these little guys took me by surprise and were utterly delightful. Here’s a video of these sweet little flowers in the rain.
I was very inspired by some of the plein air drawings I did this week, mainly of the snowdrops appearing locally. They are such a gorgeous symbol of new life in these darker months. I wanted to include those in my weekly journals.
My Process
First, I gathered a few thoughts on a separate piece of paper, then when I had enough information, I started in my visual journal sketchbook with some Potter’s Pink Winsor&Newton watercolour paint as a base. Then I went in with a selection of orange pencils (see the list of materials on the bottom left of the spread) and Neocolor II pastels. I drew with my Kaweco fountain pen the snowdrops and the rest was pretty much more of the same again!!
Highlights of the Week
The Time Foragers’ Club Co-creating session the Art of Noticing session with the lovely Emma Carpendale. It was such a lovely chat!
the sweetness of clementines - my favourite snack these days
spotting snowdrops for the first time this year
walking hand in hand with my boys (I’m thankful they still love it)
having pizza with friends (and sort of watching Gladiators but it’s not really my thing)
listening to The Lord of The Rings on Audible with the kids (with a fire on in the wood burner).
watching Monty Don’s British Gardens - bliss!!! I may need to re-watch it all and pause throughout to sketch. Who’s with me??
getting all my washing done and dried in the wind yesterday (it was a bit wild)
What’s Your Story?
Everyone has a story. Could visual journaling be a good way of recording yours? Would you enjoy carving out time for each week to journal in a visual way? Then perhaps consider joining our club’s live Zoom calls to help with momentum.
Next week is the last Visual Journaling 30mins Pop-In Session of our 5-part series this January. And if you want to join, it’s not too late. Find the details and signup in the club chat (exclusive to paying members).
Alternatively, we have a bunch of lovely meets organised for coming months in the club, including monthly co-journaling sessions. Plus, all our meets are recorded and posted in the archives so there’s a wealth of information you can pick up there. So much loveliness!!
If you are journaling your week:
What colours stood out to you this week? If you could pick one image to illustrate your week - what would it be?
Have a lovely weekend xx
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