Taking Time for Art

I just bought a new art book. I have always loved the look of homemade journals. Ones that are created out of old book covers and different kinds of textured paper. Tied for the binding or just wrapped with a burlap ribbon. I particularly love the look of pictures mixed with drawings and script. This book caught my eye and is just what I envisioned. If I get time today, I am going out to my woods with a basket and gather some nature. Things that I can use through the winter in making this project. I think that this is a good time to do this, because later everything will be covered with snow. I want to preserve some leaves from lamb's ear and other plants for stamping. I am going to collect some nature quotes as well. I think a good place to find the cover will be our local library. They sell their old books and I thought that I could cut off the cover from an old book that I'm not really interested in. Maybe cover it with fabric and paint on it. This book is filled with ideas, hints and tips for photographing nature, collecting, and preserving natural elements, the book discusses ways to create moments and memories through simple sketches from photographs, painting on fabric, creating a journals.
I do procrastinate about doing artwork. I will plan on doing something creative and then think..."Maybe I'll bake a cake, those shelves need straightening, my closet needs tidying, I could polish furniture, I want to watch TV." I have a place in the basement that is heated and it has big windows. I'm trying to make it more comfortable for me...blooming plants, a new teal colored chair, oilcloth on the plant table to match, better lighting, my little fireplace, and a piece of carpet to warm it up a bit. My things are organized in bins now...the area looks tidier and everything is ready for me. I have several projects waiting for me other than this new journal. I need to paint a new sign for the woods, and I need to refurbish some painted lawn ornaments. I just have to set aside a time for me each day...to do something creative. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time doing things for me...there are so many things to do in the house, that I sometimes forget that it is good to just put things aside for a time and just do something that I enjoy. This is something that I need to work on. Putting this down here for all to see...will remind me to take some time for myself this winter.
Balisha :)