Where we Create . . . finding our own special place

Happy lights are a must!

I have always thought

that where we create our art

is as important as

what we create.

Created for me by Deja New
(in the Outer Banks)

There is always a sense of wonder

that comes over me when I enter

my little studio,

I feel at peace and excited

about what is about to happen

and

before I know it,

hours have passed

and I have totally been in the moment.

 Painting completed currently on my easel

My forever treasured Flora Bowley piece

My studio is my third bedroom

(which used to be my son's bedroom)

I took it over the minute he moved out and bought his own home!

(He always jokes me about that ... I was moving in before he totally moved out!)

My Daddy and I painted the walls while listening to our favorite

Frank Sinatra music

and slowly but surely,

all of my art stuff was finally in one place!

I will always carry a happy memory of that day,

just me and my daddy fixing up my art studio!

I treasure it even more now since he has passed away!

My yarn cabinet!

Inside yarn stashes

There is my weaving loom and all the fibers,

an art table for painting,

a book shelf for my large library,

a daybed for resting and reading,

carts, cabinets, lighting

oh my .. The feeling that comes over you,

when your room becomes a place of your very own ...

A place to step into at anytime
and know good things will happen there!
Oh My

Meet my "Gracie"

Every studio has to have an Ikea cart, right?

My studio has evolved with time,

new tapestry loom moved in, old one moved out

my paintings and artwork on the walls,

more books bought,

mementos from retreats

and gifts given by precious friends,

always precious reminders of a great experience.

My Donna Lee created especially for me 
by the amazing Mindy Lacefield

My photo frame created at Art and Soul
Catherine Anderson's technique

D is for Donna

Having a creative space is so important,

and I realize not everyone is able to have

a room of their very own.

Try to carve out a little corner,

somewhere in your home,

to fix it up and make it your own.

Make it as special as you can!!!!

"Bloom" by the amazing Mandala artist Kathy Rose
(Of course it has little dragonflies all over it!)

Window adornments for gazing

Every studio needs a creative library

My prayer flags by Lori Portka :)

Hope you have enjoyed my photos,

I wanted to share my special place with you.

What a joy it is to walk into my creative space,

feel the creative energy,
shutting the outside world away for just a little while

and work on something that is calling me!

Share with me your studio stories,

I would love to hear about it!
Here is one of my favorite pieces from my studio ...
Remember to always
Scatter Joy 
whenever possible!

My smudging feather created by Mindy Tsonas

Donna Lee

Participating in Love Notes

Photo Postcard created by Jennifer

I keep in my planner for daily inspiration!

Let me start today by saying just how much I love 

Jennifer Belthoff

and how I adore her Love Notes Project!

I have been participating since she began,

(I have missed a few rounds)

but I participate as often as I can.

Everytime I jump in,

I gain so much out of the three week experience!

Jennifer created Love Notes

to connect others

from all over the US and countries abroad!

Each time (about four times a year)

participants grow and grow.

We begin by being connected with one writing partner,

we reach out to each other

and the magic begins.

Jennifer gives us a writing prompt to contemplate

during the week,

and then we send a postcard  . . .  a love note in the mail,
responding to the writing prompt.

It is not overwhelming, just post card size!

It lasts for three weeks ... three different writing prompts.

Don't we all love recieiving a bit of love and attention??

The postcard can be purchased or created

(I always choose created by me!)

In the past I have Collaged, Zentangled®, Watercolored,

used Mixed media and more.

I love creating my three in a series,

so my partner has something to keep!

My current set of three postcards for this go round!

Week One mailed out

Here is one of my favorite past cards I created:

Created a Zentangle® postcard my last go round!

I love the experience . . .

of reaching out to someone,

of writing something and sharing my heart thoughts,

of getting my hands into my art for a purpose.

 I love supporting my precious and dear friend Jennifer.

She has taught me that my words matter,

that I am important,

and that connecting with others can be a gift.

The link is on my side bar,

click on it and visit Jennifer's site.

Step out of your comfort zone . . . 

the next time she is offering this project just jump in!

I promise you will love it

and

you will have three wonderful love notes to keep

and look back at them with fondness.

You will remember the connections you have made

each and every time you participate!

If you are lucky like me . . .

you may actually get to meet your partners

face to face

Now that is a fun experience!!!

Sending love out to you today,

Donna Lee

Still Renewing in 2016

A beautiful bowl full of Kale

I have been working sincerely with my word for the year,

"Renewal"

consciously walking with my word each day.

It seems to fit perfectly for where I am in my life right now!

My collaged word for the year ... a gentle reminder!

Health and Diet of course are part of my Renewal,

and I want to feel better, look better and take better care of myself.

Today I attended a 

"Salad in a Jar" workshop,

at my friend Pam Spell's home.

She is a Juice Plus consultant,

and I am beginning a 30 day challenge today
so having fresh salads prepared for the week
was perfect timing for my journey.

We were asked to bring 4 Quart Ball jars,

a salad green  of our choice

and one salad item to share with others.

Pam spoke of health and renewal,

how important it is to eat fresh foods,

and to have beautiful color on our plates
and to care for our bodies as we age.

So many choices

The table was filled with such beauty,

and we went round and round

creating our own salad designs,

what fun!
I tried to make each salad creation a little different.
There was so much to choose from:
Fresh Quinoa, chick peas, cranberries, chia seeds,
rasberries, oranges, pumpkin seeds,
cabbage, tomatoes, peas, corn, carrots,
different olives, broccoli and more!!!
OH MY!

Salad ingredients everywhere!

The colors popped!

I created five wonderful salad jars,
there was laughter, fun, creativity and so much more.
I was able to connect with friends I hadn't seen in a long time,
of course we had to grab a photo!

Carol, Pam and me ... high school connections

What a fun and amazing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Thank you Pam for your generosity, sweet spirit and for planning this event.
I know I will continue to create salad jars in the future!

My first salad creation

I guess Creativity isn't always about having
a paint brush in my hand!
Creating beautiful works of art with food is fun too!
Even better . . . it is taking care of my body and health!

They were starting to add up ... each one was different!

We were all pleased with our creations,
we went home with more than we brought for sure!
Tonight grilled chicken with one of my creations,
if you get the chance to attend one of these workshops,
I strongly urge you to join in the fun!
You will not be disappointed!

Showing off our creations

New Year, New Beginnings,
Renewal
that word just keeps popping up in my life!
Take care of yourself,
make healthy choices,
eat fresh and colorful,
drink lots of water
and get as much sleep as you can!
I certainly am off to a great start

Donna Lee

Renewal ... My Word for 2016

My first art journal entry of the year

My first blog post of 2016! 

May I first take the time to wish you well in this new year!

A time of new beginnings,

letting go of what wasn't working,

stepping into freshness,

where everything is new and hopeful!

As I look back on 2015,

I find it was a bit difficult for me.
I eagerly anticipate 2016
and bringing along a new beginning for me.

I recognize that I wasn't at my best.

My health took a slow turn, 

my neck issues kept me from my yoga practice,
and I missed it very much.

I didn't write as much Poetry . . .
and I yearned to put pen to page.

I was definitely creative,
I accomplished a lot artistically,
I taught so many art classes
and even attended a few awesome art retreats.
I made some wonderful connections too!
(filling up my own creative well)

I learned so many new things,
I'm learning to focus on what I am good at
and what truly gives me a sense of peace when I am creating.

 I found my way back to Tapestry Weaving,

which I am most happiest about.
I'm slowly working through
Rebecca Mezoff's online course.
I even brought my new "Gracie"
Dryad tapestry loom into my studio
(freighted here from Pennsylvania)
we are still getting to know to each other!

A few of my favorite moments

As I began the "Word of the Year" process,

I gently wrote down every word that came to mind,

over the process of the last few weeks.

I then scratched out some,

added a few more,

some remained on the list

and some went away, 

because they no longer felt right.

Renewal

became my word.

It was perfect in every way.

I want renewal in the things I love the most in my life.

It is time for me to choose those things that matter most,

let go of time wasters, people drainers,

commitments that rob me of my joy.

Time for a new and creative year,

renewing what stirs my heart and soul!

I look forward to seeing where this all leads.

Do you have a new word?

Have you committed to something new this year?

What are you letting go of?
What do you need most in this new year?

I wish you a year of love and happiness

and all good things.

Reach down deep, find out what makes you stir,

follow your dreams,

listen to your still small voice,

trust yourself and step forward or away!

Love,

Donna Lee

Teaching Others

I never grow tired of teaching others

the creative process of art,

whatever form it may take!

This past weekend I had the pleasure

of leading a wonderful group at

The Hermitage Museum in Norfolk,

a beautiful venue and favorite of mine!

The classroom is a restored building

which used to be the Horse and Cow stable on the property!

It now houses the art room and pottery studios!

It is the perfect venue for leading others

Saturday was my last class of the year,

it was bittersweet!

It was an awesome Zentangled® Card class,

much fun

and yet I need the next few weeks to prepare for the holidays!

We started the first hour with a Zentangle® lesson

and then dug deep into creating all kinds of cards, 

gift tags and postcards.

I stressed to my students that we are losing the art

of the hand created, handwritten letter ...

especially in this Instant Message, Texting, Facebook kinda 

world we currently live in.

Of course there was some chocolate involved

and some pretty awesome music playing in the background!

(I have quite a great iTunes Creative Time Mix)

We took the time to gather and admire each others work,

we all had the same materials, the same teaching,

learned the same tangles,

yet our work was so totally different.

We are all individuals, and create our own style;

that is why I love Zentangle® so much!!!

So much laughter, aha moments, 

fun conversations and sharing techniques.

Each student added their own magic to their creations.

Class time is special,

leading others allows me to grow

just a little bit more each time I step into the classroom.

I never grow tired of seeing my name and class in print!

I consider it an honor to lead others through

the art process.

While students were creating quietly in the classroom,

 I was able to sneak a quiet moment

outside on the grounds of the Hermitage,

sitting in my favorite spot of the museum,

taking in the cold breeze,

listening to sounds of nature,

re-focusing and centering myself,

before returning to my students,

to give them just a little bit more!

I love being an Art Teacher,

it sustains me,

teaches me,

guides me

and shows me how to be a better individual.

Communication is a talent.

I am looking forward to 2016,

my calendar is already filling,

and I am excited!

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

I will see you in the new year,

gonna take the next few weeks,

to focus on family

and our holiday time together.

Also working on a new look for my little blog home!

Love and Blessings!

Donna Lee

It's all about the little things

Annabelle Lily's shoes

I absolutely love Fall!

It is my favorite time of year . . .

for me it is a time of settling in

slowing down

writing more

painting more

pulling out those socks on my knitting needles

(which have been there since last fall!)

creating crockpot soups to simmer all day

nesting in my home . . .

for there is so much joy in this time of year.

We even have a new little puppy in our household,

and she is bringing a new kind of joy into our home . . .

Meet our Josie Grace

Halloween has passed

the candy is just about out of the house,

I've watched all the old horror movies

on TCM,

I must say truthfully, I don't get very

excited about that holiday,

but this year seeing my little munchkins

dressed up for the holiday,

made it even more enjoyable!

Our Grayson Blake just turned one in October

Now I look forward to Thanksgiving,

finding and recognizing all that I am grateful for,

and there is so much for our family this year.

It just keeps getting better and better,

and our family continues to grow.

Our miracle baby ... Dylan James

Take a long look at the world around you

and notice

the little things that are changing . . .

see the beauty in the leaves falling

the temperature dropping

the cool briskness in the air

the full moon at its brightest

Nature is amazing and it is a gift to us all.

Don't forget to look UP!

You never know what you are missing!

Leaves just starting to let go

I have pulled out my art journal again,

trying to work at it more diligently ...

I was inspired from fallen leaves

and collected so many to do a watercolor study.

Here is a sample of my journal page ...

I got out the watercolors, oil pastels and had at it

Words just flowed ...

I love art journaling

It truly is all about the little things,

those things which bring you joy in your life,

Whatever that may be!

Take the time to slow down and enjoy

all that is around you,

all that you have been given.

Cherish the special moments,

the ordinary life moments,

and the treasured times.

This weekend, pour that extra cup of hot tea,

and read one more chapter before rushing out the door!

Write a small haiku,

call a friend,

here's a thought ... write a letter to someone,

in your own handwriting!

Just treasure the still moments given to you

I am wishing you a week of joy,

a time of restfulness of spirit,

a time to be creative,

a moment to restore your soul,

just be in the moment,

be in this beautiful season . . .

it won't let you down

Donna Lee