A huge part of what makes this blog work is YOU! Your thoughts, your comments, your emails, your eyeballs! I think of this blog as a conversation between me and you. I love it when I meet blog readers offline and they say, "I feel like we're friends." What a wonderful compliment! Thank you for choosing to spend some time in your busy day with me. I appreciate it more than you could ever know! Group hug? ;)
As I mentioned on Monday, on the weekends I'm going to be sharing some of the lovely testimonials that you sent in. I think of it as a guest book at party. Enjoy!
Mary Thomas:
I have been following Julie's blog and website for about eight years. I do not remember just how I found her, but hers is the only blog that I have followed so religiously for this long. I look forward every day to my email just to read her blog. Some of the things I have taken away from her teachings include the following:
- I now journal almost every day.
- I have taken several of her online classes in how to journal and how to make junk journals, which I especially love to use up old pieces of artwork and scraps.
- I purchased a Scan N Cut machine from HSN, when it first came out mainly because Julie showed how to use it and was so enthusiastic about it.
- I listen to all the Podcasts, drawing and doodling while I listen.
- I love the variety of Julie's blog. It keeps me interested and I always learn something.
- The new product videos are great.
I truly wish Julie another 10 years and more of whatever she comes up with to fill in the lines, whether it be in the form of a blog, or Vlog, Podcast, or You Tube Video. She is a very talented lady indeed.
Amy Brancato (blog):
I don't know where to start, and I tend to be long winded, but I'll do my best to keep this short.
When I first found your blog, I couldn't get enough – so I've gone pretty deep into your archives! I must say, with all due respect, you've come a long way (baby :P). Not at all to imply that you were "bad" – but your evolution from casual scrapbooker to a full-time artist/instructor (/TV Show host/product designer/spokesperson/author) is SO inspiring. I also feel like I've gotten to witness the discovery and evolution of your distinct style, and that is also awesome.
I'm 34 and currently work as a web developer/graphic designer…but I (constantly) dream that "one day" I'll be able to make a living off of art "…like Julie", I'll think. It's what gets me through boring dev projects and annoying coworkers. So, thank you for helping me get through those days!
I know you didn't ask for questions, but I do have a question for you. I often think that if I want to improve as an artist, I need to practice more. But, with a very busy life, I feel like a lot of the practice would occur in front of other people (little sketches, quick doodles)… But I'm uncomfortable doing so because of a lack of confidence. But you practice your craft everywhere (planes, trains, & automobiles!) Any suggestions on how to get over that?
interjection from Julie: The simple answer is that as you do it more and more you'll become more and more comfortable. I'm guessing that the reason you feel uncomfortable is because you're afraid people will judge you negatively. Letting go of caring about what other people think of your work is perhaps the greatest skill an artist can gain. It's not easy. But my Mom always said, and I think she's pretty wise, fake it till you make it! I still feel shy when people peep at what I'm doing and then I remember: who cares what some stranger thinks?! I'm doing something for my growth, my health, my future. You can do it!
I'm attaching an Art Journal spread, and an Art Journal page. I don't journal nearly as much as I'd like to (but I do horde junk mail and paper with great intentions)! I must say: I hadn't tried art journaling until I discovered your blog…So, again – thank you for being a constant source of powerful inspiration!
I wish you continued success!
Michelle Chappus:
Hi Julie.
I really appreciate reading your blog and listening to your podcast. Your enthusiasm for living a creative life is an inspiration to me.
Thank you!
Barbara Fox:
Jeanette Jones:
I am new to the art world, specifically art journaling. In an effort to learn more about the process I started researching and I happily came across your blog. To say it has been inspirational does not really cover it. I love reading your blog and have learned so much from it. The stories and pictures from your travels and classes have been so enlightening. Even your forays to the museums are sparking the creative juices.
I am hopeful that someday you may be on Long Island (in New York) teaching a class and I will be lucky enough to sign up and meet you in person. I also tune in to
your podcast and enjoy the banter with your lovely mom and all your guests.
You are an amazing person and I feel blessed to have find you out in cyberspace.
A budding art journaler
Dolly:
I am a fiber artist & have been reading your blog for about 4 years. You are so inspirational to me! I have recommended your site to many of my arty friends. Most recently, I saw what you can do with
Art Foamies & just had to have some. I ordered 3 of your designs! I live in snow country & recently snow dyed some t-shirts, for my 4 year old granddaughter, with a plan to layer designs using my new stamps.
Thanks Julie for sharing all your knowledge, fantastic art & inspiration!
Dolly, Fiber artist in Wyoming
Marge:
Julie,
I have been following you for a few years, I look forward to your blog every single day. I love that you share your travels and pictures of art from foreign places, and museums. Thank you for sharing your "Art Life," with all of us.
Marge
Terri Hamlin:
I began following Julie soon after being introduced to
Pinterest. I found Julie's tutorials full of interesting techniques and infectious motivation. Of course that led to subscribing to
her YouTube channel as well as her blog.
Why am I sharing my story? To show that it's never too late to nurture artistic ventures. I didn't start my artistic journey in earnest until after retirement last year. I've come a long way since, have a long ways to go but I'm enjoying the ride!
The attachment is a photo of an altered book I prepared for next year's endeavors.
Janet Joehlin:
Hi Julie,
I just can't thank you enough for inspiring me so many years ago. I've read your blog since 2009 but my 'aha' moment was reading your article on art journaling everyday in the first Pages Magazine that I found my constant source of expressing myself through art. I took your lesson and made it into my own habit and style. I recently celebrated my own 5 year Dailyversary.
You always come up with something fun! Who else would have thought of carvedecember and 28patterns? I love reading your Blog. So thankful for your inspiration.
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging!
xoxo Janet Joehlin
I’m delighted to rave about your blog. I follow TONS, I mean Kjillions of blogs, and usually quit unsubscribe from them after a few months. I’ve been following yours since you began.
I love your down-to-earth, folksy, enthusiastic style. I love that you include you mum!!
I own about 15 of your AWESOME stencils – I confess – I am a Stencil Addict.
I’ve tried many of your ideas and techniques, but this is the thing that most sticks in my mind. My studio is a mess about 90% of the time. You had done a post on organizing your art space, and for some reason it really resonated with me, and I posted this in response to YOUR post.
https://groovydoovyartstudio.com/2015/07/06/pens-and-pencils/
Keep on blogging, please, your notes are a refreshing and inspiring start to my day.
Elena Karplus:
…but I felt that I knew you before that because we’ve been having coffee together every morning. Yes, that’s when I read your blog. When I met you and it was my turn to introduce myself I mentioned that I felt that I had known you for a long time. I’ve taken almost every online class you offer in your website and have enjoyed listening not only to the instruction offered in the classes but also to your sense of humor, your wise recommendations and I always feel that I’ve learned something when I take one of your classes – something that I will use over and over again and get better at as I go along.
Your blog reminds me that my studio beckons, and that the creativity that I take or find there sustains me for days and months. That art is a crucial part of my life and that it is within me to channel it appropriately in whatever I do, whether its painting, doing collage, visiting a gallery, cooking in my kitchen, decorating my living space, enjoying my children and my grandchildren. In everything I do.
Thanks Julie for your enthusiasm and your skill in teaching and communicating. For joining me for coffee every morning with a new idea, project or just watching your many talents which are always an inspiration. I hope to see you again in another workshop somewhere soon. In the meantime, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. I send you a big hug. Happy Blogiversary!
Deborah Freedman:
Hi Julie – here is my blog story.
Shortly after I moved back to NY (this was in 2008 or 2009), I took a journal quilting class with Julie, at The City Quilter. The class was good, but even better was learning about mixed-media and art journaling, which I had never been exposed to before. Julie invited us to look at her blog and I was hooked. It is consistently interesting, colorful, and inspiring. I am now the proud owner of deli paper, matte medium, and gesso, not to mention a growing collection of paints and pens so that I can “splash around” in my art journal. And have I mentioned #carvedecember? Although I’ve been stamping carving for a few years, this is the first time that I tried to carve a few stamps each week in December. Congratulations on 10 years…please, keep going!
Deborah, in NY
Reading your kind words has overwhelmed and touched me. I am so grateful to you for allowing me to be a part of each of your individual journeys. Thank you for making the last ten years of sharing a lovely experience!
Until next time….
Well how FUN was this blog ???
Reading all this inspiration that others have for you and your art and your talents !!
I too, love reading your blog each morning……warm hugs this winter morning, Joan
Well how FUN was this blog ???
Reading all this inspiration that others have for you and your art and your talents !!
I too, love reading your blog each morning……warm hugs this winter morning, Joan
Well how FUN was this blog ???
Reading all this inspiration that others have for you and your art and your talents !!
I too, love reading your blog each morning……warm hugs this winter morning, Joan
Well how FUN was this blog ???
Reading all this inspiration that others have for you and your art and your talents !!
I too, love reading your blog each morning……warm hugs this winter morning, Joan
Well how FUN was this blog ???
Reading all this inspiration that others have for you and your art and your talents !!
I too, love reading your blog each morning……warm hugs this winter morning, Joan
Well how FUN was this blog ???
Reading all this inspiration that others have for you and your art and your talents !!
I too, love reading your blog each morning……warm hugs this winter morning, Joan
When I was off on surgical leave this past summer, the blog, podcast and vlog were definitely big parts of my healing process, and I looked forward to their published schedules. Illness can be quite isolating, but I never felt that way because I could reach out to you (and Mom!) Julie. I so wanted to meet you on one of your Texas trips, perhaps in the coming year. I am so grateful for you and what you share with us!!
When I was off on surgical leave this past summer, the blog, podcast and vlog were definitely big parts of my healing process, and I looked forward to their published schedules. Illness can be quite isolating, but I never felt that way because I could reach out to you (and Mom!) Julie. I so wanted to meet you on one of your Texas trips, perhaps in the coming year. I am so grateful for you and what you share with us!!
When I was off on surgical leave this past summer, the blog, podcast and vlog were definitely big parts of my healing process, and I looked forward to their published schedules. Illness can be quite isolating, but I never felt that way because I could reach out to you (and Mom!) Julie. I so wanted to meet you on one of your Texas trips, perhaps in the coming year. I am so grateful for you and what you share with us!!
When I was off on surgical leave this past summer, the blog, podcast and vlog were definitely big parts of my healing process, and I looked forward to their published schedules. Illness can be quite isolating, but I never felt that way because I could reach out to you (and Mom!) Julie. I so wanted to meet you on one of your Texas trips, perhaps in the coming year. I am so grateful for you and what you share with us!!
When I was off on surgical leave this past summer, the blog, podcast and vlog were definitely big parts of my healing process, and I looked forward to their published schedules. Illness can be quite isolating, but I never felt that way because I could reach out to you (and Mom!) Julie. I so wanted to meet you on one of your Texas trips, perhaps in the coming year. I am so grateful for you and what you share with us!!
When I was off on surgical leave this past summer, the blog, podcast and vlog were definitely big parts of my healing process, and I looked forward to their published schedules. Illness can be quite isolating, but I never felt that way because I could reach out to you (and Mom!) Julie. I so wanted to meet you on one of your Texas trips, perhaps in the coming year. I am so grateful for you and what you share with us!!
At this moment I am on a cruise waiting to go to breakfast….but first….breakfast with Julie. I have followed you for about six years, taken your in person classes and on line classes, learned from you and have been so inspired. Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing artists that have inspired you with us as well.
At this moment I am on a cruise waiting to go to breakfast….but first….breakfast with Julie. I have followed you for about six years, taken your in person classes and on line classes, learned from you and have been so inspired. Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing artists that have inspired you with us as well.
At this moment I am on a cruise waiting to go to breakfast….but first….breakfast with Julie. I have followed you for about six years, taken your in person classes and on line classes, learned from you and have been so inspired. Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing artists that have inspired you with us as well.
At this moment I am on a cruise waiting to go to breakfast….but first….breakfast with Julie. I have followed you for about six years, taken your in person classes and on line classes, learned from you and have been so inspired. Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing artists that have inspired you with us as well.
At this moment I am on a cruise waiting to go to breakfast….but first….breakfast with Julie. I have followed you for about six years, taken your in person classes and on line classes, learned from you and have been so inspired. Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing artists that have inspired you with us as well.
At this moment I am on a cruise waiting to go to breakfast….but first….breakfast with Julie. I have followed you for about six years, taken your in person classes and on line classes, learned from you and have been so inspired. Happy blogiversary and thank you for sharing artists that have inspired you with us as well.
SUch fun! You are inspiring and helping so many of us! COngrats!!
SUch fun! You are inspiring and helping so many of us! COngrats!!
SUch fun! You are inspiring and helping so many of us! COngrats!!
SUch fun! You are inspiring and helping so many of us! COngrats!!
SUch fun! You are inspiring and helping so many of us! COngrats!!
SUch fun! You are inspiring and helping so many of us! COngrats!!
I can totally relate to what everybody has said. I may not comment every day, but I definitely read your blog every day. Including all the scan n cut posts (and I don’t even own one – yet). One thing I never even considered was that your daily posts got me interested in blogging in general so now I have TWO blogs that I try to keep up with. Thanks so much!
I can totally relate to what everybody has said. I may not comment every day, but I definitely read your blog every day. Including all the scan n cut posts (and I don’t even own one – yet). One thing I never even considered was that your daily posts got me interested in blogging in general so now I have TWO blogs that I try to keep up with. Thanks so much!
I can totally relate to what everybody has said. I may not comment every day, but I definitely read your blog every day. Including all the scan n cut posts (and I don’t even own one – yet). One thing I never even considered was that your daily posts got me interested in blogging in general so now I have TWO blogs that I try to keep up with. Thanks so much!
I can totally relate to what everybody has said. I may not comment every day, but I definitely read your blog every day. Including all the scan n cut posts (and I don’t even own one – yet). One thing I never even considered was that your daily posts got me interested in blogging in general so now I have TWO blogs that I try to keep up with. Thanks so much!
I can totally relate to what everybody has said. I may not comment every day, but I definitely read your blog every day. Including all the scan n cut posts (and I don’t even own one – yet). One thing I never even considered was that your daily posts got me interested in blogging in general so now I have TWO blogs that I try to keep up with. Thanks so much!
I can totally relate to what everybody has said. I may not comment every day, but I definitely read your blog every day. Including all the scan n cut posts (and I don’t even own one – yet). One thing I never even considered was that your daily posts got me interested in blogging in general so now I have TWO blogs that I try to keep up with. Thanks so much!
Hi Julie,
I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I enjoy how you bring different topics together under an artsy ‘umbrella’. As a museum enthusiast I enjoy how you write about your museum visits. And as an art journaler/scrapbooker/mixed media crafter I’d like to thank you for all the inspiration! Congratulations on your blogversary!
Kind regards,
Thinkie
Hi Julie,
I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I enjoy how you bring different topics together under an artsy ‘umbrella’. As a museum enthusiast I enjoy how you write about your museum visits. And as an art journaler/scrapbooker/mixed media crafter I’d like to thank you for all the inspiration! Congratulations on your blogversary!
Kind regards,
Thinkie
Hi Julie,
I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I enjoy how you bring different topics together under an artsy ‘umbrella’. As a museum enthusiast I enjoy how you write about your museum visits. And as an art journaler/scrapbooker/mixed media crafter I’d like to thank you for all the inspiration! Congratulations on your blogversary!
Kind regards,
Thinkie
Hi Julie,
I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I enjoy how you bring different topics together under an artsy ‘umbrella’. As a museum enthusiast I enjoy how you write about your museum visits. And as an art journaler/scrapbooker/mixed media crafter I’d like to thank you for all the inspiration! Congratulations on your blogversary!
Kind regards,
Thinkie
Hi Julie,
I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I enjoy how you bring different topics together under an artsy ‘umbrella’. As a museum enthusiast I enjoy how you write about your museum visits. And as an art journaler/scrapbooker/mixed media crafter I’d like to thank you for all the inspiration! Congratulations on your blogversary!
Kind regards,
Thinkie
Hi Julie,
I’ve been reading your blog for several years now and I enjoy how you bring different topics together under an artsy ‘umbrella’. As a museum enthusiast I enjoy how you write about your museum visits. And as an art journaler/scrapbooker/mixed media crafter I’d like to thank you for all the inspiration! Congratulations on your blogversary!
Kind regards,
Thinkie
I also wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for five years now. It keeps on inspiring me every single day. And you were even kind enough to send me a stencil of yours all the way to Turkey.Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for a consistent (in your own way :), funny, creative, encouraging and crazy blog. But more thank you for the warm relationship you set up with your readers near and far. I loved joining your challenges. Here is to another ten years Julie…
I also wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for five years now. It keeps on inspiring me every single day. And you were even kind enough to send me a stencil of yours all the way to Turkey.Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for a consistent (in your own way :), funny, creative, encouraging and crazy blog. But more thank you for the warm relationship you set up with your readers near and far. I loved joining your challenges. Here is to another ten years Julie…
I also wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for five years now. It keeps on inspiring me every single day. And you were even kind enough to send me a stencil of yours all the way to Turkey.Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for a consistent (in your own way :), funny, creative, encouraging and crazy blog. But more thank you for the warm relationship you set up with your readers near and far. I loved joining your challenges. Here is to another ten years Julie…
I also wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for five years now. It keeps on inspiring me every single day. And you were even kind enough to send me a stencil of yours all the way to Turkey.Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for a consistent (in your own way :), funny, creative, encouraging and crazy blog. But more thank you for the warm relationship you set up with your readers near and far. I loved joining your challenges. Here is to another ten years Julie…
I also wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for five years now. It keeps on inspiring me every single day. And you were even kind enough to send me a stencil of yours all the way to Turkey.Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for a consistent (in your own way :), funny, creative, encouraging and crazy blog. But more thank you for the warm relationship you set up with your readers near and far. I loved joining your challenges. Here is to another ten years Julie…
I also wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for five years now. It keeps on inspiring me every single day. And you were even kind enough to send me a stencil of yours all the way to Turkey.Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for a consistent (in your own way :), funny, creative, encouraging and crazy blog. But more thank you for the warm relationship you set up with your readers near and far. I loved joining your challenges. Here is to another ten years Julie…
Thank you for including my thoughts in your post! How exciting…I feel famous!
I’m loving this look back…it’s helping me discover all new parts of your blog that I have yet to explore 🙂
Thank you for including my thoughts in your post! How exciting…I feel famous!
I’m loving this look back…it’s helping me discover all new parts of your blog that I have yet to explore 🙂
Thank you for including my thoughts in your post! How exciting…I feel famous!
I’m loving this look back…it’s helping me discover all new parts of your blog that I have yet to explore 🙂
Thank you for including my thoughts in your post! How exciting…I feel famous!
I’m loving this look back…it’s helping me discover all new parts of your blog that I have yet to explore 🙂
Thank you for including my thoughts in your post! How exciting…I feel famous!
I’m loving this look back…it’s helping me discover all new parts of your blog that I have yet to explore 🙂
Thank you for including my thoughts in your post! How exciting…I feel famous!
I’m loving this look back…it’s helping me discover all new parts of your blog that I have yet to explore 🙂