Can you believe that the month is almost over? January has been flying by and while a month seems like a long time, it has been really hard to narrow ten years of posting into less than 20 posts. But it has been an excellent opportunity for some self reflection and your e-mail testimonials have helped me with that. Whether reading about your own journeys or your recaps of my journey, I've been reminded that this blog is a space for all of us to grow — artistically — and as it turns out — personally too!
Laura Miller:
Julie,
I’m a huge fan. I appreciate your “no rules” approach to art journaling and your combination of trying art techniques while also writing down those pesky thoughts that get stuck in our heads. I’ve taken classes with Dina, who has a similar philosophy, and Dyan but it’s your blog that inspires me to “Art Journal Every Day.” I don’t get to it EVERY day but it’s always ready for me and has gotten me through several transitions lately including (abrupt) job changes and sending beloved Little Ones off to college. Stamping a card or scrapbooking just doesn’t touch me emotionally the same way as art journaling.
Most recently, your podcasts have inspired me as I’m working toward a personal training certification and considering options for the future. The discussions trend toward how to start a small business, which I really appreciate.
Around Thanksgiving, I set up a friend’s teenage daughter with a mini art journal after she pulled a ticket out of her pocket and smiled at it remembering a trip she took last year. I recommend your website to anyone who needs a little creative outlet, for example, to my Weight Watchers friends as part of the balanced approach to “Finding your Me.”
Thank you for being there and making it easy.
Hugs to your fabulous mom,
p.s. Dina says you’re a “potty mouth” hee hee
p.p.s. Embarassingly, I still haven’t figured out my ScanNCut so it’s good to hear I’m not the only one.
Thank you,
Laura Miller
www.LauraIdeas.com
Sandy M:
Nichole Dyer:
You inspired me to travel to NYC so that I could learn stamp carving from you in your home. One of my favorite memories in my art journey.
Claire MacDonald:
Congratulations!! Thank you so much for what you give to us so freely. I have a ScanNCut and I also like to do gelli printing. I have yet to get all the supplies, but really learn a lot from your videos you are always so cheerful and i love how you explain things visually. Thanks for all you do!!
Julie you are always an inspiration. No matter what you are doing you make it fun. That is what you have instilled in me…to worry less about what to create and just do what makes you happy!
Thank you so much for always making me smile with your art and sharing. Hugs!
Irene:
Your blog has reminded me to take more joy in the process rather than getting caught up in the final product (and the fear of failure and not getting perfection on the first try.) You have reminded me about taking time for museums and to just look for the inspiration all around me. Most of all…I am inspired by your zest for for life!
Glotia Budz:
Hello, I am a fairly new follower. I am an art educator and happened upon your site browsing the net. I believe one of the first published stories I saw was the huge table you bought for $5 and painted with an incredible floral pattern. And also showed how that can become a surface pattern on just about … Anything I know that industry is booming and I try to make my students see the possibilities for creative careers. If they choose to do so. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing all that you do. I enjoyed the quilt show pics very much. And I am signed up for CreativeJumpstart. That workshop has been shared with my entire department. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. Happy Anniversary!
Chris Tessnear:
My pleasure To share how your blog and creative work has inspired me greatly.
I first watched you on Scrapbook Soup then my local PBS stations quiet showing it and I was sad.
I had dial up internet at the time but now have a faster service and look at all the Julie Fei-Fan Balzer I can find.
Your work, techniques and happy encouraging style always grabs me and makes me want to make better art.
I shared the now popular idea of carving stamps from Styrofoam trays a few years back. I am now a Gelli Addict.
I always enjoy trying new ideas you share and from the attached photo you can see just how much your work influences mine.
I have become and EYE addict too. When I need another element and wonder what Julie would add, I do an eye.
Having had work published several times now I continue to allow your ideas to inspire me and make my work brighter and exciting.
Best wishes to you for Christmas and the New Year. I will await anxiously to see what new fun you will offer.
Blessings!
Chris Tessnear
Alexis, NC
www.creativeinspirations.blogspot.com
Royne:
approximately 3 years ago i found julie fei fan balzer! what a breath of fresh air! see i had given up on my art, even though i longed for it, my perfectionism had taken its toll and art stopped being fun for me. when i found julie and her, " the point of mixed media IS to make a mess!, perfectionism is overrated! and it doesn't look handmade if it's perfect! " WOW…. I'M HAVING AN IPIFANY HERE! i put my art studio back together, ive been buying all kinds of fun stuff, I'm taking art classes and art is fun again! like alot of fun again. so thanks julie!
Maria Abraham:
Hi Julie, I have been following you for so long that I don't even remember how I found you in the first place. I think you were still associated, or at least talking about the Milk Can Theatre Company.
Sally Veauta (Votaw):
I really look forward to your blog Each AM
I save it to read 4 the very last
that is How much I enjoy it.
Very colorful & V motivating!
And almost personal.
THANKS SO!
Ruth Luther:
Shirley Smith:
Nancy Kvorka:
Sue Schneider:
Thank you for posting my note Julie. I need to make one correction, #A Work of Heart is in San Jose, CA, not Sunnyvale.
Thank you for posting my note Julie. I need to make one correction, #A Work of Heart is in San Jose, CA, not Sunnyvale.
Thank you for posting my note Julie. I need to make one correction, #A Work of Heart is in San Jose, CA, not Sunnyvale.
Thank you for posting my note Julie. I need to make one correction, #A Work of Heart is in San Jose, CA, not Sunnyvale.
Thank you for posting my note Julie. I need to make one correction, #A Work of Heart is in San Jose, CA, not Sunnyvale.
Thank you for posting my note Julie. I need to make one correction, #A Work of Heart is in San Jose, CA, not Sunnyvale.
It is wonderful reading how you have inspired so many people – it makes me wonder whether you realize how truly special you are. I attended some classes in St. Petersburg last month that you gave and most of your students, and there were quite a few, were thrilled to be with you to watch you create, share your knowledge and just be you. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do.
It is wonderful reading how you have inspired so many people – it makes me wonder whether you realize how truly special you are. I attended some classes in St. Petersburg last month that you gave and most of your students, and there were quite a few, were thrilled to be with you to watch you create, share your knowledge and just be you. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do.
It is wonderful reading how you have inspired so many people – it makes me wonder whether you realize how truly special you are. I attended some classes in St. Petersburg last month that you gave and most of your students, and there were quite a few, were thrilled to be with you to watch you create, share your knowledge and just be you. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do.
It is wonderful reading how you have inspired so many people – it makes me wonder whether you realize how truly special you are. I attended some classes in St. Petersburg last month that you gave and most of your students, and there were quite a few, were thrilled to be with you to watch you create, share your knowledge and just be you. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do.
It is wonderful reading how you have inspired so many people – it makes me wonder whether you realize how truly special you are. I attended some classes in St. Petersburg last month that you gave and most of your students, and there were quite a few, were thrilled to be with you to watch you create, share your knowledge and just be you. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do.
It is wonderful reading how you have inspired so many people – it makes me wonder whether you realize how truly special you are. I attended some classes in St. Petersburg last month that you gave and most of your students, and there were quite a few, were thrilled to be with you to watch you create, share your knowledge and just be you. Happy Anniversary and thank you for all you do.
Amen JoAnn (see above comments)—I too, met Julie in St Pete last December and enjoyed not only meeting YOU, but really getting a hands on feel of your art…..that one day taught me a lot–to open up, be free with my collage work and KEEP LAYERING !!
You have a way of teaching that includes great experience, knowledge and patience with us !!
warm hugs, Joan
Amen JoAnn (see above comments)—I too, met Julie in St Pete last December and enjoyed not only meeting YOU, but really getting a hands on feel of your art…..that one day taught me a lot–to open up, be free with my collage work and KEEP LAYERING !!
You have a way of teaching that includes great experience, knowledge and patience with us !!
warm hugs, Joan
Amen JoAnn (see above comments)—I too, met Julie in St Pete last December and enjoyed not only meeting YOU, but really getting a hands on feel of your art…..that one day taught me a lot–to open up, be free with my collage work and KEEP LAYERING !!
You have a way of teaching that includes great experience, knowledge and patience with us !!
warm hugs, Joan
Amen JoAnn (see above comments)—I too, met Julie in St Pete last December and enjoyed not only meeting YOU, but really getting a hands on feel of your art…..that one day taught me a lot–to open up, be free with my collage work and KEEP LAYERING !!
You have a way of teaching that includes great experience, knowledge and patience with us !!
warm hugs, Joan
Amen JoAnn (see above comments)—I too, met Julie in St Pete last December and enjoyed not only meeting YOU, but really getting a hands on feel of your art…..that one day taught me a lot–to open up, be free with my collage work and KEEP LAYERING !!
You have a way of teaching that includes great experience, knowledge and patience with us !!
warm hugs, Joan
Amen JoAnn (see above comments)—I too, met Julie in St Pete last December and enjoyed not only meeting YOU, but really getting a hands on feel of your art…..that one day taught me a lot–to open up, be free with my collage work and KEEP LAYERING !!
You have a way of teaching that includes great experience, knowledge and patience with us !!
warm hugs, Joan