Professionally, I’m a Chef and am lucky enough to run a tiny local cooking school devoted to home-cooks. But, my love of journals, collage, arts, knitting, and crafting, and sharing all of the other things in life that feed me is what this channel is all about. Journaling and creating first thing in the morning has been a healing journey that has pulled me out of a deep burnout and helped me find my joy again. I am a 50-something devoted to curing my burnout and brain fog through art. You are so welcome here.
Your videos are sooo good!!! I always walk away with lots to ponder. There is so much inspiration, beauty and wisdom to be found here on your channel. Thank you! 🙏❤
Oh that's so fun! I noticed that my local Barnes and Noble has doubled their Tarot Card Section - there's a TON these days! Journaling in the morning is perfect except....its hard to get my brain into focus, so some kind of "prompt" is so helpful. And Tarot decks artwork alone are worth checking them out right? Love it. So happy you are finding something inspirational here :)
I am really enjoying this video. So much resonates with me. Attitude is so very important when dealing with life's situations. Years ago, I went through a very hard time. Whenever I needed it most I heard Reba McIntyre's Song "Walk On" on the radio. And So I walked on. Journaling and crafting have such healing properties and I am very thankfull I get to do both. I have been using the Hobonichi Techo Cousin A5 size for years and it works so well for me. The paper is wonderful and I love the monthly, weekly and daily sections. I just received my 2025 version and am a little giddy with planning its use. It is dated though and so it's not what you are looking for.
I am so happy you are finding something good here! I will pull up the Reba - don't you love a good song that gets you through the rough spots? When I was really suffering in the chemo moments, I played "let it be" by the Beatles again and again. There's a great episode on the Calm app about the phrase Let It Be - I will share that in a vid here. So, I am for sure ordering a Hobanichi :) I cant take the fomo and walking yesterday I was thinking - ok, if I skip a week or so, I will just use the empty pages for some collage - duh! I don't have a pull toward any other right now and I think I just want to try it out after legit YEARS of thinking about it. Thanks for the endorsement! Im ready to give it a try. :)
You are an absolute delight. Your videos are inspiring me to start a happiness tracker! I’ve also started collecting “paper” and collage “stuff” from some local garage sales. And have even made a few collage pages and it’s so fun!! Thank you for sharing this creative art. I’m super excited! I will definitely keep you in thought and prayer on Oct. 1. You got this, Andrea.❤️
@@marykerlin994 wow and thank you!! What a nice note to start my day! I LOVE that you are collecting things to use and loving the creative outlet. Art is as inherent to humans as breathing and food and sleep. We as a society decided suddenly there are “rules for art” you have to be an artist and to be that, you must….but that’s nonsense we are allllll artists. We all need creative time. We allow that for super young kids but as we age we start to limit it by those weird standards. Collage lets me just create for the sake of the process and quiet time. No expectations. Just fun. I’m so happy you are finding time too. Prayers are so appreciated! 🩷🩷🩷
I love Hobonichi paper. I have not had any issues with bleeding. The paper is thin, but very high quality. I prefer it to thick paper journals and notebooks. I would recommend trying it out, maybe just a small undated notebook to experiment...
Thanks! I may try it - watching a couple of journal RU-vidrs and heard about the 2025 web launch crash- that was interesting! Looks like the weeks techo might be a good place for me to start - I’ll see what’s available
If you feel like it, let me know what you decide! I’m loving my little homemade, but I’m super curious about some utter brands- that Hobanichi line is really tempting to me…..hmmmm but I’m for sure ordering a Freedom Mastery just because I know I’ll use it - and it is really beautifully made ❤
@@Journals4breakfast I think I may be doing a homemade one too and tweaking it from month to month until I figure it out. I would love to try hobanichis as well. I get so overwhelmed buying online, though. I wish I had a brick and mortar stationary store by me to actually touch the notebooks.
I love that- my little “pocket brain” has dot grid pages and I use those for to do’s and notes - there is something just so flexible about the dot grid right? Happy you’re here! ❤
I use a planner and I love to decorate and make it look pretty. I use a dot grid TN for my purse and I love that I can change it up any week I feel I need a change. Thanks for sharing your journal with us.
This is so great! I have already used these words a couple of times. While I don’t work or have formal obligations to meet deadlines, I am great at self imposing them on projects and goals that I have made for myself. Then I find myself getting so anxious and feeling like I can’t breathe when I am not living up to my expectations. Asking myself what my purpose is takes me back to intention and a healthier outlook. Thanks so much for this video!
Thanks! and isn’t it so interesting how much pressure we create for ourselves? Getting my feet back on solid ground with a clear reminder of the primary purpose is essentially a daily practice for me. And when I feel any twinge of anxiety I stop and run this exercise. It’s just instantly grounding for me. ❤ so glad you’re finding good things here!
I am so glad you enjoyed. I have used that five word question as a place of grounding in so many ways. If I feel even the slightest hint of anxiety - I stop, and ask myself "what is my primary purpose" its instantly calming and helps me clarify. Even for a small social gathering, that little bit of butterflies, I mean even the tiny little life experiences, really any hint of anxiety, this practice comes into play. It's been a really interesting exercise.
Great advice! Get down to the core of what's important. Sometimes we all get caught up in the weeds and forget to see the bigger picture. Thanks, Andrea. Good to see you!
Our minds are amazing right? My personal default is overcomplication and whirlwind thinking. So this exercise is so important in just finding the solid ground beneath my feet. Glad you are here! :)
This was a great video! Thanks for all of the info. It’s so interesting…. I’ve gone in and out of journaling for most of my life. And Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages really saved me during Covid. But as of late I’m finding myself on some sort of new creative journey and your style of “collage journals” are really speaking to me. I use to scrapbook when I was young gluing and pasting memorabilia from trips and adventures into those giant 12” scrapbooks. That hobby brought me so much joy. These past few days I’ve started to make some collages. I think I may be onto something….so thank you!! Your rhythm of life with your dog out in nature sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I’m thinking you’ve been practicing your inner work for a long time as you are a very creative person. Would love to hear more about your watercolor work and how you got started with that. Keeping you in good thoughts as you journey with cancer.💕
Thank you for the kind words! Oh and scrapbooking right ??? How I loved that! And I still have supplies from those days I work into collage now. Some are kinda too “literal” for what I do now (like stickers of Big Ben and red phone booths from London) but the papers are good and….I have a plan for one of my still empty gigantic scrapbooks ❤ Intentional living became a true focus for me five years ago. I had to make some BIG changes and some very tiny daily ones too. It’s a practice and a pursuit everyday. It’s truly a lifestyle. I had no choice though; my workaholism and burnout were at a critical place. I had to save my own life. Now it’s simply the way I live because it’s a path that’s provided so much self acceptance, compassion, peace, and creativity. I’ll share it all- it’s why I started this space. And questions about any of it are so welcomed! I’m so happy you’re here ❤
Good to see you! I'm glad to hear that treatment is going well. 💗I loved to collage as a child and I have recently rediscovered that love from watching you. Every time I get a creative itch, I could just do a page and move on. It isn't a huge time commitment and I love that. I have gone to the thrift store to pick up book on herbs, flowers, quilts, etc. to be able to use them in collages. I hear you on clean sheets. The joy they bring to my middle-age heart! I enjoyed hearing you talk about your spirit and nature. I live in Colorado and every time we make a visit to the ocean, I feel my spirit is renewed. I grew up in Florida and the ocean is part of me.🌊
@@Vanessa_crafts05 oh I LOVE all of this!! 🩷🩷🩷 it’s fast right? I think that was a big part of my falling so hard for it - my collages are generally really small works. So satisfying and I love thrifting for paper too! I love finding old beat up music sheets - they are a nice addition 🩷 so happy you are finding inspiration here too
I am so happy you are finding something here that brings some inspiration and calm. The two most important parts of my day too. An all collage vid is underway - it really is such a peaceful passtime and simple art form. I draw so much joy from that practice.
Did you see there was a Stationary Fest in NYC?! I didn’t know about it till it came up in my RU-vid feed as a suggestion. I watched many of those videos. It looked like a fun event. I go to knitting festivals (Maryland Sheep and Wool) but I have never seen stationary fest. I would love to see a Journal Fest.
I did! I messaged a friend who went and she said that it was the first one so not super heavily advertised, that it was really good but that they also were pretty clear they intend to make it even bigger next year! I want to go! I love a festival too! I had plans to be at SAFF this year, but had to cancel because of my surgery - so next year I am making up for it - I love the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival too - a friend of mine runs a Yarn Truck and vends there - I will probably join them next year again. I missed a couple. My knitting mojo is getting strong again. You have SO MANY projects on Ravelry! I am not as good about listing every project - you inspire me to be better!
Good to see your face! Glad you are doing better. I watch a lot of videos but yours really speaks to me on so many levels. I am grateful for your podcast and I put that in my journal on my gratitude page!
So enjoying your videos. You explain things nicely. I have several questions: where do you get all of your paper you use for your collage work? And secondly, when do you journal or make your collages? Is it part of a spiritual practice you do daily? Is it something you do in the evening? I’m just curious how the process works for you. Thank you for your time.
@@marykerlin994 thank you and so happy you are finding some inspiration! I’m filming some things now including a little chat about process and supplies-so next vid! Should be up in a few days at most 🩷👍🏻
Thanks for doing a knitting episode. I’m knitting a Sunshine Coast in a sunshine yellow color! How many years have you been knitting? I watch lots of knitting videos on RU-vid. I love the phrase “support yarn”!
@@MZPurple786 ohhh I’d love to see your Sunshine Coast / how happy a bright yellow! I’ve been knitting for maybe 10 years? Support yarn! 😂🩷 right? Permission granted!
Found your channel through by the lakeside channel. Binge watching all your episodes. So far I am loving it. Will you ever talk about knitting or what you do with that beautiful yarn behind you? I am a knitter first, and a journalist/junk journal/watercolor second. Love lots of crafts!
@@MZPurple786 oh I’m so happy you’re here and enjoying! Love Sandy’s content so much too she’s so inspiring! I will be happy to do more knitting content too for sure/ in fact already planning a “Fall knits plans” vid soon. Maybe this week - I’ve been under the weather and lost my voice 😳for TWO WEEKS! It was so nuts! But feeling better now so ready to record again soon. Knitting RU-vid channels are my life! 🩷
Glad I found you! I have always been paralyzed by daily journaling because I felt it had to be perfect and beautiful. Thanks for giving me permission to let that go. I can always put stickers to cover the mistakes, right?! :)
@@Vanessa_crafts05 I’m so happy you’re here! Right? Why do we do that to ourselves? This space is a “permission granted” and “no shame ever” zone! 😂😂😂😂 stickers are so good right? 🩷
Jane Austen. Heck yeah! Pride and Prejudice resides permanently on my nightstand to deal with nights where sleep is elusive. Another awesome episode! So many beautiful journals, and I love the idea of certain journals fitting different needs, struggles and events in our lives. Those journals that don’t look like journals are beautiful. I don’t need to worry about privacy, but would use those just for how lovely they are. Sometimes I know I just have to have a certain sketchbook or journal and I am not even sure why. They are little journals in waiting! For those out there who have dabbled in Tarot, but not been too enthusiastic, I just purchased a new Tarot deck after looking at many. It has made such a difference. I resonate so much more with the beautiful artwork and the messages. It has had a major influence on my art and my journaling. Andrea has used a few different decks in these episodes and that is what prompted me to search out a new one. Andrea, thank you for sharing your chemo journey with us. We are all here for you. Thank goodness for Randy! He is an all around great person and was hands down the best hair stylist I ever had.
So happy you’re here! The pressure we make for ourselves right? I may never actually figure out how to stop doing that but at least I’m better at recognizing it - sometimes in time to resolve it before it builds up. It’s a practice ❤
Another mention of the ick business that is all about hatred and misogyny...it really makes me question your entire proces, maybe try the why game you mention on this!
This is such a good video! Everything you talk about is so true and makes so much sense! Thank you for talking about this. Your advice is really helpful. A little tidy always helps me to get unstuck.
Such a great episode! The first suggestion to let go of the guilt struck such a chord with me. While I am not suffering from crafting burnout at the moment, I do have the tendency to feel guilty about so many things including my art. I have no one to answer to at all and yet so often I am feeling guilty for not being in my studio or not producing more or spending the afternoon reading….Yikes. I spent some time jotting down thoughts about this and as I start to see that pattern it will be easier to start letting go of that unhelpful behavior. For me working on cleaning up my space and getting rid of things also helps address the guilt issue…I am trying not to feel guilty about releasing art supplies that don’t resonate with me. We don’t know unless we experiment and try different things what does work for us and makes creating enjoyable. I also tried the journaling exercise of writing down a question and asking why to each successive answer. Wow! I so suggest trying this. I kept going and then realizing (at least for this question) that it just ran out of steam and my I could release my original question. I think different questions will lead to different pathways and/or endings.
Oh I LOVE that concept of accepting we can let go of the things we aren’t using and it was OK to buy because how else would we have known? So much freedom there. And I have found something similar with the “why” exercise / you said it perfectly- sometimes of just runs out of steam and man what a release that can be right? It’s out. It’s done. We move on. Journaling is an incredible journey into our own freedom. I’m so happy you find things here that resonate with your practice.
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing how you collect your readings into your pocket journal, along with the collage books. This is what my fantasy self wants to create. Very inspiring 😊
I’m so happy you’re finding some comfort here! ❤❤❤ I watch a few RU-vid creators who have just brought so much good to my life, I truly hope to create similar space. It’s been my refuge and healing for a few years as a viewer so felt like giving a bit back - so glad to know my messy background doesn’t hurt the eyes! 😂
.Really enjoy your videos, except purchasing from *obby *obby is a HORRIBLE practice that ruins the vibe of your channel because they are anything but open, loving, expansive. #whereyoubuyspeaklouderthanyourmessage
The number of times you said that horrific business makes me cringe, especially during Pride Month, as they are actively supporting all the hate-filled legislation that Republicans are pushing upon us all. Also, so you know I am one of thousands of folks who know you are on some level not an ally or a feminist because you spend money at #boycotthobbylobby. There is no "I don't support their policies, I just buy their stuff." You vote with your money every day. Buying from misogynist homophobes supports misogynist homophobes.
Another wonderful video! Thank you so much, Andrea. I am so inspired by this channel and all that you share with us. For those considering a traveler’s passport journal I would say-do it! I ordered one from Windrose Custom Goods on Etsy, which is the one Andrea suggested. I got a deep teal color and it is beautifully made. The only thing I wish I had done differently is to get one with pockets on the inside. I am already planning my next one and will definitely get pockets. I have had mine maybe two weeks and am already half way through 2 inserts. Each one shares a similar but slightly different purpose. I use old artwork, Washi tape and other bits I find inspiring in them. I have a tarot deck but haven’t been using it much. After all the beautiful ones Andrea shared, I realized that mine just doesn’t inspire me with its art or its words. So that is the next project to find a pleasing Tarot deck.
So glad you’re loving the passport journals and cover- I loved that the Windrose creators mention on their page, that by choosing them, we are truly supporting a dream they are making come true. Who could ask for more! So nice.
You've inspired me to start a traveler's passport journal! I am about to take a short trip so I took note of the supplies you enjoy to make myself a little pouch of art materials to take with me. I love watching your collages come to life, thank you!
Ohh I LOVE inspiring and being inspired! 😂❤ I’ll update soon with some small sellers to consider for supplies but we do need to rely on good old Amazon sometimes especially when time matters like planning for a trip etc. this size just speaks to me. I have BIG journals too but this thing feels like a little security blanket for me - I keep him by my side at all times. ❤
So inspiring! I have just started my traveler’s passport journal and am looking forward to it having that nice comfortable well used and loved look to it.
I found an Etsy seller who has some nice looking passport size inserts I ordered and will do a review I’ll share her link and a few others for supplies that are NOT Amazon 😂 really want to get away from that space but as we all know it feels like our only option sometimes. So glad you’re trying the passport size / I love mine ❤
