Paper Tams

The Creative Life and Times of a Bon Vivant on a Budget

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Outgoing: Mystical Romance

June 06, 2016 by Tammy Wright in Letter Writing, Creating

My paper crafts and mail art often reflect the things that are attracting me. It's no surprise I'm really loving collage these days. I'm using the technique in almost everything. There's something about the layers. I can't quite figure it out, but I'm exploring it and playing with images. 

The process I use is simple. I flip through various magazines, books and ephemera and just pull out images that attract me. I don't think about why they attract me too much at first. I just pull them out and scatter them on my work table. Then I step back and look for patterns. It's amazing what pops out. 

Currently, I'm attracted to things that are mystical and romantic. I don't know why, but I'm willing to dig deeper. It's an adventure to let the unconscious be your guide. 

June 06, 2016 /Tammy Wright
snail mail, envelopes, mail, art, brocante, romance, creating
Letter Writing, Creating

Journal Prompt: Oracle Cards

June 02, 2016 by Tammy Wright in Journaling

Because I lead journaling workshops, I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting writing prompts. A current trend that has captured my attention is the use of oracle cards for journaling. It's a very creative way to inspire writing. 

Oracle cards are starting to appear everywhere. I've seen them in social media photos, YouTube videos and bookstores. People are using them in a variety of ways and I find it all intriguing. In my search for a deck of my own, I encountered many options. But I finally settled on a deck called Earth Magic by Steven D. Farmer. The artwork is beautiful and speaks to my current love of gardening and being outside. 

I've done quite a bit of research to learn how people are using their cards. Meditation and journaling have been the methods most attractive to me. As someone from a family dealing with Alzheimer's, I'm very interested in any advances in brain research. Some recent studies have shown that daily mediation (along with exercise or yoga) can be beneficial for those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.  So this month I've added a short morning meditation to my routine and incorporated this into my weekly journal entry. I believe creative journaling to be a form of mediation. It's one of the reasons I encourage it. 

My morning routine consists of lighting a candle, drawing an oracle card and reflecting on it's message. It's a great way to still the mind and focus. I try to do this for 20 minutes if possible. I also record the oracle card word or message of the day in my journal. When I do my weekly wrap up it's nice to look back on each day and the area of focus. 

What are some creative ways you prompt yourself to focus and write? I'd love to know if others are using oracle cards or some other form of daily devotion. 

Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.  This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. Thank you for your support. 

June 02, 2016 /Tammy Wright
Journaling, oracle cards, tarot, meditation, Mindfulness, diary, Midori Traveler's Notebook, Alzheimer's
Journaling

Take Note: Upcoming Summer Paper Adventures

June 01, 2016 by Tammy Wright in Journaling, Letter Writing, Pens and Paper, Creating

Summer is around the corner. Want some ideas for things to do? Here's a list of some adventures for my fellow paper lovers: 

  • Enroll in a Letter Writers Alliance Initiative Response. As an LWA member, I have enrolled in the "Out of the Box" Initiative Response. I'll be on a mission all summer to complete three assigned tasks in order to be rewarded a new patch for my growing collection. Ever the Girl Scout, I'm a sucker for the patch reward system. I'll be sure to share updates. Stay tuned. 
  • Attend a Midori Traveler's Notebook MeetUp. Find your tribe! These types of creative journaling meet ups and gatherings are popping up all over the place. Look for one in your area. Many are listed as Facebook events or on Meetup.com. I'll be attending this one happening in Tampa, FL. 
  • Beat the heat with a Fountain Pen Show. Pen shows are a great way to learn more about fountain pens and meet other writing enthusiasts. There are several shows happening over the summer including the big one in Washington, DC. If you are in the south Florida area in mid July, I'll be teaching a Mail Art class at The Miami Pen Show. Check it out and come say hi. 
  • #GetOutside with Letter Boxing. Heading to a local, state or national park this summer? Letter Boxing can make your adventure all the more fun. For more information on Letter Boxing check out the video I made earlier this year. 

Stay cool, have fun and continue to create. 

June 01, 2016 /Tammy Wright
fountain pens, Letter Writing, Midori Traveler's Notebook, snail mail, letter boxing, Journaling, Miami Pen Show, Letter Writers Alliance
Journaling, Letter Writing, Pens and Paper, Creating
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