I am currently bingeing on videos on your channel! 🥰💕This Busy Hands journal is a brilliant idea and one I will be incorporating now based on some current life events. Your authenticity is so appreciated as you share what caused you to move into the direction of this journal. Yes…therapy comes in many different forms and is often helpful at varying stages of our lives. Thank you for this simple idea that I see being very helpful for me.
Melanie, I am just like you.. keeping my hands busy. I love the trash/scrapbook. I have done exactly the same thing. No thought and just have fun... no stress.. I love your videos...
I loved watching you work through this journal. Now I have to watch the video showing the spine construction. Might try it for one of my journals. Along with this technique of just glueing things down without much focus on having meaning. TFS.
Great journal 💡 ideas. I’m a constant replayer. I SOOOOOO much ENJOY watching your videos and getting ideas💕. I Hope all is well with you and your family💕.
HI, I am new to your videos and love them so much. I have started to stop worrying about how to do journals, you taught me to just do me. Thank You. So sorry for your family having to witness this. God is ABLE!!!!!
Thank you! For real! As far as I’m concerned, there’s no need to make sure your nails are done and everything is “perfect”. I want to see you during your process, not a “produced” video. Not to say I don’t like your “clean” videos, but there’s a sense of realness in this one that truly appreciate 🥰
You've literally inspired me to create a new art journal that will help me in a similar way. I have little piles and boxes stashed away of various card- making stuff that didn't quite make the cut - hand colored die cuts, scraps of backgrounds I inked, etc. - and so now those things are going to become a scrapbook of sorts, a little memento of all my art and card related craft work that I can't stand to throw away but wasn't quite up to snuff for giving or selling.
I love everything about this! I'd vote for more of this. There is something to be said for having something done vs. waiting to do it perfectly and that sometimes things just need to get done. Most of the time when I do that I am just as happy that way. Beautiful artwork! I can't wait to try some of this. I've got a buildup of scraps and trash ready to go!
Just discovered you. I love your creativity. I appreciate you “being real”. I don’t care for the manicured look, I enjoy the messy real stuff! Thanks for sharing
You do not care about him because he is not important to you... our community College had a gunman open fire in a classroom 5 years ago... I don't care what his name is... he wanted notoriety... our town, our sheriff refused to give him any acknowledgement whatsoever! You have every right to feel the way you do about it, even after 5 years I still feel the same about that 1st day of October!!! A friend of mine was saved by her friend who died on top of her... he told her to play dead and she felt him die... I am so glad you have shared this journal... it is so important to get those feelings on paper, whether or not you ever read anything in it again! Thank you so much for your inspiration!
Hi! This is the first video of yours that I've found and I hardcore relate to you! I'm super anxious and fidgety so keeping a journal similar to yours helps me a lot! I call mine my Brain-Dump Journal!
Listening to your story and watching you flip through the journal you finished in four days reminded me of how I deal with trauma or with anything that is extremely painful or stressful. Sometimes this is the only therapy we can get and your work was most likely healing you along the way. The journal and all your collages are exquisite. I am a professional artist and an art teacher so my eye is very well trained when it comes to color, composition, and all the elements and principles that make a work of art great. I have to say that some of the best work comes through traumatic experiences. If people only knew the potential of their hands and minds I know there would be more artists out there. When your mind and your heart settles down and you will almost forget the traumatic Sunday morning event, look through your journal with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed to see things that you had no idea you actually created. You will find so many things you’ll probably fall on your knees and praise God for what He inspired in you through your work. If you ever want to sell that journal, please let me know. I will treasure it and show it to my students as the most exquisite example of what intuitive collaging looks like. If you don’t want to sell it, I still think you should publish it in digital form. It is just too good not to be seen by the world. BTW, the last video I watched from you was the video where you talked about Lynda Barry. I bought the books you shared in those videos as soon as I finished watching the videos. However, here’s an interesting thing. I did subscribe to your channel and wanted to be notified of all videos, but only today I got a notification from TH-cam about your videos. That’s how many months without any notifications?
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. I value your opinion. I had never heard the term, intuitive collage, but I love that concept. When I flip back through that journal, even though it's only been a couple of weeks, it feels very different than other things I've created. I can sense that I was in a different place mentally and it feels very much like a four day long therapy session. I'm not sure about the notifications, I know that my TH-cam recommendations and suggestions changed a couple of months ago and I don't see the same things I used to. I think they are playing with the algorithms and switching things up on us. I have the option enabled to send a notification to subscribers when I post a new video. Hopefully it's working as it should.
Melanie Sullivan it’s come full circle. I just finished watching all of your videos, some I watched twice or three times. I’ve recommended your channel to all my students and all my colleagues. You don’t even understand the impact you’ve just had on me as an artist and as an art teacher. Today I finished putting together my own “composition book” art journal. All inspired by watching you do your thing. The more I watched you the more I realized we share similar thought patterns and ideas and interests. At the same time you’ve given me the courage to do what I am always afraid of doing and that is simply write down things and not be afraid to fill up a journal with randomness and colors and collages and quotes and poems and images and drawings... I now have my own composition book to fill out and I am already planning on starting a second one. My problem in the past, as you did mention in one of your videos, was that I always felt inhibited by the specialness of a nice expensive journal or sketchbook. I have bought way too many over the years only to still have them empty on my shelves. Don’t ever stop making videos. You are a gift from God to us all in this art/journal/crafting community and everyone else who are associated with us who watch you.... My gosh... now that I am done watching all of your videos I feel like when I finish watching seven seasons of a show on Netflix in two weeks. Yeah, I do that. BTW... if you have not watched Outlander, watch it. It’s the best thing on Netflix.
Hi Melanie, I feel for you and your family. Down here in New Zealand, we were brought abruptly into this "New Normal" with the mosque massacre last year. I have been around for 72yrs now, but still shocked and saddened every day by such things. I started art Journalling 4 years ago, my quilting has taken a back seat as I discover the artist in me and it's very exciting. I am enjoying watching your videos , so encouraging and inspiring. Thankyou, and blessings, Trills.x
Hi Melanie, I'm so glad you turned on the camera and shared this time with us -painty hands, barking dogs and all- ;-) I love that you came up with the idea to document the comments from your previous video. I hope every time you read them, they will bring comfort and remind you of how special you are to all of us, and help with the healing process as time goes by. Your mom is so right, the journal was therapy, I think most of us have a "go to" when things happen, cleaning, organizing, cooking, etc. I made a journal one time that was all torn papers, dark colors, sad faces, scribbles, etc. It's an ugly journal-but I was going thru an ugly time, and yet, it helped me to just be doing something, getting the sadness out of me and onto papers. Your "Busy Hands" journal is therapy, and I think it's wonderful. I love how you went thru your mom's trash for bits and pieces! (give her an extra hug from all of us) Brilliant closure using the vintage hose supports! and great idea making the soft spine on the journals so the pages can be folded back. I also wanted to mention, I watched Gayle's video today where she showed the new journal you made her for snail mail....you are SO clever! having the narrow strips of pages to add an envelope or card, more pockets.... i bet she gets twice as much in that journal! you are so talented and creative Melanie.... your an inspiration and a blessing. big hugs sweetie, keep those hands busy and share with us whenever you want-painty hands and all :-) xo
PS... ya know, i bet this idea could turn in to a ministry in a way, maybe some of the people at the church would like to start a group where they could meet up and do things like quilting, sewing, and making these kinds of journals as a form of therapy..... one of my favorite quotes is by Picasso "Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life" and i might add, art/crafts, helps us cope, helps us heal with "the new normal" ❤ big hugs Melanie
Oh no sweetie. So sorry to hear this! Bless your heart! I did not catch the last video unfortunately. Sensing prayers to you, your mother and everyone at the church as well. Also I am in absolute love with the talking in real life video with no prep. I love the naturalness of it. And those Journals are Beautiful!! I would call them Real Junk Journals. Hehe. Is there anyway you could make a video showing all of the pages in both of them but really slow and up and close up? I would love to get some ideas. I love them! Thank you for all you do.
Melanie - I just found your channel this week, more than 6 months after the shooting at your congregation. My heart breaks for your family and the other members. I've been praying for all of the members from time to time, and now will continue to do so with increased fervancy after hearing your words. It's a very sad time when you cannot feel safe inside worship service, but am thankful another member was able to stop him. I can't even begin to imagine how your family felt, but you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep creating - it's a talent given to you by God and as your wise Mama said, it is good therapy. Much love from SC!
I’m so glad that our words gave you even some small bit of comfort. I’m just in awe of how you are dealing with this and that you were able to stay busy and try and keep your mind off of the negative. Your journals are amazing and you are too. I can’t even imagine how you must feel knowing your family and friends were there. So glad you found a way to process this.❤️
I'm so sorry you and your family went through that horrible experience Melanie! What came out of your deep feelings during those 4 days, though, is such a stunning journal! I'm so glad it helped you therapeutically. Thank you for the closure idea!! I love it and will be hunting for some at my favorite thrift store 🤗. x.o Nat.
Thank you, Julie. Believe me, the grass is always greener on the other side, because I wish my journals looked like other journals I see online. Just keep at it; the more you do, the more comfortable you become with trying new things.
even tho u weren’t there on sunday, this was a horribly traumatic event and it has shaken u to ur core. that is ur mom and ur heart and mind r revolting just now. we can’t know how we will respond to scary events until we go thru them. take care of urself and do what u need to do to heal. my heart goes out to u and i will b praying for u. godspeed
Love your videos, Melanie! What defines perfect anyway? You and your videos are perfect just the way they are. I think your viewers just love to see you and your videos! Glad you're finding creativity to be therapeutic. My Mom passed in May of last year and I've learned that time doesn't necessarily make things better. We learn to move forward first with an open wound and then with a scar. You are grieving and I think about you and your family often. 💗
"We learn to move forward first with an open wound and then with a scar." This is so true, Jenny! I'm so sorry about the loss of your mother; it's so hard! When I think about losing my father (and my grandparents), time hasn't made that easier, just different. I need to work on the "moving forward with a scar" part. Thank you for sharing, Jenny. ❤️
I love your busy hands journals. Really enjoyed the flip through. So inspiring and a great idea. I am going to make one of my own. You did a great job. You are so good with color and are able to just throw the scraps in there and have it look awesome. I think I tend to think to much about the process and get in my own head...Thank you for sharing:)
thanks for sharing Melanie! My response to stress is to go clean out a drawer, close, under the sink, etc. I actually like your way better. Iove these two journals and hope you do turn on your video again. You are so creative and give me inspiration. What an experience for you and your family. What is happening in this country is tragic.
Melanie, If you look at your therapy journal, it is very cohesive. The pages that I see are color coordinated and fun. Mentally your mind was relaxing. It’s a great collages book. Love it. Louise
Are you still making journals? Missing your journal videos. Don’t think about your nails or what to say. Do a voice over or play music. Your videos inspire me at times when I have none. I watch your videos over and over. Hope you are well. 🌸
Lately my journaling has just been writing, but your sweet comment makes me want to record one just for you. I'll be back to journaling soon. Take care!
I use a Brother CP7500 for sewing paper. I really like that machine; I used it when I owned a sewing studio where I taught sewing and the machines held up to the abuse of the kids I taught to sew. That model may be discontinued, but Brother probably has a replacement machine available.
@@MelanieSullivan thank you. I will check into it. I’m sorry about what happened at your church, that is a lot to work through. I sent the comment as soon as I saw you sewing, so I didn’t know about it In your composition books what is the medium you use for the color backgrounds?
It gets so frustrating I do not understand why my mind will not let me create this kind of journal. Everything has to be symmetrical even colors coordinated it drives me crazy and I'm really bored with"symmetrical crafting"LOL. But I cannot seem to let go my mind won't let me just wander 😔💔
I understand, Victoria. I'm that way when it comes to sewing and fabric. I love all the messy, rumpled fabric journal covers I see, but I can't do anything until I've straightened the grain on the fabric, and ironed it, and then I have to glue it down with the grain aligned to the edge of the book, etc. etc. Mine never look the same as many I admire. My advice? If you like music, listen to some music you know and love while you create. Songs you can even sing along to. That helps me turn off the analytical side of my thinking and lets me be more free to just let things happen. Take care!
I feel for you. I know your family came so close to danger. It just takes time. There’s nothing wrong with being sensitive. Take whatever time you need. We’ll be here in the long run. Be well.
Clean hands and fancy nails are NOT important. I just love to watch your creative process.... playing... experimenting... because it helps me loosen up and play too. Just turn the camera on..... no script required... no plan required..... and definitely.... no clean hands required...... LOL
Melanie :) Thank you, thank you, thank you for just "doing it" and making this video. It's so inspiring to see your "raw" process and everyday creating! This is so encouraging to me as I struggle with the same things! Please follow your intuition and gut like this! Wonderful! Your book is amazing! I have so many bits, and scapes and after seeing your experience I'd like to create one myself! Side Note: What type of needle, thread and thread tension do you use when sewing paper like this!
Graeme, thank you for the comment. I use a general purpose needle, the same ones I use for sewing and quilting. My favorite needles are Schmetz and I buy the NM 80 needles (Singer size 12) in little boxes of 100. Once I use a needle for paper, I don't use it for sewing fabric or quilting again - it's reserved for just paper. For thread, I use the old spools of sewing thread I get at estate sales or thrift stores; I figure it's a good way to put them to use since they are often too brittle to use for other sewing projects. As for tension, I think it depends on your machine. Use different colors in the top and bobbin threads and start with the top needle tension in the middle, then take a look at your stitches. If your bobbin thread is showing on the top/right side of your paper, loosen your top tension. If your top thread is showing on the bottom, tighten your top thread tension. My other tip for sewing with paper is to clean your machine out often! Remove your bobbin and bobbin case and clean out the lint. And if you can, remove your stitch plate and clean out the lint underneath it. I find that my machine gets linty much more quickly when I sew paper than when I sew fabric. Happy stitching!
Did you attend West Freeway Church of Christ? If that was the tragedy you're referring to, I remember that event (we heard of it all the way here in Hawaii) that must've been nervewrecking scary and devastating (because lives were lost). Thank God someone with a gun (a good guy) was able to eliminate the threat before it could get to others...that was a close call. It sounds like you were there - and yes, it's extremely sad this is now so much in the news and in recent events. I'm sure you're thankful to have your life and to know the impact of our decisions in the political arena as well as the personal arena! Thank God for His grace! (praying that things have gotten better fo ryou since then)!!
Hi there. My mother, uncle, aunt, and cousins with their families were there that morning, but my husband and I go to a church closer to our house and were not there. I grew up attending that congregation and have know the most of the older people my entire life, including the 'good guy' who stopped the shooter. Thank you for your well wishes and concern. It's a scary world we're living in these days and I really hope we as a county can find some effective solutions soon.
Love the real, raw, videos. My hands look just like that when I work. Love seeing your processes. We just like you and your wonderful work.
I am currently bingeing on videos on your channel! 🥰💕This Busy Hands journal is a brilliant idea and one I will be incorporating now based on some current life events. Your authenticity is so appreciated as you share what caused you to move into the direction of this journal. Yes…therapy comes in many different forms and is often helpful at varying stages of our lives. Thank you for this simple idea that I see being very helpful for me.
Melanie, I am just like you.. keeping my hands busy. I love the trash/scrapbook. I have done exactly the same thing. No thought and just have fun... no stress.. I love your videos...
I love it ! Straight down to crafting. I prefer this so much to the long winded, epic movie beginning !
I loved watching you work through this journal. Now I have to watch the video showing the spine construction. Might try it for one of my journals. Along with this technique of just glueing things down without much focus on having meaning. TFS.
Great journal 💡 ideas. I’m a constant replayer. I SOOOOOO much ENJOY watching your videos and getting ideas💕. I Hope all is well with you and your family💕.
HI, I am new to your videos and love them so much. I have started to stop worrying about how to do journals, you taught me to just do me. Thank You. So sorry for your family having to witness this. God is ABLE!!!!!
Thank you! For real! As far as I’m concerned, there’s no need to make sure your nails are done and everything is “perfect”. I want to see you during your process, not a “produced” video. Not to say I don’t like your “clean” videos, but there’s a sense of realness in this one that truly appreciate 🥰
You've literally inspired me to create a new art journal that will help me in a similar way. I have little piles and boxes stashed away of various card- making stuff that didn't quite make the cut - hand colored die cuts, scraps of backgrounds I inked, etc. - and so now those things are going to become a scrapbook of sorts, a little memento of all my art and card related craft work that I can't stand to throw away but wasn't quite up to snuff for giving or selling.
I love everything about this! I'd vote for more of this. There is something to be said for having something done vs. waiting to do it perfectly and that sometimes things just need to get done. Most of the time when I do that I am just as happy that way. Beautiful artwork! I can't wait to try some of this. I've got a buildup of scraps and trash ready to go!
Love tht beautiful collage book cool ideas thts so neat patterns 😋
Just discovered you. I love your creativity. I appreciate you “being real”. I don’t care for the manicured look, I enjoy the messy real stuff! Thanks for sharing
The best introduction ever! Don’t care about your nails, just about the craft. Thank you.
You do not care about him because he is not important to you... our community College had a gunman open fire in a classroom 5 years ago... I don't care what his name is... he wanted notoriety... our town, our sheriff refused to give him any acknowledgement whatsoever! You have every right to feel the way you do about it, even after 5 years I still feel the same about that 1st day of October!!! A friend of mine was saved by her friend who died on top of her... he told her to play dead and she felt him die... I am so glad you have shared this journal... it is so important to get those feelings on paper, whether or not you ever read anything in it again! Thank you so much for your inspiration!
Hi! This is the first video of yours that I've found and I hardcore relate to you! I'm super anxious and fidgety so keeping a journal similar to yours helps me a lot! I call mine my Brain-Dump Journal!
Listening to your story and watching you flip through the journal you finished in four days reminded me of how I deal with trauma or with anything that is extremely painful or stressful. Sometimes this is the only therapy we can get and your work was most likely healing you along the way. The journal and all your collages are exquisite. I am a professional artist and an art teacher so my eye is very well trained when it comes to color, composition, and all the elements and principles that make a work of art great. I have to say that some of the best work comes through traumatic experiences. If people only knew the potential of their hands and minds I know there would be more artists out there. When your mind and your heart settles down and you will almost forget the traumatic Sunday morning event, look through your journal with fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed to see things that you had no idea you actually created. You will find so many things you’ll probably fall on your knees and praise God for what He inspired in you through your work. If you ever want to sell that journal, please let me know. I will treasure it and show it to my students as the most exquisite example of what intuitive collaging looks like. If you don’t want to sell it, I still think you should publish it in digital form. It is just too good not to be seen by the world. BTW, the last video I watched from you was the video where you talked about Lynda Barry. I bought the books you shared in those videos as soon as I finished watching the videos. However, here’s an interesting thing. I did subscribe to your channel and wanted to be notified of all videos, but only today I got a notification from TH-cam about your videos. That’s how many months without any notifications?
clc3897 very well said...
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. I value your opinion. I had never heard the term, intuitive collage, but I love that concept. When I flip back through that journal, even though it's only been a couple of weeks, it feels very different than other things I've created. I can sense that I was in a different place mentally and it feels very much like a four day long therapy session.
I'm not sure about the notifications, I know that my TH-cam recommendations and suggestions changed a couple of months ago and I don't see the same things I used to. I think they are playing with the algorithms and switching things up on us. I have the option enabled to send a notification to subscribers when I post a new video. Hopefully it's working as it should.
Melanie Sullivan it’s come full circle. I just finished watching all of your videos, some I watched twice or three times. I’ve recommended your channel to all my students and all my colleagues. You don’t even understand the impact you’ve just had on me as an artist and as an art teacher. Today I finished putting together my own “composition book” art journal. All inspired by watching you do your thing. The more I watched you the more I realized we share similar thought patterns and ideas and interests. At the same time you’ve given me the courage to do what I am always afraid of doing and that is simply write down things and not be afraid to fill up a journal with randomness and colors and collages and quotes and poems and images and drawings... I now have my own composition book to fill out and I am already planning on starting a second one. My problem in the past, as you did mention in one of your videos, was that I always felt inhibited by the specialness of a nice expensive journal or sketchbook. I have bought way too many over the years only to still have them empty on my shelves. Don’t ever stop making videos. You are a gift from God to us all in this art/journal/crafting community and everyone else who are associated with us who watch you.... My gosh... now that I am done watching all of your videos I feel like when I finish watching seven seasons of a show on Netflix in two weeks. Yeah, I do that. BTW... if you have not watched Outlander, watch it. It’s the best thing on Netflix.
Hi Melanie, I feel for you and your family. Down here in New Zealand, we were brought abruptly into this "New Normal" with the mosque massacre last year. I have been around for 72yrs now, but still shocked and saddened every day by such things. I started art Journalling 4 years ago, my quilting has taken a back seat as I discover the artist in me and it's very exciting. I am enjoying watching your videos , so encouraging and inspiring. Thankyou, and blessings, Trills.x
Hi Melanie, I'm so glad you turned on the camera and shared this time with us -painty hands, barking dogs and all- ;-) I love that you came up with the idea to document the comments from your previous video. I hope every time you read them, they will bring comfort and remind you of how special you are to all of us, and help with the healing process as time goes by. Your mom is so right, the journal was therapy, I think most of us have a "go to" when things happen, cleaning, organizing, cooking, etc. I made a journal one time that was all torn papers, dark colors, sad faces, scribbles, etc. It's an ugly journal-but I was going thru an ugly time, and yet, it helped me to just be doing something, getting the sadness out of me and onto papers. Your "Busy Hands" journal is therapy, and I think it's wonderful.
I love how you went thru your mom's trash for bits and pieces! (give her an extra hug from all of us) Brilliant closure using the vintage hose supports! and great idea making the soft spine on the journals so the pages can be folded back. I also wanted to mention, I watched Gayle's video today where she showed the new journal you made her for snail mail....you are SO clever! having the narrow strips of pages to add an envelope or card, more pockets.... i bet she gets twice as much in that journal! you are so talented and creative Melanie.... your an inspiration and a blessing. big hugs sweetie, keep those hands busy and share with us whenever you want-painty hands and all :-) xo
PS... ya know, i bet this idea could turn in to a ministry in a way, maybe some of the people at the church would like to start a group where they could meet up and do things like quilting, sewing, and making these kinds of journals as a form of therapy..... one of my favorite quotes is by Picasso "Art washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life" and i might add, art/crafts, helps us cope, helps us heal with "the new normal" ❤ big hugs Melanie
Thank you for sharing, Jenny! I think I'll copy the Picasso quote into my journal' it's perfect! I think the art/craft ministry is a great idea too!
miss you Melanie. hope you are well and enjoying life, enjoying your amazing creative self and just enjoying your down time from youtube xxx
I love that page with the black and white image of the girl and the big old teddy bear. From another time
Oh no sweetie. So sorry to hear this! Bless your heart! I did not catch the last video unfortunately. Sensing prayers to you, your mother and everyone at the church as well. Also I am in absolute love with the talking in real life video with no prep. I love the naturalness of it. And those Journals are Beautiful!! I would call them Real Junk Journals. Hehe. Is there anyway you could make a video showing all of the pages in both of them but really slow and up and close up? I would love to get some ideas. I love them! Thank you for all you do.
Melanie - I just found your channel this week, more than 6 months after the shooting at your congregation. My heart breaks for your family and the other members. I've been praying for all of the members from time to time, and now will continue to do so with increased fervancy after hearing your words. It's a very sad time when you cannot feel safe inside worship service, but am thankful another member was able to stop him. I can't even begin to imagine how your family felt, but you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep creating - it's a talent given to you by God and as your wise Mama said, it is good therapy. Much love from SC!
Great idea and good for you
You do beautiful work!
I’m so glad that our words gave you even some small bit of comfort. I’m just in awe of how you are dealing with this and that you were able to stay busy and try and keep your mind off of the negative. Your journals are amazing and you are too. I can’t even imagine how you must feel knowing your family and friends were there. So glad you found a way to process this.❤️
Thank you, Tammie.❤️
I'm so sorry you and your family went through that horrible experience Melanie!
What came out of your deep feelings during those 4 days, though, is such a stunning journal! I'm so glad it helped you therapeutically.
Thank you for the closure idea!! I love it and will be hunting for some at my favorite thrift store 🤗.
x.o
Nat.
Love your videos and you have inspired me to make one with the technique you did. Thank you for sharing your talents.
I love this whole book. I wish my stuff turned out like this
Thank you, Julie. Believe me, the grass is always greener on the other side, because I wish my journals looked like other journals I see online. Just keep at it; the more you do, the more comfortable you become with trying new things.
even tho u weren’t there on sunday, this was a horribly traumatic event and it has shaken u to ur core. that is ur mom and ur heart and mind r revolting just now. we can’t know how we will respond to scary events until we go thru them. take care of urself and do what u need to do to heal. my heart goes out to u and i will b praying for u. godspeed
Love your videos, Melanie! What defines perfect anyway? You and your videos are perfect just the way they are. I think your viewers just love to see you and your videos! Glad you're finding creativity to be therapeutic. My Mom passed in May of last year and I've learned that time doesn't necessarily make things better. We learn to move forward first with an open wound and then with a scar. You are grieving and I think about you and your family often. 💗
"We learn to move forward first with an open wound and then with a scar." This is so true, Jenny! I'm so sorry about the loss of your mother; it's so hard! When I think about losing my father (and my grandparents), time hasn't made that easier, just different. I need to work on the "moving forward with a scar" part. Thank you for sharing, Jenny. ❤️
I love your busy hands journals. Really enjoyed the flip through. So inspiring and a great idea. I am going to make one of my own. You did a great job. You are so good with color and are able to just throw the scraps in there and have it look awesome. I think I tend to think to much about the process and get in my own head...Thank you for sharing:)
If you knew how much we enjoy your videos you would make one every day! Melanie I love your journals...keep up the good work.
thanks for sharing Melanie! My response to stress is to go clean out a drawer, close, under the sink, etc. I actually like your way better. Iove these two journals and hope you do turn on your video again. You are so creative and give me inspiration. What an experience for you and your family. What is happening in this country is tragic.
Very powerful thanks for sharing ... therapeutic for sure. So very sorry
Melanie,
If you look at your therapy journal, it is very cohesive. The pages that I see are color coordinated and fun. Mentally your mind was relaxing.
It’s a great collages book. Love it.
Louise
I love how fast you filled this one...you needed to work on this book this way. Still thinking of you all.
Okay, I must tell you. I am absolutely astounded that you can free-cut out letters. Like, I would legit need it at least printed in order to cut😂🤣
Bellissimo grazie
This is actually the most creative you've ever been! Making something out of nothing. Love it so much! Still sending you loads of love! xoxo-Julie
Are you still making journals? Missing your journal videos. Don’t think about your nails or what to say. Do a voice over or play music. Your videos inspire me at times when I have none. I watch your videos over and over. Hope you are well. 🌸
Lately my journaling has just been writing, but your sweet comment makes me want to record one just for you. I'll be back to journaling soon. Take care!
What sewing machine do you use for paper? Love this
I use a Brother CP7500 for sewing paper. I really like that machine; I used it when I owned a sewing studio where I taught sewing and the machines held up to the abuse of the kids I taught to sew. That model may be discontinued, but Brother probably has a replacement machine available.
@@MelanieSullivan thank you. I will check into it. I’m sorry about what happened at your church, that is a lot to work through. I sent the comment as soon as I saw you sewing, so I didn’t know about it
In your composition books what is the medium you use for the color backgrounds?
Just turn the camera on🥰 We love your videos!
Melanie,
Just turn on your video and tell and show us what your doing. We know the drill. We just want to do the videos. It’s my therapy.
It gets so frustrating I do not understand why my mind will not let me create this kind of journal. Everything has to be symmetrical even colors coordinated it drives me crazy and I'm really bored with"symmetrical crafting"LOL. But I cannot seem to let go my mind won't let me just wander 😔💔
I understand, Victoria. I'm that way when it comes to sewing and fabric. I love all the messy, rumpled fabric journal covers I see, but I can't do anything until I've straightened the grain on the fabric, and ironed it, and then I have to glue it down with the grain aligned to the edge of the book, etc. etc. Mine never look the same as many I admire. My advice? If you like music, listen to some music you know and love while you create. Songs you can even sing along to. That helps me turn off the analytical side of my thinking and lets me be more free to just let things happen. Take care!
Your intro was kinda funny to me. When I junk journal my nails are never clean and I wonder... am I too messy? Thanks for keeping things real 😻
I thought about your comment yesterday when I broke ANOTHER fingernail. I've got working woman hands, no manicures for me! 👍🏻
You’re a very sweet person Melanie xxx
Your comment made me feel good, Lucie. Thank you!
I feel for you. I know your family came so close to danger. It just takes time. There’s nothing wrong with being sensitive. Take whatever time you need. We’ll be here in the long run. Be well.
Clean hands and fancy nails are NOT important. I just love to watch your creative process.... playing... experimenting... because it helps me loosen up and play too. Just turn the camera on..... no script required... no plan required..... and definitely.... no clean hands required...... LOL
What glue stick are you using & do you think it works good?
My favorite glue stick is the Scotch 'Create' glue stick. It's permanent, wrinkle free, and works on paper and fabric. I buy them in bulk!
Melanie :) Thank you, thank you, thank you for just "doing it" and making this video. It's so inspiring to see your "raw" process and everyday creating! This is so encouraging to me as I struggle with the same things! Please follow your intuition and gut like this! Wonderful! Your book is amazing! I have so many bits, and scapes and after seeing your experience I'd like to create one myself! Side Note: What type of needle, thread and thread tension do you use when sewing paper like this!
Graeme, thank you for the comment. I use a general purpose needle, the same ones I use for sewing and quilting. My favorite needles are Schmetz and I buy the NM 80 needles (Singer size 12) in little boxes of 100. Once I use a needle for paper, I don't use it for sewing fabric or quilting again - it's reserved for just paper. For thread, I use the old spools of sewing thread I get at estate sales or thrift stores; I figure it's a good way to put them to use since they are often too brittle to use for other sewing projects. As for tension, I think it depends on your machine. Use different colors in the top and bobbin threads and start with the top needle tension in the middle, then take a look at your stitches. If your bobbin thread is showing on the top/right side of your paper, loosen your top tension. If your top thread is showing on the bottom, tighten your top thread tension.
My other tip for sewing with paper is to clean your machine out often! Remove your bobbin and bobbin case and clean out the lint. And if you can, remove your stitch plate and clean out the lint underneath it. I find that my machine gets linty much more quickly when I sew paper than when I sew fabric. Happy stitching!
Did you attend West Freeway Church of Christ? If that was the tragedy you're referring to, I remember that event (we heard of it all the way here in Hawaii) that must've been nervewrecking scary and devastating (because lives were lost). Thank God someone with a gun (a good guy) was able to eliminate the threat before it could get to others...that was a close call. It sounds like you were there - and yes, it's extremely sad this is now so much in the news and in recent events. I'm sure you're thankful to have your life and to know the impact of our decisions in the political arena as well as the personal arena! Thank God for His grace! (praying that things have gotten better fo ryou since then)!!
Hi there. My mother, uncle, aunt, and cousins with their families were there that morning, but my husband and I go to a church closer to our house and were not there. I grew up attending that congregation and have know the most of the older people my entire life, including the 'good guy' who stopped the shooter. Thank you for your well wishes and concern. It's a scary world we're living in these days and I really hope we as a county can find some effective solutions soon.