This YouTube video will show you how to make a salt dough bread and fruit basket: https://youtu.be/sdmUYQ6peJs
Salt Dough Bread and Fruit Basket
The Ringing of the Bells Poem
Have you ever felt desperate for grace? Just a whisper from heaven to calm your angst? The assurance that everything is going to be ok? The Ringing of the Bells puts into words and images this cry of the heart. https://youtu.be/76NskJoH4m0 If troubles were akin to a turbulent sea crashing upon the coastline, perhaps we …
The Mysterious Wave-like Nature of Writing
How interesting that when I am most stripped of thought and emptied of soul, eventually, the sighs rise inside, like ocean waves, and then roll through my pen. Something someone can relate to splashes onto paper; no guile, no posturing, just an honest description of a human dilemma. And when this happens, people relate, and …
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Returning to Writing
I’m trying to find my way back to the reflective writer I once was. Funny thing is, she seems like another lifetime ago. I search for her in memories and imagine a woman who rose every morning to write. Yes, I sigh, she vaguely resembles someone I used to know but now aspire to become, once again. Her …
Vessels for my Voice
Have you ever felt overpowered by others' opinions, or found yourself withdrawing your voice to make room for the voices of others? If so, this poem is for you: https://youtu.be/Xi1f3EjFsxw As an artistic type, I've found other ways to express my voice when I find myself receding. Writing poetry, and then visualizing the poems by …
Do you ever feel insignificant?
Insignificance: to small or unimportant to be worth consideration. Without power or influence. Have you ever struggled with insignificance? Felt too unimportant to be worth consideration? Wondered why what means so much to you means so little to others? What is it in the human soul that longs to be loved, to be heard, to …
Salt Dough Natural Wreath
Learn how to sculpt a natural salt dough wreath that includes leaves, flowers, fruit, and nuts. This step-by-step video lesson will show you how from start to finish: https://youtu.be/v1t3siymcPw Salt Dough Sculpture Videos: Check out some other easy and fun salt dough sculpture lessons: https://jodeelunaart.com/2021/03/14/fun-and-easy-salt-dough-art-projects/ https://jodeelunaart.com/2020/11/22/salt-dough-snowman-ornaments/
Be Brave
Be brave when your eyes cannot see. Be brave when fear stifles your voice. Be brave when you dread the path before you. Be brave when trusting God is your only option. https://youtu.be/zbC41ZSdqo0 Oil Progression Painting I saw this painting in a dream recently when I was undergoing a series of health tests to determine …
Gulliver’s Release: Writers Need a Voice and Audience
Sometimes we writers need to break free of other's expectations to find our voice and our audience. This poem, Gulliver's Release, expresses these longing: https://youtu.be/KM1ZL8m9ppY Today I relish alone. Just me, curled up on the couch, wrapped in my cozy, white robe. Candles lit as I watch a little bird perch on the roof of …
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When the Heavens Fall Silent
https://youtu.be/QSUB73FDC9M When you prayAnd the answer does not comeThe heavens fall silentA harmonious hush heard No “Not yet”Nor “Wait” graces earsOnly peace that lingersIn the unknown you seek When you prayAnd the heavens fall silentYou must rest and believeFor the perfect to come When answers to my questions do not come, I find the Lord’s …
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Salt Dough Craft
Here's a fun and easy craft for St. Patrick's Day. Watch the video to view the step-by-step process or follow the instructions and images below the video: https://youtu.be/97lbIflEt5I Here's the step-by-step instructions: Measure and mix together the flour and salt: Add water to green paint and mix, and then add the flour and salt mixture. …
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The Muse of Memoir: Share your Story
https://youtu.be/qM2ifcWCqO0 Watch the video version using the link above. A woman arises from the mist and walks towards me. All my writing until this moment seems but mere child’s play, splashes in puddles of rain. She unfolds her soft, supple hands, not gnarled, and scarred as I would assume for one having put her hand …
A Grief Endured
I revisited a post and poem dating back to March 2, 2012 and decided to create a video version: https://youtu.be/o6Jk0_uNqJU Here's the former post: This morning I received another phone call informing me of another precious friend who has died. This is the fifth person in the last two weeks. From ages 19 to 82, …
Bird of Paradise the Wingless Bird of Surrender
I'm captivated by the Birds of Paradise that grace my garden. These lovely flowers hold special significance for me. They remind me to surrender lofty aspirations in exchange for blessings that come from living an everyday life in an attitude of surrender. Like the Bird of Paradise, the wingless bird of surrender, life plucks our …
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Ambition: The Rhinoceros of the Soul
https://youtu.be/MB8i6FJSDkE Ambition is my Achilles heel—a character weakness in my animal-like nature that drives me off course. Ambition is the fly in the ointment of my spirituality—an ever-present annoyance that buzzes around my brain, convincing me to go off course in chase of another vain pursuit. Ambition drives me to obsess the future, take big …
Welcome Home
Welcome Home is a mixed media oil portrait. https://youtu.be/wuAQAUxwCuk The project began as a collage of photos from my husband and my trip to Maine. Originally, I titled the artwork "Art and Soul" after the trendy art gallery photo I'd taken under her eye. But as I painted her, something surprising happened. The compulsion to …
The Seven Virtues
I came across the seven virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 during the Covid 19 pandemic. They seemed like the perfect antidote for the social unrest and animosity happening, even among families and friends as people divided over issues. These virtues stirred my heart, and I found myself longing for character traits that had eternal …
Easy Salt Dough Recipe and Valentine Hearts
As Valentine's Day approaches, I thought it would be fun to do a series of posts/videos that show how to sculpt hearts using salt dough. Salt dough is an easy, fun craft you can do with all ages. What a wonderful gift your children can give to their friends along with the traditional valentines: Select …
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Stranger from Another Realm
Into the night he whispersStranger from another realmShrouded form so sweetly familiarApparition from youth I once touched Into my mind he whispersStranger from another realmUnfolding path steers my awkward stepsOnly moving forward matters Into my soul he whispersStranger from another realmDrawing me towards immortalityI sense a presence not of this earth Often The Stranger visits us in …
Isaiah’s Portrait, Oil on Canvas
This is one of my most challenging and yet rewarding paintings. What a privilege to capture the essence of this amazing boy. Here's a short video that shows my process: https://youtu.be/lRnMpfDswTY
A Return to Writing: New Year’s Resolution 2022
My pen lays dormant. Unfettered from the demands of work; yet cocooned for an unknown becoming. In retirement, days stretch long and lazy. I can now do what my heart desires, and a return to writing is one of those desires. Yet, my former practice of daily writing has reduced to an occasional burst of …
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Refrain from the Identical: Insights and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics
The concept of “Refraining from the identical” is essential for anyone wanting to pursue a creative lifestyle. Twenty-first Century living is packed full of activities that seem so important; yet, only as we weed out some things can we make room for our creative pursuits. You do not have to be an accomplished writer, artist, or content …
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A Tendency towards Multiplicity
Do you ever feel pulled in a dozen different creative directions? I sure do; in fact, I wrote an entire book for people like us. Creative Electics is what I call artistic types that desire to try many different kinds of arts and crafts. Here's an excerpt from Chapter 1 of Refrain from the Identical: …
Salt Dough Santa Ornament
Here's an easy and fun craft idea for getting you into the holiday spirit. Follow this video for step-by-step instructions for creating a salt dough Santa: https://youtu.be/9IKa-6trcR0 I enjoy reading comments grandmas' leave on my YouTube channel when they watch my salt dough ornament videos. They are so excited to discover a fun and easy …
The Tree of Life and the Hidden Element
There is a hidden element in finding God’s will. We never know for sure whether we’re heading in the right direction. We might feel confident about our salvation and even hold fast to God’s promise of eternal life; however, while we walk upon this earth, a certain amount of uncertainty remains: “Should I pursue this …
Looking for Water
Have you ever longed for something so intensely that you search and search until you find it? You don’t know what “it” is, but you’re certain when you land upon “it” you’ll know. Like a parched man stumbling through dry and dusty terrain, you search for the living spring that bubbles up in the most …
Cherry Blossom Acrylic Painting
Take an artistic journey through the creation of a cherry blossom painting that spreads across three canvases. My daughter's time spent living in Seoul, South Korea, inspired her to paint cherry blossom trees. This post will take you through the process. Begin by creating a muted background with various colors of acrylic paints: lavender, blue, …
Chapter 4 OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO CREATING
I've been revisiting portions of my book, Refrain from the Identical: Insight and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics, and am amazed at how relevant the writings are concerning my current creative journey. Chapter 4 addresses obstacles us creative eclectics often struggle to overcome. I highlight topics such as dealing with depression (typical of the artistic temperament), …
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The Creative Calling: 10 Suggestions for Overcoming Self-Doubt
"You were born to create. Never forget it! It brings joy to you and to others." My dear friend, Kristi, Zenno, sent me this encouragement after I sent her a photo of the Christmas card I'd made for my Zazzle Store. Little did she know I was struggling with doubt concerning my creative calling. The …
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Parallax and Roto Brush Video Editing Techniques
I created this short tribute to my father using a couple of fun video editing techniques: The Parallax Effect and Roto Brush. You can watch it by selecting the play icon below: https://youtu.be/H3rmWkwgu8o Parallax Effect I created the parallax effect by taking vintage photos of times my siblings and I spent with our father while …
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The Promise, a poem about divine friendship
https://youtu.be/4tbezPteJ2c The Promise is for those longing for more than religion but relationship with their Heavenly Father. Set against the background of reeds blowing in the wind, this slow motion video presents its message with a peaceful flow. Here are the words: If you are seeking peace, guidance, and renewal, dare to pursue The Promise.
Checkmate
A poem that explores the dark side of human nature using the analogy of a game of chess. https://youtu.be/TKHkaT7w1oQ Do you ever feel like life is similar to a game of chess in which the cunning always come out on top? I sure have! I often find myself trusting in the goodness of others never …
Courage is Accumulative
I believe that courage is accumulative. The more we make decisions to overcome our fears and do what we know is right, the more our minds and spirits increase in strength and resolve. Small courageous steps take us a little bit further down the path of our destiny. Yet although they are necessary, they are …
The Longing
Have you ever longed for something so intensely that your heart hurts? What's worse is when the longing creeps into you, and you don't know what you're longing for but just feel this emptiness inside. Call me crazy or maybe it's what my mother explains when I tell her I'm out of sorts: "Us artists …
Pressed Flower Mixed Media Collage
This is a great mixed media project for beginners that need a little help with creating a background. Begin with a frame. You can see how to crackle a frame by accessing this post: Mixed Media Collage Recycling Project. For the background, I used “Pure Joy” Art-to-Borrow by Rachel Emilie Jackson that was included in theSomerset …
Mixed Media Collage Recycling Project
This post features a mixed media project that I created using a recycled picture frame, a jewelry heart piece, and scrapbook scraps. I've had a desire to create more mixed media artwork using supplies I've already had around the house. The suggested supplies are listed below: A picture frameA thin canvasAcrylic paintGolden Gel MediumAn assortment …
“Oh Little Sparrow” Mixed Media Collage
Whenever I feel afraid, I remember the little sparrows in Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” This scripture reminds me of the intimate care our Heavenly Father provides for us. So in order to help process my grief over …
Fun and Easy Salt Dough Art Projects
Salt dough sculpture is a fun and easy art activity for people of all ages. I've made a series of free YouTube videos that demonstrate the entire process and are easy to follow. The Salt Dough Garden Bunny video features the bunny in the photo above, using a technique where you mix the paint and …
Masquerade Mask: Journey into the Artistic Soul
If eyes are the window to the soul, then a masquerade mask frames these portals. Eyes transform into mystical moorings when peering out through a mask. We find this inexplicable desire to venture inside the mind of the masked artist to discover why she creates. The artistic person frames her soul’s windows with various art …
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How to Create a Heart-Themed Mixed Media
This post will show you how to create a mixed media with a heart theme. This is a fun project you can do with a few simple materials. READ ENTIRE POST...
The Heartbeat of His Love for Me
Have you ever grown weary from trying to figure it all out? I'm so directionally driven. In fact, I often wake up with these words on my lips, "Lord, what is your direction for my life?" And then I knit my brow in consternation because I still haven't a clue as to what God would …
The Infilling
I am captivated by the concept that heavenly treasure can reside in earthen vessels, imperfect people filled with the Spirit of God: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; …
The Extraction
When shards of life slice through our souls and lodge in our hearts, character flaws form and fester around these painful experiences: We find ourselves overcompensating with ambition for injuries to self-esteem suffered in childhood.We grow suspicious and cynical because of abandonment suffered from disloyal relationships.Negative experiences with churches, employers, or organizations sully our trust …
The Open Door
When I was a new believer, I tried so hard to hit God’s mark for my life. Yet, even though I sought to depend upon His Spirit, I was more aware of my failure than of His heart. Now that I’ve got over 35 years of following under my belt, I view spirituality so differently. …
A Writer’s Break
This morning I’m writing from a top room in the Eagle’s Nest at Heavenly Valley, Lake Tahoe. A gift from family, my husband and some of our children nestled into this mountain retreat before Christmas. From where I write, I can see one of the Heavenly Valley ski slopes. Call them writers’ retreats, vacation …
Refrain Book Update: Creativity is about Consistency
Nothing challenges the consistency of my creativity more than a day job, and I’ve had plenty of those over the years. I’m back to work as a middle school literacy teacher so my days, once again, fill with lessons and meetings and drives across town. Gone are those summer sessions of writing until noon. Then …
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The Wonders of Travel by Monique Gascon
I am pleased and honored to feature Monique Gascon's amazing and inspirational post about her passion for traveling. Whether you are an avid travel enthusiast or an armchair traveler wanting to see more of the world, you will find this reflection fascinating: I often wonder what factors motivate a person to become a traveler. Are …
When Change is in the Air
Have you ever grown discontented and didn’t know why? You couldn’t quite put your finger on the reason your mood darkened or you suddenly felt constrained, uncomfortable, itchy for something. I sure have. Often this odd annoyance occurs well before change knocks on the heart’s door or peeks in through the window of our thoughts. …
JoDee Luna Art 