What I've been up to - June 2020

Flipping through my June/July 2020 composition book journal with commentary and show-n-tell.
Mentioned in the video:
getmessyart.com
Roxycreations by Sarah: / @roxycreationsbysarah
TandiArt: / @tandiart4904
Never Hopeless by Elizabeth: / @neverhopelessbyelizabeth
Suzanne Rose: / @susannerose
Char DeRouin: www.instagram....

[@amyfuller3561]

I’m so sorry for your family in the loss of your father-in-law. I wish you peace and comfort. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us who watch your channel. Your style inspires me.

[@melissaadolph8165]

Gorgeous! The itty bitty's are so cute. The "Stitching Sacred Shrine's" is AMAZING! I am desperately looking to learn to be at that level of artistry.

[@SheilaNorthcutt]

This whole book completely inspired me and I really loved seeing the other projects you were working on while filling this journal.

[@aliceadler4569]

Hi Melanie … I missed Part 1!!! Have to watch that. ♥️♥️♥️🌺🌺🌺. I am so sorry for the loss of your amazing father-in-law. I am sorry he did not get the surgical procedures that he needed. 😢😢😢

[@katsmith8263]

I'm so inspired by your composition notebook, that I spent the whole day today journaling in mine!!!! I'm so glad I discovered you! I wish you would post more videos about your composition notebooks!!!

[@grogers511]

Melanie - I related so much to you during this video. Feeling sad. Feeling frustrated. In a funk. Not having fun. This video just popped up in my feed tonight. I’ve enjoyed your videos over the past year. But, somehow missed this one. I love your style. I’m interested in taking classes like these you mentioned. I’ll look for them. I love art journaling. Absolutely love the itsy bitty pieces. Plenty of fodder here for me. I feel inspired. Thank you. ❤️

[@suzanneproulx8768]

You are such an inspiration for me!! I have missed you. Thank you for letting us learn, aspire, and live in your joy and sorrow. Thank you

[@bettylongshore9594]

Wow, I'm starting the new year with a new journal looking for inspiration and I came across your video!!! JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!!!! I am sorry for your family's loss. I know I am late in my condolences, 2020 and the consequences were really tough! I still do not understand... My husband and I are self-quarantined right now b/c someone came to our house a few days ago and the day after tested positive for covid. So far we have no symptoms. At any rate, I LOVE YOUR ART WORK AND YOUR JOURNALS. I was trying to lap up all of their goodness as you were flipping through them!!!!! As you can see I am a new subbie and I ready to see more!!!!! Have a GREAT day!!!!!

[@JanetDoucette]

You are in my thoughts today as I continue to watch your videos... I call the itty-bitties comfort pieces or anxiety relievers... because they are small and when you touch them you channel all your anxiety into them... you created them all beautifully...

[@MelodyMiroir]

I am watching all your videos for the couple of weeks now over and over and over again. You are such an inspiration. Thanks you for that ! I hope you're well and we will het the chance to have a new video of you soon

[@hoomalumalu]

Love the shrines!! do more of these. I use things like that to put on the back of my upcycled denim jackets!!

[@Erica_Marie_]

So sorry to hear about the passing of your father in law. I know time has passed. I'm a new Subscriber here. I hope things have gotten better for you and your family 🖤 Love the cover of your journal

[@zippygumdrop]

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom in March and am still having a hard time. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing your journal. You are so inspiring and your journals are so beautiful! I love how you were turning every stitch into a prayer.

[@lotus4041]

Lenni Kohlhauff 💜🦋

[@CraftyLinnieP]

I'm sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. I send prayers for healing to you and your family. I have been enjoying your videos for the past few days. I don't comment on all of them but I think they are all great. You are very talented and I think your work is beautiful. Linda

[@karlaglessner6382]

I could hear you just fine... I was definitely inspired, over and over and over again. I can't tell you how many times I could relate to what you were talking about.

[@beckybellinger9900]

Wow you sure get a lot done...i found this very inspiring! I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of your father in law. Sad and frustrating days that we are living in. My comfort is in knowing that God is still in control. You are amazingly talented. I have found a whole set of those golden encyclopedias that you make journals for Gayle A...hope you don't mind me copying your style for making junk journals out of those. Praying much peace and comfort for your family. Xoxo

[@kathycasella5848]

Many people are inspired by you, Melanie! Don’t let one person ruin things for so many of us.

[@clc3897]

Thank you for sharing your work and your heart with us all. Just as you do with others, we compare ourselves to you. I do not know anyone who works as much as you do on bettering her work and creating beautiful things. One suggestion if I may share, finding your style is better done when you are inspired by nature. You already have a great eye for composition and color and beautiful shapes and forms. Your lines are expressive and graceful. Be inspired by God’s creation rather than other people’s work. As much as I have tried to imitate others, I have found that it is best to look at what surrounds me. You have tons of beautiful things around you that tell a story about who you are and what makes you unique. Your sewing is especially a huge part of who you are, I think you should create portraits out of fabric, and when fabric is not something you can do, consider paper as such. Your collages made out of fabric force you to slow down because of the unique stitching you do, the same can be applied to your paper collages. Maybe try copying your fabric slow stitching pieces on paper using collage and pen mark stitches. My sincere condolences for the loss of your father in law. I cannot even imagine the anger and frustration knowing he would still be with us should his health care been provided in time. But all things are in God’s hands. Our faith must be in Him and Him alone.

[@bannvol]

i am so sorry for your loss...Thank you for sharing your fabulous art work and where you get your ispiration...Love your style.

[@tanyamiller5409]

Stumbled upon your channel looking for a new idea for a notebook and some kind of inspiratio. This video is fantastic. I appreciate your honesty and openly sharing your vulnerabilities. I have not been well for a few months, not covid related, nose dived out of my creative work and uninspired. I totally relate to alot you have shared. Thank you!

[@shannonpaul6053]

I am new to your channel, which I LOVE, I’m so sorry to her of your FIL’s passing, this whole COVID thing sucks BIG TIME. I have felt and do feel of of your emotions, with life right now. Anyways like I said I’m so thrilled I found your channel I’m binge watching!❤️❤️

[@deserthorses5]

Your story about your father-in-law was so sad to hear. Your journal is GORGEOUS! I can't draw, so I use a lot of magazine pictures in mine.

[@Erica_Marie_]

I am laughing so hard at the devil went down to Georgia story how you mixed up the lyrics 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@FunWithAuntieK]

Thanks for sharing this video. I really enjoyed it. I have to smile because so many of the little things you do I can relate to myself. I often get annoyed with myself because I am so easily distracted when talking to the Lord. My mind seems to go in so many directions. Funny story about the song you had stuck in your head. I remember as a child, one late night I was listening to the local radio station and they played that song. When they went to bleep out the bad word they bleeped to soon so it was "I told you once you BLEEP (Insert bad word here) I'm the best there's ever been". Funny I still remember that.

[@MelanieSullivan]

Too funny! I miss staying up late to catch my favorite DJ's and silly college radio shows listening on my fancy stereo with a turntable and double cassette players. Ah, the good old days.

[@Therivergypsy2023]

I wish you listed EVERY person you mention in your videos. You always create amazing things from all these courses you take. I’d love to check them all out. I’ll need to rewatch this with a pen and paper so I can jot all their names down. :) plus... HOW do you have the time to make and create all these things?’ 😨 I can barely find time to eat let alone journal. I do miss being creative though. We have a new baby 🥰 so for now, that’s my excuse lol

[@cynthiablair4432]

Omg I too thought it was chicken in a bread pan pickin at dough!!!!!! Too funny!❤️

[@ajsinspiredlife665]

Love your channel .. came over from Elizabeth’s channel! Love her !

[@angelaqart5388]

I love your style. You have inspired me so much. I know this comment is months later, but I’m glad you got out of your funk & got your inspiration back. Also that you had the courage to share your struggle here. **I noticed your “ISTP” page...that is my type! Perhaps that is why I relate to your work and videos so well. Grace & peace

[@47powerflower]

You are so productive and creative. Love your inspiring videos. 💓

[@jenniferedwards6238]

I just found you thanks to Elizabeth’s mention of you. You said with too many options, you shut down. I DO TOO! I’ve never known anyone like me in this area. Trying to buy anything online is so overwhelming. My husband has to make all of our travel plans because I just get lost. Thank you for mentioning this. I don’t fee quit so alone in this.

[@CraftingMamas]

My deepest condolences to you and your family. This whole time has seemed surreal. My mojo has taken a backseat to my everyday life. I appreciate you sharing your journey & your artistic process. You are right , I too find sharing & finding inspiration in others work can really help reignite my own spark. hugs & peace to you and your family. Shelley

[@vanessanaval2772]

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[@vanessanaval2772]

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[@vanessanaval2772]

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[@vanessanaval2772]

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[@messymissycreates1183]

I’m so glad to see this video is back up, Tho I hate that you felt like you had to edit it. I had watched the original one but didn’t comment fast enough. It always feels like there are so many things I want to say while I’m watching your videos but then by the end I’ve forgotten half of them. If you could actually hear me talking to you while I’m watching the videos that would be great. 😂 I think it’s because I relate to you in so many ways. Sometimes it’s just little things that you’d never think anyone else would think or say. Idk but one thing is that page you made about having too many choices and then just shutting down. That is so me! Except that YOU actually do start and finish so many things. Where I rarely ever do. I wish I could understand why or where I get hung up. Probably the inability to make a decision. Maybe it’s an ADD thing But I keep thinking that if I watch your videos over and over maybe I’ll figure out what I’m doing wrong or how to fix it. Sometimes I wish I didn’t know how to do so many different things or have so many hobbies to choose from. But actually the past 6 months or so, I’ve completely put down my other hobbies so I could focus on my journal and art related stuff. I’m pretty sure One difference is that you are much more organized. Any tips on this? Also your pages/journals are absolutely incredible! I love to see all your flip throughs. And OH EM GEE I love your whimsical journal! And that cover is incredible! I’m constantly talking to the tv saying “wait! Go back! That was too cute! Or whoa! How’d ya do that?” And I completely understand the desire to create a unique style. But the thing is that maybe it’s harder to settle in to one style when YOU can do them all so well! Idk, just a thought! I don’t know many ppl who can just instantly pick up on someone else’s work and do it so well so fast. Not sure if that makes any sense? One more thing, I had been looking in to joining Get messy. Are you still doing that? I’m assuming by the way you talked about it here that you would recommend it? I’m sure I’m not the only one, but I’m just craving community and connection to someone who shares this interest. I really wish I had someone “in person” to craft with But I don’t. 😕 I did start using the composition books recently and just swishing some paint around on the pages. That actually feels really good to do that! 😬 and I like writing over it! Hey it’s a start! 😊

[@sylstelten]

Hello Melanie, thank you for sharing your journaling! Every time your style and ideas are inspiring to me. You did mention the article 'comparison and someting' :-) from Philippa Stanton. Do you, perhaps, have a link of this article? I wish you all the best and very warm regards, Sylvia

[@Erica_Marie_]

I've learned of at least 3 vocabulary words from this video lol I gotta go look up serendipitous now 😂

[@melodine707]

Do you have videos on those fabric pieces? Please make a few.

[@Quietcloud]

Your videos are SO inspiring! I have wanted to be so free with expression and you are a great role model. But I do wonder, who is the textile artist you mentioned named Kelly?

[@MelanieSullivan]

It's Kelli May-Krenz. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook. She's super inspiring!

[@jeanniegospelmusicanddeleo4956]

Love your journals and your ideas they're beautiful thank you.. Going to try that I journal but I'm not that fancy but I'm going to be. 🌼🍃🌼

[@MelanieSullivan]

Have fun!

[@frejahowells3215]

Love your journal how did you colour your pages

[@ladybugonapug-jamie2596]

Truly sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family over the loss of your father-in-law. Thank you for posting your videos with a glimpse into your life and your awesome creativity. I always feel like your videos should have disclaimers for enabling though because I am usually wanting a bunch of things you mention lol! I have signed up for the Itty Bitty class but haven't started watching....I've seen your magnificent creations on Instagram but it was fun to see them in scale because even though you share dimensions, they are so "itty". The only question I have for you is which Mindy Lacefield class did you take? I love her style and would love to take a class...anything to get through these surreal times.

[@janephillips3970]

Do you have a tutorial on how you did your itty bitty fabric pieces?

[@lizs1409]

Am hearing you are coming out on the other side of a really tough time in life .. have had you in my prayers, sharing many of the emotions that have been holding you captive ... your work in this video is proof to all us creative gals of how our journey in life can be expressed so beautifully in our journals (and your little sewing itty bitties , which I absolutely LOVE!)... question: how do you determine when you will do all your backgrounds at one time or do as you go along? Hugs!

[@KatetheskateStudio]

Do you have a video on your marker flowers? You mentioned them and I'd love to see how you do them.

[@victoriapalmer5146]

I can only dream to get this messy in a journal LOL I have never managed to just let imagination flow

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Victoria. I left you a comment reply on one of my other videos. Thank you for stopping by!

[@melodine707]

How do you keep your pages from shrivel in up when using watercolor? Thanks for the flip through. These are beautiful. Oh nevermind...I found your video: " Craft with me painted paper tutorial" Thank You. SO inspiring!

[@MelanieSullivan]

Thank you so much!

[@RowanBlake]

are you enjoying get messy art? I have been thinking about joining that site myself. Thank you for sharing your journals. I have a bit of a love affair with composition books, too. Although, I sometimes really don't like the paper, I always love the size.

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Karen. I did the Get Messy subscription for three months, but then I cancelled it. They release a new "season" of content each month and some months are much better than others. In general, I find the lessons and content to be very beginner-friendly. If you have been at this art thing for a long time, you'll struggle to find any new ideas or inspiration. Personally, I didn't find enough new or challenging inspiration to justify the cost. When you subscribe, you do have access to all the previous years of content and it's kind of fun to go back into all the past "seasons" to pick and choose the ones you might like. I hope that helps!

[@Therivergypsy2023]

Ps.. can hear you just fine :)

[@lascreacionesdeyolanda7678]

Es precioso lo que haces.

[@lisapittsley9768]

Hi Melanie...I love your work! The digitals that you print look so nice. What kind of printer do you use?

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Lisa! I have an Epson Artisan 1430 wide-format photo printer. It’s been discontinued, but it looks like the newer version is the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 wide-format photo printer. The Artisan is an amazing printer and I really like being able to print large format pages, like 12x12”, or 11x17”. The biggest downside of the printer, other than its large size, is that it takes six ink cartridges and buying genuine Epson ink is quite expensive. I’m currently using a third-party ink which Epson strongly advises against, but I just can't justify spending $150 every time I run out of ink. If my Artisan 1430 broke today and I had to buy a new printer, I’d probably buy the newer Epson XP-15000 as a replacement since I’m used to being able to print in wide-format, but if you don’t need the wide-format capability, I think any of the other Epson photo printers would perform equally as well. Another note on printing is that I’ve been using Matte Presentation Paper which seems to produce the most vivid, detailed prints I’ve ever printed at home. I hope that helps!

[@zhizzie]

Your first five minutes or more so heartbreaking