Do you ever need some more motivation in your life?  Maybe a little extra oomph to push you over the edge?  If so, today's project may just be the kick in the pants you need!

I've been teetering on the edge of some big decisions in my life over the past few months, but I still haven't taken the plunge.  Lucky for me, art journaling has a way of helping me through the tough stuff.  Today's project, while fun and explorative, helped me delve a little deeper and focus on the issues at hand.  The result was a gorgeous visual reminder that dreams are only the first step in the process of creating a new reality for myself.  

I started things off with an 8x10 canvas and some liquid watercolors that I've been jonesing to play with.  I've found quite a few cool uses for liquid watercolors in my pre-k classroom, but today I decided to try something new and spray paint with them... a technique I've not been so brave to attempt with my 4 year olds yet!

This step required some test sprays and blotting as the watercolors were too runny for the canvas surface.

Next, I wanted to add some texture to the piece so I used my newly discovered method for printing digital elements on tissue paper to print some cool elements from Tangie's prolific splatter and graffiti collection:

[Credits:  The ULTIMATE Splatter Graffiti Bundle by Tangie Baxter]

Once I decoupaged the tissue paper, I added some extra spritzes of color to add a layered look. Unsurprisingly, it took to the tissue paper much better than the raw canvas.

At this point I felt like the piece was a bit too edgy, so I added some white paint around the edges, giving it a cloudy ethereal touch.

Lastly, I added some hand lettering.  The script was done with a glossy puff paint, and for the rest I used a white Gelly Roll pen. 

The final piece is going to look great in my office, along side my vision boards and framed My Little Word for 2016. I hope this project will bring you as much motivation as it is sure to bring me over the coming months.

What kind of visual reminders keep you motivated throughout your daily life? We'd love to hear your answer in the comments below.

Tangie Baxter & CO’s Art Journal Caravan is back for 2016 and we’d love for you to join us on the adventure!

For more information on the Art Journal Emporium visit Art Journal Emporium - Tangie Baxter & CO.

 [posted by Karli-Marie]