Last week I was feeling kind of insecure for a few days. I woke up in the middle of the night one night feeling totally anxious, and I couldn’t shake it for a few days. I finally sat down with my sketchbook, and I can’t remember a time when sketching was more cathartic for me. I was able to scribble out all of the not so nice things I was feeling, and then scratch them out (or not) and layer on top of them. It felt awesome.
I started with this sketchbook page that I had half-heartedly “finished,” took my pen, watercolor crayons, and a wet brush, and went at it.
What I wound up with might still not be totally finished, but I’m okay with that. I like to just kinda work on these pages when I feel like it and let the dates pile up. It’s fun to think that I’ve worked on layering the same page over a period of years.
Have you ever done anything like this? Or have you hit one of those rough patches lately? I’d love to hear!
I’m feeling you on this one girl. I have been feeling like I’m way in a funk and I haven’t quite figured out how to get out of it. I’m so glad you shared this, it’s always reassuring to know you’re not alone whatever troubles. Happy Wednesday.
I totally agree! Hang in there, lady- hope you’re feeling better soon! xoxo
I really like this Kate! That’s such an interesting idea, to journal personal thoughts and then layer over them to hide parts that are just for you. This a must try for me. :)
I’d love to see yours, Janelle! :)
Thanks for posting this Katelyn. I’ve spent a significant whack of the last two years or so in the company of the blue devils. No fun. But I’ve been pretty well on an even keel the last six months or so, so I can tell you that they do lose their edge after a time. It’s easier to say than do, but you just have to do your best to push through.
Thanks for the encouragement, Stephen! These spells are relatively short lived- I’m already feeling better this week! :)
I’ve never tried anything like this…mostly because I feel like I’d be terrible at it (oh, those perfectionistic tendencies…)! But this looks like so much fun, maybe I need to invest in some sketchbook supplies. You should do a post about your favorite supplies!! xoxo, e
I love that idea- I’ll have to do that sometime! For the most part, this page is just paper scraps I collected and layered over the years- anyone can do it, you should try it! :)
Kate, do you feel that these words/concepts that you have used here are somehow the point of your insecurities. I just found them so interesting, and they really resonate with my fears sometimes about not being part of “the club”, if you know what I mean. Hope you managed to shake them off, whatever they were :)
Yeah- I’ve been working on this page for a while, but the overall theme is definitely related. I think when I work from home too many days in a row and only interacting with Brian in person I start to feel a little “off” socially. I should probably just get out more, that always helps! :)
I so admire you for putting this out there, Kate. I’ve been feeling much the same way the last couple of weeks and have decided to take a little time away from the blog to re-energize myself. I really appreciate your honesty — makes me feel like I’m not the only one who gets this way at times. :)
Thanks Brynn- I think taking time off from blogging is a really smart move sometimes. Hope you come back feeling refreshed!
I really need to get a sketchbook. I have a sketchbook app on my iPad and I love scribbling in it to relieve stress, but I think an actual sketchbook would be much better. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, there’s something about the action of working with physical materials that helps a lot, I think!
You’ve inspired me! I’m totally wanting to do this for a post now! I lov e seeing peoples creative side on paper!
Do it, I’d love to see yours! :)
This is like a very creative journal – adore it. You’ve reminded me that I used to love to sketch and paint and I literally have no done it in years, since college. I need to go back to that – I loved it!
Thanks, you should give it a try! It’s funny because I’ll go really long stretches without using my sketchbook, and when I finally do I always wonder what took me so long!
I think it’s so great that you shared this! I don’t know if I’m creative enough to do something like this, but it’s so interesting to catch a glimpse of your sketchbook. Love the hearts. :)
Thanks! I think it was a Valentine card that someone gave me a few years ago, and I thought they were too pretty to throw away so I cut them up and stuck them in there instead!
Wow this is really cool looking; I used to be much more artistic before college and lawschool. I feel like school sucked the creativity out of me!
xx
The Fashionable ESQ
http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/
This is really cool! I don’t think I’ve seen something quite like this before. I bet it was really great to get all that off and then cover it up. Really cool.