Visual Journaling - The Pages of Your Life

The FRIENDSHIP kit

2011-05-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

No matter what life throws at you, you can always count on FRIENDSHIP to carry you through.

This fun-loving kit isn't just for kids - but captures hopscotch and playground imagery to celebrate the kid inside of you and how much your childhood friends and the newest soulmates you've found mean to you.

Nothing can lift your spirits, soothe your soul and soften the bumps on the roads of life like FRIENDSHIP.

Help your clients access their inner child, reflect on the past and give themselves permission to play!

Click on the FRIENDSHIP link on the right sidebar for our free inspirational content - journaling prompts, quotations, a music playlist and more!

PLEASE NOTE:
Non-US Subscribers who select an individual kit will receive a Paypal invoice for shipping after completing their order.

Your order constitutes your acceptance of our terms and conditions as printed on our FAQ page.

Email us for more information on how our program can be integrated into group settings, classrooms and hospitals at visualjournaling@gmail.com.

New Kit ~ Resilience

2011-04-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Your clients can face challenges head on. Enable them to stick to their guns and show them how powerful they can be. They’ve got RESILIENCE.

Rich, beautiful, and full of strong pattern and color, your clients will tell their story in new and inspiring ways with this rich and colorful kit.

Our newest kit includes wonderful visual symbols for your creative journey – elastic bands to explore rebounding and stretching beyond your limits, stars and medals to reward your strength and bravery, and a hanger to show how you stay with it and move forward. Ballerina images reflect stamina, woodgrain and corrugated cardboard create a secure base and bookplate journaling cards give you all the space you need to interpret the past and write your future. Softness and strength? Anything is possible with RESILIENCE.

Click here to buy yours now.

We're offering our kits now starting at $39.95 - an amazing value!

Each Kit Includes:
10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper: * American Crafts The Classics Hamlet *American Crafts The Classics Anna Karenina * American Crafts The Classics Wonderland * American Crafts The Classics Canterbury Tales * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Mabel Joy Crocheted Paper * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Mabel Joy Woodgrained Paper * Prima Melody Troubador * Prima Melody Golden Rod * Prima Melody Poppy * Prima Melody Arabesque

2 Sheets Specialty Paper: * American Crafts The Classics Dorian Gray (Pearl) * My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose Mabel Love Brocade (Die-Cut)

Embellishments: * 7Gypsies Apothecary Elastics, 4", 2 pcs * AC The Classics Minimarks Sheets - Foreward* American Crafts Thickers Hardcover Chipboard - Aquatic * American Crafts The Classics Just Write - Bookplates, 4 pcs * American Crafts Peachy Keen Elements Resin Rose Brads 3 pcs * American Crafts The Classics Pocket Patterns Fabric Swatches, 4 pcs * Jillibean Soup Corrugated Alphas - Kraft * My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Hattie Happy Bits and Pieces, 1/2 package * Darice 3" hangers, 1 pc * Prima Dechire Capucina, 1 pc * Prima Regent Cumberland, 1 pc * ScrapFX, Ballerinas

3 pcs Cardstock: * American Crafts Jade* American Crafts Sunflower * American Crafts Brown Sugar * American Crafts Mulberry

Color: * Clearsnap Smooch Spritz - Sunkissed Contents may vary slightly

"Faith" by Diana Kennedy

Click on the RESILIENCE link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com

Inspiration Challenges

2011-04-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

It is not too late to explore Inspiration! Here are the Challenges for this month's kit.

Challenge #1

Inspired by: Who are the women you know, past and present, who inspire you. Why would you pick the ones you pick? How have the important men in your life inspired you? Do men and women inspire you in different ways? Are there essential qualities of femininity and masculinity that impact how you've been inspired by these different and important figures? How have you been supported and uplifted? How do you support an uplift others?

Please create a LO about someone you deeply admire who inspires you in a special way, a way you truly need. Make sure to connect this person to how you have been inspired.

For the design twist, please create an image or description of a saint or idol...make it serious, make it tongue in cheek, have fun!

Challenge #2

Breath: One of the literal meanings of inspiration is breath. Have you even noticed how your breathing changes when you are under stress? Shallow or deep breathing impacts how you feel, and how you feel can make your breathing shallow or deep. When do you become aware of your breathing? Do you ever slow yourself down by breathing deeply? Have you ever experienced a panic attack where your breathing was affected?

Please create a LO about a time when you lost your breath, had a panic attack, or could breathe easy...

For the design twist, please use an undulating, rolling movement to demonstrate breathing.

"Breath" by Diana Kennedy

Challenge #3

Bliss: One definition of inspiration is ecstasy - 'to stand outside the ordinary self'. Have you experienced moments of pure happiness and pleasure? What, inside or out, has brought you an elevated sense of self or a rapturous state? Is that emotion more fleeting, or something that you've felt more regularly?

As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision. Helen Keller

Tell us in a LO about a most blissful moment - were you floating out of your body? For the design twist, use kite or balloon images from the kit, or of your own design!

"Bliss" by Diana Kennedy

Challenge #4

Childlike Delight: Is there part of you that feels childlike? Is that a part of you that you embrace or reject, or something in between? What are your best memories of your childhood...times when you felt free and light? If you could recover some of your childlike innocence, where and how would you use that to improve your life or your attitude and beliefs? Was there a moment, or moments where you lost that sense of childlike joy?

Please create a LO about a part of you that is or used to be innocent and childlike.

For the design twist, please use a playground image - see-saw, swings, etc...

Challenge #5

Ideas: Where do your best ideas come from? Do they hit you like a bolt of lightning, a spark, or do they creep up on you? Does inspiration ever visit you in a dream or while daydreaming? Are you a solitary dreamer or do you benefit from brainstorming with others? Do you feel that ideas and inspiration come to you or through you...do the ideas belong to you or do they come from another source?

Where do your best ideas come from? I for one LOVE brainstorming...there's nothing like the sharing of brains...but the idea for SFTIO came to me like a rising sun while walking around at Winter CHA 2008 as an educator.

For the design twist, please use a light bulb, bolt of lightning, spark, or maybe a slow dawning.

New Kit ~ Inspiration

2011-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

What in your client's world motivates and lights their spark? Find out this March with our newest kit, INSPIRATION! Bright, light and full of fun and symbolism including banners, kites and pinwheels. You'll uncover your client's creativity, vision and ingenuity with us…
and inner INSPIRATION.

To Purchase the Inspiration Kit Please Click Here

8 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* American Crafts City Park - Hyde Park * Cosmo Cricket Delovely - Delectable * Cosmo Cricket Delovely - Deluxe * Cosmo Cricket Delovely - Delimit * Crate Paper Snow Day - Candy * Crate Paper Snow Day - Mittens * Crate Paper Snow Day - Melt * Jillibean Soup Summer Squash - Crookneck Zucchini (single-sided)
4 Sheets Specialty Paper:
* American Crafts City Park - Forest Gardens (embossed) * American Crafts City Park - Highline Park (glitter) * American Crafts City Park - Cortland Gardens (glitter) * American Crafts City Park - Bell Park (glitter)
Embellishments:
* American Crafts City Park Thickers: Stroll - Sorbet (glossy chipboard) * Jillibean Soup Alphabeans - Diced Damask * Basic Grey Bling It - Confetti Diamond * Prima E-line Pearls and Crystals - Sassy * American Crafts City Park - Remarks Sticker Book - Gate, 2 sheets
* Jenni Bowlin Banner Stickers - Yellow Butterfly * My Minds Eye Quite Contrary - Be Happy Title * My Minds Eye Quite Contrary - Life is Good Title * My Minds Eye Quite Contrary - Life is Good 'Hey' Title * Crate Paper Snow Day Sew Brads, 3 big 2 little * Sassafras Chipboard Garden Bits - Blues, 1 sheet * Sassafras In a Stitch Blossoms - Kelly Green 2-3 pcs * Jillibean Soup Pasta Fagioli Journaling Sprouts 12 pcs * American Crafts City Park - Delights Swing Blossoms, 1/2 sheet * Creative Impressions Soft Sheer Blossoms Medium Magenta, 4 pcs * Creative Impressions Soft Sheer Blossoms Medium Mustard, 4 pcs * Creative Impressions Soft Sheer Blossoms Medium Olive Leaves 5 pcs * Creative Impressions Soft Sheer Blossoms Large Magenta, 5 pcs * Creative Impressions Soft Sheer Blossoms Large Mustard, 5 pcs * Jillibean Soup Printed Canvas Stars - Orange Graph, 3 pcs
* Creative Impressions Trim Crepe Ribbon - 1.5 inch, Celery, 1/2 yd * Prima Trim Pom Pom Cherry, 1 ft * Prima Trim Pom Pom Orange, 1 ft

Cardstock:
* American Crafts Taffy * American Crafts Sunflower
* American Crafts Spinach * American Crafts Robin's Egg

Technique:
* Prima Clear Stamps - Paisley Road

Color:
* Jenni Bowlin Dabber - Chicken Feed

Contents may vary slightly.

Diana Kennedy ~ My Life Inspired

Click on the INSPIRATION link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com

New Kit ~ Vulnerability

2011-02-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce the February 2011 Vulnerability Kit from The Pages of Your Life. This sweet, luscious kit mixes beautiful pink and raspberry tones, delicate crocheted and transparency doilies, feathered flowers, pearl accents and bling.

Lace-cut butterfly paper, resin hearts, metal and layered embellishments add tons of dimension to your layouts. Glittered paper with magical birdcage and word imagery will make your clients feel like a girlie girl.

Explore the softer side of your clients with something to embrace, nurture and love. They can be real and be VULNERABLE. Join us.

To Purchase the VULNERABILITY Kit please click here

5 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:

* American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Lady Winafred * My Mind's Eye Lost and Found - Market St Happy Birthday - Tapestry * Pink Paislee Sweetness Picture Perfect * Pink Paislee Sweetness Sweetest Day * Pink Paislee Sweetness Pretty

7 Sheets Specialty Paper:
* American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Mystical Mary (die cut) * American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Refined Percy (varnish) * American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Mysterious Charlotte (varnish) * Hambly Garden Party Pink on Overlay * My Mind's Eye Lost and Found - Market St Adore - Flyaway (glitter) * My Mind's Eye Lost and Found - Market St Happy Birthday - Dictionary * Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology Darling Doilies

Embellishments:
* AC Dear Lizzy Enchanted Thickers: Fancy - Geyser (glitter) * Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Alphas, Pink * Mark Richards Bling Crystal Stickers Citron 2mm, 1/2 sheet * My Mind's Eye Lush Pink Rhinestone Brads, 6 pcs * Maya Road Transparencies, Doilies, 3 pcs. * Pink Paislee Sweetness Clear Cards, 2 pcs * American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Remarks Piccolo Dimensional Stickers 1/2 sheet * American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Adhesive Metal Embellishments Charming, 1/2 sheet * Websters Whimsey Hearts Ice Blue, 3 hearts
* American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Just Write, 2 sheets * Hambly Apothecary Jars Rubons, Pink, 1/2 sheet * Prima Flowers, Sweet Taffy Pink, 6 pcs * Prima Flowers Magnolia- Erica, 1 pc (glitter) * Creative Impressions Crepe Ribbon - 1.5 inch Olive, 1/2 yd
* Websters Trim Tinsel Pink, 1/2 yd

Cardstock:
* AC Peach * AC Leaf* AC Raspberry* AC Salmon

Technique:
* Glitz Scarlett Stamp

Color:
* Ranger Mini Crackle Accents

Contents may vary slightly.

Life Lessons by Diana Kennedy

Click on the VULNERABILITY link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Reflection Challenge #2

2011-01-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here is another Reflection Kit challenge from The Pages of Your Life Visual Journaling Kits. Check out all the free inspiration that we offer your clients!

Here is Diana Kennedy's take on Challenge #2.

Water: Water can take many forms - solid like ice, liquid, and vapor - steam or fog. Even on its surface, there can be stillness, rippling, waves and tsunamis. How does the image of water affect you? Is it calming? How does your reflection appear in different literal and symbolic states of water, and what does that represent?

People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering. St Augustine

Please create a LO about water in one of its forms and what it means to you.

For the design twist, please find a water image to include that speaks to you - your most perfect or most imperfect image of water - soothing, menacing...

In my layout I used a picture I took while on vacation in the Okanagan a couple of years ago...it is one of my favourites. The water was so peaceful and serene. I also used water-like words in my journalling as well.

Reflection Visual Journaling Challenges

2011-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Did you know that The Pages of Your Life offers monthly thought-provoking challenges to get your client's creative juices flowing? Each challenge also has a design twist that your client can interpret any way you would like.

Here is Diana Kennedy's take on Challenge #1 from the Reflection Kit!

Mirror Image: In what areas of your life does seeing things backwards make a difference? Do you ever take a purposeful look at a situation from the opposite angle you'd usually take? If you could write yourself a note in the steam on the bathroom mirror, or have someone else write it for you, what message would you want to read, knowing that it would disappear and you only had a few moments to take it in?

For our first challenge, please create a LO about choosing to look at a situation the opposite way you normally would. For the design twist, write yourself a note as you would on a bathroom mirror...lots of interesting messages and materials to use!

I used the Hambly paper and placed chipboard letters on the back (I made sure the words were spelled backwards). Then I sprayed the paper with Adirondack Terra Cotta Mist. The effect gives a sort of fading like steam on a mirror.

New Kit ~ Reflection

2011-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

As we move into a new year and the clock ticks forward, it's the perfect time to reflect on where we've been and hold up a mirror to our future with the January 2011 kit, REFLECTION.

This soft, gentle kit pays homage to the past with vintage botanical images, lace and pen and ink graphics. Gorgeous vellum and silver, delicate peach and green, and a mix of papers and embellishments bring you birds, eggs, butterflies and branches to inspire your investigative and curious mind and heart.

In order to help create your client's future, you have to understand their past. Join us this month for creative REFLECTION.

To purchase the Reflection Kit please click here

10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* Basic Grey Curio Gouache * Basic Grey Curio Muslin * Basic Grey Curio Cabriolet * Kaisercraft Secret Bird Society Mystery * Kaisercraft Secret Bird Society Classified * Kaisercraft Secret Bird Society Shhh * Seven Gypsies Conservatory Aviary * Seven Gypsies Conservatory Butterfly * Seven Gypsies Conservatory Feather
* Seven Gypsies Conservatory Magpie

2 Sheets Specialty Paper:
* Hambly Pen and Ink Silver on Vellum * Pink Paislee/House of Three Beautiful Butterfly Resist Paper

Embellishments:
* Basic Grey Curio Alpha Stickers * Cosmo Cricket Ready Set Chip Iron Port Alpha * Prima Vintage Crystals Bird, 1 pc * TPC Studio Grandma's Attic Mini Jewels, 1/2 sheet * Basic Grey Curio Office Tabs, 3 * Glitz Love Nest Paper Layers, 2 pcs * Basic Grey Curio Chip Sticker Shapes, 1 sheet * Jillibean Soup Sugar Picks Orange/Turquoise, 2 picks * Jillibean Soup Sugar Picks Green/Quartz, 2 picks * Seven Gypsies Hardware Optical Lens - Antique Brass, 1 pc * TPC Studio Grandma's Attic Metal Accents, 4 pcs * Kaisercraft Secret Bird Society Mini Journal Tags, 3 * Kaisercraft Secret Bird Society Color Rubons * Prima Flowers Tuscanny- Mocha, 1 pc. * TPC Studio Grandma's Attic Border Strips - Adhesive Fabric, 3 * American Crafts I Do Ribbon Crochet, 1/2 yd

Cardstock:
* AC Peach * AC Clay * AC Olive * AC Geyser

Technique:
* Prima Floral Mask

Color:
* Clearsnap Smooch Spritz, Tea Party

Contents may vary slightly.

Mantra by Diana Kennedy

Click on the REFLECTION link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Wonder Challenges

2010-12-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

Challenge #1

Children: Kids have an amazing capacity for wonder. Everything is new and exciting to them. Is there any area of your life that has you experiencing wonder in a child-like way? Are there kids in your life who remind you how to see things as fresh?

Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children. George Bernard Shaw

Please create a LO about either seeing, or wanting to see life with fresh wonder, as would a child. What would be different?

For the design twist, please use a playful, child-friendly image or technique in some way - animals, blocks, maybe finger painting?

Challenge #2

Amazing: What have you accomplished, learned or discovered in the year that is ending that you plan to carry with you into 2011? If you were forced to answer, what would you say amazes you most about yourself? If your best friend, spouse or sibling were to answer, what would they tell you amazes them about you?

Please create a layout about the most amazing thing you've done in 2010. For the design twist, use a self-portrait (photo or otherwise) on your page... it's all about you!

Challenge #3

Magic: In many cultures, this time of year represents a season of magic - a time when people use light as a way to illuminate the darkness. The loss of control and vision represented by the dark can be frightening. What cultural or religious traditions from this time of year are part of your celebrations, or appeal to you if you're not personally familiar with them? Are you frightened of the dark for any reason? What magic would you bring to your own darkness as light is brought to literal darkness? Would it be a knowledge of something, a belief, a physical presence?

For this challenge, please create a layout about the spiritual aspect of this holiday season for you. Are you inspired? Resentful? Grateful? Indifferent? For the design twist, create a "light" on your page... use your imagination!

Challenge #4

Mystery: Do life's twists and turns feel mysterious to you or can you see trajectories, either before something new happens, or in retrospect? Do you wonder about the meaning of large and small events in your life and in the world? Do you like the excitement of the unknown or do you like to have all your ducks in a row? Have you had a specific life experience that was truly mysterious and remains mysterious to this day?

For this challenge, please create a layout about what the coming year holds for you. Is it a complete mystery? What are your hopes? What do you wonder about 2011? For the design twist, create something hidden on your page, whether it's journaling or a symbol.

Challenge #5

The Big Questions: What do you wonder about most...the meaning of life, why certain things have happened, what happens after we die? What are the big unanswered questions, or unanswerable questions? How much time do you spend on those questions, alone in your own thoughts, or talking to others? For this challenge, create a layout about your One Big Wonder... the one question you would most like to have answered in life. For the design twist, include some kind of question mark on your page--big or small!

New Kit ~ Wonder

2010-12-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

What magic and amazement await you this season and in the coming year? Find out with our December 2010 kit, WONDER. Do your clients know how amazing they are? With WONDER, your clients can be inquisitive, curious and in awe of what they can do creatively using our beautiful kits. Join us this month with WONDER!

You can work together with your clients or refer them to use The Pages of Your Life Visual Journaling Kits as a way to encourage healing and understanding using the creative process with our December 2010, WONDER.

Buy the WONDER kit now: only $46.95 with material for at least ten journaling pages - less than $4.70 for an opportunity to truly deepen understanding...

11 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather - Flurries * Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather - Winter Frost * Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather - Jack Frost * Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather - Festivities * MME So Sophie - Savvy Brothers and Sisters - Petite Blue Floral * MME So Sophie - Savvy In Love - Splendid Surroundings * Websters Hollywood Vogue - Feather Fashion * Websters Hollywood Vogue - Shine a Light * Websters Hollywood Vogue - Double Feature
* Websters Hollywood Vogue - Foo on Film * Websters Hollywood Vogue - Stardom
1 Sheet Specialty Paper:
* MME So Sophie - Savvy Never Enough - All Together Alpha (die cut AND double-sided)
Embellishments:
* American Crafts Sparkling Silver Glitter Thickers * Sassafras Glitter Alphas Violet * Basic Grey Bling it On Paladin Black Rubon * Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology Smoke Brooch Brads, 1 pc
* MME So Sophie - Savvy In Love Frame * MME So Sophie - Savvy Never Enough Small Accessories * GCD Chipboard Flourishes, 1/2 package * Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology Flair, 5 pcs * Websters Hollywood Vogue Journaling Cards, 3 pcs * Prima Flowers Clementine- Tuxedo, 1 pc * Prima Flowers Guava Peony- etude, 2 pcs * Websters Bloomers Turquoise, 1 foot * Creative Impressions Crepe Ribbon - 1.5 inch Black, 1 yd

Cardstock:
* AC Lilac * AC Leaf * AC Peacock * Coredinations Jenni Bowlin Vanilla Cream Embossed Large Dot

Technique:
* Prima Clear Stamps 'Only'

Color:
* Ranger Liquid Pearls Lavender Lace

Contents may vary slightly.

Click on the WONDER link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Acceptance Challenges

2010-12-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

Acceptance Challenge #1

Giving In: What have you experienced that has forced you to give in to life’s twists and turns? Have you faced circumstances outside yourself that have challenged you to accept things that have caused you pain? What methods have your brain, heart and body used to not give in to things you didn’t want to believe? Have you experienced any relief after letting go and accepting what was previously unacceptable? What have you had to accept or give in to? Aging, change... For the design twist, please create your design around the center of your page - something we don't often do as we try to create balanced imbalance...

Acceptance Challenge #2

Approval: Are you a person who seeks the approval of others, or are you immune to the opinions of the people around you? Can you recall a time when you were desperate for someone’s approval? To what lengths would you go to get the approval you seek? Have your experiences with seeking approval been related to a parent, a spouse or a friend?For the design twist, please use a reaching image of some sort.

Acceptance Challenge #3

Resistance: What do you choose not to accept about yourself? Can you identify areas in your life where you can see what you want to change but can’t seem to actually get to making changes? What in your past or your personality makes you resistant in those areas? Is there fear or anger behind those choices? Please create a LO about what you do not accept about yourself.For the design twist, please use a resist technique...for a simple one, you can use glossy accents on your LO and then ink over it...but there are lots of other ways!

Acceptance Challenge #4

Agree or Agree to Disagree: How do you handle disagreement? Does it differ based on whom you are facing? Have you found ways over the years to disagree more agreeably? Do you ever feel guilty or pressured when you find yourself disagreeing over something important? Are you fast to work things out to make life feel smoother, or are you comfortable disagreeing over critical life issues?How do you handle disagreement?OK, here's a design twist to make you dig deep...create a 'shaker' box or something else that jostles when you move your LO.

New Kit ~ Acceptance

2010-11-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

Do you find that your clients find it hard to love themselves for exactly who they are and to embrace life as it is happening? You can work together with your clients or refer them to use The Pages of Your Life Visual Journaling Kits as a way to encourage healing and understanding using the creative process with our November 2010kit, ACCEPTANCE.

What balance in life will your client strike between accepting things as they are and striving for change? Between surrender and empowerment? Join us and find out with ACCEPTANCE.

Buy the Acceptance kit now: only $46.95 with material for at least ten journaling pages - less than $4.70 for an opportunity to truly deepen understanding...

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Colors found in Acceptance:
Purple: encourages creativity, has a calming effect and promotes a sense of spirituality.
Mustard: a golden mustard yellow often brings a sense of optimism and the promise of a positive future.
Blue: as with the sky and the ocean, blue is a calming constant. It has a calming effect and often associated with cleanliness and rest.

Imagery found in Acceptance:
Dominoes: the domino effect, facing your consequences, action and reaction, strategy and game-playing can all be associated with dominos.
Birds: birds can mean flying to safety, renewal of life and peace.
Vines: regeneration, opportunity, continuation and connection can all be associated with vines.
Pears: pear trees are long living and are often associated with longevity . The pear shape is very feminine and also symbolizes fertility and knowledge.

Love Can Make the World Go Round by Diana Kennedy

10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* Basic Grey Pyrus Pomaceous * Basic Grey Pyrus Pyrinae * Basic Grey Pyrus Snow Pear * Crate Paper Restoration Doilies * Crate Paper Restoration Flea Market * Harmonie Bella Bohemia Petits Fleurs * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Happy For You - Precious Stripe * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Open Your Heart - Berry Stem * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Sisters - Peaceful Plum * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Sweet Chic - Focused

2 Sheets Specialty Paper:
* Basic Grey Pyrus Doilies - Tea Towel (die cut) * Harmonie Bella Bohemia Bouquet (die-cut)

Embellishments:
*American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Thickers: Fantastic - Wine (foam) * Basic Grey Pyrus Alpha Sticker - Micro Monograms * Mark Richards Mint Pearls, 25 * Mark Richards Cabochons, Iridescent Brown, 1/2 sheet * MME So Sophie – Graceful Happy for You Accessories Card * MME So Sophie – Graceful Open Your Heart - Title * Seven Gypsies Mini Ephemera Gypsy, 5 pcs * Harmonie Precut Shapes Wood Flower * Sassafras Entwined Blossoms Turkish Turquoise, 3 pcs * Websters Vintage Sparklers Plum, 3 pcs * Basic Grey Pyrus Die-Cut Shapes – Pieces, 1/4 package * Jillibean Soup Kraft Shipping Tags: Repair Tag * Melissa Frances Mini Envelopes and Tags, 2 * Basic Grey Pyrus Sparkling Rubs , full package * Prima Bronte Blooms - Bisque, 3 pcs * Prima Roosevelt - Delano, 3 pcs * Creative Impressions Twill Trim, Caramel, 1/2 yd * Maya Road Pleat Ribbons, Cream, 1/2 yd

Cardstock:
* American Crafts Wine* American Crafts Mustard *American Crafts Kraft *American Crafts Geyser

Technique:
* Prima Masks, Patterns, 1 pc

Color:
* Tsukineko Psst! Shimmer Spritz, Gold

Contents may vary slightly.

Click on the ACCEPTANCE link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Never Too Late to Explore Your Purpose

2010-11-05T14:26:00.001-07:00

We have already explored the first two challenges for Purpose, but there is always more too explore. Here are a few more to perk your creative juices.

October Challenge #3 Dog With A Bone

Tenacity: Are you like a dog with a bone in any part of your life? What have you accomplished by being tenacious? Do you wish you were more tenacious in some regard? Who in your life is truly tenacious, and what have you learned from their example? Can you ever be too tenacious – too tied to an outcome and its implementation by your efforts?

Never let your persistence and passion turn into stubbornness and ignorance. Anthony J. D'Angelo

How has tenacity or stubbornness helped or hindered you?

For the design twist, please make something grab, hold or cling on your page.

October Challenge #4, Decision/Time

Resolved: How do you know when you’ve made a decision you can live with? Do you prefer to keep things flexible until it’s totally necessary to settle on one thing or another, or are you quick to make your decisions and move on? Has someone in your life ever made a decision that has impacted you in a major way, for better or for worse, and what was your response?

Please create a LO about an important decision you or someone else made that has/is impacted/impacting you.

For the design twist, please use a time image - like the calendar pcs on the crate paper, or a clock...or something else entirely!

October Challenge #5, Goals/Words

Goals: What are your main goals? Are they equally distributed between the personal and professional areas of your life? What have you accomplished in the last year, and what do you hope to accomplish this coming year? Do you share your goals with people in your life, or do you keep them to yourself – are you ever afraid that letting them be known will diminish your chances of fulfilling them?

How do you feel about what you've accomplished this year? What do you wish to accomplish next year? Tell us.

For the design twist, use words in a stylized way - using the font or size or position in your design choice. Are your goals small or large? Are they in your grasp or floating in the clouds?

Purpose Challenge #2

2010-10-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Intention: One definition for purpose is intention. How do you participate in creating your future by setting intentions? Do you think your life is haphazard or guided by decisions that you make? Are there methods you use to focus your plans – are you a list maker, a planner, a dreamer? Or do you prefer to let the wind and waves of life carry you? Do you feel different about this question in different areas of your life?

The universe may have a purpose, but nothing we know suggests that, if so, this purpose has any similarity to ours. Bertrand Russell

I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions. Augusten Burroughs

For challenge #2 please create a LO about setting intentions. Does it work?

For the design twist, please pick a unique focal point for your layout.

Here is Diana Kennedy's twist on the challenge. Her focal point is her picture in the middle of the layout.

Inspiration notes: I have always made a list for everything, what I want to do, where I want to go, things to do, things to buy...sometimes I get so caught up in making lists, I don't get anything done...and most of all I don't live life in the moment. Sometimes it is good to let go of the list and just be.

Purpose Challenge #1

2010-10-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

What's Your Purpose?

Meaning: Do you know what your purpose is? Does your work, your family life, your avocation give you a sense of meaning and value? What parts of your life aren't working, and what could you do to change that? Do you believe that there's a purpose for your life that was decided for you by a greater force, or do you determine your own meaning? Is there such a thing at 'mattering'? How you would you know if you did matter?
For our first Purpose layout challenge, please create a layout about your purpose and how it is divided between the different parts of your life.

For the design twist, show us the slices of the pie of your time...

So what is your client's purpose? What is your purpose as their therapist?

Here is Diana Kennedy's interpretation of the first challenge.

New Kit ~ Purpose

2010-10-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

What is your client’s life mission? What aspirations do they hold or find most dear? Gain deeper insight and inspire hope in your client to help them achieve their goals by using our newest kit, PURPOSE.

This kit is all about what moves your client and what gives them personal meaning. Modern and right on trend, the PURPOSE kit is inspired by the SteamPunk movement full of symbolism and imagery that will motivate and inspire your client.

Buy the PURPOSE kit now: only $46.95 with material for at least ten journaling pages - less than $4.70 for an opportunity to truly deepen understanding...

Colors found in Purpose:

Green: a relaxing and soothing color, green symbolizes regeneration and renewal. Green is also symbolic of the heart, to feel compassion and allow one to open themselves to possibility.

Rose: with the same energy as red, rose promotes youth, fun and excitement. Bright pink has been found to encourage action, confidence and pride.

Aqua: a mix of green and blue, aqua is healing and balancing. It is also said that aqua helps with clear-thinking and decision making.

Black: is powerful and can evoke strong emotions that can be overwhelming. Black can also represent sophistication and potential.

Rust: a combination of red and brown rust radiates energy, activity and socialization. Rust created by the oxidization of iron, it can also represent longevity or artistic vitality eg. “Rust Never Sleeps”.

Imagery found in Purpose:

Gears & Clocks: the passage of time or shifting gears, moving forward or backward. Gears and clocks are rigid and measurable, whereas time is infinite and flowing.

Roses: are traditionally symbolic of love and beauty. They can also represent secrecy, devotion and wisdom.

Wings: can symbolize heroism and the divine. Wings whether it be a butterfly or an angel can also symbolize travel, protection or spirituality.

Purpose Mandala by Diana Kennedy

The Purpose Kit Includes:

10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper: * Crate Paper Restoration Ruffles * Crate Paper Restoration Slipcover * Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Steampunk Debutante * Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Ephemera Extraordinaire * Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Fantasy Floral * Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Time Flies * Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Nouveau Artistry * Kaisercraft Lush Cherry Blossom * Kaisercraft Lush Bonsai * Kaisercraft Lush Maple

2 Sheets Specialty Paper: * Crate Paper Restoration Cent (die-cut) * Teresa Collins Travel Ledger Travel Clocks (transparency)

Embellishments: *Basic Grey Wander Chip Sticker ABCs, Green * Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Clear Letters - Brown * Seven Gypsies Gem Gears, 3 pcs * Maya Road Kraft Collection Window Envelopes, 2 pcs * Melissa Frances Ephemera Stickers, General Store, 1/2 sheet * Basic Grey Basics Small Details, 3 pcs * Basic Grey Pyrus Glazed Brads, 6 pcs * Crate Paper Restoration Chipboard Accents, 7 pcs * G45 Staples Chipboard Buttons, 6 pcs * Jillibean Soup Corrugated Shapes, Arrows 4 pcs * Maya Road Wood Bingo Markers, 4 pcs * Websters Little Whimsy Flowers, Green 3 pcs * Basic Grey Basics, Journaling Transparencies, Take Note, 2 pcs * Kaisercraft Lush Mini Journal Tags, 3 pcs * Basic Grey Basics Canvas Tags, 2 pcs * Prima Flowers , Tuscany Seaside, 2 pcs * American Crafts I Do Ribbon Steel Lasercut Velvet, 1/2 yd * Creative Impressions Twine, 3 ft

Cardstock: * American Crafts Charcoal * American Crafts Black *American Crafts Rust *American Crafts Jade

Technique: * Tim Holtz Masks, Timeworks

Color: * Tim Holtz Distress Stickles, Rusty Hinge

Click on the PURPOSE link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Enlightenment Challenges

2010-10-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

September Challenge #1, Open Mind/Newly Open

Open-Minded: A teacher of mine once said that “you should be open minded, but not so open-minded that your brains fall out.” How open minded are you? Have you always been a ‘live and let live’ kind of person, or have you evolved in that way over the years? Are there specific areas on your life where you are more closed to new ideas? Where do you take a particularly enlightened approach? Do you want to change those things about yourself, or are you content? Has someone in your past been an influence on how open or closed you are – either by your following their example, or purposely moving away from it?

Where in life have you seen yourself become more open-minded as the years have progressed?

For the design twist, please add something that opens on your page in away you never have - so if you're a journaling-hider, don't hide that - pick another element!

September Challenge #2, Light the Way/Fixture

Illuminate the Darkness: What life experiences and growth have allowed you to shine a light on others in a dark place? When have you been able to ‘turn the light on’ for yourself after a period of loss, sadness or grief? How good are you at lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness? What is your role in lighting the way for others? Is it overstepping your bounds to speak your truth, or do you offer your gifts freely? What have others done for you to illuminate your path and provide insight?

When and how have you turned the light on after a period of your own or someone else's deep sadness?

For the design twist, please use a light fixture in your imagery...a lamp or lightbulb? The outline of a spotlight?

September Challenge #3, Faith/Less Familiar Symbols

Enlightenment, Faith & Spirit: Our world is filled with myriad ways to access the life of the spirit. Which ways do you choose, in action and deed, to be connected to your source? Do you follow the route that your family laid out for you or have your charted your own course? What, if anything, is unenlightened about your religious or spiritual tradition? How do you make peace, or struggle with this? Why did you make the choice you did? Are you still struggling with faith and spirituality? What traditions/symbols and beliefs from other cultures and faiths speak to you? Do you choose not to be spiritually connected? Why?

Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. Morihei Ueshiba

Please create a LO about any part of faith that you have struggled with...

And for the design twist, please use a symbol from a faith not your own...

September Challenge #4, Belief v. Knowledge/Sign of Certainty

You wouldn't say that you 'believe' in electricity, but you can't see it. What's the difference between what you believe and what you KNOW? Is the nature of faith in anything about choosing a belief, or having a knowledge of something you can't see?

For the design twist, please use a sign of certainty...check mark? 'OK'?...

September Challenge #5, Mindfulness/Outside

Mindfulness & Self-Awareness: Psychologists refer to the ability to think about your thoughts and evaluate them as ‘meta-cognition’ or, more broadly as ‘mindfulness.’ How introspective are you? Are you able to step outside yourself and look at your own process, or do you often find yourself getting caught up in the moment, reactive, rather than observing? What steps do you take, or could you take, to slow down and really see your choices, your actions and your underlying beliefs?

Not creating delusions is enlightenment. Bodhidharma

Please create a LO about ways in which you do, or would like to, look at yourself as an observer.

For the design twist, please utilize the outside edge of your page!

New Kit ~ Enlightenment

2010-09-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

What awareness, insight and magic makes your soul soar? Explore your client’s most fervent beliefs and deepen your understanding with them by using our newest kit, ENLIGHTENMENT.

This kit is all about looking beneath the surface at what moves your client, and what spiritual expressions have shaped their path. Beautiful, exotic designs, rich color and meaningful symbolism will light your way.

Using the creative process through paper art, you will help your client acheive insight , develop meaning and purpose resulting in understanding and resolution.

Buy the ENLIGHTENMENT kit now: only $46.95 with material for at least ten journaling pages - less than $4.70 for an opportunity to truly deepen understanding...

Colors found in Enlightenment:

Orange: a warm color associated with happiness, creativity and is stimulating to the mind and to the appetite. Orange is the color of fall and harvest and is symbolic of strength and endurance.

Turquoise: between blue and green, turquoise represents transformation and connection with spirit and the divine. It is a soothing color that promotes healing and calmness.

Red: the color of fire and passion, red is high energy and powerful. It promotes action to move forward with confidence.

Brown: is grounding and neutral. It connects you to the earth and conveys warmth and steadfastness.

Imagery found in Enlightenment:

Peacock feathers: good fortune, patience and kindness. The feathers are also symbolic of the ability to thrive in the face of suffering as the peacock’s diet consists of poisonous plants.

Paisley: the symbol of life and spiritual significance. The design is said to be the convergence between a floral spray and the ancient Cyprus tree.

Crystals: a precious material, crystal symbolizes purity and innocence.

Butterflies: are associated with transformation and new beginnings or profound changes in the soul.

The Enlightenment Kit Includes:

7 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* Bo Bunny Gypsy Gypsy * Bo Bunny Gypsy Curry * Bo Bunny Gypsy Spice * Magenta Gypsy Lilianne * Magenta Gypsy Maile * The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer, Aegean Swirl * The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer Whitewash

5 Sheets Specialty Paper:
* The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer Moroccan Tile * The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer Enchantment * The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer Alahambra * Hambly Screenprints Peacock Feather, Teal Blue on Bronze * Bo Bunny Gypsy Journey Die Cut

Embellishments:
*American Crafts Thickers Fabric Salutations, Chestnut * Basic Grey Max and Whiskers, Micro Mono Alpha Stickers * The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer Shaped Jewels, 1 pc * Mark Richards Crystal Stickers Orange, ½ sheet * American Crafts Remarks Dimensional Chipboard, Social Butterfly * Bo Bunny Gypsy Combo Sticker – Alpha, Border and Die Cut * Vintaj Brass Attic Window * The Paper Company Mediterranean Summer Fabric Buttons, 3 pcs * Maya Road Trinket Pendant Beads, Dangling Chandelier, 8 pcs. * Harmonie Pacifique, Orange Ribbon on Chipboard Design * Maya Road Kraft Cards and Envelopes, Library Cards, 2 pcs. * Prima Caravan Desert Sun, 1 pc. * Prima Exotic Gardenia, Malaysia, 2 pcs * Global Solutions Self Adhesive Wax Seals, Sun / white pearl wax / gold ink, 1 pc. * Creative Impressions Crepe Ribbon, Cream, 1 ½ inch, ½ yd.

Cardstock:
* Core’dinations Montego Bay * Core’dinations Aquarium * Core’dinations Gemstones Tiger's Eye * American Crafts White Damask

Technique:
* Elizabeth Craft Lotus Peel Offs and Be Creative Magic Tape, 5.5 x 8.5

Color:
* Sakura Gelly Roll, Stardust – Copper Pen

Click on the ENLIGHTENMENT link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

There is More to Discover with our Challenges!

2010-08-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

As part of our Monthly Inspiration we offer several challenges throughout the month to stimulate discussion and encourage a creative way of expressing ourselves and in your clients. Take a look at our DISCOVERY challenges and see where it will take you!

Challenge #1
Please create a LO about an AHA moment in your life - a moment when you disovered something that had previously been unknown to you and it hit you like a flash.

For the design twist, please include a surprise element - something that pops out, pulls out, appears from nowhere.

Challenge #2
Don’t Tell Me: What do you shy away from knowing to protect yourself? Are there difficult truths which you avoid in order to keep feeling good, or to avoid feeling bad? Are these truths about you and who you really are, or about the roles that others play in your life? Are there stories in your family that are kept secret which you choose not to pursue? What do you hide about yourself from others, and why?

All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why. James Thurber

Please create a LO about something you avoid/have avoided discovering...are there untold truths that you'd just as soon not know?

For the design twist, please separate your photos from the truth - be it your title, or another representation of the thing you avoid.

Nancy Doren one of our designers created a layout in response to Challenge #2

Nancy Doren

Journaling Reads: What is the truth I am hiding from myself? How can I say if I am truly hiding it? I know this: it is so very easy to see weakness in others, which means they must see the same in me. If I’m brave enough, I can seek the help of those around me to discover the things about me that I’d like to change.

Challenge #3
Photos Matter: What do you discover about yourself by looking at photos of yourself at different life stages? Does your expression, your clothing, the background, tell a story about you that has changed over time? Could you feel yourself changing and growing, or is it only evident looking backwards?

This is the first of 2 photo challenges...

Please use 2 or more photos to elucidate something you've discovered about yourself by looking at photos taken over time...

For the design twist, please 'age' your photos in some way - with age #s, distressing or sepia/black and white...

Challenge #4
Baggage: We all carry some? What baggage do you carry with you on this life journey? Is it trouble from your childhood, memory of a great loss, or a misguided belief about yourself? Are you ashamed of your baggage, do you accept it, or do you even wear it as a badge of honor? Do others see the baggage you carry clearly, or do you try to hide it? How do you negotiate the relative weight of your baggage when it comes to that of your spouse, significant other or a family member or friend?

Please create a LO about the baggage you carry from your past...is it heavy? What does it look and feel like? An old steamer trunk? A hobo pack?

For the design twist, show us the physical shape of your baggage in some 3D way...

Challenge #5
End of the Road: What is your image of success, the outcome and destination of your efforts? What do you wish to accomplish in the different realms of your life – personal, professional, physical, mental or spiritual? How will you know when you’ve reached your destination? Have you striven to accomplish a goal and found out when you reached it that your goal had actually moved? How much pressure do you feel to ‘accomplish’ rather than be in the moment and in the process? Does the end always justify the means? Do you value the journey, or only the destination?

Please create a LO about what you see as the 'destination' for you...how will you know you've arrived at your goals?

For the design twist, please show us how lofty your goals are by placing their images or descriptions high on your LO...it's a switch!

Challenge #6
Physical Place: Where have you actually journeyed and how have your travels changed you? Are there places you long to go? What has stopped you from getting there so far – money, time, anxiety? Have you ever dreamt of going somewhere and then been let down when you actually experienced the place you had fantasized about? Is travel for you fun and adventurous, or scary? What have the places you’ve visited helped you discover about yourself, or about your traveling companions?

Please create a LO about the role of travel in your life...

For the design twist, please use a map image in a unique way!

New Kit ~ Discovery

2010-08-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

Where are you headed? Are you a seeker, a traveler, a passenger on this life’s journey? Come fly with us and our newest kit, DISCOVERY. All aboard for adventure, self-awareness and the future! Join us on the path to the real you with DISCOVERY. We’ve repurposed wonderful travel themed paper and embellishments to help you take the inner journey…the road less traveled. are and where they want to go.

This kit is about motivating your client to see within themselves who they are and where they want to go. Encourage creativity and flow in your client by immersing them in the artistic process resulting in learning, positive energy, and the possibilities for spontaneous disoveries and inner understanding.

Buy the DISCOVERY kit now: only $46.95 with material for at least ten journaling pages - less than $4.70 for an opportunity to truly deepen understanding...

Colours found in Discovery:
Blue: Cool and calming, it also represents communication, increase personal thought, profound insights and instant understanding.
Orange: Fun and flamboyant, stimulates activity that radiates warmth and energy.
Green: Soothing and relaxing, alleviates depression and anxiety, renewal.
Brown: Connects us with the earth, promotes stability, organic.

Imagery found in Discovery:
Compass: Four directions, to reach around, to intend or imagine beyond its borders.
Airplane: To fly, to visit places around the world without touching the ground.
Camera: To focus, a photosensitive mosaic, to see things differently through a lens or enclosure. Ship Wheel: Steering in a particular direction, to repeat or complete a cycle, to progress.

The Kit Includes:
10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* Bo Bunny Mamarazzi Mamarazzi Flash * Bo Bunny Mamarazzi Mamarazzi Slides * Bo Bunny Mamarazzi Aperture * Kaisercraft Pack your Bags Travel Map * Kaisercraft Pack your Bags Compass * Kaisercraft Pack your Bags Postcards * Basic Grey Basics Poll (single-sided) * Little Yellow Bicycle Pack your Bags Fly Away * Little Yellow Bicycle Pack your Bags Suitcases * Little Yellow Bicycle Pack your Bags Orange Hexagon

2 Sheets Specialty Paper:* Little Yellow Bicycle Traveler Compass Rose (thermal printed) * LYB PackYour Bags Decorative Edge Ledger (die cut)

Embellishments:
*American Crafts Thickers Puffy Honey Copper * Harmonie Peel Off Alphas, white * Mark Richards Nailheads, Orange * Magenta Chipboard Captain's Wheel * LYB Pack Your Bags Cardstock Borders, 1 sheet * Seven Gypsies Avignon Mini Label Sticker, Travel * The Paper Company Time to Travel Fabric Buttons, 3 pcs * The Paper Company Time to Travel Wood Seals, 3 * Seven Gypsies Avignon Paper Clip Dangles, 1 * My Mind's Eye Life Stories Notes From Here Journaling Card * LYB Pack Your Bags Journal Tablet, 4 pcs * Bo Bunny Mamarazzi Negatives Rubon, Full Sheet * Jillibean Soup Canvas Flowers, Brown Type * Prima Magical Blossoms Peach Harvest, 2 * Maya Road Trinket Blossoms. Medallion, Cream and Brown, 2 * Creative Impressions Twill Ribbon Expressions The Joy of Discovery * Pink Paislee Artisan Tape, orange

Cardstock:
* Core’dinations Vintage Burnt Sugar * Core’dinations Olive * Core’dinations Portal Blue * Core’dinations Tangerine

Stamp:
* Glitz Vintage Love Compass Stamp

Contents may vary slightly.

Click on the DISCOVERY link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces. For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Inspiration, Tips and Free Product

2010-07-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Did you know that every month we provide dialogue-stimulating challenges to spur the creative process? These creative challenges, along with a design twist that adds a right-brain approach, can be used as is or they can inspire your own soul-searching questions to use as a tool to promote discussion, understanding and healing for your clients.

Need Inspiration?

This month's COURAGE Kit explores what it means to be courageous...is it a waving flag, bungee jumping, or quietly facing your darkest fears?

Here are the challenges for COURAGE...take a look and see how one of our designers took on one of the challenges!

Challenge #1, No Courage/Negative Image
Wimping Out: Is there a time that nags at you when you lacked courage? A time when you couldn’t stand up for yourself, or for someone else? A time when you made the choice that was easy, took the path of least resistance, or just didn’t go as far as you would have liked? Is it true that we only regret the chances we didn’t take? Are you angry at the younger you who made those decisions, or have you been able to forgive yourself? Was there a long term impact of what you didn’t do?

"The opposite for courage is not cowardice, it is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow. Jim Hightower"

Please create a page about a time that you lacked courage, and how it has impacted you long term. For the design twist, please use NEGATIVE SPACE...the space around an object or form in your page.

Challenge #2, Backbone/Column
Backbone: Your backbone is what keeps you standing tall and upright, so the backbone has become a metaphor for what helps you stand up on the inside. What helps you feel strong and courageous? What are the external and internal supports that give you backbone? Is there someone who ‘has your back’ that you can rely on as well?

Please create a page about the thing (or person) in your life that supports you and gives you courage. For the design twist, please include some kind of column, spine, or backbone on your page.

Challenge #3, Show Us Your Wings
Your Wings: If you had wings, would they currently be strong, flexible, big or small, birdlike or like an airplane? Are they in good shape or broken in some way? If something is broken, what would it take to repair them? Do you have the tools?

Please create a page about your wings...and the design twist...add wings.

Challenge #4, Most Courageous/Heart
Most Courageous: Who is the most courageous person you know? Is it someone you know in real life or someone famous that you admire? What about them do you find courageous? What do you think or know shaped their path to make them a courageous person? Do they possess a courage that you wish to have or is it in a different realm than you need for the challenges you face in life?

"You don't develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity. Epicurus"

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' Eleanor Roosevelt"

Please create a page about the person you find most courageous and what YOU would like to learn from that person. For the design twist, please use a heart image or suggest a heart in your design to show their strong heart.

Challenge #5, Under Fire/Medal
Courage Under Fire: This phrase comes from what brave soliders are lauded for – being courageous when things really get tough. When in your life have you been strong under circumstances when you thought that maybe you couldn’t? What were the difficulties that you faced that felt like bullets flying overhead? In your worst moments, did you feel that you were being brave, or did you not notice and just forge ahead as you needed to? Have you seen others in very difficult life situations behave the same way?

Please create a page about a time when you were crawling on your belly while bullets flew. Were you scared or just pushing through? For the design twist, give yourself a medal to honor your bravery...create one using a star image that makes you feel like you've been awarded.

Challenge #6, Feel the Fear/Edge of Adventure
Feel the Fear: It’s been said that you can’t go around, you can only go through. Some people say that you can’t achieve real growth in an area that frightens you until you face what you’re most fearful of. Are you a person who can ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ or do you tend to wait to become more comfortable before you leap?

"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway. John Wayne"

"Courage is not the absence of despair; it is, rather, the capacity to move ahead in spite of despair. Rollo May"

"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. George S. Patton"

Is there an area of life where you still need to face your fear? Tell us about it... For the design twist, please use an image of adventure on the edge - skydiving, the high-diving board, a cliff...

You Don't Need Much To Get Started:
One of our designers, Diana Kennedy, created this page using Challenge #3. She used a basic supply kit consisting of scissors, paper trimmer, black pen and some adhesive to create this lovely work of art using the COURAGE Kit.

Journaling reads: I have wings so I can fly -they are strong and they will carry me through life's triumphs and trials. And if I fall, I will have courage to fly again.

See How Our Kits Produced Creative Results From Clients:
These pages were created as a result of a 90 minute group therapy session using the STRENGTH kit. Clients were asked to bring a photograph of themselves to the session and a basic supply kit was provided by the therapist. The session included an informal creative session at the beginning followed by a formal therapy session afterwards.

Laura

Olivia

Interested in trying out our COURAGE Kit for FREE? First, become a follower of this blog, and then leave a COMMENT on this post about what makes YOU feel courageous. We'll randomly select someone to win the COURAGE kit, a $46.95 value. A winner will be announced on Friday, August 6th.

We'd love to have you join us!

New Kit ~ Courage

2010-07-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

Our newest kit, COURAGE, is ready for shipping!

This kit of beautiful papers and embellishments is filled with summery colors, textures and images of stars representing bravery and valour. Think of what courage means to you...is it a waving flag, bungee jumping, or quietly facing your darkest fears? We’ll be exploring all this and more this month with our newest kit, COURAGE.

You will be able to guide your clients to show them that they are brave, smart and ready for their future!

Courage can be strength of mind or spirit in the face of danger or in moments of crisis or difficulty. Clients will be able to explore their feelings of doubt, anxiety or loss and how they can better cope with or face their fears. This kit and the exploration found within can help clients find the courage to stand up for themselves and reinforce their convictions and beliefs.

Colors featured in Courage:

Yellow: Energy, Intellect, Strength, Stimulation, Joy
Red: Fire, Excitement, Power, Vitality
Blue: Peace, Faith, Soothing, Creativity, Truth, Independance

Imagery found in Courage:

Stars - Bravery, Courage, Patriotism
Wings - Angel, Peace, Doves
Hands - Reaching out, Assistance
Umbrella - Shelter, Safety

The Kit Includes:
11 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* GCD Artsy Urban Red Flower *GCD Artsy Urban Petit Floral *Glitz Kismet Floral *Glitz Kismet Ledger *Glitz Kismet Stripe *Glitz Kismet Numbers *Lily Bee Hello Sunshine Fly a Kite *Lily Bee Hello Sunshine Savannah *Lily Bee Hello Sunshine Posies *Lily Bee Hello Sunshine Twirl *Pink Paislee 365 Degrees Dream Big

1 Sheet Specialty Paper:
* GCD Ava Sunny Pinwheels (shimmer)

Embellishments:
*American Crafts Thickers Printed Chipboard, Regards, Honey *American Crafts Minimarks Rubons, Martha, Cherry *Mark Richards Crystal Stickers, Turquoise, 1/3 sheet *GCD Chip Art Stars, 7 pcs. *Lily Bee Hello Sunshine die cut frames, 2 pcs. *My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary - Favorite Thing Umbrella die cut *Buzz and Bloom Fineliner Patchwork Yankee Doodle , 1 pc. *Jenni Bowlin Buttons, Red, 4 pcs. *Melissa Francis Resin Heaven Sent Wings, 1 pkg. *My Mind's Eye Life Stories Touched my Heart Journaling Card *Glitz Kismet Journaling Cardstock Stickers, 1 sheet *Creative Impressions Felt shapes Yellow Star, 4 pcs. *Prima Innocence Woodgrain White Flowers, 3 pcs. *Prima Liliput Roses Yellow, 3pcs. *Global Solutions Self Adh Wax Seals, IWS open star/ Banana Wax/silver ink, 1 pc *Creative Impressions Gingham Mini Check, yellow/ white, ½ yd *Websters Pages Trim - red lace, ½ yd

Cardstock:
* Core’dinations Core Impressions , Jenni Bowlin Burnt Sugar Embossed Stars * Core’dinations Whitewash, Butter Churn * Core’dinations Nassau Blue * Core’dinations Core Impressions Cosmo Cricket Red Pepper Embossed Dot

Color:
* SEI Ink Blocks, Turquoise

Stamp:
* My Mind's Eye Laundry Line, Authentic

Contents may vary slightly.

Click on the COURAGE link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces.For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

WTF?

2010-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Nancy Doren, Design Team Coordinator for Scrapbooking From The Inside Out. Here she uses the Anger Kit to express her Anger! This is a repost from her blog Paperview.

Okay, I'm not usually a WTF'er (there are more elegant forms of expression), but I felt like this layout really called for it. It is of course made with the Anger kit, and was probably my angriest layout this month.

The journaling reads: Are you SERIOUS?? How could have you been so mean to my family? You were supposed to be the nicest people around. Yet you were horrible to us. You treated us like sh!t. Even now, 15 years later, just thinking about some of the things you said and did to my family makes me boil with rage. You were supposed to be high-minded, peaceful, spiritual people...yet you were just the opposite. I wish I could go back and punch each one of you in the face.
Yep. Still pretty steamed about that one! Can you tell? :) I'm not usually a paper distresser, but I busted out the scratch marks for this one. I do feel better after making this page...I feel like I have externalized my anger.

Sooo...what are you pissed about?

Exploring Anger: Betrayal

2010-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Betrayal

Have you been betrayed by a loved one – a parent, spouse, or other family member? How did you express the anger and hurt associated with the betrayal? How deeply, and for how long, did this betrayal affect you? Are you a changed person because of it? Did the age or stage of life at which you were change your perception of the betrayal?

Diana Kennedy explores the topic of Betrayal using the Anger Kit for June 2010 and wrote about one of her ex-boyfriends:

He was my first boyfriend ever...and it turned into five years of figuring out how to get out of the situation. On the surface (and this may come as a shock to any family members who might read this) he seemed to be a nice guy...but behind the scenes he was emotionally, mentally abusive...he used me, threatened me...near the end of the relationship it was becoming quite clear that it was taking the physical abusive route...in some very personal ways it already was.

He admitted he picked me out to be his girlfriend as he knew I could be easily manipulated...and it was true...I was innocent and thrilled that a guy had an interest in me... He was a bigot and a bully and I have no patience for people like that anymore.

He skewed my understanding of what a healthy relationship should be and sometimes certain things come back...flashbacks...it could be an action, or something somebody said that brings back a memory or a situation I was once in.

Occasionally I have to tell my husband...I think this way because he did this to me...and my husband listens to me patiently...and he understands why I feel a certain way or reacted in a particular manner. I am on the road to healing...thank god for my husband, because now I know what love and respect is all about.

Ex-boyfriend taught me some hard life lessons...I feel betrayed....my heart had been torn....and over the years and in the end I have forgiven you, but I certainly have not forgotten...the anger still comes back sometimes, but I am learning to let go.

New Kit - Anticipation

2010-05-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

Our newest kit, ANTICIPATION, is ready for shipping.

These beautiful, evocative, simple to use materials will help your client answer the question "What are you waiting for?"

Life is full of perched moments – ones in which we anxiously await our next steps, or the path that life has chosen for us. Sometimes we wait with patience and tranquility; sometimes we’re vibrating with possibility and ache to reach out with both hands toward the future.

Getting those feelings down on paper are key in your client's journey toward wholeness. Being able to identify experiences in the past where one has been disappointed after waiting for an outcome, and process those experiences, can help bring closure to past hurts and losses.

Conversely, a client mired in fear or anxiety about the future may benefit from using these materials to explore what fun, adventure and new challenges lie just around the bend. Concepts such as hope, eagerness and expectation are a perfect fit for this kit.

Images included in this kit are keys and keyholes, doors, green, budding leaves, an ampersand sign, a rubber stamp with a pointing hand and an RSVP card, and sparkling bright embellishments. The colors, fuchsia, lime green, blue and black take this kit, and subject, from light to dark and back with ease. There are two sets of alphabets, and lots of cards on which to journal.

As we do for each theme, we've assembled the best inspiration - quotations, a music playlist, journaling prompts, sample inspiration from our designers, and stock photos to elicit a deep, meaningful response to this month's subject matter.

Click on the ANTICIPATION link on the right sidebar to see all the free inspiration we offer for you and your client, and to buy your kit now, before they're all gone. You can use this kit for one client over a long period of time, or with multiple clients - each kit has enough materials to create at least 10 pieces.

For information about subscribing to our monthly program, email Rachel at VisualJournaling@gmail.com.

Available Themes - Emotions for your Clients to Explore

2010-04-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Comfort, Joy, Gratitude, Regret, Patience, Compassion, Spirit, Clarity, Hope, Renewal, Strength, Safety, Yearning, Loss, Generosity, Peace

Click on the links on the right to access everything you'll need to help those you help dig deeper.

Go Beyond Words with Visual Journaling from The Pages of Your Life

2010-04-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

The team at The Pages of Your Life is excited to announce our new program for therapists and clients, launching now!

We are the creative force behind the most innovative concept in the scrapbook and paper crafts industry - the kit club, community and inspirational source, Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Since 2008, we've created and offered paper crafting kits that use a trademarked approach to color, design, and journaling to help crafters explore their inner worlds. We take a deeper approach to scrapbooking - using it as a tool for self-exploration, self-awareness and self- discovery. No one in our industry offers what we do.

I created this approach out of my own therapy. Scrapbooking events and vacations was unfulfilling - but as I began to expand on my written therapeutic journaling by using icons, colors and basic symbolism, my ability to understand my struggles, challenges and stretches in a richer way was greatly enhanced.

The benefit of this approach over traditional art therapy? It's approachable, formatted, supportive, uses multi-media techniques, and feels doable whether or not the user has any art training, or self-described artistic ability. The catharsis available is profound, and allows therapist and client to deepen their understanding of the client's inner world in a most meaningful way.

We'll be offering our Visual Journaling kits right now in two ways - online, and at our first in-person event for therapists - the 2010 CAMFT conference in Los Angeles at the end of April. Stay tuned for more information about our kits and our support.

For more information, please email me at visualjournaling@gmail.com.

Rachel Kaufman