A Map Of Your Heart

If this is your first visit to Wrapped Emotions, it would be helpful for you to read this post. Thanks for visiting.

To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to keep your soul alive. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Knowing what you truly love is the key to loving how you live. A simple way to begin to know what you truly love is to gather beautiful images that speak to your soul. So, let's do just that.

Gather scissors, glue, your favorite magazines and your art journal. Place them all together in a basket or other container and keep it by your bed. At night after the kids are asleep, the day's responsibilities are (hopefully) taken care of and you can devote a few minutes of relaxed down time (stop laughing), crawl up on your bed and flip through the magazines. When you see a picture you love, cut it out and paste it in your art journal. Spend several quiet moments doing this. When finished, put your journal away for another night.

I realize that night may not be your relaxing time or your bed may not be your comfy contemplative place, adjust accordingly. Find your spot.

Now listen to me because this part is very important. Do not over think your choices. You do not need to have a reason why an image speaks to you...it simply must speak to you. Also, do not plan or fret over the arrangement of the images on the page, just paste them on a page one at a time. Let your collages happen, evolve.

Now listen to me again. If you begin this one night and the love is not flowing, drop it. You will know if you are forcing the process. Also, do not feel like you must work on this every night.

At the end of two weeks, (yes, do this for two weeks) crawl onto your bed, snuggle up with your art journal and look at the pages you have created. I expect that you will find colors, patterns, themes, styles, things...something...which reveals loves, hopes, passions you've never realized. Your collages will give you directions where your heart wants to go...a map of your heart.

Try it.

Tell me, where does the map of your heart lead?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the specifics of weekly participation:

* Leisurely, happily create your project for the week.
* Post a photo or scan of it on your blog any time, any day Tuesday through Sunday with as many or as few words as you choose to accompany it...no words?...no problem...unless the week's prompt calls for words.
* If you so choose, and I love it when you choose, include the WE button in your post. If you choose not to post the button (and I will still love you), please link back to the current week's post at WE within the text of your post. Thank you. Grab the button code.
* Come to Wrapped Emotions and sign Mr. Linky with the direct link to your WE post for the week. Please don't make visitors scroll and search for your week's contribution by merely linking to your homepage.
* After signing Mr. Linky, please also leave a comment on the Mr. Linky post here at WE.
* Use Mr. Linky to visit the blogs of fellow participants. You have all week to pop in and out to visit. Offer words of observation, sheer delight, support, encouragement or comfort.
* A new prompt will be posted each Tuesday.

Questions or comments about this week's prompt...please let me hear from you on this post.

A Map Of Your Heart ~ Mr. Linky

Bloggers participating in Wrapped Emotions' prompt, A Map Of Your Heart, please sign Mr. Linky below with the direct link to your post. Please note, this prompt is for two weeks.

Comments are always welcome. Thanks for sharing.

Wrapped Emotions Participants

1. Sheila of My Memories 2. Kim @ TheBitterBall 3. 2nd2theright(Mandy) 4. Liv

5. Julie @the Surrendered Scribe 6. Bridge 7. Angie @ Sonflower 8. Mimi/pz5wjj

9. Bonnie @ Simple Beauty 10. EA 11. Michelle Pendergrass

Learn more about Wrapped Emotions here.
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Today I Love...

If this is your first visit to Wrapped Emotions, it would be helpful to read this post first.

With Thanksgiving being next week everyone begins to ask the traditional question..."For what are you thankful?" This week let's put a little twist on that thought.

What do you love today?

For this week's prompt you will need to set aside a small block of uninterrupted time. *gasp* You can do it. You need to do it. Allow whatever amount of time you think it will take to complete the project. Get any art supplies ready ahead of time. Open your art journal to a clean page, date it and begin listing the things you love today...or whatever day you do the project.

No typing on the computer and printing words. It should be done in your handwriting. Make it neat, make it sloppy, make it uniquely yours. Doodle the words, fine line print, bold line print, scribble. Write horizontally, diagonally, backwards, upside down. Give the page some color and pop...paint the page first...collage the page first...color the page with marker. Do not be limited by these suggestions. But WRITE the lists...no typing and printing. What is important is that you know what you love today.

One more twist...in a creative way include a wrapper from one of the things you love today (or the day you do this). Remember, if a week's project is not completed on an actual journal page, take the time to lovingly place each one into your art journal.

So...What do you love today?
~~~
Here are the specifics of weekly participation:

* Leisurely, happily create your project for the week.
* Post a photo or scan of it on your blog any time, any day Tuesday through Sunday with as many or as few words as you choose to accompany it...no words?...no problem...unless the week's prompt calls for words.
* If you so choose, and I love it when you choose, include the WE button in your post. If you choose not to post the button (and I will still love you), please link back to the current week's post at WE within the text of your post. Thank you. Grab the button code.
* Come to Wrapped Emotions and sign Mr. Linky with the direct link to your WE post for the week. Please don't make visitors scroll and search for your week's contribution by merely linking to your homepage.
* After signing Mr. Linky, please also leave a comment on the Mr. Linky post here at WE.
* Use Mr. Linky to visit the blogs of fellow participants. You have all week to pop in and out to visit. Offer words of observation, sheer delight and when called for, words of support, encouragement or comfort.
* A new prompt will be posted each Tuesday.

Questions or comments about this week's prompt...please let me hear from you on this post

Mr. Linky ~ Today I Love...

Bloggers participating in Wrapped Emotions' weekly prompt, Today I Love..., please sign Mr. Linky below with the direct link to your project post. Remember to also leave a comment on this post so that you will be entered for the weekly giveaway. As always, thanks for sharing.

Wrapped Emotions Participants

1. Bonnie @ Simple Beauty 2. Sheila @ My Memories 3. Jenny is Live & in Color 4. Julie @the Surrendered Scribe 5. beingmade 6. Lynne\'s Somewhat Invented Life 7. EA 8. Nesting Momma

9. Angie @ Sonflower 10. Mandy@2ndTTR 11. Violet 12. phyllis (i\'m back!) 13. melody is slurping life 14. Kim@TheBitterBall 15. Irreverent, Barefoot Ragamuffins 16. Mimi/pz5wjj @ The Things We Do

17. killlashandra 18. Chelle 19. Tricia @ AlteredSchoolmarm 20. Donetta@ A life Uncommon 21. PhoenixTheBloggingMama 22. WindowsWideOpen

Learn more about Wrapped Emotions here.
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Mr. Linky ~ Re-Create Your Face

Bloggers participating in Wrapped Emotions' weekly prompt, Re-Create Your Face, please sign Mr. Linky below with the direct link to your project post. Remember to also leave a comment on this post so that you will be entered for the weekly giveaway. As always, thanks for sharing.

Wrapped Emotions Participants

1. Bonnie @ Simple Beauty 2. Mandy@2nd to the right 3. Tina at Tattered Too 4. sara - its not about that anyway 5. Julie @the Surrendered Scribe 6. Sheila @ My Memories 7. Donetta@ A life Uncommon

8. PhoenixTheBloggingMama! 9. Mimi/pz5wjj @ The Things We Do 10. killlashandra 11. melody is slurping life 12. Beverly 13. Angie @ Sonflower 14. Nesting Momma at My Nesting Place

15. Kim @ TheBitterBall 16. Chelle @ Triplets Are A Joy 17. Jenny is Live & in Color 18. beingmade

Learn more about Wrapped Emotions here.
View More Wrapped Emotions Participants
Get The Code

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We Felt With Our Hands and Hearts

Has anyone noticed that I am behind here? I spent my weekend away from the computer and out and about with my family. I touched a lot of things and people and will post my project this afternoon...late, and I apologize.

Also after our homeschool day is complete, I will post a bit of a recap of last week and the winner of this week's gift from Wrapped Emotions.

Wow, ladies! Your rubbings and words were amazing again. But then I've come to expect no less.

Guess what? Our new weekly prompt goes up tomorrow morning from our first guest blogger. You do not want to miss this one.

Back later today with my project and a more coherent post. Thanks for your inspiring creations.

Edited to add: Ladies, did anyone notice how everyone chose items from home or close to home to rub and share? I think this speaks volumes of our love of home and family...that or we could find no one to watch the kids while we escaped.

Seriously, I continue to be inspired and impressed with every single artistic creation and the emotions each of you eloquently share. Your projects, as well as my own, are opening my mind to new thoughts and my heart to a plethora of emotions. Thank you.

On to business, Random.org says the winner of this week's gift is Donna of Nesting Momma. Guess what? I haven't photographed your prize yet, so just wonder about it. But I will post a photo tomorrow. If you want to claim it, email me with a mailing address.

Do you remember that a few weeks ago I told you there would be a monthly guest blogger chosen from the ranks of WE participants? In few short hours the week's prompt goes up from our first guest blogger and you do not want to miss this one.

Giddiness and A Winner

Last week's works of art left me in the giddiest of moods. Each piece was unique in it's perspective and though some were begun with less than joyous moods, those moods evolved as you got into your creation. Some of us began happy and remained happy. A couple of you even admitted...for the first time...that you actually liked your art work. Woo Hoo!!! I think it's all progress along our journey to spark creativity and connect with our emotions.

Did you notice? Our number of participants this week was up. *happy dancing* I love company, and thanks to each of you for spreading the word about our soul searching creativity.

Now let's take care of business. The winner (via random.org) of her choice of one of the gorgeous brooches handcrafted by Zuda Gay is Sara of It's Not About That Anyway. Email me* and I'll put you in touch with Zuda Gay to claim your gift. Again, thank you Zuda Gay!

A confession...last week I never drew for a guest blogger. Life just got away from me and I forgot. However, I have drawn from this week's participants and random.org has chosen. Watch out...I'll be emailing you. I'm emailing rather than announcing here because that gives the chosen blogger the opportunity to discreetly decline. But please don't decline.

Finally, if you are participating and I have not added your blog to the blogroll, please let me know in comments or by email.

Back tomorrow with the prompt of the week.

*email me at melodyspins[at]gmail [dot]com

Legal Graffiti

If this is your first visit to Wrapped Emotions, it would be helpful to read this post first.

Wrapped Emotions is thrilled to again feature artist Zuda Gay. One lucky participant will win their choice of one of her handcrafted creations of beauty.

*Guest Blogger* I'll be emailing you...I chose from last week's participants...hey, get back here! You can't hide.

This week let loose...get edgy with your style...free your spirit...absolutely no fear. We had enough of that last week. This prompt is not associated with any tangible or figurative wrapper. I simply want you to experience the fun of creating. This week we're working to feel the emotion of JOY. Not necessarily expressing the actual word or symbolism of joy in your art...you can celebrate shoe polish if you choose. But enJOY the process. Let's create our own graffiti.

Graffiti artists develop their own styles. They work quickly, intuitively, randomly and never stop the process to think about what to do next. You should try anything, everything...collage, paint, stains, spray paint, markers, colored pencils, markers, stencils, doodling, marks, lines, swirls, symbols, written words, calligraphy, images (photos, magazine cutouts, photocopies, sketches), stamps, prints...whatever.

Think of urban graffiti walls. The art is vibrant, multi-layered, freestyle, textured. Do not over think as you work, and do not think neat, orderly. Think juxtaposition. If you have time, go on a search for public graffiti walls in your city or search online for images. Get inspired.

Here are examples of Traci Bautista's art journal graffiti pages...







Don't you feel fun and funky just looking at them? Wouldn't it feel joyous to let loose and create whatever? Yeah, let's do it!

Our pages are not expected to look like Traci's. Remember...no fear...no intimidation...no boundaries...

~~~
Here are the specifics of weekly participation:

• Leisurely, happily create your project for the week.
• Post a photo or scan of it on your blog any time, any day Tuesday through Sunday with as many or as few words as you choose to accompany it...no words?...no problem...unless the week's prompt calls for words.
  
• If you so choose, and I love it when you choose, include the WE button in your post. If you choose not to post the button (and I will still love you), please link back to the current week's post at WE within the text of your post. Thank you. Grab the button code.
  
• Come to Wrapped Emotions and sign Mr. Linky with the direct link to your WE post for the week. Please don't make visitors scroll and search for your week's contribution by merely linking to your homepage.
  
• After signing Mr. Linky, please also leave a comment on the Mr. Linky post at WE. I will be drawing for the weekly gift from comments.
  
• Use Mr. Linky to visit the blogs of fellow participants. You have all week to pop in and out to visit. Offer words of observation, sheer delight and when called for, words of support, encouragement or comfort.
  
• Check back each Monday to see if you won the previous week's gift, which will be chosen by random.org from the comments.
  
• The new WE prompt will be posted each Tuesday.

Do you have an online store? Would you like to feature it at WE?

Questions or comments about this week's prompt...please let me hear from you on this post. Questions about specifics to prep any art/paper surface, mediums, what to have for dinner, anything...just ask. I love it when you talk to me.

*If you have completed your Legal Graffiti project, sign Mr. Linky here.

Ending the First Week at Wrapped Emotions

My great big ole THANK YOU to Wrapped Emotions' first week participants.

It was encouraging for me to read this was a fun project for each of you and that the memories of childhood were lovingly relived. As suspected, we each commented fondly on the people and events which surrounded the enjoyment of our favorite childhood candies. We realized it was the people and happenings of our childhoods which were the source of our emotions, not simply the eating of the candy. As adults some of you were actually quite disgusted at the taste of what you remember as your childhood delight, but still the childhood emotions were summoned. Others overcame a childhood fear of participating in art class. Thank you for playing this week with an open spirit of fun and discovery.

Another big THANKS to those who commented or emailed that this week slipped by you, and you plan to participate in future prompts. I look forward to seeing you here.

As promised I have a small gift and have randomly drawn a winner from participants. There were seven participants, not counting myself, and random.org chose number 1 as the winner. Congratulations Lynnae of From Under The Clutter , who happens to be the first person ever to post a project contribution to Wrapped Emotions. Quite fitting that she should be chosen as the first gift recipient.

Lynnae will receive a package of card making supplies to jump start a future creative endeavor. Your gift contains a package of ten 5x7 pink flat cards and envelopes, ten oval 4-1/2x6-1/4 white flat cards and one package of dimensional embellishments. Lynnae, contact me by email to arrange shipping. Next week another gift...and if you win once...you still have the opportunity to win again...luck of the draw.


Additionally, I am very excited to share that crafters, shop owners and businesses are beginning to contact we regarding my desire to have a weekly feature of an online shop or business who has generously donated a gift for the weekly drawing.

See you here tomorrow for the next Wrapped Emotions prompt. This week will be calorie free, but a lot of fun.

Let Them Eat Candy

If this is your first visit to Wrapped Emotions, welcome and thanks for coming. You should begin by reading this to learn what it's all about.

Edited: I had a coherent thought...yes, it does happen. In order that comments may be left on the prompt post each week (with questions, thoughts) I will put up a second post each week with the title "insert prompt post title ~ Mr. Linky" and a link to it within the original prompt post). We will sign Mr. Linky and leave comments to be entered for the drawing in that Mr. Linky post. Clear as mud? Questions? Just ask in the comments of this post, and I'll respond in the comments so that everyone benefits from the question and answer.

Ready to play? Me, too. So here we go...

We are going back to our childhood years. For the sake of those of you (and me) who are trying to relocate our creative spirit, our first project is a very simple one. Think kindergarten art. Think like a kid. Think messy. Don't worry about the finished product. Play and have fun.

As a young child what was your favorite-absolutely-loved-to-get candy treat? Now go buy it and eat candy. Save the wrapper or box. Sit back, savor your treat, close your eyes and remember enjoying the candy as a child. What were you doing? Who was there with you? How did you feel?

Now create a collage expressing that childhood emotion. Include the candy wrapper in your collage. You may use the following (kindergarten) materials:

• construction paper (If you already have another type of solid color craft paper, not actual construction paper, you may use it. But no fancy shmancy printed or textured papers.)
  
• scissors
• crayons
• markers
• stickers
  
• glue
• glitter
• one three-dimensional object

You do not have to include all of the above materials, but you may not add to the materials list. There is no predetermined manner in which you must use the materials. You may create your collage on an art journal page if you choose.

What did you discover? Was it the thought or act of eating the candy as a child which invoked your emotion? Or was it the people or event? Or was it aspects of both?

Happy creating!

Here's the how-to of weekly participation:

• Leisurely, happily create your project for the week...duh
• Post a photo or scan of it on your blog any time, any day Monday through Saturday with as many or as few words as you choose to accompany it...no words?...no problem...unless the week's prompt calls for words.
  
• If you so choose, and I love it when you choose, include the WE button in your post. If you choose not to post the button (and I will still love you), please link back to the current week's post at WE within the text of your post. Thank you. Grab the button code.
  
• Come to Wrapped Emotions and sign Mr. Linky with the direct link to your WE post for the week. Please don't make visitors scroll and search for your week's contribution by merely linking to your homepage.
  
• After signing Mr. Linky, please also leave a comment at WE. I will be drawing for the weekly gift from comments.
  
• Use Mr. Linky to visit the blogs of fellow participants. You have all week to pop in and out to visit. Offer words of observation, sheer delight and when called for, words of support, encouragement or comfort.
  
• Check back each Monday for the new WE prompt and to see if you won the previous week's gift, which will be chosen by random.org from the comments. (Do you have an online store? Would you like to feature it at WE?)

Sounds like a lot to do, but it's just a bunch of words...I had to lay it all out.

Have fun. Express yourself! Once your post is up remember to sign Mr. Linky here and leave a comment.

Wrapped Emotions Blogroll and Guest Bloggers

After Wrapped Emotions has been up and running for a few weeks, I will create a WE blogroll to include regular participants. If you miss a few times of participation along the way, you will not be booted off. Contrary to what my sons might lead you to believe, I am not that mean. Also, if you are a regular participant, I will favorite your blog at Technorati. It's not required, but it would be real sweet if you reciprocated.

Additionally, once a month Wrapped Emotions will feature a guest blogger. I thought we would play a few weeks before delving into that portion of the fun. But do stay tuned for your chance as guest blogger.

Do you have an online shop? Would you like to feature it at Wrapped Emotions?