A Quiet Space in your Home

You should create a quiet space to know God.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
-Psalm 46:10

This world can pretty much drown out any knowledge of the Holy.

Every day is a gift from God.

A quiet place reassures you that He lives.  A quiet place also reassures you that God cares about you personally.

You can create a quiet space anywhere in your home.  Whether you live in an apartment, studio or living with a relative, creating a space of solitude can be rejuvenation for your life.

Here are a few ways to create simple quiet spaces:

1.  Your night table can serve as a quiet space right next to your bed.  .You could simply add a Bible and a few inspirational books as well as pen and paper for notes.  When you awake in the morning, you are already in your quiet space!

2. Your patio can also serve as a quiet space.  Nature is a wonderful place to be when you want to get quiet and a patio is usually outside.  Adding a few plants and a small table for your Bible and a few books will lend to a peaceful place.

3.  A chair in the den can also serve as a quiet space.  The thing about using a family den is getting in the space early in the morning before anyone else gets up.

4.  The breakfast table or the dining room can also be used as a place to retreat to to have a few moments of solitude.

5.  Dad or mom's office can turn into a quiet space. Sometimes the family office works as a good quiet space...you just have to turn off all the computers and gadgets and stuff.

And here are a few verses to encourage you to seek the Lord and gain a knowledge of the Holy:

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord,...-2 Chronicles 20:3

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. -Psalm 9:10

The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. -Psalm 14:2

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. -Psalm 27:8

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. -Psalm 27:8

As Christians, Christ leaves us this example from His own life in the book of Mark:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.- Mark 1:35

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What's that in your hand?

What's that in your hand Moses?

I said "what's that in your hand Moses?"

Those two sentences (questions) come from a song that my aunt used to sing all the time.

After singing the song, she would look at me and say "What's that in your hand Tonya?"

Fast forward a few years later and I am sitting in church.

The preacher says something like "God can use whatever you have in your hand. What's in your hand?"

When he said those words, I was holding a red pen.  I thought "What can God do with that?"

Shortly after I heard that sermon, I started teaching PreK and creating all kinds of art for bulletin boards and day to day activities for my children in class.

Sometimes, I would think back on that sermon and the red pen and say to myself "Wow, God used the red pen."

That red pen symbolized using ink and paper to me.

Fast forward a few more years and here I am blogging about all things that involve using your hands creatively with pen, paper and paint.

Who knew?

I never would have imagined.

What's in your hand dear reader?

Whatever it is someone needs your gift to help lighten the heavy load of life.


And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. -Exodus 4:1-2


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Cardboard Yarn Wrapped Letters



I saw yarn covered letters on Pinterest. One day I decided to use that idea for my youngest daughter's arts and crafts lesson. 

First I wrote the letters we would use with a black Sharpie.  I love Sharpies! 

Then we started the wrapping process. You may have to use tape on the back just in case the yarn is not tight enough or something.

I thought it was a good project for my daughter because of the complexity of the wrapping.

So the supply list included:
Cardboard
Yarn
Scissors
Tape (if needed)
Black Marker to write letters

Since I crochet and knit, I had the yarn.  Some of my family members do a lot of business online so there were plenty of cardboard boxes on hand.  We had scissors, tape and markers.  I did have to use washi tape though. ...ran out of the other kind.

I added a couple of fabric flowers to a few of the yarn covered letters.  I thought it gave the letters a little pop!

John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

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this is a repost from here.

3 Very Basics of an Art Supply List for Your Artful Child at Home

First on the list is a box of crayons.

I have given a box of crayons as part of an artful gift.  I pair the crayons with some great coloring books and books and wrap nicely.

I love crayons.  Don't you?'

And owning a box of crayons teaches children so much about decision making and choices.

I mean think about it for a minute...

If your child is coloring an animal, he or she has to decide what color will the animal be. What color will the eyes of this animal be?

Your child has to decide if he or she will add colors and drawings that are not on the picture.  ...like adding clouds to a cloudless picture.

Crayons teach without ever saying a word.

And after all that decision making, your child gets to sit back and enjoy all his or her labor that went into making that picture pretty.

The next art supply for your artful home is Black Sharpies.

Black Sharpie's are the business.  really.


You can take a black sharpie and create your own coloring books for your child.

You can use a black Sharpie to write out sentences, words or pictures.

Every artful home should have a few Black Sharpie's.

And lastly, a ream of white paper .

If you have a printer at home, printing paper can be used for creating art as well as creating reading books.


This is a very basic beginning to building a Home art supply arsenal.

What other art supplies do you keep on hand?

But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. -Isaiah 64:8

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. -Psalm 3:3

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Storing Your Art Supplies

I can hardly believe that I have had this blog open for 10 months!

I love art and all things creative so I am sure that helps to make this blogging thing not seem like a chore.

Anyway, I crocheted these mason jar toppers a little bit ago.  The turquoise one started this whole mason jar topper thing.  It was actually going to be a cup cozy.  I wanted to see how it looked on something and lo and behold , I liked how it looked on my mason jar.

SideNote: Brown Sack Crochet is where I post all my crochet stuff. You can find that here.

So, I made a few more and stuck my art supplies in them.

I have accumulated quite a bit of art supplies since starting this blog and pa-da-da-da-daa I;m lovin' it!

Mason jars are just one way to store your art supplies.

You can also use:

Pottery/Vases

Tin Cans (spray paint them tho)

Cups

Pickle Jars

Any glass jar

Plastic cups

...just throwing out a few ideas for your art supply storage!

What do you use to store your art supplies?

Let me know in the comment section!

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  -Proverbs 31:13

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Summer Fun: Art and Literature

How is your summer going?

I hope that it's going well.

One of the fun things that my daughter and I are doing this summer is "Drawing that Bible Story"!  What we do is read a Bible story then draw, paint or color a picture when done.

Since the book we used had a very colorful picture of Naaman and his servant at the Jordan, that is the picture we chose to draw.

Do you know the story of Naaman?

Naaman was a Captain of the host of the king of Syria.  The Bible says that he was:

-a great man
-honourable
-mighty man of valor

But even with all those wonderful characteristics, Naaman was a leper.  -2 Kings 5:1

Any kind of disease is awful, but having leprosy was like being dealt a death sentence.

Naaman's wife had a little maid that worshiped the living God.  Here is what verse 3 of 2 Kings says that the little maid said to Naaman's wife:

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

Naaman went to visit Elisha the prophet.

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. -kjv

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. -kjv

Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. -kjv

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? -kjv

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

That is the story of Naaman.

You can find the entire story of Naaman here.

So when we finished reading the story we decided to draw out a picture using Crayola Crayons .

I wasn't sure how this picture would turn out but I kinda like it!

There is a big window in our art room slash homeschool room slash my office that let's in lots of sunshine.  So while we reading (and afterwards) we had the added bonus of summer sunlight shining through the window!

So that's a win.

And since we both love creating - making art, it was like summer fun art!

...and time spent with my youngest daughter is another win!

I love having little Bible reminders around the house.  ...and this one is sitting on the mantle at the moment.

Are you making any art with your children this summer?  It is actually a very relaxing and refreshing activity. 

And of course, you have the bonding thing going on too!  So that's another win with creating art with your children.

I am trying to make sure that my daughter is creating something daily.

...either with a pen, marker or the ipad.  

And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. -Luke 4:27

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How to make a Book Marker

It happens like every morning.

The same thing.

I am reading my Bible and decide that I will read 'this' book of the Bible.

And then I will fold some paper together and make a little book marker.

I will use that folded piece of paper for awhile and for some reason or another that paper will disappear.

...probably from my Bible traveling from my purse to the church to back to my purse.

And then the process starts all over again.

...I will need another book marker.

The other day I decided to make a few book markers for an event coming up on Sunday.

Since I started this Good Artbox blog, I have accumulated my share of markers and various kinds of paper.

One type of paper that I have is cardstock paper.

I use cardstock paper to make cards that I give to my family for different holidays.

You can use any type of paper that you want but I chose to go with cardstock paper because it is a bit heavier than regular paper.

What you will need to make a super simple book marker of your own is:

Paper (cardstock paper)
Scissors
Clear Packaging Tape
Markers
Ruler

I used copic markers because I love them.

Decide what size that you want your book marker.

Using a ruler and pencil, trace the size that you want.

Cut.

Decorate with markers.

Use the packaging tape to cover the book marker.  This is like laminating without the big machine.

Cut the loose ends of the tape.

Be sure to put tape on the back of the book marker to ensure your entire book marker is "laminated".

Voila!

Your very own unique book marker.

 

Do you have a lot of book markers on hand?

Have you ever created your own book marker?

Let me know in the comment section below!

This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;  -Genesis 5:1

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Why you should create a Quiet Space in your home

You should create a quiet space to know God.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
-Psalm 46:10

This world can pretty much drown out any knowledge of the Holy.

Every day is a gift from God.

A quiet place reassures you that He lives.  A quiet place also reassures you that God cares about you personally.

You can create a quiet space anywhere in your home.  Whether you live in an apartment, studio or living with a relative, creating a space of solitude can be rejuvenation for your life.

Here are a few ways to create simple quiet spaces:

1.  Your night table can serve as a quiet space right next to your bed.  .You could simply add a Bible and a few inspirational books as well as pen and paper for notes.  When you awake in the morning, you are already in your quiet space!

2. Your patio can also serve as a quiet space.  Nature is a wonderful place to be when you want to get quiet and a patio is usually outside.  Adding a few plants and a small table for your Bible and a few books will lend to a peaceful place.

3.  A chair in the den can also serve as a quiet space.  The thing about using a family den is getting in the space early in the morning before anyone else gets up.

4.  The breakfast table or the dining room can also be used as a place to retreat to to have a few moments of solitude.

5.  Dad or mom's office can turn into a quiet space. Sometimes the family office works as a good quiet space...you just have to turn off all the computers and gadgets and stuff.

And here are a few verses to encourage you to seek the Lord and gain a knowledge of the Holy:

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord,...-2 Chronicles 20:3

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. -Psalm 9:10

The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. -Psalm 14:2

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. -Psalm 27:8

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. -Psalm 27:8

As Christians, Christ leaves us this example from His own life in the book of Mark:

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.- Mark 1:35

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Painting Pears in the evening time

My second daughter left her acrylic paints behind so I figured this would be a great opportunity for my youngest daughter to delve into some fun colors and paint!

So yesterday evening my youngest daughter and I did some painting.

We used the acrylics as well as watercolor paints.

One of the acrylic paint colors was kiwi.  It is such a pretty green.

I decided to paint a "kiwi green" pear.

I like it!

Simple little kiwi green pear painting in the evening time.

Painting is a great way to spend a little quality time with your family.

I am on a little quest to find creative things to do in the evening time.

Do you create artful stuff with your children in the evenings?

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. -Psalm 127:3

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Art work around the house

So my oldest daughter is now a College Graduate!! Yaaaaay!!!

We had such a wonderful time with family and friends.

I used some of the great ideas from Pinterest to decorate the tables and I have not one photo to share.

Several times, I thought to get my phone and photograph something, but I never did photograph our beautiful venue.

Now that we are home and have been unpacking the car for two days now, I decided to hang some of my second daughter's  art work around the house.

Whenever she had time between studying and college life, she painted.

I thought I would share a couple of photos of her art work around the house.

I love them!

What do you do in your spare time?


And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.  -Luke 19:13

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Special Needs Homeschooling: Art and Literature

This piece of artwork is a treasure to me.

You see my daughter has Down Syndrome and the fact that she was able to look at this picture and bring it to conception is wonderful!!!

I love it!!

The book is entitled, Baby Sea Otter by Betty Tatham.  It is illustrated by Joan Paley.

I love books that have unique artwork and this is one of those kinds of books.

What kind of books do you use for reading with your children?
Do you use books with pictures?  If so, do you allow them to draw pictures from the book?
If you use books with no pictures, do you allow your child to draw what they have read?

Having a place for paper and markers (or any drawing apparatus) make drawing pictures from the book easy and fun.

We have a separate table for painting and this is where she did her drawing.

And I think she enjoyed this!  I know I certainly enjoyed seeing her draw it!

We read the book at her work table which also serves as my desk.

Creating art is a great way to foster a love for reading!


Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read...  -Isaiah 34:16

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Just Go with It - Using Soft Pastels

Today my daughter experimented with using soft pastels.   I probably should have googled how to use them, but someone on Instagram said "just go with it!"  And since my computer is sometimes slower than molasses, I decided to "just go with it!"

Here are a few highlight from our "Just going with it!"

Have you ever used soft pastels?

We will use them again.

But today, we decided to "just go with it!"

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. -Ecclesiastes 9:10
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Painting the Ampersand for my Crafty Home Office

 Arise & Shine & give God the glory!

Those words will be draped across the wall of my crafty office (that I am slowly putting together) slash homeschool room.

Ampersand!

That is the name of the "and" sign.  This & is an ampersand.

So if you ever want to google "decorating with the and sign" try this instead "decorating with the ampersand".

I had my little one paint the ampersand green with touches of white to kinda make the green fade out a bit.

I used the Artist's Loft Watercolor Paint that I picked up from Michael's the other day.

The ampersand sign is made of scrap wood.  I was kinda reluctant to use the watercolors, but it worked.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. -Isaiah 60:1

Have you ever decorated with the Ampersand?  Let me know in the comment section.

This will be my first time decorating with it.  Can't wait to see how everything comes together!

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Rest...and Sabbath Links

 
Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. -Psalm 86:3

It's Friday! Yay!

I have a busy day today.  Work, school program and Sabbath preparations!

What's on your agenda for today?

Let me know in the comment section!

I found a few Sabbath Links for you! Hope you enjoy them! Just click on the link and enjoy!

Light Bearers

ARME Bible Camp

Brenda Walsch

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. -Psalm 103:8

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Using Copic Markers for the First Time

Since starting this blog, I have learned about calligraphy pens, crocheting, and copic markers just to mention a few of the artful things that I am learning.  Art encompasses so much.

I discovered that copic markers are the markers used for things like cartoons, greeting cards and animation movies.

The colors are vibrant and rich.  When used with other Copic markers, your art becomes almost life-like.

So what do I find today at Michael's Arts and Craft Store?  You guessed it! Copic Markers!

Today I picked up four.  I will get more later.  They were $7.99 each.

Being into art with this much focus is going to take some getting used to as far as spending money on materials.

I am looking at everything I purchase these days as an investment into developing my artistic side.

When I got home, I used one of my daughter's watercolor paintings to kinda outline and highlight and just kinda figure out the Copic Markers.

What I discovered was, the markers have two usable ends.

Actually the tips of the markers are called nibs.

One end is called the Super Brush and the other end is called Medum Broad.

This was my first attempt with these markers and all I can say is "I like!!!"

Are you familiar with copic markers?  If so, have you created anything with them?

Let me know in the comment section.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.. -James 4:8

this post contains affliate links.

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Branding and Blogging

I took a branding questionnaire some time back.  That thing was so mind opening!  It really helped me to focus on something with blogging.   I should say that it helped to focus on something that comes natural for me.

Art.

You see I have blogged about some of everything since 2009.  I blogged about natural hair, motherhood, and vegetarian/veganism just to name a few.

If you are trying to figure out which direction to take your blog, I strongly recommend tapping into the Branding info at the link below.

As you look around my blog, you will see that I am not the world's greatest artist.  And I am totally okay with that.  I don't claim to be anything other than an imperfect Christian.

 I really never would have imagined that I'd be blogging about art.

 But the branding questionnaire directed me to this "very good for me" discovery.

I used to teach Pre-K and my class was filled with art and creativity projects left and right.
I taught an after school Arts and Crafts program for middle school children.
I taught a homeschool art class at Michael's Arts and Craft store for awhile also.
I also created signs and posters for a Summer Program that I taught art there as well.
I have even had several people pay me to create artwork for their school, classroom and birthday party!

Blogging about art is very new to me.  I am not an expert at it, but I like art.

We recently moved to a new place and I decided to create an art space to see what kinda cool creative things that I can come up with!  When I get it all together, I will post photos.

When I found these mason jars at Target recently, I knew I wanted to use them for art supply storage.

Oh and since starting this blog, I have found the coolest art blogs and artsy instagrammers. I will put together a post about them for you soon! UPDATE  here is that post.

Are you into creating things? If so, what kind of artful things do you create?

Do you sew, knit or draw? I would love to know!

Let me know in the comment section.

You can find the author of the Branding Questionnaire here.

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; -1 Thessalonians 4:11

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