Style

I think, finally, at almost 32 years old, I'm coming into my own style. I completed a layout this morning that I believe totally captures me. Working on it was pure joy: I loved every moment from creation to completion. I couldn't wait to get back to it when life stepped in. I giggled out loud while creating. This type of joy only comes when I'm creating from my heart: when I'm not trying to copy someone else or worried about what other people might think. It is totally me. I have a few layouts that I love like this and what is so wonderful is that they are getting more and more frequent. I'm not struggling with my art as much as I have in the past because I'm developing myself instead of trying to be someone else. I've tried to be Becky Higgins. I've tried to be Heidi Swapp. I've tried to be Cathy Zielske. I've tried to be Elsie Flannigan. I think that trying out other artists' styles is a necessary part of developing one's own style. But until recently, I haven't tried to me, Bethany Kartchner. But after my last few creations, I realize that I, too have something to offer.

Journaling: Lyssie does this face frequently to express her disgust. So we’ve aptly dubbed it. 9.07
Photo by Joan Kolbaba

Techniques: Paper folding, stamping, doodling
Cardstock: Bazzil
Pattern paper: My Mind’s Eye; Two Busy Moms for Deluxe Designs; American Crafts Bruschetta; Sarah Milne for Scenic Route Savannah Scrap Strip 3; text from old book
Stamps: Inque Boutique small alphabets and stars; Tia Bennett for Autumn Leaves freestyle alphabet; Debbie Glatfelter for Joyful Heart Stamps hands, feet, shoes, blouse; Heidi Swapp wings; Stampin’ Up Cherish definition;
Ink: StazOn black, Ranger Black Soot
Pens: zig and micron, Sharpie paint pens

Other: buttons: Joanns; Fancy Pants chipboard flower; acrylic paint

Purpose: This will be used as a box to house strips of paper with blessings written on them. Every year our Thanksgiving guests will write one blessing and their name and date on a paper and place it in this book.
Pattern paper: 7 Gypsies alpha, campania, veneto
Stamps: Fred B Mullett Feather; Tin Can Mall Louvre; Inque Boutique encircled, what a feeling; Technique Tuesday; Heidi Swapp clock; Judikins; Stampers Anonymous
Ink: Ranger Black Soot; Ranger Walnut Tintz
Rub-ons: Other: Paper mache book purchased at Joanns; Ranger Distress crackle paint vintage photo; Heidi Swapp chipboard alphabet, Prima flower, jewels are from broken earrings

What is so interesting about finding myself in my art is that I seem to be finding myself in life. I no longer want to follow the crowd. I want to create a life that pleases me. There is going to be some serious physical and emotional overhaul in the next few months. An idea that both excites and frightens me for it is often in the cleaning out and revamping that I lose my focus and I fall into old patterns. But I know that this time is different because I am more aware. My art is forcing me to refine my style and that, my friends, is a very good thing.