I’ve always been a crafty person. No, not “crafty like a fox” crafty, but you know. CRAFTS. One of my earliest memories is sitting next to my Nana, learning how to crochet. Granted, all I knew to do was keep crocheting skeins of yarn in one continuous line, so I ended up with a lot of “jump ropes” and “shoelaces” at the start, but that’s neither here nor there.
And I’m ashamed to admit it: I always thought people that said they weren’t good at/didn’t like crafts just weren’t trying hard enough. I was sure I could find SOME craft that would convert the masses. (But, as I learned one fateful night, that is really not true…a story for another day.)
When I signed up for my first art journaling class with Cindy Limbrick, I was mostly excited but also a little nervous. I mean, wreath-making is one thing, but paint? I had no experience. I had no template, no Pinterest link, and no idea how to journal through art. I was just me. How was I going to exit the class with journal to be proud of if I didn’t know how to do it perfectly?
At that point, I don’t think I had even admitted it to myself, but walking through those doors for my first class I was desperate for a new way to connect with God. And what I found was a room full of paint, journals, paint brushes, and messy tables, yes. But what Cindy had created was a safe space to belong – a place to find freedom from the weariness on my journey to replace religion with a life of faith.
A place of revelation where I least expected it. A place of expression, not perfection.
You may not think of yourself as an artist, but this experience made me truly believe that we are all children of a creative God and he has instilled artistry in each one of us. Now, SOME of his kids may have the skills to create art worthy of the Louvre…but that’s not the goal of art journaling. For a few set apart hours, art itself isn’t even really the point – it’s only the means of worship.
So, if you’re looking for a point of connection, don’t be intimidated by the word “art.” I promise you, it’s worth signing up, showing up, and trying it out.
(If you don’t, I may have to come after you with a crocheted “lasso.” Just kidding. Mostly.)
Register for Free to Be Me Women’s Art Journaling Class starting October 13th. (Limited to the first 20 people.)
