Creativity Tip:
Gratitude Garlands
Artellagram 11-14-12
Thanksgiving is fast approaching here in the States, and it's a great time to dive into my very favorite ARTbundance ARTsignment™ called the Gratitude Garland.
To make a Gratitude Garland, simply cut a pile of colorful strips of paper (I like 1" x 7") and on each day, decorate a strip with things for which you are thankful. You can write, doodle, draw, or collage on the strips. Think of each strip as a miniature art journal of gratitude: an immediate, simple and doable ritual that you can keep up with each day.
I created my first chain-link "journal" in 2004, as a time-saving device. When my father was ill and dying, I knew it was important to record my feelings, but I also knew I didn’t have a lot of time available, so I created small collages on strips and put them together in a garland. After my garlands were featured in an art magazine, the technique began to evolve and take on some great new elements and forms since then: we have the Artella e-course called The Gratitude Garland, we offer a license for ARTbundance™ Coaches to use the Gratitude Garland in their own workshops; and it appears in the book Creating Time in the form of a creative time-keeping device called the GratiTimeline.
GratiTimeline by Pattie Mosca, as seen in Creating Time
 |
On a personal level, I’ve continued to make Gratitude Garlands. I made one when I was pregnant with Kai, and it was a great nursery decoration at the end! I’ve even made several as gifts for friends. These garlands make delightfully meaningful decorations, especially during the holiday season.
A Gratitude Garland decorates a plant in the Artella office
 |
Bring more art and appreciation into the upcoming holiday season, and try making your own!
 If you were forwarded this Artellagram or serendipitously found it travelling online, you can sign up here to receive
the Artellagram, your map to creative inspiration & discovery from ArtellaLand.com.
|
