Tea Time Tuesday: A Gentle Detox Tea Blend

30 Day Art Therapy Challenge: Reduce Stress Using Creative Arts Intervention

 Prayer Flag by Gina Welds Hulse

Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias. It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief.

While art therapy is its own field, you can also use self-directed art to express your creative side, reduce stress, and get in touch with your feelings. ... There are many reasons that art is a great stress relief tool, even for those who don't consider themselves artistically inclined.

I've been doing an art break on my Lupus Page on Facebook for the last couple of weeks, and will continue for 30 days.

Please feel free to join me at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time daily to take a break from the stressors of life, if just for a few minutes for an episode of #CreateWithGina.

The previous episodes are listed below (with a few examples) and will be updated daily, if you miss the LIVE stream.


Day 1 Doodling and Grounding with meditation

Day 2  Recyle and Receive

Day 3 Part 1 Herbal tea
Day 3 Part 2 Positive Quote Collage
Day 4 Fill Your Heart With Things You Love
Day 5 Create Affirmation Cards
Day 6 Design a Prayer Flag 
Day 7 How do you anchor during stressful times?
Day 8 What makes you unique?  Create your YOUnique snowflake.
Day 9 Be the Architect of your life.  Design your Comfort Castle. 
Day 10 Brain Dump
Day 11 Create a Mandala

Day 12 Create a Photo-Collage of your favorite moments from last week.
Day 13 Create a Tree of Strength
Day 14 Create a Gratitude Jar 

Day 15 Create a Self-Portrait in the style of Giuseppe Arcimboldo 

Day 16 Decluttering, Trauma and Creating a Clutter Collage
Day 17 Scribbles into Masterpieces (Mess to Message) 

Day 18 Create a Victory Symbol
Day 19 Create a Found Poem
Day 20 Create a Doodle Centric or Exquisite Corpse
Day 21 Egg symbolism: What will you hatch this year?
Day 22 Healing with Art: A Spiritual Experience
Day 23 DIY Aroma Play Dough
Day 24 Crate a Home Altar
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27
Day 28
Day 29
Day 30

 To be continued.....

 Blessings!

Gina

Essential Oils, Olive oil and more from the Dollar Tree

I'm always impressed by how far the Dollar Tree has come in the quality of products they are now carrying.

Check out this video for some great items that I use all the time as well as for some items that I recently found at the Dollar Tree.

A new approach to Art Collecting— Monthly Limited Edition Art Works

It Only Takes A Spark by Gina Welds Hulse

“One day I’ll be able to afford your work!”

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard this phrase.  And every time I heard it I’d get this sinking feeling in my gut. In the end I had to ask myself…

If the people who love and support my work can’t afford it---what am I even doing?

So here's what I am doing about this?

Throughout 2019, I am going to run a little experiment.

Every month during 2019 I will create and release a new Limited Edition print from my studio.  Each print is ONLY available during that particular month.  After that,  the artwork is gone forever *POOF* and the next monthly print will be released in its place!

There‘s an old praise chorus from the 70‘s and 80's that I can remember singing as a teenager that went like this; It only takes a spark, to get a fire going; And soon all those around, can warm up in its glowing.

This month's print is aptly entitled "It Only Takes A Spark."

It is Custom-printed on a Baltic Birch wood panel with beveled edges, this piece will add a modern touch to any space. The light wood shows through the artwork showcasing it’s natural grain.

January is all about setting intentions for the upcoming year, and this will be a visual reminder that it only takes a spark to set our intentions in motion. Speaking a single word will set the wheels in motion for our intentions, dreams, visions to come to pass. It really is that powerful.

We all have ideas and plans that we would like to see become reality. But far too often, they just stay at the idea stage. “Someday I’m going to…lose ten pounds…write a book…improve the test results of my class, etc.” Before you can do anything, you must first have an intention. But then the real work begins-which is to turn that intention into reality.

Leaders of all kinds, including educators, confront endless challenges and opportunities as they chart the future of their organizations or classrooms. One of the most powerful tools we have is the power of intention because almost everything starts with intention. It is the framework for the creation of reality. Even before you have a plan, you must have an intention.

It is not always understood that when you send your intention out to the world, it creates energy towards making the idea into a reality. This is because you are enlisting the help of others and their powers to make something happen. It’s like the ripples a stone makes, skipping across the water. Each time the stone touches the pond, it creates a new set of concentric ripples. But in the case of an intention, the ripples do not dissipate and disappear. They grow and expand because the energy of thought and action are powerful.

Let this painting be a visual reminder for you! 

I know you will enjoy these Limited Edition Works of Art that are powerful enough to bring magick to any space they inhabit.

No two prints will ever be identical. Even though it’s an edition, every piece will be special and magical.

Limited-edition (Qty. of 30)

Image size for this month is 12" x 12"

This month's Limited Edition Art Work:   It Only Takes A Spark
is available until midnight EST January, 31, 2019

Thanks for  joining me on this crazy little adventure!

Much Love,

Gina

Halloween Makeup | Tribal Queen Using Temporary Tattoos with Bonus Content

Halloween Tattoo Makeup | Glam Zombie | Week 1 | October 2018

For the month of October 2018, I will be doing various make-up effects using temporary tattoos.  This is week 1:  The Glam Zombie 

What are you going to be for Halloween?

Halloween Makeup | Cracked Porcelain Doll | Week 2 | October 2018

This week I created a Cracked Porcelain Doll look using temporary tattoos and make-up.  Check out the video below to see how I created it.

Let me know what you think.  

What are you going to be for Halloween?

Dollar Tree Greeting Card Campaign | Affiliate Paid Promotion

Did you know that there are over 6500 Dollar Tree stores nationwide? 

On August 30th every Dollar Tree started to carry Expressions from Hallmark, $1 each and Heartline, a Hallmark Company, 2 for $1.  With hundreds of greeting cards to choose from, you can celebrate every moment with your friends and family without breaking the bank.

There will also be cards from Hallmark Mahogany, celebrating everything that is loved about Black Culture, Hallmark Vida which celebrates the Latino community and culture, Hallmark Tree of Life which brings together the Jewish community  as well as cards by Joyfully Yours which help family and friends express their faith in just the right way.

You can find more detail in the video.

You can find these cards and much more online.

I was compensated for this post.

This post contains Affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 

Part 3 Sculpture LiveStream Today at 2:30 p.m. Eastern.

SQUINT Intuitive Painting

Chinese New Year Festival, in Largo, Florida, February 24th, 2018 | Year...

We had an amazing time at the recent Chinese New Year Festival in Largo, Florida.

You can see our experience here:

Thanks for watching!

Nicholas' 12th birthday Celebration at the Dinosaur Store and Museum in Cocoa Beach, Florida

Part 1 Adventure Zone

Part 2 The Reptile Run

Part 3 Dinosaur Exhibit

Part 4 Ancient Cultures Exhibit

Manifesting the best 2018 and every year to come

I am an Infinite Spiritual Being Having a Temporary Human Experience.

Last night I had the most amazing experience, as I performed a ritual to clear away negative things that I did not want to bring into the New Year, as well as call on or manifest things that I want this New Year to bring to me.

I've never been a huge fan of this type of thing because as I was growing up it was always looked upon as being evil in some way.  As I've gotten older, and things have been revealed to me I am now more aware of the Spiritual and energetic being that I am and we all are, and have become to accept it more, rather than shy away from it.

I know manifesting works for other people, but I feel as though there is something missing to make it work for me.

Recently I have been watching an episode by Lisa Nichols, as well Stephanie Synclair, who have generously given several tips on manifesting.  Here are the tips that Lisa provided. 

Step 1: Get clear on what you want.

If you don’t know exactly what you want, you can’t actually take steps to make it happen. To manifest something, you must know what you desire.  

That means you must get very clear on the specifics, detailing the features as if your manifestation is tailor made for you.

To get started with this step, create a list of 20-25 things you want to manifest.  I actually wrote down about 10 things to start with that I wanted this year to bring me.  I also wrote down 7 things that I want to get rid of before the New Year began.  I was very specific.
Get specific about what you want and list the attributes in the positive (aka avoid using the word don’t).
Yesterday, I tried this with my youngest son.  I asked him what is one thing he wants for the new year for us.  He mentioned a car, then changed it to a truck.  I asked what kind of truck. He mentioned that it had to have four doors and a cover on the trunk.  I picked even more, and as he was getting frustrated with the constant questions, I mentioned that he had to be specific on exactly what he wanted.
He then said, "I want a truck with 4 doors, and a covered back so we can camp in it.  It has to be black and it has to be 2015 or newer.  It also has to be Nissan or Toyota because they last a long time."
I then told him that is what I believe it means.  We have to be specific about what we want.
As Lisa said,

“I want a car” might land you a 1965 El Camino without a working engine.
“I want a used SUV with less than 30,000 miles on it that’s priced under $15,000” streamlines your search quite a bit.

Side note: As you create your list, give yourself permission to want what you want today and be open to changing it tomorrow. Judgement of yourself doesn’t help you manifest anything. (This is the part that I believe is tricky for most people, myself included.)

Step 2: Ask the universe.

"Once you have your list, it’s time to amplify your signal to the universe by asking for what you want. When the universe is clear on what you want to manifest, then it can help you. If you don’t ask, it will still try to help you, but it guesses as to what you truly desire."

I used to believe that this was hocus-pocus or not Christian and that I was being anti-Christ by believing in this sort of thing. God created us as energy beings.  The body is full of energy.  The universe is full of energy. 

Don’t leave what you receive up to chance, ask for what you want.

There are a lots of ways to ask including prayer, meditation, visualization, and vision boards. An easy way to ask for what you want is to write a letter to the universe.

Ask the universe for what you want once a day makes your requests clearer and clearer.

Here is the video that will help you bring success in the New Year with Air and Fire Magic.

Step 3: Work toward your goals.

"Manifesting is the art of co-creating with the universe. Working toward your goals increases your chances of receiving what you want. It’s also fun.

Write down 3 actions you can do today to bring you closer to your goal. If you don’t know what to do, use Google to figure out what actions you can take. It’s likely someone has struggled with the same issue and has written about it. Let yourself be inspired by what others have done."

Start taking action and keep taking action until you’ve reached your goal.

Step 4: Trust the process.

"As you work toward your goal, it may question if manifesting actually works. You might get discouraged and frustrated. (So me, sometimes.) If you are sitting in the struggle and wondering when things are going to happen you aren’t trusting the process. When you question manifestation, you’re telling the universe to prove manifesting doesn’t work." 

The Law of Attraction obliges by sending you experiences that keep you stuck. to write the word DONE when we were finished with the cleansing as well as the receiving part of the ritual.  Writing DONE indicates that we will trust the process to come true and work for us.   We don't have to burn the list.  We don't have to bury the list.  If you so desire then you can, but I chose to keep the list, and placed it under some crystals in my wealth corner.  I will write about that in a later episode.

Last night when I was working in the group with Stephanie, we were encouraged:

To manifest, you have to trust the process.

Whenever you find yourself doubting, catch yourself and say, “I’m getting closer and closer to my goals every day. The universe has my back and it’s awesome.”

Repeat this phrase until you believe it.

I see my wish as already completed. I see my wish and desires as already coming to fruition.  I see my wish and desires coming true.

I am patient and banish doubt.

The next step is important to acknowledge.

Step 5: Receive and acknowledge what you get.

"The universe is always giving you help, but it’s easy to miss the signs (especially when they come in unexpected ways). When you start to acknowledge and receive signs from the universe, the universe will give you more of what you want," says Lisa

A good way to get started with this step is to write down the evidence in a journal at the end of the day.

Make sure to include anything that happened to you during the day that moved you a little bit closer to your goal.

• If you are trying to get out of debt and your credit card company called to sort out a more appropriate payment plan, that’s evidence.

• It can also be an inspirational quote speaking to you on Facebook.

Lisa and Stephanie both agree with this step:

Step 6: Keep Your Vibration High.

According to the Law of Attraction, you attract what you are sending out. To attract more of what you want, you have to raise your vibration. Vibrations are like little radio signals you are continuously sending out to the universe. You must tune your signal to a vibration worthy of receiving it (read: stay positive and thankful).

All you have to do is to feel joy.

By spending 10-15 minutes a day (at least) doing something that makes you feel good, anything from watching a YouTube video or meditating, you’re ensuring your vibration stays high.

Remember, a crappy mood means you’re going to be rewarded with crap. Staying positive is the easiest way to be certain good things are coming.

Step 7: Clear your resistance.

If you haven’t yet manifested what you want, it’s likely you are resisting what the universe has to offer. Doubts, pain, procrastination, frustrations, anxiety, fears, regrets and resentments are all forms of resistance.

And they are totally normal.

When you notice conflict coming up, acknowledge it and remind yourself to breath and relax. It might sound something like, “I’m frustrated again. I’m resisting again. I get it. All I have to do now is breath, relax, and let it come. “

If you are having a hard time letting go of problem, find someone to help you through it.

Manifesting your desires is 100 percent possible but, to do so, you must use ALL the steps.

I am going to be posting updates on this, so be sure to come back to see what I have manifested this coming year.

2018 will be my best year ever.  How about you?

Small Dollar Tree Haul | Valentine's Day DIY Items

Daruma Dolls And Goal-Setting: A Japanese Symbol Of Perseverance, Good Luck and New Year's Resolutions

The New Year Is Just Around the Corner.

The new year is coming, and most likely New Year resolutions  have been written and goals for the new year have been set.  But what happens when the stressers of life begin, and life gets back to normal after a few days into the New Year? We completely abandon those goals and resolutions, or we don't spend as much time on them.

The Daruma Doll might be an effective tool in helping each of us with achieving our goals and keeping us focused to do so.

What is a Daruma DOll?

Daruma is a traditional handmade Japanese wishing doll (or charmingly referred to as a "GOAL DOLL") that keeps us focused on achieving our goals!

The Daruma doll:

• is a concept from Japan
• helps us keep an eye on our dreams
• is a centuries-old tradition
• is positive, motivational, and fun (and it works) !!

A Daruma Doll

Source: http://www.wikipedia.com

The Japanese, Daruma Dolls and New Year's Resolutions

During the first few days of January in Japan, millions of people will go to Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to bring home luck for the new year.

One of the most popular items that is sold this time of the year is the Daruma doll.

Although symbols of luck and good fortune abound in Japan, few can match the popularity of Daruma dolls: papier-mâché figures believed to lead their owners toward success. Darumas, shaped like Bodhidharma and produced around Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture, are an important part of New Year celebrations in Japan, and a deep-rooted Japanese tradition.

What Are Your Goals?

Source: http://www.welovedaruma.com

The Ultimate Goal Doll

The Japanese daruma doll is quite strange looking. The doll is:

• round
• does not have any legs or arms
• has a mustache and a beard.
• has eyes that consist of only blank round circles.

The daruma doll is very auspicious!

These Japanese dolls are a symbol of Bodhidharma. He is considered the founder of Zen Buddhism in China.

Source: http://www.welovedaruma.com

Legends Of Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma lived during the 5^th century CE. Most of the stories about this monk are considered legends.

It is told he traveled from Jambudvipa through many countries before reaching China. After having no success in South China, he traveled to North China.

He arrived at Shaolin Monastery. After being denied residence at the monastery, he settled in a nearby cave, where he spent the next nine years meditating and while starring at the wall of the cave. He did not speak the entire time.

The act of sitting in the same position for so many years caused his legs to wither away. That is the reason the daruma dolls have no legs. During the seventh year of his meditation he supposedly fell asleep. This made him furious and he cut off his eyelids to make sure that would not happen again.

According to legend a green tea plant grew from the ground where the eyelid fell. Tea has since then helped monks stay awake for longer periods of time. Some legends tell a story of a student who cut off his arms to prove to Bodhidharma that he was completely devoted to him.

Bodhidharma

Source: http://www.wikipedia.com

What Do You Do With a Daruma Doll?

The idea is that when you receive or purchase a new doll, you need to make a wish or set a goal.

The wish or goal must be measurable and specific. A vague wish will do no good.

Next you need some black ink.

Concentrate on your wish or goal and fill in the right eye using the black ink.

Now place the doll on a high self where you will see it often. Every time you look at the doll, you need to remind yourself of your wish or goal.

When your wish comes true or you have reached your goal, you fill in the left eye with black ink. Many people will write their goal or wish on the back side of the doll when the goal is reached.

Give thanks and show gratitude.

Colors of the Daruma Doll

The tradition color of the daruma doll is red. Red is the color of victory and success. This is the most common color. Red daruma dolls are the ultimate good luck dolls.More colors have shown up lately. The meaning of the colors may vary in different areas.

Purple dolls may be used if the goal is related to health issues and longevity. It is also often preferred if the goal is in a sports category.

Yellow dolls may often be used if the wish is aimed at protection or security of any kind.

White daruma dolls are all about harmony and love. White dolls are great for marriages and a harmonious family life.

Gold dolls obviously are associated with wealth and prosperity. Anyone who has a specific money gold may choose a gold daruma doll.

Black daruma dolls seem strange and work differently from the traditional goal setting dolls.

Black is for protection from bad things happening. An example would be to be safe in traffic for the following year.

So, why not be on the safe side and get the full set of Daruma Dolls.

Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight

The daruma doll is made of paper mache. It is hollow and round-shaped. The doll is weighted at the bottom, and is designed to get back up when it falls, embodying the essence of the famous Japanese proverb—fall down seven times and stand up eight. Thanks to this symbolism, the Daruma is commonly regarded in Japanese society as both a good-luck charm and a constant reminder of one’s goals.

The Japanese word for this is “okiagari”. “Oki” means get up and “agari” means arise.

The daruma doll is therefore extra symbolic for the never giving up on your dreams. It symbolizes:

• the ability to overcome any difficulty
• recovering from any hardships you may encounter on your mission to reach your goal.

The Japanese phrase “Nanakorobi” has a strong connection with the daruma doll. Nanakorobi means “Seven times down, eight times up”.

The eyes of a Daruma are usually blank. After receiving one, the owner fills in one eye when setting a goal, starting a new venture, or making a wish, then paints the other when it has been fulfilled. Modern Daruma take on many forms and colors.

Soccer Player Daruma

Student work

Source: Gina Hulse

Daruma DIY

Several years ago I taught my Junior High students about the Daruma and the significance in the Japanese culture. Each student made one using their own design.

The lesson was to encourage students to make a Daruma that either related to something that they liked to do, or that of an animal they related to. It was to serve as a reminder to never give up on goals and dreams, and as a symbol of personal courage and perseverance.

The Darumas made by my students were displayed on a stand for an art show. After the show the stand was removed.

Dancer Daruma

Student work

Source: Gina Hulse

Materials To Make Your Own Daruma

• Plastic eggs
• Low Temperature Mini Glue Gun
• Large Hex Nut or small rocks to put in bottom of egg
• Masking Tape, 3/4" x 60-yds
• Blick's Mix® Instant Papier Maché,
• Blickrylic® Student Acrylics Assorted color pints

Optional Materials:

• 3M® Production Sandpaper, medium grit
• Craft Menagerie Collage Box
• Liquitex® Acrylic Polymer Gloss Varnish, 8-oz

Golfer Daruma

Step 1

Using a low temperature glue gun, secure a large hex nut in the bottom of each egg. This will provide a balanced weight and keep the egg from falling onto its side.

Allow to cool.

Fishing Daruma

Student work

Source: Gina Hulse

Panda Daruma

Student work

Source: Gina Hulse

Step 2

Pack scrap paper or cloth as firmly as possible in the top of the egg and around the hex nut in the bottom.

This is done so that if the Daruma is dropped and the hex nut breaks free, it won't move around inside the egg.

Tape the egg closed with masking tape.

Step 3

Make a mixture of one part Blick's Mix to one part water. The mixture should be solid and claylike.

Cover the egg by holding it firmly in both hands and applying a thin, even layer of the mixture.

Set it aside to dry for at least two hours.

Note: drying time may be decreased by placing in a sunny location or in front of a fan.

If desired, once the maché is dry, smooth with small pieces of sandpaper. The bottom of the egg may need extra sanding to make sure it is round.

Musician's Daruma

Student work

Source: Gina Hulse

Step 4

Paint the Daruma as a traditional representation of Bodhidharma, as a self-portrait, or as a favorite animal or character.

Acrylic paint will provide the most durable finish, but tempera and watercolors may also be applied to the maché surface.

Step 5

Set those goals and work, work, work until you see them fulfilled.

Here’s to an amazing and fruitful 2018.

One Year Time Limit

In order for a goal to be most effective,it MUST BE

• specific
• measurable

Ideally, it should be a goal that you can achieve within ONE YEAR or EARLIER.

Traditionally the magic powers of the daruma doll will last for one year. If the wish did not come true within the year, the doll may be taken to the temple for burning.

The burning of the daruma doll is a purification process to set the kami free. The kami is the spirit within the daruma.

This absolutely does not indicate a failure or that the owner of the doll has abandoned their wish.

It is rather a renewal of the goal or wish, making sure the wish will be preserved in the next year to come.

The burning of the daruma dolls is a special ceremony performed by the monks in Japan. It is held once a year right after New Year.

A new doll is purchased. The process of filling in one eye while making a wish is repeated.

SUCCESS comes from SETTING GOALS!!

Takasaki

Takasaki in Japan is considered the hometown of the daruma dolls.

Every January there is a huge celebration of the daruma doll at the Shorinzan Daruma Temple. Several hundred thousand people attend this festival every year.

Video

Poll