Melody is a fifty something wife, mother and grandmother. She is from Arkansas and loves those razorbacks!! She has a wonderful family including a very loving husband.​

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE STORY?

My story really began in 1996. My husband has just been assigned to Great Falls, Montana. I met a wonderful lady and fellow military spouse. She was very creative and loved tole painting. She mentioned she could teach anyone to paint. Well that sounded like a challenge to this math and science kind of girl. I really wanted to prove her wrong in a friendly way of course. Of course I lost that bet. My very first painting was on a brown paper gift bag of a pretty pumpkin. My creative life waxed and waned over the years until I discovered the Get Messy Art Journal Community in February of 2015 for the Season of Love.

WHY DO YOU LOVE ART JOURNALING?

I love the words, the creative process and how therapeutic it is for my me.  When I discovered art journaling, I was having a difficult time with several life changing events. I needed a way to express my feelings. Plus I was really looking for some type of creative outlet.

DESCRIBE YOUR ART JOURNALING PROCESS.

I like to work from a pre-made background if possible. No scary blank page for me. My pages usually start with gesso or paint. I am really loving black gesso lately.  Starting with an old book page is one of my favorite ways to “just start”. The next step is usually an image from vintage paper, old magazines, old advertisements and old photos. I have to say that recently I am trying just a little of everything.

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR BEGINNERS?

I feel like I am still a beginner, but my advice would be to start with an easy page. Watch a video. Start simple so you do not stress out. I am speaking from experience ladies.

WHAT ARE YOUR MUST HAVE SUPPLIES? WHAT IS YOUR JOURNAL OF CHOICE?

Gesso, book pages, pretty paper and a good black pen. My favorite art journal is probably an altered book. I also love a handmade book with watercolor paper. I just purchased a Moleskine Art Plus. I think I am going to love it especially for minimalist pages.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Most of my inspiration comes from our very own Get Messy Members and various creative workshops.

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Melody Willoughby

Melody is a fifty something wife, mother and grandmother. She is from Arkansas and loves those razorbacks!! She has a wonderful family including a very loving husband.