Hi and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. I have some Truth Tags to share with you today. I recently purchased a gel plate and I’ve been real busy making a stash of prints. It’s just too easy! These tags seemed like the perfect idea to use up some of the prints. Let’s look at what I was trying to express as I was making them.
The Expressive Bits
What inspired me to create these Truth Tags?
You know there is a lot of evidence to say that using affirmations (or speaking belief over yourself) is a very powerful thing.
I believe it actually holds immense power, and using that power flippantly can be dangerous. When I choose to speak over myself, it must be with truth.
I was inspired to create these Truth Tags as a way of physically representing this belief. They are something I can hold on to that speaks of the truth I am speaking over myself or for others.
What techniques did I use for the Truth Tags and why?
As I shared in my intro, I recently purchased a gel plate for creating prints. I have been playing with it non stop and have amassed a stash of colourful prints. I wanted to use these prints for something and the idea of Truth Tags is what eventuated.
This is the first time I’ve used acrylic paints too, so that’s been fun. Stencils were also used to get some of the patterns that are on the tags. I also layered with inks and gel pens to create extra highlights.
I didn’t have beads of complimenting colours, so I used some air dry modelling clay to make my own. This time lapse video runs through what I did for that process.
What does it mean in terms of my artistic work as a whole?
I’ve shared quite a few times of how I have been “resetting” and getting to know (and accept) me for who I am. I’m practicing authenticity. It’s a big deal because it means I’ve had to learn to embrace my flaws and insecurities. I’ve had to renew my thinking and see them as perfections. I’ve had to believe these weaknesses are not weaknesses as they form part of who I am (the Lord does not make mistakes).
Reminding myself of the Truth (that I am not a mistake, I am a child of God), via these Truth Tags is alignment to this authenticity I am practicing.
How can you take this idea and be more Expressive?
Affirmations are powerful. I could go on, but I won’t. Needless to say, you could take this idea and make Truth Tags, Truth Cards or even a Truth Book to be the depository to hold your own affirmations. Just make sure those affirmations are the truth, even if you can’t quite see it yet.
Then start speaking those things over yourself. Display them, put them in a place that’s in your line of sight, somewhere where you’ll see them often so you can start to run with them!
“Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.”
Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV (Emphasis mine)
Someone who’s “running” in something has become confident, they have mastered walking, and now they’re running.
So put your Truth Tags in a place that’s visible, where they’re clearly written and expressed so you can run! You’ll be moving into a place of greater expression as you gain confidence in an area you previously thought lacking.
The Factual Bits
What materials were used?
- White Strathmore Artist Tile 6in x 6in.
- Jo Sonya acrylic paints in varying colours
- Distress Inks in varying colours
- Tim Holtz Idea-ology stickers
- Air dry modelling clay for some of the beads
- Food colouring to colour the air dry modelling clay
- Bits of ribbon and jute cord I had on hand
- Metal eyelets
How big are the Truth Tags?
They are about 11 centimetres x 6 centimetres.
Have you joined the Expressive’s List yet?
Join the Expressive’s List to begin to learn ways you can start to express yourself creatively. There are no moulds or limits with the Lord, just possibilities and the promise of one day unearthing who you were created to be.
Expressive Subscribers receive an email each month that contains creative inspiration and ideas, links to helpful resources and a month’s worth of journal prompts to stimulate creative expression. These prompts are a great way of learning to express yourself when you’ve never really tried it before. Fill in your details below to sign up.
Until next time, listen to your heart and sharpen your coloured pencils. A masterpiece awaits!
Bless you my friend
Chrissie xx
