22 Oct DIY Journals and Flower Pens for City Rescue Women's Retreat!

I am always overjoyed when I can share the gift of ART with others—especially for the mission of showing others about who Jesus is in a creative way. Leading art for the Women’s Retreat: High Hopes and High Praises is one of these times. This will be my second year participating in leading an art project for these special women going through the recovery program at the City Rescue Mission in Jacksonville, Florida. Last year, we made these beautiful crosses out of broken pottery. They are a simple reminder that God can take our brokenness and make it into something beautiful. He cares for us and longs to free us from the hurt that seems to bind us. Last spring, I toured the City Rescue Mission and my eyes were filled with tears as I saw all the crosses hanging in each individual room. Yes. Art can be a visual reminder of our relationship with Jesus as these crosses remind us to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). 

THIS year is no exception. I am going to be making these beautiful decoupage plates with the women. This art reminds us that we are transparent before Him. He knows our past, our hurts, our weaknesses, our pain, and still welcomes us to the place of forgiveness at the cross. His grace and love are overwhelming when we surrender our lives to Him. Amazing.

In addition, ThouArtExalted gets to fill up the women’s “goodie bags” with handmade journals and pens! We also get to write a prayer for each woman as they experience

the love of Christ. We are having a workshop at my house this coming Saturday to make these journals and flower pens. In honor of the valiant journey these women are taking, I wanted YOU to be able to celebrate with them. I have attached DIY Journal and Flower Pen instructions. I hope that you use these to bless someone else’s life with a handmade journal, prayer, and pen. I can’t wait to hear what you create. CLICK HERE to find the Basic Journal Instructions (taken from my Tween Bible Study: He Knows My Name) and SCROLL DOWN to find the instructions for the flower pen. Please comment and let me know how you blessed someone’s life! Send me pictures! I can’t wait to see and hear.

With JOY and love ~ Annie

 Art Supplies:

Fabric ~ Cut to 3 x 7 inches, Scissors, Masking tape, Ball-Point Pen, Washi tape

Art Instructions:

• Step ONE: Cut a piece of fabric into a 3 x 7-inch strip. Taking scissors, make “slits” in the fabric every 1/2 inch. Make sure you do not cut all the way through. Leave about a 1/2-inch space from the top. Look carefully at picture one.
• Step TWO: Take off the cap of the pen and wrap the fabric around the bottom of the pen and secure with masking tape.
• Step THREE and FOUR: Using Washi tape, start at the top and wrap the pen until you get to the bottom. Cut and secure.
• Step FIVE: Flare out your fabric flower and write a prayer of encouragement for someone!