Art Journaling Through Creative Block

I had a creative block for a couple of days last week, during which I just couldn't focus.  I had all these ideas going through my head, but I couldn't bring them to fruition.  I hate it when that happens!  Anyway, in order avoid getting frustrated, which makes it worst, I spent sometime walking, swimming watching television, eating out and shopping with my college age daughter who will be home for several weeks.  However, I kept coming back to my studio periodically until I got back into the groove.  Thank you, Lord!  The following 3 art journal pages are the fruit of my continued efforts.

The first page was inspired by architecture and Hebrews 3:4, which reads, "For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."  I began the page by fussy cutting the Corinthian column photocopy and gluing it to the page.  Then, I added some watercolor through washes, splattering, and string dropping.  When dry, I stamped an architectural link design randomly.  Next, I cut a pediment with a Tim Holtz die and distressed it.  As a finishing touch, I added a distressed fleur de lis looking punch on it and glued the completed pediment on the page.  Finally, I hand lettered the scripture using an alphabet from Tony Seddon's book (See my Latin Pod's review on Amazon).  I am submitting this piece to Art Journal Journey - Architecture, The Play Date Cafe Challenge 190 - Burnt Umber, Honey and Butter, and ABC Wednesday 13A.

The second page was inspired by Sandy Steen Bartholomew's Y.A.F. (Yet Another Flower) tangle and  my studies of Celtic art.  I used a pencil to loosely sketch my design, which included the official Zentangle design called Ennies, which basically looks like an inverted teardrop shape and bubbles.  I also hand lettered the word "Pax," which means peace in Latin.  Anthropomorphic forms are common in Celtic art, so incorporated an angel into the letter "x."  I inked the design using various micron fine line pens.  I am submitting this piece to Sandy Bartholomew's Beez Ink's Facebook page, where she's hosting the Tangle Card Challenge #1, She is giving away a set of her new Tangle Cards to the winner, and I really want one for my classroom, so please vote for me.  I am also submitting this page to Collage Obsession - Incongruous and Karen's Word Art Wednesday Challenge #89.

The third page was inspired by Pia Rom's Mix It Monthly July Challenge: We Go To The Beach and Christopher Cross's song "Sailing."  This is a very simple pen and watercolor pencil drawing, using the blue, lilac, sand, wood and seagull elements suggested by Pia.  However, I felt the subdued color scheme and peaceful composition complemented the 1980's classic pop/rock song.  I used various photographs that I found on Google images as reference when working on my composition.  I am also submitting this page to Julia Dunnit's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #215, as well as to Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday.

This concludes my recent battle with a creative block.  Sometimes God has a plan in mind, and I believe He wanted me to spend extra time with my daughter, so that was truly a positive side to this situation.  I know I'll miss her dearly when she goes back in a couple of weeks.  Do you have creative blocks, and if so, what do you do when you fall into one?  Thank you for all your comments on my last post and blessings!