Happy new year and welcome to 2017! And hello from our new home high in the Blue Ridge mountains. This month I'm also celebrating my "creative anniversary," so to speak. It was exactly two years ago that I thought I might try my hand at watercolor, and I began Scratchmade Journal exactly one year ago, sending my first post live on January 9th.

I began this blog for two, simple reasons: I wanted others to know that it's never too late in life to begin a creative journey, and I learn best by exploring and then sharing what I've discovered. This way, we can all be students together!

We are finally feeling somewhat settled after our move, and I'm gearing up for the new year with plenty of ideas for exploring watercolor, lettering, nature sketching, journaling, and more. I greatly look forward to connecting with you all in 2017.

As I thought about the new year and many of the hopes and dreams I have, Numbers 6:24-26 came to mind. After the past two years which began with devastation and turmoil and resulted in our living in constant transition, I'm about ready for a little peace in my life.

I believe we are finally in a place we can begin again, albeit differently (and maybe much better) than we originally planned. I still don't know how the future will turn out, but I know Who is holding the cards. And that alone grants me immeasurable peace.

So to kick off 2017, I'm sharing with you a free printable to celebrate these hopes and to signify my prayer for myself, our country, and our world at this time.

So blessings to you in 2017. And here's to protection, favor, and joyful peace!

If you like the Numbers 6:24-26 illustration I did above, you are welcome to a free black and white printable of the artwork. The image may also be scaled to fit into the margin of a journaling Bible.