A Year in the Life of an Art Journal

In January, I decided to expand my horizons, step out of my comfort zone and join an art journal community. I've never done anything with art journal pages and I thought I'd try this. Sometimes I have a hard time committing to  something (besides my family - thought I should clarify) for very long periods of time, but I'm going to try my best with this.

I'm still learning my way around the blog - sometimes I'm not sure how to leave comments. I also keep thinking there are rules about what I should be doing, but those are only imposed on me by my inner critic (dang her anal little self!) 

Here are my two latest journal pages. The topic is Hope:

 I like how the background turned out and really love the flowers. I think I'm going to have to put some more of these type of flowers on some other art. Probably some plaques and more journal covers. It gives me an excuse to use all the paper I've been hoarding.

If you are interested in checking out this group, you can just click on the badge in the upper right side of this blog. It's pretty awesome to be part of this community.

Second Hand Stiched Journal

I've fallen behind in my beginning journal workshop and technically it's over. I think I have a couple more weeks to access the videos and I have about 2 more stitches to try. I'm not sure what it is about making my own journals - there is such a feeling of accomplishment. It might be because it seems like something that would be too difficult to attempt, yet here I am. Attempting and creating books I like.


I did this journal similarly to the first. I painted and collaged a 14" x 17" piece of bristol paper and used a yellow piece of cotton fabric to reinforce the spine. This stitch is the machine stitch (though it's sewn by hand). I used 2 colors of embroidery floss: blue and orange. I also drew some doodles on the spine with some waterproof pens. I love the feel of writing on paper and fabric that has been coated with mod podge. This time I used drawing paper for the inside of the book, instead of cardstock (like I used on the last one).

I can picture making several of these and bundling them together to make a gift set. Wouldn't that be cool? The problem with this kind of thing is that often, even though people love them, they are afraid to use them. I know I'm that way. I can't tell you how many books, craft supplies and found objects I have sitting around that I won't use yet. I mean, what if I use them, then find that I need them for that really special project?

First Art Journal Completed

I finally finished my first art journal. I posted a photo of the cover a few days ago. Last night I finished trimming the cover and sewing the binding. I like how it turned out, but I did have a few problems. My pages weren't folded and trimmed correctly, so the book is a little crooked. I'm sure this is just something that will take practice to master. I think next time, I will use paper that is not so thick and that should help. So here are the photos. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities!

We All Could Use A Good Challenge

It's easy to get stuck in a rut and keep doing the same old thing. That might be why I was feeling so frustrated and uninspired last weekend (I'm feeling much better now, by the way). Sometimes it's important to challenge yourself so that you can improve on whatever it is you like to do (writing, painting, cooking, etc).

In my mind, I keep telling myself that I need to go to school and take art classes but I can't afford to go to school right now. I probably wouldn't make a very good student anyway because I have too many other priorities. Technology, being as amazing as it is, offers some great alternatives. I'm taking a 3 week book binding workshop online called: Make Your Own Journal: for beginners. It's being taught by a woman named Leslie Herger of Comfortable Shoes Studio. [As an aside, you can still check out the workshop if you are interested. She's taking participants until January 22. Get more information here: http://artjournaling.ning.com/.]

I have seen a couple of Leslie's videos on Youtube and enjoy them. They are clear, provide a lot of useful information and she is not hung up on everything being pretty and perfect. I think when you aren't worried about perfection you can really crank out some nice art. Anyway, I like having the challenge of trying new things and seeing the techniques Leslie has to offer.

The only problem with the whole art-journal-making-thing is that now I have a new crafting obsession. Which as you know, I don't need. But hey, what the heck!

Here's a photo of my first hand made art journal cover. Collaged with some papers I've been hoarding:

I can hardly wait until we get this week's assignment. I think we're going to get to assemble our journals. I'll let you know how it goes. Until then, go create something! :)