I wanted to share a few of the comments from Tuesday's post asking why you do or don't art journal.
A friend of mine was just having a
frustrating time. She is a crafter. I told her to go into her room and
just create something for herself, don't worry about what it looks like,
what anyone else will think, just get it all out on paper. I realized
that was what the art journal is.
Posted by:
Toni Kwaiser July 20, 2010 at 08:23 AM
My
art journal(s) relax me. They give me an inexpensive platform for trying
new techniques and combinations. They give me a way of preserving some
memories with only a few phrases or words.
Posted by:
Kitty |
July 20, 2010 at 02:58 A
Well I
guess I art journal because to me its the freest of all the forms of
art out there. Scrapbooking is a type of memory keeping, but seems in my
on personal head to have "rules". Art journaling has none….I also like to practice my drawing in my art journal.
Alot of my drawing in my art journal are turned into other things or are
jumping points for other ideas in other things. Like some of my
drawings turn into carved stamps or digital kit pieces. I might use
something I wrote in one on a scrapbook page or on a card.
Posted by:
Gina |
July 20, 2010 at 08:06 AM
I've always wanted to do one, but my
painting (watercoloring) always ends up muddy-looking. I guess I don't
know how to blend the colors well.
Posted by:
Damiane Lucas |
July 20, 2010 at 03:55 AM
I wish I
art journaled more. I hardly have time to scrapbook let alone art
journal.
Posted by:
Tali |
July 20, 2010 at 08:43 AM
I don't art journal because I don't feel I'm artsy enough. I can do
graphic stuff and think creative thoughts but I'm not much of a fine
artist. The whole idea scares me.
Posted by:
Valerie |
July 20, 2010 at 10:01 PM
I've been thinking of starting my own art journal but I'm not sure what kind of paper to use. I've been watching Donna Downey's art journal videos but I'm not sure what journal she uses.
Posted by:
Mom Cheryl July 20, 2010 at 11:49 AM
I thought that following a prompt blog or two would help me get
more creative… explore more of the art side of art journaling. It
turned out that I can't journal on specific subjects that someone else
felt moved to write about in a given week or month. I just stopped
following along. I think I need a "technique-a-month" sort of art
journaling blog so the topic is left to me but I learn something artsy
as well.
Posted by:
Kelli |
July 20, 2010 at 12:34 PM
I can identify with every single one of the comments you left. Here are my particulars:
- I use my art journal as a workbook. Drawings, words, patterns — they all often end up in my quilts, scrapbook pages, and mixed media work.
- My art journal is just for me. Although I do share bits and pieces, most of it is kept private. I write things that are for my eyes only. I make ugly pages full of mistakes and disasters and experiments. I play with new supplies and I push old supplies to do different things.
- I think of art journaling as something that requires no time at all. In fact, when I'm stretched for time, but need to be creative, my art journal is the first thing I reach for. It's so easy to grab a pen and just start writing and doodling.
- I look at other people's art journals with lust and envy and wonder why mine never looks that good. Why is it so easy for other people to whip out gorgeous art and I have puddles of color with a deformed flower staring back at me?
- I've tried prompt sites and weekly art journal inspiration sites and I just can't get motivated by some random assignment. So I've converted over to a daily art journal that works for me. Once every week or two I spend some time putting down color and then every day I just add little bits until the whole thing is filled up. It's a system that took a while for me to find…which has me thinking…
What do you think? Would you like a peek into my process? And maybe a peek into some other people's processes?
It will have to wait until after CHA and all the craziness of preparing projects, but I am going to host "Art Journaling Week" right here on this blog August 16-22, 2010. So mark your calendars and be ready to paint, doodle, and play!
And if anyone out there would like to share their own art journaling process that week, just drop me a line! I'd love to figure out a way that we could collaborate — maybe guest posts or some mutual linkage?
Thanks for stopping by!
————————————-
PS: I've got a giveaway!
Simplicity very kindly sent me these two machines:
Their Bias Tape Maker and Rotary Cutting Machine. They're each about the size of a toaster. The Bias Tape Maker makes bias tape for you. No more ironed fingers! And the Rotary Cutting Machine cuts strips (and has a pinking blade for some pretty edges)! I've had them both for about a year or more and I just haven't used them. I don't have the space to have them out and it's too hard to pull them out of the box and find some space to set them up and all that jazz. Anyway, I thought that maybe someone else would like to try them out. However, I'd rather not ship them, so it has to be someone local. If you live in the NYC area and can pick these machines up in the next day or two, e-mail me. First come, first served!
Great giveaway – I’d be thrilled to win either machine! I’d love to participate in your Art Journal week – I’m having some trouble with the link to your mail. I’ll try to follow-up!
Great giveaway – I’d be thrilled to win either machine! I’d love to participate in your Art Journal week – I’m having some trouble with the link to your mail. I’ll try to follow-up!
Great giveaway – I’d be thrilled to win either machine! I’d love to participate in your Art Journal week – I’m having some trouble with the link to your mail. I’ll try to follow-up!
Great giveaway – I’d be thrilled to win either machine! I’d love to participate in your Art Journal week – I’m having some trouble with the link to your mail. I’ll try to follow-up!
Loving the idea of your art journal. I need to get more brave and just try things out!
Loving the idea of your art journal. I need to get more brave and just try things out!
Loving the idea of your art journal. I need to get more brave and just try things out!
Loving the idea of your art journal. I need to get more brave and just try things out!
I love this idea, please do it! My art journal is taking dust on my shelf..sadly, I know..
I love this idea, please do it! My art journal is taking dust on my shelf..sadly, I know..
I love this idea, please do it! My art journal is taking dust on my shelf..sadly, I know..
I love this idea, please do it! My art journal is taking dust on my shelf..sadly, I know..
Oh Julie!!! I was so hoping you were headed that way for a workshop/class on journaling. I missed the day you posted that … but my comments would have been exactly everyone elses.
For Mom Cheryl, Donna used Bazzil paper in her inspiration journals … any cardstock would work. DO NOT get caught up in the paper (my problem too). If you are intimidated use index cards! Bind them later! I like a book that has both sketch paper and watercolor paper. That way I can get watercolors out.
I use my journal for so much! I plan my day, my to do lists, I used them for all the many workshops/classes I take and for scrapbook sketches, project ideas. I have even used a Steno Pad for a journal! Depends on what function i need it to play at that point in my life.
I too would be interested in a technique based prmopt class.
Anyway, FUN!
Oh Julie!!! I was so hoping you were headed that way for a workshop/class on journaling. I missed the day you posted that … but my comments would have been exactly everyone elses.
For Mom Cheryl, Donna used Bazzil paper in her inspiration journals … any cardstock would work. DO NOT get caught up in the paper (my problem too). If you are intimidated use index cards! Bind them later! I like a book that has both sketch paper and watercolor paper. That way I can get watercolors out.
I use my journal for so much! I plan my day, my to do lists, I used them for all the many workshops/classes I take and for scrapbook sketches, project ideas. I have even used a Steno Pad for a journal! Depends on what function i need it to play at that point in my life.
I too would be interested in a technique based prmopt class.
Anyway, FUN!
Oh Julie!!! I was so hoping you were headed that way for a workshop/class on journaling. I missed the day you posted that … but my comments would have been exactly everyone elses.
For Mom Cheryl, Donna used Bazzil paper in her inspiration journals … any cardstock would work. DO NOT get caught up in the paper (my problem too). If you are intimidated use index cards! Bind them later! I like a book that has both sketch paper and watercolor paper. That way I can get watercolors out.
I use my journal for so much! I plan my day, my to do lists, I used them for all the many workshops/classes I take and for scrapbook sketches, project ideas. I have even used a Steno Pad for a journal! Depends on what function i need it to play at that point in my life.
I too would be interested in a technique based prmopt class.
Anyway, FUN!
Oh Julie!!! I was so hoping you were headed that way for a workshop/class on journaling. I missed the day you posted that … but my comments would have been exactly everyone elses.
For Mom Cheryl, Donna used Bazzil paper in her inspiration journals … any cardstock would work. DO NOT get caught up in the paper (my problem too). If you are intimidated use index cards! Bind them later! I like a book that has both sketch paper and watercolor paper. That way I can get watercolors out.
I use my journal for so much! I plan my day, my to do lists, I used them for all the many workshops/classes I take and for scrapbook sketches, project ideas. I have even used a Steno Pad for a journal! Depends on what function i need it to play at that point in my life.
I too would be interested in a technique based prmopt class.
Anyway, FUN!
Oh, I meant to comment when you first posted about art journaling but got sidetracked …
I’m still struggling to find the perfect intersection of journal, scrapbook, and art journal.
It’s certainly not necessary for all that to be in one volume, but I feel like for me, I’d like to keep everything in one place.
But, yes, art journaling is the ‘dancing while no one’s looking’ of the craft world 🙂 I started out gluing and painting in those 99cent black and white speckled composition books … now I’m binding my own journals.
The theater group I work with is much more geared to process than product … and I think that change in thinking, that it’s not about perfect pages, but about the time you spend working, that really helped.
Anyway… enough rambling! Art Journal week sounds AWESOME. I’ll be there 🙂
Oh, I meant to comment when you first posted about art journaling but got sidetracked …
I’m still struggling to find the perfect intersection of journal, scrapbook, and art journal.
It’s certainly not necessary for all that to be in one volume, but I feel like for me, I’d like to keep everything in one place.
But, yes, art journaling is the ‘dancing while no one’s looking’ of the craft world 🙂 I started out gluing and painting in those 99cent black and white speckled composition books … now I’m binding my own journals.
The theater group I work with is much more geared to process than product … and I think that change in thinking, that it’s not about perfect pages, but about the time you spend working, that really helped.
Anyway… enough rambling! Art Journal week sounds AWESOME. I’ll be there 🙂
Oh, I meant to comment when you first posted about art journaling but got sidetracked …
I’m still struggling to find the perfect intersection of journal, scrapbook, and art journal.
It’s certainly not necessary for all that to be in one volume, but I feel like for me, I’d like to keep everything in one place.
But, yes, art journaling is the ‘dancing while no one’s looking’ of the craft world 🙂 I started out gluing and painting in those 99cent black and white speckled composition books … now I’m binding my own journals.
The theater group I work with is much more geared to process than product … and I think that change in thinking, that it’s not about perfect pages, but about the time you spend working, that really helped.
Anyway… enough rambling! Art Journal week sounds AWESOME. I’ll be there 🙂
Oh, I meant to comment when you first posted about art journaling but got sidetracked …
I’m still struggling to find the perfect intersection of journal, scrapbook, and art journal.
It’s certainly not necessary for all that to be in one volume, but I feel like for me, I’d like to keep everything in one place.
But, yes, art journaling is the ‘dancing while no one’s looking’ of the craft world 🙂 I started out gluing and painting in those 99cent black and white speckled composition books … now I’m binding my own journals.
The theater group I work with is much more geared to process than product … and I think that change in thinking, that it’s not about perfect pages, but about the time you spend working, that really helped.
Anyway… enough rambling! Art Journal week sounds AWESOME. I’ll be there 🙂
eeeeeekkkkkkk im so excited i cant wait for the art journaling workshop i have been staring at my supplies i picked up to start one and going over and over and over the ideas that are scrambling around in my head that i want to put in it but i havent jumped in yet so now i have inspiration to complete one before your workshop so i can share what i did thanks so much your always coming up with stuff about the same time im thinking about it, its pretty crazy maybe its an artist brain link thing lol
eeeeeekkkkkkk im so excited i cant wait for the art journaling workshop i have been staring at my supplies i picked up to start one and going over and over and over the ideas that are scrambling around in my head that i want to put in it but i havent jumped in yet so now i have inspiration to complete one before your workshop so i can share what i did thanks so much your always coming up with stuff about the same time im thinking about it, its pretty crazy maybe its an artist brain link thing lol
eeeeeekkkkkkk im so excited i cant wait for the art journaling workshop i have been staring at my supplies i picked up to start one and going over and over and over the ideas that are scrambling around in my head that i want to put in it but i havent jumped in yet so now i have inspiration to complete one before your workshop so i can share what i did thanks so much your always coming up with stuff about the same time im thinking about it, its pretty crazy maybe its an artist brain link thing lol
eeeeeekkkkkkk im so excited i cant wait for the art journaling workshop i have been staring at my supplies i picked up to start one and going over and over and over the ideas that are scrambling around in my head that i want to put in it but i havent jumped in yet so now i have inspiration to complete one before your workshop so i can share what i did thanks so much your always coming up with stuff about the same time im thinking about it, its pretty crazy maybe its an artist brain link thing lol
For Kelli: try the crusades for a technique prompt: http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/
I’d love to see the process of other people and if you wouldn’t think that mine is boring I could participate as well.
For Kelli: try the crusades for a technique prompt: http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/
I’d love to see the process of other people and if you wouldn’t think that mine is boring I could participate as well.
For Kelli: try the crusades for a technique prompt: http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/
I’d love to see the process of other people and if you wouldn’t think that mine is boring I could participate as well.
For Kelli: try the crusades for a technique prompt: http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/
I’d love to see the process of other people and if you wouldn’t think that mine is boring I could participate as well.
I really love the idea of an art journal week… as long as you aren’t giving us topic-related assignments! I learn a lot of techniques here and use them in scrapbooking… and I haven’t given up on art journaling :o)
I really love the idea of an art journal week… as long as you aren’t giving us topic-related assignments! I learn a lot of techniques here and use them in scrapbooking… and I haven’t given up on art journaling :o)
I really love the idea of an art journal week… as long as you aren’t giving us topic-related assignments! I learn a lot of techniques here and use them in scrapbooking… and I haven’t given up on art journaling :o)
I really love the idea of an art journal week… as long as you aren’t giving us topic-related assignments! I learn a lot of techniques here and use them in scrapbooking… and I haven’t given up on art journaling :o)
I’m really excited by the idea of beginning an art journal. I have felt completely removed from my own creativity since having my children (beyond the impossible task of trying to catch every moment in scrapbooks), and having a creative place, just for me, seems like quite a gift.
I’m really excited by the idea of beginning an art journal. I have felt completely removed from my own creativity since having my children (beyond the impossible task of trying to catch every moment in scrapbooks), and having a creative place, just for me, seems like quite a gift.
I’m really excited by the idea of beginning an art journal. I have felt completely removed from my own creativity since having my children (beyond the impossible task of trying to catch every moment in scrapbooks), and having a creative place, just for me, seems like quite a gift.
I’m really excited by the idea of beginning an art journal. I have felt completely removed from my own creativity since having my children (beyond the impossible task of trying to catch every moment in scrapbooks), and having a creative place, just for me, seems like quite a gift.
This will be a great chance to start an art journal – you are always a great teacher!
Julie, thank you so much for the machines, I can’t wait to start using them!!!!
This will be a great chance to start an art journal – you are always a great teacher!
Julie, thank you so much for the machines, I can’t wait to start using them!!!!
This will be a great chance to start an art journal – you are always a great teacher!
Julie, thank you so much for the machines, I can’t wait to start using them!!!!
This will be a great chance to start an art journal – you are always a great teacher!
Julie, thank you so much for the machines, I can’t wait to start using them!!!!
I can’t wait!!! thanks in advance – i’d be really interested to read about your process. I’m fascinated with art journals, and i have more than one, but don’t work in it as much as i’d like to. what troubles me is that ever since flickr and blogging, i tend to be very conscious of what i do, thinking whether or not it would be post worthy. That’s bad!!! :))
I can’t wait!!! thanks in advance – i’d be really interested to read about your process. I’m fascinated with art journals, and i have more than one, but don’t work in it as much as i’d like to. what troubles me is that ever since flickr and blogging, i tend to be very conscious of what i do, thinking whether or not it would be post worthy. That’s bad!!! :))
I can’t wait!!! thanks in advance – i’d be really interested to read about your process. I’m fascinated with art journals, and i have more than one, but don’t work in it as much as i’d like to. what troubles me is that ever since flickr and blogging, i tend to be very conscious of what i do, thinking whether or not it would be post worthy. That’s bad!!! :))
I can’t wait!!! thanks in advance – i’d be really interested to read about your process. I’m fascinated with art journals, and i have more than one, but don’t work in it as much as i’d like to. what troubles me is that ever since flickr and blogging, i tend to be very conscious of what i do, thinking whether or not it would be post worthy. That’s bad!!! :))
Julie, I love the idea of art journal week. I had posted an answer to your art journal question, but it didn’t show up for some reason.
I have bound about three books that were going to be art journals. I used different pages, from calendars, to children’s books, to watercolor paper. But when the book is finished, I look at how cute it is and I’m afraid to ruin by putting anything in it. Silly, huh?
I would love to participate in art journal week. Thanks again!
Julie, I love the idea of art journal week. I had posted an answer to your art journal question, but it didn’t show up for some reason.
I have bound about three books that were going to be art journals. I used different pages, from calendars, to children’s books, to watercolor paper. But when the book is finished, I look at how cute it is and I’m afraid to ruin by putting anything in it. Silly, huh?
I would love to participate in art journal week. Thanks again!
Julie, I love the idea of art journal week. I had posted an answer to your art journal question, but it didn’t show up for some reason.
I have bound about three books that were going to be art journals. I used different pages, from calendars, to children’s books, to watercolor paper. But when the book is finished, I look at how cute it is and I’m afraid to ruin by putting anything in it. Silly, huh?
I would love to participate in art journal week. Thanks again!
Julie, I love the idea of art journal week. I had posted an answer to your art journal question, but it didn’t show up for some reason.
I have bound about three books that were going to be art journals. I used different pages, from calendars, to children’s books, to watercolor paper. But when the book is finished, I look at how cute it is and I’m afraid to ruin by putting anything in it. Silly, huh?
I would love to participate in art journal week. Thanks again!
I can’t wait for “Art Journaling Week”. You are the bomb! Mom Cheryl thanks you very much for posting her comment on your blog. Thanks for listening. I tried making a cheap one on my own but I’m thinking about using watercolour paper on my next one. I’m just going to get started cheap or not. Have fun at CHA!
I can’t wait for “Art Journaling Week”. You are the bomb! Mom Cheryl thanks you very much for posting her comment on your blog. Thanks for listening. I tried making a cheap one on my own but I’m thinking about using watercolour paper on my next one. I’m just going to get started cheap or not. Have fun at CHA!
I can’t wait for “Art Journaling Week”. You are the bomb! Mom Cheryl thanks you very much for posting her comment on your blog. Thanks for listening. I tried making a cheap one on my own but I’m thinking about using watercolour paper on my next one. I’m just going to get started cheap or not. Have fun at CHA!
I can’t wait for “Art Journaling Week”. You are the bomb! Mom Cheryl thanks you very much for posting her comment on your blog. Thanks for listening. I tried making a cheap one on my own but I’m thinking about using watercolour paper on my next one. I’m just going to get started cheap or not. Have fun at CHA!