I have two art journals going right now and a mega post for you as a result.  Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and stay a while….

First up:

I'm taking Kelly Kilmer's class, "A Life Made By Hand."  I ended up using my "Remains of the Day" book for Kelly's journaling prompts. I'm doing the prompts in order, though not necessarily every day.  Here's what I've got so far:

1-closed-sm
1-open-sm
You can see how I made a little flap that opens up.  Essentially I sandwiched photos (backed with pretty Basic Grey paper) in between pieces of packing tape.

2-updated-sm
I kind of love this page.  The background is a security envelope (note the two windows in the upper right corner and the barcode just to the left of the photo).  The heart is made from a leftover scrap from making Christmas cards and it's all sparkly and lovely with glitter.  I usually stick to watercolor in my art journals, but I decided to go for some acrylic here and I'm loving the look!

3-sm

Gotta' love a security envelope pocket.  And you can see the card out of the pocket below (front and then back):
 
3-card-front-sm
3-card-back-sm
I'm loving making these mini collages (pure inspiration from Mary Ann Moss from ROD).  And now that I'm adding them to the pages, I'm beginning to understand how to put the base pages together a little bit better.  So the next album will be even better!

4-sm
4-flaplifted-sm
I took some silly photos with my computer and then created a flap (gotta' love clear packing tape) in the middle of the page.

5-6-sm
I went to a crop two weeks ago and I was totally creatively blocked.  I ended up making the little page on the right.  It's kind of a mini scrapbook page.  I wonder sometimes what the difference is between a scrapbook page and art journal page? 

7-8-sm
Lots more scribblings and packing tape photos.  I'm enjoying using up lots of my orphan photos (i.e. photos I printed that just never made it onto a scrapbook page).  By the by, I'm in a "use it or lose it" phase with  my scrapbooking supplies.  I hacked up a pretty piece of Hambly for the page on the left.  I'm proud of myself.  Usually I just hoard the Hambly.

Now some bits and pieces from the daily watercolor moleskine:

Demoface-sm
The base of this is a face that I demo'd for my paint and collage class last Saturday.  When I got home I couldn't resist playing with my watercolors and shading it a bit.

Fullspread-sm
This is what a full page looks like.  Lots of layers and doodles and stamping and stuff.

Flowers-sm
I like to use my art journal as a place to experiment.  I stamped a collection of flowers and then played around with some Sakura pens.  I was trying to compare the different styles of pens to each other.

Home-sm
I doodled with my nib pen and then colored in my doodle with watercolor paints.

Knowthyself-sm
I absolutely *adore* this little faux notebook page I drew.

Iamnotamused-sm
I did this one yesterday.  Not a great day and I needed a little art therapy to clear my head.

Finally, I wanted to pass on a genius piece of advice from Mary Ann Moss.

I encourage you to ABANDON the idea that your journal is
precious and something that can be wrecked….If you can try not to
think of the journal as a decorative object and instead a book used
and 'lived in' by YOU."

I try to remember that it's okay to make ugly pages.  And to make mistakes.  And just to play. 

Thanks for stopping by!

PS: If you'd like to see what my classmates drew in my Portrait Drawing class, check out the pics here.  Amazing talent and so funny to think that all the drawings are of the same guy!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

108 thoughts on “Art Journal Mania

  • OMG I’m loving loving loving all of your art journal pages! I like all the different papers and textures and tabs – so cool! And the advice from Mary Ann Moss is just what I needed to hear today. Thanks!

    Reply
  • OMG I’m loving loving loving all of your art journal pages! I like all the different papers and textures and tabs – so cool! And the advice from Mary Ann Moss is just what I needed to hear today. Thanks!

    Reply
  • OMG I’m loving loving loving all of your art journal pages! I like all the different papers and textures and tabs – so cool! And the advice from Mary Ann Moss is just what I needed to hear today. Thanks!

    Reply
  • OMG I’m loving loving loving all of your art journal pages! I like all the different papers and textures and tabs – so cool! And the advice from Mary Ann Moss is just what I needed to hear today. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Fabulous Julie! love to see everything! can I “steal” the faux notebook page idea? I this its genius 🙂
    take care have a great day 🙂

    Reply
  • Fabulous Julie! love to see everything! can I “steal” the faux notebook page idea? I this its genius 🙂
    take care have a great day 🙂

    Reply
  • Fabulous Julie! love to see everything! can I “steal” the faux notebook page idea? I this its genius 🙂
    take care have a great day 🙂

    Reply
  • Fabulous Julie! love to see everything! can I “steal” the faux notebook page idea? I this its genius 🙂
    take care have a great day 🙂

    Reply
  • oh my goodness, I can’t believe you could ever make something that was ugly! But I agree, I do tend to use my art journal more as a place to ‘practice’ things rather than create art. If it turns out looking good, that’s just a bonus in my opinion. I couldn’t stop looking at that portrait, it’s awesome.

    Reply
  • oh my goodness, I can’t believe you could ever make something that was ugly! But I agree, I do tend to use my art journal more as a place to ‘practice’ things rather than create art. If it turns out looking good, that’s just a bonus in my opinion. I couldn’t stop looking at that portrait, it’s awesome.

    Reply
  • oh my goodness, I can’t believe you could ever make something that was ugly! But I agree, I do tend to use my art journal more as a place to ‘practice’ things rather than create art. If it turns out looking good, that’s just a bonus in my opinion. I couldn’t stop looking at that portrait, it’s awesome.

    Reply
  • oh my goodness, I can’t believe you could ever make something that was ugly! But I agree, I do tend to use my art journal more as a place to ‘practice’ things rather than create art. If it turns out looking good, that’s just a bonus in my opinion. I couldn’t stop looking at that portrait, it’s awesome.

    Reply
  • Thisis sooo funky! Love it ! Can’t wait to see you! email me about the breakfast 🙂

    Reply
  • Thisis sooo funky! Love it ! Can’t wait to see you! email me about the breakfast 🙂

    Reply
  • Thisis sooo funky! Love it ! Can’t wait to see you! email me about the breakfast 🙂

    Reply
  • Thisis sooo funky! Love it ! Can’t wait to see you! email me about the breakfast 🙂

    Reply
  • You are so prolific!! Your journal pages burst with life and color and action, just like a real person living a real life. Wonderful! And, your watercolor portraits are the kind of thing I am working toward, happy, colorful and free… I’m so jealous!

    Reply
  • You are so prolific!! Your journal pages burst with life and color and action, just like a real person living a real life. Wonderful! And, your watercolor portraits are the kind of thing I am working toward, happy, colorful and free… I’m so jealous!

    Reply
  • You are so prolific!! Your journal pages burst with life and color and action, just like a real person living a real life. Wonderful! And, your watercolor portraits are the kind of thing I am working toward, happy, colorful and free… I’m so jealous!

    Reply
  • You are so prolific!! Your journal pages burst with life and color and action, just like a real person living a real life. Wonderful! And, your watercolor portraits are the kind of thing I am working toward, happy, colorful and free… I’m so jealous!

    Reply
  • I really like that I can “feel” the many layers of your art journal Julie. The security envelope is genius. Pied pipe…I like that:-) I also understand the need for alone time to refuel and stay sane.

    Reply
  • I really like that I can “feel” the many layers of your art journal Julie. The security envelope is genius. Pied pipe…I like that:-) I also understand the need for alone time to refuel and stay sane.

    Reply
  • I really like that I can “feel” the many layers of your art journal Julie. The security envelope is genius. Pied pipe…I like that:-) I also understand the need for alone time to refuel and stay sane.

    Reply
  • I really like that I can “feel” the many layers of your art journal Julie. The security envelope is genius. Pied pipe…I like that:-) I also understand the need for alone time to refuel and stay sane.

    Reply
  • As always, i find your work inspiring. There are so many creative concepts pulled together and utilized to create a whole. Wonderful!

    Reply
  • As always, i find your work inspiring. There are so many creative concepts pulled together and utilized to create a whole. Wonderful!

    Reply
  • As always, i find your work inspiring. There are so many creative concepts pulled together and utilized to create a whole. Wonderful!

    Reply
  • As always, i find your work inspiring. There are so many creative concepts pulled together and utilized to create a whole. Wonderful!

    Reply
  • Julie, this is fabulously fantastic ! 2 question, when is your favorite time of the day to art journal & where do you art journal ?

    Reply
  • Julie, this is fabulously fantastic ! 2 question, when is your favorite time of the day to art journal & where do you art journal ?

    Reply
  • Julie, this is fabulously fantastic ! 2 question, when is your favorite time of the day to art journal & where do you art journal ?

    Reply
  • Julie, this is fabulously fantastic ! 2 question, when is your favorite time of the day to art journal & where do you art journal ?

    Reply
  • Wow! Your art journals are great! I just started mine “properly” today, but I’m still scared of mess!

    Reply
  • Wow! Your art journals are great! I just started mine “properly” today, but I’m still scared of mess!

    Reply
  • Wow! Your art journals are great! I just started mine “properly” today, but I’m still scared of mess!

    Reply
  • Wow! Your art journals are great! I just started mine “properly” today, but I’m still scared of mess!

    Reply
  • Great post! Your blog is quickly becoming my favorite in 2010. Your work is so inspiring, so full of technique and so visually appealling. I also love that you *still* post scrapbook pages.

    Reply
  • Great post! Your blog is quickly becoming my favorite in 2010. Your work is so inspiring, so full of technique and so visually appealling. I also love that you *still* post scrapbook pages.

    Reply
  • Great post! Your blog is quickly becoming my favorite in 2010. Your work is so inspiring, so full of technique and so visually appealling. I also love that you *still* post scrapbook pages.

    Reply
  • Great post! Your blog is quickly becoming my favorite in 2010. Your work is so inspiring, so full of technique and so visually appealling. I also love that you *still* post scrapbook pages.

    Reply
  • “I wonder sometimes what the difference is between a scrapbook page and art journal page?”
    Thank you for saying that! I often find myself asking that question, and then wonder why it can’t be both???
    Also, I hoard Hambly too … got a bunch during their holiday sale and now I can NOT use it! Love looking at it though, lol.

    Reply
  • “I wonder sometimes what the difference is between a scrapbook page and art journal page?”
    Thank you for saying that! I often find myself asking that question, and then wonder why it can’t be both???
    Also, I hoard Hambly too … got a bunch during their holiday sale and now I can NOT use it! Love looking at it though, lol.

    Reply
  • “I wonder sometimes what the difference is between a scrapbook page and art journal page?”
    Thank you for saying that! I often find myself asking that question, and then wonder why it can’t be both???
    Also, I hoard Hambly too … got a bunch during their holiday sale and now I can NOT use it! Love looking at it though, lol.

    Reply
  • “I wonder sometimes what the difference is between a scrapbook page and art journal page?”
    Thank you for saying that! I often find myself asking that question, and then wonder why it can’t be both???
    Also, I hoard Hambly too … got a bunch during their holiday sale and now I can NOT use it! Love looking at it though, lol.

    Reply
  • Beautiful,just beautiful..I love the colors that you use in your work and how you blend them together.

    Reply
  • Beautiful,just beautiful..I love the colors that you use in your work and how you blend them together.

    Reply
  • Beautiful,just beautiful..I love the colors that you use in your work and how you blend them together.

    Reply
  • Beautiful,just beautiful..I love the colors that you use in your work and how you blend them together.

    Reply
  • Oh I just lurve these pages Julie! I really need to make a start on my art journal. I have a brand new moleskine sitting on my shelf that has been calling me for a few months now but making that first move can be quite daunting for me sometimes….lol! I am in awe of your journaling, I really need to do more journaling. Put that on the to-do list as well I guess….!! Hugs D. xo

    Reply
  • Oh I just lurve these pages Julie! I really need to make a start on my art journal. I have a brand new moleskine sitting on my shelf that has been calling me for a few months now but making that first move can be quite daunting for me sometimes….lol! I am in awe of your journaling, I really need to do more journaling. Put that on the to-do list as well I guess….!! Hugs D. xo

    Reply
  • Oh I just lurve these pages Julie! I really need to make a start on my art journal. I have a brand new moleskine sitting on my shelf that has been calling me for a few months now but making that first move can be quite daunting for me sometimes….lol! I am in awe of your journaling, I really need to do more journaling. Put that on the to-do list as well I guess….!! Hugs D. xo

    Reply
  • Oh I just lurve these pages Julie! I really need to make a start on my art journal. I have a brand new moleskine sitting on my shelf that has been calling me for a few months now but making that first move can be quite daunting for me sometimes….lol! I am in awe of your journaling, I really need to do more journaling. Put that on the to-do list as well I guess….!! Hugs D. xo

    Reply
  • Oh wow that is just magical!! Im having fun, just playing and making ugly right now. Its actually quiet cathartic!!

    Reply
  • Oh wow that is just magical!! Im having fun, just playing and making ugly right now. Its actually quiet cathartic!!

    Reply
  • Oh wow that is just magical!! Im having fun, just playing and making ugly right now. Its actually quiet cathartic!!

    Reply
  • Oh wow that is just magical!! Im having fun, just playing and making ugly right now. Its actually quiet cathartic!!

    Reply
  • gorgeous pages julie! i think they are all amazing…love the messy ones the most!

    Reply
  • gorgeous pages julie! i think they are all amazing…love the messy ones the most!

    Reply
  • gorgeous pages julie! i think they are all amazing…love the messy ones the most!

    Reply
  • gorgeous pages julie! i think they are all amazing…love the messy ones the most!

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your ROD pages. I too, am noticing some changes I’ll make on my next set of base pages. Sometimes, you just have to jump in with both feet to see how big a splash you will make. You did good. I also like that pen exploration, flower page you did in your art journal.

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your ROD pages. I too, am noticing some changes I’ll make on my next set of base pages. Sometimes, you just have to jump in with both feet to see how big a splash you will make. You did good. I also like that pen exploration, flower page you did in your art journal.

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your ROD pages. I too, am noticing some changes I’ll make on my next set of base pages. Sometimes, you just have to jump in with both feet to see how big a splash you will make. You did good. I also like that pen exploration, flower page you did in your art journal.

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your ROD pages. I too, am noticing some changes I’ll make on my next set of base pages. Sometimes, you just have to jump in with both feet to see how big a splash you will make. You did good. I also like that pen exploration, flower page you did in your art journal.

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your journal pages with us. They are wonderful. I haven’t started filling mine up with words yet. you have given me several ideas. Have fun at CHA!

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your journal pages with us. They are wonderful. I haven’t started filling mine up with words yet. you have given me several ideas. Have fun at CHA!

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your journal pages with us. They are wonderful. I haven’t started filling mine up with words yet. you have given me several ideas. Have fun at CHA!

    Reply
  • Thanks for sharing your journal pages with us. They are wonderful. I haven’t started filling mine up with words yet. you have given me several ideas. Have fun at CHA!

    Reply

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