The photo, above, is
from an art journal entry I created, last summer, after reading Marci Shimoff’s
“Happy for No Reason.” My art
journal is where I go to summarize learned concepts, be artistic, crystallize ideas,
visualize goals/dreams, work out issues (smile), gain insight, display
information I want to refer to again and again, etc. I’ve even used it as a quasi scrapbook to celebrate trips
taken or memorable artist’s dates I’ve had. My art journal does all the above and more—including its
role as a comfort book that I pull out and savor quite frequently. A number of the photos included on this
blog have been from my art journal pages.
To view these, click here and here and here.
I’ve been art
journaling (somewhat avidly) for two years now. I started out creating seasonal vision boards on scraps of
cardboard (now tucked into my current art journal) or file folders (which I now
reuse!). Then, I graduated (so to
speak) by treating myself to a $10 sketchbook purchase (with a lovely pink cover,
of course). I’m still using that
same sketchbook two years later.
It’s been a worthy investment.
No, it’s not museum-quality art, but it’s turned out to be a priceless
treasure to me!
On this blog next
month, I plan to launch some YouTube videos providing more details on the joys
of art journaling. The inspiration
for this came from a fab reader’s inquiries about my blog references to art
journaling.
In the meantime, if
you’d like to give art journaling a try, you might consider starting out like I
did. Gather the following
items: glue stick, scissors,
magazines (any containing images that inspire you!), an art journal (or, file
folder, folder, poster board or thin piece of cardboard) and any other
embellishments you desire (glitter, ribbon, crayons, paints, colored
pens/pencils, etc.). My go-to
technique is ultra simple: I use
pages torn from magazines and collage them onto cardboard.
I vary the subject
of my art journal entries based upon my needs. Sometimes, I will establish an intention for what I wish to
manifest. Other times, I let my
wise self intuitively guide me by simply choosing to include items that speak
to me on some level.
The important thing
about art journaling is to have fun.
It is your special time, after all!
Please keep your
inquires coming. They so inspire
me! T.
