Art Journaling

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CHALLENGING
YOURSELF
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p. 52
AN “A TO Z”
EXPLORATION
OF TEXTURE
p. 32
THE CALMING
YET INTRICATE
ARTWORK OF
NICOLET GROEN
p. 16
FINDING TREASURES
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Volume 13, Issue 1
2 ART
journaling Winter 2021
Dear friends,
While working on this issue of Art Journaling, a few lines from Amber Walker’s article, “Gritty
Beautiful” (p. 10), really resonated with me: “In the end, hope was not found in the pretty and
perfect journal but rather in the expression of the mess. The existence of hope is unnecessary in
perfect conditions; it grows in the hard places, in a soul searching for light … ”
The more I think about it, the more I can see an inextricable link between the concepts of hope
and mess, even in the most mundane of situations. A literal mess, like a cluttered and overflowing
closet for example, is actually an opportunity to improve upon an area of your home that you rely
on daily. Working through that mess means your mornings will go more smoothly, you will have
more space to store special objects that hold treasured memories, and you may even find items that
can be donated to those in need. An easy and pleasant start to your day, the ability to keep the things
that matter to you, and the chance to improve someone else’s life — those are all glimmers of hope.
At times, a mess can be found within each of us as well. We have all felt like a mess emotionally,
from those mornings when it’s difficult to get out of bed, to those days when everything just pisses us
off — but, there’s hope in that pain as well. The more we experience as human beings, especially the
messy, difficult times, the more we can empathize with others — and the world can always use more empathy. Knowing
there are others who have felt as messy as we have, and that no one has a perfect life, makes us feel less alone during our
darkest moments.
Finding hope amidst a mess seems like the perfect analogy for 2020. As the pandemic creeps into this new year, I
will find some comfort knowing that, like Amber Walker has written, hope “grows in the hard places” — there will be
hope around every corner, and within every mess, and I, for one, will be keeping my eyes open for each and every one of
those glimmers.
Until next time,
Amber Demien
Senior Managing Editor
artjournaling@stampington.com
Diane Ford, WA
If you submit
artwork to a future
issue, try your hand
at adorning the
packaging.
If your mail art
is chosen for
publication,
you’ll receive a
complimentary issue
of Art Journaling.
Front Back
artjournalingmagazine.com ART
journaling 3
ART
journaling
92/80(7+,57((1,668(21(
6 Finding Treasure in Isolation
BY CAROL A. MORE
10 Gritty Beautiful
B Y A M B E R WA L K E R
26 A Creative Blend
WINTER 2021 %<.5,67,13(7(5621
32 An “A to Z” Exploration
of Textures
BY NINA FICKETT
36 Sanctuary
B Y N A R A H K I M B E R LY M I N A R D I
44 Collage-A-Palooza: An Artistic
Packrat Revealed
%<&+5,67(661($5
48 The Great Escape

%<'211$60,7+/$&.$
52 Observations in Texture
%<0(/,66$-2+1621
58 Seasons of Life
The artwork of Patty
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Eskridge graces the
cover of this issue. 64 Finding Momentary Peace
Amid Chaos
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48 26
4 ART
70 Confinement & Collaboration
6725<%<&$52/$025(
ARTWORK BY CAROL A. MORE
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76 Wonders That Surround You

B Y LY N N E M O N C R I E F F
56 What is your best tip for keeping your many art
82 Art is Not Always About Pretty Things journaling supplies organized?
% < 3$7 7 < ( 6 . 5 , ' * (
88 What is the most significant art-related lesson
94 Postcards From the Edge you learned from last year?
%<1$1&<%$/(6
118 What is your advice for overcoming intimidation
98 Thoughts of Home of a new technique or supply?
% < /< 1 1 5 , & + $ 5 ' 6
106 Welcome to the White

Bathrobe Club
%<0$5<6+$1121:,6'20
112 Learning From Wildflowers

B Y LY N N E M O N C R I E F F 90 Bound for Art: Seashell Journals
With Butterfly Binding
120 Memories of a Queen % < 3$7 : 2 7 . < 1 6 0 $ 1 6 ) , ( / '
BY CAROL A. MORE
104 Techniques to Try
126 My Artistic Migration
BY DIANE FORD 132 Square One
133 Gallery
140 More Stuff for Your Stash

16 Artist Profile: Nicolet Groen
BY AMBER DEMIEN 141 Submission Guidelines
40 The Written Word 144 About the Publisher
126 98
journaling 5
Finding Treasure
I N I S O L AT I O N
BY CAROL A. MORE
I
don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of talking and thinking about the virus and how it’s
affecting me. Please don’t misunderstand: What is out there is downright serious, but after months
of conflicting information, I have no idea who or what to believe anymore. Cancer treatment many
years ago has left me vulnerable to multiple bouts of serious respiratory infections, so I am considered
high-risk and have had no choice but to self-isolate during this pandemic.
PEACEFUL MOMENTS
Up until this year, I’ve been active in my community, but when everything ground to an abrupt halt,
and my weekly grocery shopping day was the only event on my now empty calendar, I relied more
than ever on my art. I couldn’t imagine how my friends, family, and neighbors got through a day
without creating art. I’ll spare you the rhetoric about enjoying newly discovered moments of peaceful,
uninterrupted time, but, seriously, have you ever sat on the grass for 45 minutes, mesmerized by a
beautiful anole lizard on a rain barrel, catching and eating its dinner of insects? Moments like these
left me amazed at nature’s perfect balance.
6 ART
REDISCOVERING THE FORGOTTEN
As always, whether it’s visible or not on the pages, art journaling was and still is a daily exercise to
express whatever is on my mind — and it’s not always pretty. With so many polarizing and provocative
issues in our country, I find that people are hesitant to discuss our most urgent troubles. Some
emotions make more sense on the art journal page.
There have been wonderful “treasures” from isolation, though. My husband had the time to
transform my art lab into a creative supercenter. During this transformation, making art amongst
confusion, dust, noise, and stacks of everything on every surface unearthed a few treasures too.
I sorted through piles of “I might need this someday” stuff, most I had forgotten about.
EXPLORING 3-D
After working on 2-D art for a recent virtual gallery show, I craved 3-D texture with surprising
elements, like the page in this journal on which I used bargain toilet tissue. After so much anxiety
from six months of homebound existence, I just wanted to spill my guts onto a few pages! I started my
art career as a 3-D assemblage artist and loved solving “puzzles,” fitting unlike pieces and parts into a
frame or box. So, I was thrilled when a chance encounter at a neighbor’s estate sale delighted me with
another treasure: this small photo album and the exciting challenge of turning it into an art journal. »
journaling 7
My Art Goal
for 2021
I so enjoyed collaborating
with a new artist friend
(our mandala project is on
page 70) that I want to do
it again!
TELLING A STORY
This journal was a bit contrary to my usual style. I love cutting out windows from my pages and
allowing the viewer a peep into what’s next, coaxing them along with a theme or storyline, but this little
repurposed photo album already had ready-made cutouts for back-to-back photos! The challenge was
linking all the open page windows into a cohesive view since every page would be visible. My newly
discovered 3-D items had to be visually pleasing, so I used atypical materials like joint compound,
mylar, mica sheets, beads, plastic letter cubes, thin wire, and thread to create “spiderwebs” inside the
photo windows. I kept my color palette soft, pale, and neutral to allow texture, 3-D elements, and
minimal text to tell the story of chaos, confusion, uncertainty, and, spoiler alert, hope!
I glued scrunched tissue paper to each page, and then applied a thick coat of gesso or a thin layer
of joint compound. Once dry, using a dry brush, I rubbed on some color for a softer look. Only
one page of hand-written journaling was included on the inside cover. I typically like to use more
text throughout my journals, but I used less this time to complement the overall feeling of isolation.
I punched holes around some of the windows and deliberately wove knotted and tangled colored
threads with multi-colored beads, old buttons, and glittery sequins. I glued down gauze and added
light stenciling, splatters and drips, and minimal clip art and found text. All of these elements helped
me tell my story of shortages, misinformation, deception, isolation, and confusion.
8 ART
I love C U T T I N G O U T W I N D O W S F R O M M Y
pages A N D A L L O W I N G T H E viewer A P E E P
I N T O W H A T ’ S N E X T, coaxing T H E M A L O N G
WITH A THEME OR STORYLINE.
TIPS
t Select any three analogous colors (next to each other on the color wheel), and use a soft, dry brush
to rub them onto a dry surface for a dreamy effect.
t Use a needle and thread to add texture to any journal page. Try super thin metallic thread. Pre-
punch needle holes with a larger needle or awl to prevent tearing. Use transparent glue to secure
the thread ends to the page.
t When collaging magazine pages, add matte medium to both sides of the page to prevent wrinkling.
Let it dry thoroughly before gluing it onto a journal page.
Carol A. More, NCS, is an art journalist and collage and mixed-media artist. A frequent contributor to Stampington
& Company publications, she lives in New Bern, North Carolina. You can see more of her work on her blog,
carolamore.wordpress.com. She welcomes email at carol@carolmore.com.
journaling 9
GRITTY
Beautiful
B Y A M B E R WA L K E R
W
aking in the early morning hours, pouring hot coffee into my oversized pink mug, and
slowly climbing the stairs to my little art space, yawning and conscious of the day about
to unfold into the new normal — a routine was starting to form. I reach for my brown
leather journal with one tiny word stamped in the corner — “wild,” a time of letting go. Untethering
the long leather strap wrapped around the journal, holding it all together, two pages lay flat with a
white stitched middle — a canvas awaiting words and paint.
10 ART
MOVING PAST PRECIOUS
This leather journal became known as my pandemic art journal.
I had purchased it two years prior and felt it was too precious
because of the expense and beauty of it; I feared ruining it. So, I
carried it with me on my travels to try to break it in and discard
the “too precious” factor. Once while camping, I opened the
journal and placed it in a campfire. The edges lit up with bright
orange and became marked with black ash. Months later, I was
painting my office walls emerald green and ran to grab the journal.
I dumped the green paint across the pages and tore them apart as
they solidified together. And yet, I still did not turn to the journal
until March 2020. »
artjournalingmagazine.com
j li i ART
A
journaling
li 11
My Art Goal
for 2021
To complete a large
painting on canvas of a
body map that holds the
stories of my past
and present.
A NEW ROUTINE
As the world paused and stilled, I packed up my little
therapy office in town and headed home to shelter in place;
the fear was palatable. I noticed the leather-bound journal
on the shelf, collecting dust, and I thought, “If not now,
when?” So, every morning it became the new routine,
awakening early for stolen moments of aloneness and
creativity. Coffee, fears, and hopes poured into that beautiful
journal before my daughter woke for homeschooling.
I created without any conscious plan, carving words of fear
into wet gesso with the back of the paintbrush to later be
covered in layers of acrylic paint. Sometimes the possible
worst outcomes were allowed to be seen. Then, in a flurry of
activity, the sewing machine would come to life and stitches
were placed on the pages and the images. The stitches became
symbols of mending and the plea that somehow it would
hold it all.
12 ART
COFFEE, FEARS,
AND hopes
POURED INTO
T H AT B E A U T I F U L
journal ...
HOPEFUL WHISPERS
The final step on the page was journaling, either tapping
away on my failing typewriter or scrawling across the
page with a black Stabilo All pencil. The words revealed
unplanned messages and each one contained hope
and comfort. Strangely, those same hopeful whispers
showed up in my sleep, like tiny angels hand-carrying
the messages into my dreams. A golden thread weaved
from the journal page into my sleeping hours. You
never know how journaling will impact your life —
mine provided peace. »
journaling 13
IN THE END, hope
WA S N O T F O U N D
IN THE pretty A N D
P E R F E C T journal
B U T R AT H E R I N
THE expression O F
THE MESS.
My journal was the one place I felt free during the

pandemic. The outcome was untethered to the process:
dumping different paints directly onto the page, using it as
my mixing palette; lighting images on fire, ripping them into
pieces, and gluing them back together; stitching along the
pages with happenstance; spray-painting over leaves and twigs
on almost completed spreads. I trusted the process, taking
one step and letting it lead to the next step to unfold an
organic path.
A BITERSWEET END
I was surprised to find the leather journal overflowing by
Memorial Day, to the point of the binding falling apart at
the seams. It was sad to see it full in many ways — closure for
a journal that held grit, tears, and a helping of grace. In the
end, hope was not found in the pretty and perfect journal but
rather in the expression of the mess. The existence of hope is
unnecessary in perfect conditions; it grows in the hard places,
in a soul searching for light, and in the unfolding of a dusty,
precious journal to hold all the fears. Hope was freed in the
process and sprung up from the pages into the wildness of
that time.
14 ART
TIPS
t Make handmade stencils by cutting up a file folder, and break out the spray paint!
t One of my new discoveries is pixabay.com for copyright-free images. Print the images and use gel
pens, markers, and/or acrylic paint to make them your own and tell your story.
t Place your images, or even your journal (if you are feeling super brave), out in the elements for one
week. Notice the changes the environment has made to your creation and how it has helped make
it even more uniquely yours.
Amber Walker is a mixed-media artist and mental health therapist from Bangor, Maine. Visit her on Instagram
(@alteredbyamber) to watch her creating journal spreads in her Stories and for snapshots of her life in Maine. She welcomes
email at alteredbyamber@gmail.com.
journaling 15
ARTIST PROFILE
Nicolet Groen
ARTWORK BY NICOLET GROEN
STORY BY AMBER DEMIEN
16 ART
S
ome artists pick up a box of crayons as young children and ride that creative
wave all the way into adulthood. Other artists shine with creative potential
as children but encounter hurdles as they grow, making their journey all the
more admirable for the challenges overcome along the way. Nicolet Groen spent
her childhood immersed in imagination, but a negative experience as a young adult
derailed her artistic path — happily, she has found it once again.
Born and raised in a small rural village in The Netherlands, Nicolet was
surrounded by family who helped sow the seeds for her creative mind. “My aunt
lived in a neighboring house, and whenever it was possible I crossed the fence of our
backyard to sneak into her garden to draw and paint in her studio,” Nicolet recalls.
Most Saturdays were spent at her grandparents’ house, where the hours would fly
by as she transformed wood into countless creations in her granddad’s barn. As she
remembers, “He let me handle every available tool. I still have a prominent chisel scar
on my left thumb! The only thing he prohibited me from using, to my dismay, was
the circular saw.” When she was not in the barn, she was learning knitting, crochet,
and embroidery from her grandmother. Even today, Nicolet’s grandparents hold an
important place in her creativity, as she frequently includes vintage photos of them
as image transfers in her artwork.
At age 16, Nicolet was accepted into art school to study interior design, and
she credits her parents for always encouraging her to pursue a creative career.
Unfortunately, a discouraging experience caused her to drop out after the second year.
As she explains, “I was too young for a study that requires so much self-reflection.
My designs were good, but teachers couldn’t follow my process because I sketched
everything in my head. After the first year at the academy, I stopped painting; my
teacher literally told me I shouldn’t be allowed to hold a brush.” Because of this,
Nicolet stepped away from art, and it would be 25 years until she dared to try again.
During her artistic hiatus she spent her early 20s traveling the world, living
in Spain, England, and Italy, where, fun fact, she worked as a pizza maker! After
moving back to The Netherlands, she met her husband in 1999, and they have two
“beautiful, bright, and creative children”: son Jonathan, 17, and daughter Lotte, 15.
Both Nicolet and her husband are professional photographers, with her specialty
being interior photography, which she also teaches and has authored three Dutch
books on the subject. »
journaling 17
ARTIST PROFILE
D E TA I L
Nicolet’s 25-year hiatus ended almost two years ago when she
started looking for a new hobby. “Although interior photography
is a creative profession, I missed creating with my hands. I read
about art journaling [online] and it felt like a feasible way to
get back into art,” she explains. Researching the topic led her to
Jeanne Oliver’s book, “The Painted Art Journal” (North Light
Books, 2018), and her imagination was ignited. Before leaving
on a family vacation to Italy, she bought an art journal and a large
pencil case that she filled with art supplies. “I created my first
pages under the Italian sun, and bought my first vintage books at
an antiquarian market. I was immediately hooked on both art and
vintage ephemera,” she shares.
18 ART
In less than two years Nicolet has developed a signature style. As she describes, “My art is intricate,
but by working with a minimal color palette of muted colors, it is not overwhelming. I love to
combine vintage ephemera with acrylics, pastels, and embroidery; nothing can replace the patina of
antique book pages, handwritten documents, and old photos.” When she looks back at the evolution
of her art so far, she can see that it has become looser and more spontaneous. “I am growing in my
creativity and [use of ] materials, but there’s still so much to discover and explore! I am continually
finding, learning, and applying new techniques.” When in need of inspiration, she can always find it
within her massive collection of vintage ephemera, books, photos, and postcards. The imagery and
timeworn quality of much of her work points to her love of history, photography, and typography.
She is also inspired by color, especially the lack of it.
The work of other artists and the workshops they offer have also been an influence on Nicolet’s
developing style and practice. The first online class she took was “Reflections: An Art Journaling
Workshop” by Jeanne Oliver, which she recommends as an excellent course for both those starting
out and those who are more experienced. She also credits Leslie Rottner as being a great source of
inspiration for her collage work, as well as Renee Mueller. »
journaling 19
ARTIST PROFILE
When the spark of inspiration is elusive, Nicolet knows that the first step is showing up. Her
art journaling time is limited to the weekends, but once she steps into her attic studio, there are
certain activities that help her get the creative ball rolling. “Sometimes I grab a vintage book and start
deconstructing it page by page, cautiously removing the spine and tearing off the cover’s linen to use
in my work. The deconstruction process clears my head,” she explains. Another approach is to open
to a page in her journal, start with gesso, and then glue down pieces of her favorite book pages, which
come from the first book she bought in Italy on that inspiring family vacation. As Nicolet shares,
“Those pages are 500 years old with a lovely structure and patina. Just having that on the page is
usually enough to get me started!”
20 ART
“I AM growing IN MY CREATIVITY AND [USE
OF] MATERIALS, BUT THERE’S STILL SO MUCH TO
discover AND explore! ”
As a self-proclaimed beginner, she advises others who are new to art journaling to keep it simple.
It can be a difficult and lengthy process to discover your own style, so instead of forcing one upon
yourself, Nicolet encourages others to use the colors and materials they are drawn to naturally.
Listening to yourself and your instincts instead of others is perhaps the most important advice of all.
“The most challenging [part of my journey] certainly was not to listen to the words of my former
teacher in art school. I still hear him when I struggle with my strokes and mark-making. Fortunately, I
am blessed with my family; my husband is so supportive and encouraging, and my children are always
cheering me on,” she shares. »
journaling 21
ARTIST PROFILE
D E TA I L
After 25 years without a hands-on form of artistic expression,

Nicolet is astounded by the transformation that art journaling
has had on her life. “All those years that I didn’t create art, I was
on antidepressants. When I started art journaling, I was tapering
off of them because they were making me sick, literally. With
each milligram that I took off, I gained creativity. My drugs were
replaced by art, and I am so grateful for that!”
22 ART
“I MISSEDcreating WITH MY HANDS. I READ ABOUT
AR T journaling [ONLINE] AND IT FELT LIKE A FEASIBLE
WAY TO GET BACK INTO art ...”
Nicolet’s Must-Have Supplies

t A mechanical pencil t Ink
t Acrylic paint t Stabilo All pencils
t Charcoal t Vintage ephemera
t Embroidery floss
journaling 23
ARTIST PROFILE
She is also grateful for the response to her work, and is always surprised by the many likes and
followers she has on Instagram. “I was astonished when I was asked to teach an online art journaling
class, and the first time someone wanted to buy my work, and by getting published in this gorgeous
magazine. After an absence of 25 years in art, I consider myself a beginner; I just started dipping my
toes into this journey, so the enthusiasm is somewhat overwhelming. I am so grateful to inspire others
in their art!”
24 ART
started DIPPING MY TOES INTO THIS journey,
“JUST
SO THE enthusiasm IS SOMEWHAT overwhelming.
I AM SO GREATFUL TO inspire OTHERS IN THEIR art.”
D E TA I L
To learn more about Nicolet Groen and to see more of her work, visit printsandpapers.com and Instagram (@nicoletgroen).
She will be launching her first online class in September of 2021.
Photography by Nicolet Groen.
journaling 25
A Creative
BLEND
BY KRISTIN PETERSON
W
hen I purchase an art journal from someone else, I am helping to support that artist.
Maybe it is the size or color of the journal that drew my eye, or maybe the artist herself,
but I am happy to have something made by that person to add to my collection and to
work in at a later point. When I make the purchase, I have such a sense of excitement and can hardly
wait to hold it in my hands. I want to look through and feel the pages. Does the journal contain any
pockets or little details that the maker has added? Is the paper thick or thin? Are there many pages?
Are the pages dyed? Will I even be able to finish this journal?
26 ART
... I AM happy
T O H AV E
SOMETHING
M A D E B Y T H AT
person T O
ADD TO MY
collection A N D
T O W O R K I N AT A
L AT E R P O I N T.
CHOOSING A JOURNAL
I usually purchase journals because of their size
or shape, and I tend to like smaller and square-
shaped journals; I find them easy to work in,
even when my time in the studio is short. Which
journal I choose to work in on any given day can
depend on how I feel, how much time I have to
play, or it could be whichever journal happens to
be on the top of the pile, as I tend to work on
anything within arm’s reach.
I love jumping in to a new journal, but I must
admit that I am notorious for not finishing most
journals if there are too many pages. If the journal
has more than a couple of signatures, or is of a
larger size, I may work in it for a while, but I tend
to drift and find myself working in another smaller
art journal. I have many journals in various stages
of completeness, and how many pages are left can
determine whether that journal will stay close to
my work desk or be moved to the finished stack. »
journaling 27
D E TA I L
BLENDING STYLES
Every artist has an individual style, and most handmade journals
reflect pieces of the makers. It is fun to blend their art journal
with my own creativity on the pages. I purchased this particular
art journal from my artist friend Jenni Zmuda. I like her hard-
cover journals, their square-ish shape, and the extra goodies added
to the waxed thread. This particular journal has a good mix of
papers, including eco-dyed pages as well as patterned paper, and
only a few signatures, making it likely that I would actually finish
this journal.
28 ART
My Art Goal
for 2021
To keep rediscovering and
fine-tuning my artistic self,
to listen to the little creative
whispers, and to be open to
change and possibilities for
artistic growth.
CREATIVE REMINDERS
This art journal is filled with playful exploration. It
has color swatches, painty fingerprints, alcohol inks
that were sprinkled with almost reckless abandon,
and doodles made with my eyes closed. I added
carefully placed pieces of security envelope, as well as
a vintage price tag I was saving for the perfect page.
Found words were scattered and glued on various
pages, telling a story as you turn each page, speaking
for the moment or serving as a larger reminder in
this creative journey — a reminder that I showed
up for that day. When looking back through the
pages, they will bring me right back to the times and
places they were created. There are also pages I had
worked on and then gessoed over to start again; these
“re-do” pages, if you will, serve as a reminder to be
kind to myself, so I attached a typed tag with that
same sentiment. »
journaling 29
EVERY artist
HAS AN
INDIVIDUAL
style, A N D M O S T
handmade
JOURNALS
REFLECT PIECES
OF THE makers.
Art journals will hold the beginning of

prompts started in good faith yet not finished,
and that is OK — when you never start, that
is where the problem lays. An art journal is
whatever you make of it. And in the end, maybe
the journal will be finished — and if not, that
may be part of its story as well.
Kristin Peterson is a mixed-media artist who loves color,

collage, and all things loved and worn. She is a third-
generation artist originally from South Dakota, now residing
close to the Minnesota border. She regularly posts to her art
blog, alteredstatesstudio.blogspot.com.
30 ART
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AN “A TO Z”
E X P L O R AT I O N
of Textures
BY NINA FICKETT
T
his art journal exists because I dared to say yes to an opportunity. When Tina Walker put out a call
for creatives interested in being involved in a StencilGirl Products art journaling collaboration,
I knew immediately I needed to participate. I also knew I wanted my focus to be on textures.
Textures are my obsession, and I was excited to take a deep dive into them — this would be a new
challenge for me.
THE NEXT LEVEL

In the past I only journaled as a means of creative writing; however, over time my creative-writing
journals transitioned into art journals. These art journals became my safe place to play and investigate
art, and they are now my go-to for trying new ideas and texture possibilities. Recently I have come
to see the art journal as a standalone piece of art. I once purchased art journals to work in, but I now
build art journals as substrates for what comes next. So, with this new opportunity I knew I could
take my art journaling to the next level.
32 ART
My Creative
Obsession
The IKEA paper they wrap
your fragile items in. It
melts when you add gel
medium to it and makes the
best textures.
ALPHABETICAL BRAINSTORMING
After responding to the call with an enthusiastic
“Yes!” I dove methodically into an exploration of
texture. I quickly became entrenched in the process.
I began by choosing how I was going to create a
binding. I needed a binding that could handle a
beautifully chunky journal, and I chose a vintage
45-mm vinyl record album as a template. During
the making of the journal, I ended up needing to
increase the size of the spine twice; the chunkiness
was getting out of control, but I loved it. In the end,
I needed hardware longer than what was available
to me in small quantities, so I reached out to CFS
Products (cfsbinds.com), and success! My binding
problem was solved.
After I figured out the binding, I began making
lists of things that could be used as texture: actual
or implied, surface or embedded. Following the
theme, the textures were based upon the letters of
the alphabet. For months I obsessed over texture
while working my way through the alphabet: A is
for apple seeds and for the blobs at the end of paint
tubes, also known as “acrylic paint boogers”; E is
for eggshells and embossing folder textures; etc. As
my list began to take shape, I began answering these
questions: How could I integrate these vastly different
items into an eye-pleasing layout? How would
they react to color? Would they hold up to what I
was going to throw at them? The list-making and
question-asking helped me to discover my focus. »
journaling 33
... ART journals B E C A M E safe P L A C E MY
T O P L AY A N D I N V E S T I G A T E art, A N D T H E Y
A R E N O W M Y G O - T O F O R trying N E W
I D E A S A N D texture P O S S I B I L I T I E S .
CREATING TEXTURE
After my list was complete, I followed my regular texture process, which I’ve honed over the years.
First, I decided all the layouts would each contain pockets, sayings, and quotes. I pre-created a bunch
of pockets that I could fine-tune when the time came; some I found along the way and others I was
inspired to create in the moment. Some pockets are embedded, some are hidden, and others are right
out front. Most of the pockets are from things in my daily life; for instance, one was the pocket a key
card comes in when staying at a hotel.
I begin treating each layout as its own entity. When I was working on a letter, my focus was only
on the two pages in front of me. On one page of each layout, I placed a saying or phrase that felt right
for that layout. I proceeded to pick a quote about art and/or the creative process that was loosely tied
to the saying, and these quotes went into the pockets. During the quote-choosing process, I began
investigating different artists, inventors, and writers. I found myself growing closer to those who came
before me. I felt as though I was getting a glimpse into their processes and the little nuances that made
them who they were. This research added to my inspiration for the layouts.
Lastly, I needed to create the covers and spine; I purposefully saved this for last, as is my usual
practice, and I find it ensures a cohesive whole. Although I saved this part for last, I knew when I
first started which image I wanted on the cover. My idea was “The art that comes out of the mist,”
and my goal was to pull the viewer into the journal. So, when I saw the StencilGirl Products stencil
designed by Tina Walker titled Stone Face, I knew it was the one. I decided to use plaster cloth for this
process; I had never used it in this way before, but it was fantastic to work with and I think it came
out beautifully. I fully enjoyed creating this journal.
34 ART
TIPS
t I find that limiting myself, whether it is in the colors I am using or what is going to appear on my
page, allows me to experience unlimited possibilities.
t Even if you don’t use paper under the pieces you are working on to catch the “off sploosh,”
consider using scrap paper on the side or a “smoosh book” (a journal dedicated to extra paint, etc.).
These all make lovely decoupage/collage fodder.
Nina Fickett is a mixed-media abstract artist from Tucson, Arizona, where she lives with her husband. If she isn’t in her
home studio diving deep into textures, she can be found engrossed in a good book. Check out her works on her website,
ninafickettdesigns.com, on Instagram (@nina_fickett), or on YouTube (Nina Fickett Designs).
journaling 35
Sanctuary
B Y N A R A H K I M B E R LY M I N A R D I
36 ART
... I’M NO
LONGER PLAGUED
BY chaos I N S I D E —
W H AT WA N T S T O
BE SAID IS SAID,
W H AT WA N T S T O
flow, F L O W S .
T
his art journal is titled Sanctuary because both my
art journal and my studio are places of peace and
rest. Making art is both inspiring and organizing to
my thoughts and my spirit. By allowing what is in my
subconscious to burble out onto the page, I’m no longer
plagued by chaos inside — what wants to be said is said,
what wants to flow, flows. My art journal provides a safe
space for my creativity and for my inner child to be exactly
as she wants and needs to be.
INSPIRATION FROM CHANGE

During the end stages of this art journal, I moved my art
studio, which is also named The Sanctuary, from one part
of the house to another. This change gave me a look at
long-forgotten supplies and made me examine what was
most important as I reorganized. The new space is more
accessible and has more light but it is smaller, so I had to
really prioritize what makes me truly come alive. »
journaling 37
My Creative
Obsession
Transformation — painting
over something and
completely changing it, no
matter what stage it was in.
CREATING ANEW
There are old things in this journal happily revisited
and given new perspective as my place of comfort and
revitalization changed. Some pages were given a total
makeover when I realized they weren’t working and a
completely new piece was in order. The layers underneath
the new gesso added character just as we create ourselves
anew with each phase of life. Vintage photos and children’s
book illustrations, doodles, paint pen mandalas, my own
drawings, inspiring quotes, and decorative tape found
their way on top of the layers of gesso. I scraped, washed,
smeared, splattered, and stenciled acrylic paint, and
added spray paint and spray ink. The results continually
surprised me and left me with more energy — in mind,
body, and soul.
38 ART
THE layers
U N D E R N E AT H
THE NEW GESSO
ADDED character,
JUST A S W E create
O U R S E LV E S A N E W
WITH EACH PHASE
OF life.
TIPS
t No page is set in stone; you can change it any time,
even if you thought that it was already finished.
t If you aren’t sure what step to take next, randomly pick
a technique from a list.
t If you have fallen into a routine and it’s starting to
seem boring but you don’t know what to change, pick
one thing to do “out of order.”
Narah Kimberly Minardi lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

where the arts thrive, with her husband and three children. They
are an unschooling family, because non-conformity and being
an artist go hand-in-hand. Her nightly studio time is both self-
care and family contribution. Find her at narahkimberly.com,
narahkimberly.redbubble.com, and on Instagram, Facebook, and
Tumblr (@narahkimberlyartist).
journaling 39
Here we revisit some of the most innovative and artistic lettering that has graced the pages of
Art Journaling. You are sure to be inspired by these wonderful interpretations of the written word.
PLAYFUL PLACEMENT
When adding journaling, look past the
confines of the page by considering
what shapes or images can contain
your writing. Here, an inspirational
statement is given a real “kick” by being
penned within a pair of legs.
You can see more from this journal in the

Winter 2020 Issue of Art Journaling.
To learn more about Tina Walker, visit
adogslife-thirteen.blogspot.com.
40 ART
LAYERS OF COLOR
When writing a list of powerful words upon the page,
try stacking them in a fun manner, penning each one in
a whimsical style. To make the words truly pop, apply
washes of paint to the background first, allowing the colors
to blend together.
You can see more from this journal in the Winter 2020 Issue of
Art Journaling. To learn more about Patricia J. Mosca, visit
Facebook (patricia.mosca.7).
journaling 41
PERFECTLY PRETTY
An elegant lettering style pairs perfectly with a floral background.
Using dark ink ensures the words pop off the page, and simple
white highlights are an effective finishing touch.
You can see more from this journal in the Summer 2018 Issue of Art Journaling.
To learn more about Rebecca Sawatsky, visit sawatskycreations.etsy.com.
42 ART
CUSTOM CUTOUTS
Magazines offer an endless supply of letters that can be cut out
and arranged to express whatever you’re thinking. Choose letters in
a specific color palette for a cohesive look, and outline each with
black ink to ground them on the page.
You can see more from this journal in the Summer 2018 Issue of Art Journaling.
To learn more about Ingrid Dijkers, visit ingriddijkers.com.
journaling 43
Collage-A-Palooza:
A N A R T I S T I C PA C K R AT
REVEALED
BY CHRIS TESSNEAR
E
very time I open a Stampington & Company publication, I am inspired by projects that teach
me new ways to look at things and how to see creative ideas in everything. It creates havoc in
my art room because every scrap of paper has possibility. Since my husband and I are moving
to a smaller family home, my art space is being downsized from a whole room to one wall in a room.
With so many saved scraps of paper, I am having great difficulty cleaning out and sizing down.

44 ART
My Art
Goal for 2021
It is the same as every year:
Use the gifts God gave me
and always share my art.
ARTFUL RECYCLING
This project came to me when I ran across tiny faded pictures
from my college days. Seeing the many beautiful possibilities,
I grabbed other favorite paper scraps: magazine text, paper-
punched bits, corrugated paper, painted pieces, book pages,
and other interesting finds. One such find were the page
dividers I used as the base for each page, which were left over
from when my husband cleaned out his office. Artists are the
world’s greatest recyclers — just imagine how full the landfills
would be without us, and imagine what we could find there to
turn into art! It might be a little smelly, but some Lysol could
fix that.
AN ECLECTIC APPROACH
Drawing faces has become a passion, and on these pages I
decided to draw them on the tiny photos, layering them with
words and images to make a cohesive design that is fun and
eclectic. I also tried to keep the colors muted since the photos
were faded and sepia-toned.
To make each collaged page, I arranged the scraps in a
pleasing manner, using the little photo faces as the focal
points. I layered and overlapped the pieces until things worked
together, and then glued them down. Next I added words and
titles using letter stickers and magazine text. For more interest,
I hand-drew additional details. When the pages were done, I
bound them together with binder rings. »
journaling 45
A STASH FULL OF IDEAS
Looking through my scraps and save piles is sometimes as fun as putting the pages together. I am one
of the lucky artists because I am rarely without ideas. If you find yourself stumped, just go clean out
your art stash and you will be painting, designing, and gluing before you know it.
TIPS
t Instead of using photos, you could cut out faces from magazines.
t Bind the journal with ribbon or yarn instead of binder rings.
Chris Tessnear is a retired art teacher living in Alexis, North Carolina. She is a wife, mother, and a full-time artist, sharing
her art with friends, family, and her church. She welcomes email at cqt144w@mindspring. You can see more on her
blog, creativeinspirations.blogspot.com.
46 ART
T H E CA R D M A K E R ’ S
Library of Inspiration
The name may have given us away, but stamping
has a special place in our hearts here at
Stampington & Company. The Stampers’ Sampler
was our first magazine and first love, so you can
bet we’ve got card makers covered! With special
publications devoted to card making, invitations,
stamped project ideas, and more, discover
something to inspire stampers of all skill levels.
To Order: stampington.com/stamping-and-card-making-magazines | Toll-Free: 1-877-782-6737
Art Journaling Essentials & More

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T H E G R E AT
Escape
BY DONNA SMITH-LACKA
F
or me, art journaling has become an escape from everything that seems to be going on in these
troubled times. The quiet interludes spent alone journaling, either at home, while traveling,
or in my studio, give me the freedom to combine art and words to express myself. I never feel
inhibited when experimenting with a new idea or new medium because, for me, there is no fear of
being judged or making a mistake; rather, it gives me permission to play and make mistakes. It’s not
complex — there really aren’t any rules for art journaling.
48 ART
My Creative
Obsession
Alcohol ink. I love working
with a medium that is so
beautiful and enables you
to create one-of-a-kind
pieces of art.
TRANSFORMING “JUNK”
This journal was made from scratch following instructions I
had previously used many times from The Paper Outpost on
YouTube; it is a three-part video called “How to Make a Junk
Journal Out of an Old Book.”
There is no particular theme in my journal, so every page
is different. Once I turn to a blank page I get excited and
seem to instinctually know what is going to go down; thus,
the signatures within this journal include a colorful variety
of assorted types of papers, and all of the sheets within the
signatures are adorned by odds and ends from my stash.
The ephemera displayed has been collected here and there
with some help from my all-time favorites, Tim Holtz and
Jane Davenport. »
journaling 49
THE quiet I N T E R L U D E S SPENT ALONE journaling
...GIVE ME THE FREEDON to C O M B I N E ART
AND words ...
50 ART
TIPS
t Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need a lot of art supplies. Old books, magazines, and
thrift store finds are a great place to start. Basic necessities are a good adhesive, sharp scissors, and
lots of ephemera gathered wherever you go.
t Prepare a space to create in. You don’t need a studio or even a lot of space to start art journaling,
but you do need to keep your supplies in one place.
t When you’re feeling blocked, start by creating a background. There’s really no wrong way to create
your backgrounds; use paint, gesso, pastels, markers, ink, or stencils. Make sure whatever you use
doesn’t effect the integrity of the pages on either side.
From the time her mother put a crayon in her hand, Donna Smith-Lacka has loved to scribble, write, and draw. It was
not until after she raised her family and semi-retired from a busy corporate life that she had the time to do all the things
she loved to do. She has learned along her 71-year journey that you have to make time for yourself. Donna is a mother and
grandmother, and a four-time award-winning artist at McMaster University’s Art in the Workplace Competition. She lives
in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, and can be reached at donnalackaartist@gmail.com. You can see more of her work at
donnalackaartist.com and on Instagram (@lackadonna, @rosebankartgal).
. artjournalingmagazine.com ART
journaling 51
O B S E R VA T I O N S I N
Texture
BY MELISSA JOHNSON
C
ollecting different materials to use in my art has been a long-time passion. Papers, fabrics,
photos, trims, buttons, and ephemera all live in my art area waiting to be used. While most
of my journals are typically paper, every so often I like to challenge myself to create using
different materials. When I sat down to get started on this journal, I immediately decided I wanted to
create a journal made strictly from fabric.
52 ART
love T H E
I
juxtaposition
OF THE SOFT
textures I N THE
FA B R I C S W I T H
THE MORE SOLID
elements L I K E
BUTTONS AND
metals.
AN ODE TO ECO-DYEING
This journal was created specifically to showcase some vintage and eco-dyed fabrics in my stash. On
one of my annual art weekends, my friends and I spent an entire day eco-dyeing different fabrics and
papers. (Eco-dyeing is using natural plant materials to add shapes and colors to various materials.)
One of those dyed pieces was the inspiration point to begin, and it eventually became the cover of
the journal. Adding in some paper elements, as well as other textured pieces, really creates interest on
the pages.
EXPRESSING MY STYLE
As someone who is extremely tactile, creating a journal like this is especially satisfying. I love the
juxtaposition of the soft textures in the fabrics with the more solid elements like buttons and metals.
The different surfaces of the materials are opportunities to try a variety of techniques. Stenciling as
well as hand and machine stitching were both utilized on the pages of this journal. Using different
stitches and layering fabrics added interest and depth to each page. To create unique backgrounds for
each page of the journal, I combined different fabrics, like eco-dyed wool, vintage ticking, antique
upholstery fabric, and vintage lace.
Using interesting papers as accents rather than the focus of each page added another layer of
texture and provided a surface to journal upon. All of my art features women and this journal is no
different. Incorporating vintage photos on the pages is in keeping with my artistic style and fits in
well with the antique look of the entire book. I added a few paper doilies as well, because they remind
me of my grandmother and the pieces of vintage Irish lace that she always had around her home. »
journaling 53
D E TA I L
TEXTILES WITH STORIES
One of the things I enjoy about working with textiles in this way
is that you can create something beautifully imperfect. I love the
rough and frayed edges, the dangling and loose threads from the
stitching, and the variety of trims; to me, those things mean that
something is well-loved and treasured, making it more meaningful
and interesting. I like to imagine that there is a story behind each
piece of fabric. Someone may have once worn it on a special piece
of clothing, it could have been a piece of material from a place
they loved, or been a scrap of a household object like a quilt that
was dear to them.
KEEPING SECRETS
Creating secret little pockets to hide messages in is something
I like doing in these fabric journals. In this book, I used an old
View Master pocket and an upholstery fabric remnant to tuck
in a few journaling tags. Old electrical components and rusty
chipboard gears were used to add another dimension of texture to
these pockets and add to the overall feeling of the journal.
54 ART
MAKING THE OLD NEW AGAIN
When I look at this journal, I feel transported back in time. As I was putting it all together, I really
had the feeling that this was something created from the past — like something from the Depression
era or Industrial Revolution. I deliberately kept the colors muted and stuck to a natural, aged-looking
color palette. The beauty of creating a journal like this is it was made completely from scraps. I was
able to use these interesting pieces of material and papers gathered from my travels and craft them
into something new. This journal is truly original and was a wonderful opportunity to combine
different textures to give new life to these old fabrics and photographs.
TIPS
t Combine hand stitching with different machine stitches and different threads to create interesting
borders on your pages.
t Journaling pockets are a great place to hide your thoughts. You can even sew them shut if you don’t
want anyone else to see them!
t Use a stencil on fabric and then sew around the outline of the design to create patterns.
Melissa Johnson is a mixed-media artist, mom of five, and a business/life coach focused on transforming the lives and
businesses of female entrepreneurs. She can be reached at themelissajohnson.com or on Instagram (@melissajohnson8).
journaling 55
WE ASKED THE ARTISTS:
What is your best tip for keeping your many art journaling
supplies organized?
Melissa Johnson Diane Ford

I use an industrial type of toolbox for most of my Organization is something I am constantly working
things. There are a lot of drawers and it can be on, especially with my ever-growing mountain of art
moved around pretty easily. supplies. One thing that helps me is to carry a small
storage container with materials and supplies for my
current project to keep me focused.
Mary Shannon Wisdom
To keep my supplies organized, I try not to bring
home materials that I don’t already have a plan
for storing.
Artwork by Diane Ford

Patty Eskridge
On the left side of my table, I have a large wicker
basket of glass jars filled with paintbrushes, pens,
pencils, and scissors at the ready.
Carol A. More
Commit to sorting all your art journaling supplies
every quarter. You’ll be amazed what turns up, and
since we are learning new techniques constantly,
forgotten supplies turn into a lucky find.
Carly Swenson
This is still an on-going trial-and-error process for
me. I’ve found that having a few different translucent
Lynne Moncrieff containers to store similar supplies helps. Also,
small transparent bags are good for keeping things
There are no set boundaries on organization for me
when it comes to supplies. I’m always aiming to like postage stamps, cut-out words, or other small
get the most out of anything I work with, so I will ephemera organized; and, they’re less likely to be
happily use the same supplies for art journals as I do accidentally thrown away.
for mixed-media.
Nina Fickett
Artwork by Lynne Moncrieff
My family thinks I’m obsessive when it comes to my

art space. I have as much available at my fingertips
as possible, and everything is labeled well. All my
decoupage/collage fodder is sorted and in bins that
are well labeled. I have two carts: one filled with all
my mediums and the second with all acrylic paints.
For me, having it all at my fingertips, organized and
labeled, helps keep me in the “zone” when
I’m creating.
56 ART
Lynn Richards Amber Walker
I am forever reorganizing my supplies, and find that Keep them visible. Place your pens, scissors, glue
whatever I am using the most of, I need it to be front sticks, stapler, and pencils in open mugs on your
and center. I’ll find jars and pretty boxes to hold desk. I’m not one for strong organization skills with
those supplies. art supplies, but I am aware that if it’s available and
within arm’s reach, it will likely be used!
Kristin Peterson
My best kept secret for keeping my supplies
Artwork by Nina Fickett
organized is keeping the supplies close to where I

work so they can actually be used. I have cute old
cigar boxes, a vintage lunch box, and a little wooden
cheese box to group and hold my supplies and
small papers close to me. I also have a wooden cash
register drawer that holds a lot of stuff within
arm’s reach.
Chris Tessnear
Artwork by Carly Swenson

I organize basic supplies in plastic drawers and bins,
baskets, and jars.
Narah Kimberly Minardi

Keep similar items in separate containers. Even use
containers inside of containers, rather than a very
large basket or box that you will have to dig through
to find something. Also, I keep paintbrushes,
markers, and pens in multiple cups and jars based on
size and use.
Donna Smith-Lacka Nancy Bales

I keep the small remains of papers in freezer or
I store all of my cardstock paper pads in banker’s
sandwich bags depending on their size. I keep
boxes along with labeled folders. All of the other
the smaller bags in a basket near my desk, and the
supplies go in my art carousels, which are available
larger paper pieces are kept in boxes under my table;
at Michaels.
that way, they are together where I can find them
easily. Well, that is the way it is supposed to work!
journaling 57
SEASONS OF
Life
BY NANCY BALES
A
s I am sitting at the kitchen table writing this, I am looking outside to see the coming of fall.
This is my favorite time of year: the light changes from the hard light of summer to a softer
light, the air feels softer too, and everything is letting go of the colors of summer and opening
to the shades and scents of fall.
58 ART
THIS IS MY
favorite T I M E
OF YEAR: THE
light changes
FROM THE
HARD LIGHT OF
summer T O A
S O F T E R light ...

NEW ADVENTURES
I grew up in Los Angeles where the only sign of the coming
of fall was the changing light and my excitement about
returning to school; it was a time of new shoes, new dresses,
and new pencils. I would take those pencils into my dad’s
“shop” and sharpen each one. I still love the smell of new
wooden pencils. I also have to admit that I was a weird
kid; I loved school and couldn’t wait for summer to be
over. I wanted new books, new teachers, and new things to
learn. For me, the signs of fall mean that it is the time of
new adventures.
SIGNS OF CHANGE
Growing up in L.A., there weren’t very many signs of the
different seasons. Celebrating the holidays were our only real
signs that the seasons had changed. Eventually we moved to
an agricultural area of the Central Coast, where we raised
our kids. Although my daughter, who now lives in Oregon,
insists that we don’t have seasons here, I sense that we do. »
journaling 59
My Art Goal
for 2021
I want to create a website
so I can display more of my
art, which will be a big help
as I begin selling more of
my art, probably
through Etsy.
Every day when I drive to my office, I can see the daily

difference in the farming land around us. In winter the
land is quiet for a brief moment, awaiting the rain that
the plants will need, and then the farmers begin preparing
the earth for planting. When the ground is ready, they
roll out long rows of plastic that are embedded with seeds
and nutrients. When spring arrives, the air gets softer and
you can smell that the earth is ready for planting. Every
day when I drive by, the sights are different: the plants are
slowly growing and I can both see and smell the difference.
When summer comes it brings hot weather and harsh
lighting, but it is also the beginning of harvesting and
farmers markets. The colors are wonderful and everything
smells of the earth. After the harvest, the weather begins
to shift, the light gets softer, the colors all around begin to
change, and the leaves fall to the ground. Then the rains
come and the cycle begins again.
60 ART
SEASONS OF EXPRESSION
In many ways the changing of the seasons is like working in my art journals. First I prepare the pages;
maybe I decide to glue pages together for thicker, stronger pages, or maybe I decide to use gesso
on the pages. Then I begin painting the backgrounds and adding stenciling or stamping, creating a
background I love for my piece. I then add pieces of paper and more paint or ink. Slowly I create a
piece that expresses my emotions. When everything is done, the quiet comes again to my studio, and
I begin cleaning up to be ready for the next time, like waiting for spring.
Fall is my favorite time of the year and you can see that in my art journals. I tend to always use
neutral colors, particularly when expressing what I see around me. I really have tried to use brighter
colors, as they always look so light and fun, but when I put bright colors down on the surface I just
sit there not knowing what to do. I don’t even wear bright colors! So, I go back to my neutral palette
and feel at home. »
journaling 61
TELLING MY STORIES
I primarily use my journals to express the stories I hear every day. I express the stories of the people in
the photos I use as focal points, using them to represent other people I know. I usually begin with a
foundation of paint in a muted color. I use Distress paints and quickly smash the paint around on the
page with a baby wipe. Then I begin creating layers by painting different colors and collaging different
pieces of papers onto the surface, usually with a glue stick. I usually don’t use papers that are fragile
or delicate. When I love a piece of paper, I don’t use the original in my journal; I save the really lovely
ones to use on my larger canvases.
My art journal pages are created to express pieces of my life. It was as I began the “autumn of my
life” (as my husband says) that I discovered art journaling. I look forward to using my journal to tell
stories of my life throughout the coming years. Hopefully, mine is a long winter.
Nancy Bales lives near Monterey Bay, California, with her very supportive husband and her dog, who really doesn’t believe
she is a dog. She has a private practice as a psychotherapist, where she encourages the people she sees to use art journaling to
express what they are feeling and remembering. She loves to receive email from other creatives at nbalesdoc@icloud.com.
62 ART
Diana Hetherington
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F I N D I N G M O M E N TA R Y
Peace Amid Chaos
B Y C A R LY S W E N S O N
I
started art journaling when I was 19 years old, and at 36 I still return to this creative outlet almost
annually. During times of personal change or heightened emotion, I’m always drawn back to art
journaling. It’s grounding to take time for myself to get lost in a creative endeavor and focus
solely on intuitively creating, without worrying about the end result, any sort of expectations, or a
preconceived concept of success. In those moments, I am able to get beautifully lost.
64 ART
love L AY E R I N G , A N D T I S S U E P A P E R A N D
I
translucent P A T T E R N E D P A P E R S A D D A N
interesting D I M E N S I O N T O pages ...
FINDING PEACE
The past year has been strange and intense. The pandemic affected
every aspect of our lives; adjusting and readjusting to an ever-
changing “new normal” was mentally and emotionally taxing in a
way I’ve never experienced before. Art has always been one of the
few things in my life that comes easy and naturally to me; art feels
like home. So as the year, and the world around me, became less
My Creative
and less recognizable, it made sense to return to the comfort I find
in creating. Every now and then, in rare moments, I could almost Obsession
forget everything else happening around me and feel a slight sense
of normalcy. Working at my studio desk through quarantine, I
found brief moments of much-needed inner peace. Stencils — I love playing
Like everyone, my life became more isolated and contained with texture, transparency,
within the walls of my studio apartment. While life evolved and other possibilities
with stencils.
into a surreal version of itself — working from home, wearing
masks in public, socially distancing, and an increasing number of
computer-based meetings — continuing to create art helped me
adjust, because at least that felt normal. Art is what I’ve always
done. Art journaling became my healthy version of escapism
when everything else felt too overwhelming. »
journaling 65
A TIMELESS STORY
As a journal, these pages range
from expressing isolation and
nervousness, to hope and
playfulness. I love to include
texture with stencils and
various mediums, like thick-
bodied acrylic paint, matte gel,
modeling paste, and even gloss
gel with little beads in it. The
subtle repeated use of paper-
punched leaves, birds, and
butterflies created a sense of unity
throughout the journal pages.
I added a lot more drawings,
doodles, design elements, and
hand-written text in these
pages than I have in many
of my previous art journals.
66 ART
I like to use Faber-Castell’s PITT
India Ink Pens because they are
waterproof and last quite awhile;
they also have different tip
widths available for variation in
line thickness.
Found objects and ephemera
like old photos, vintage postcards
and stamps, retro paperback covers,
and children’s book imagery add
a unique timeless quality, as if
each piece has its own story and
history it’s bringing to my newly
constructed narrative. I love
layering, and tissue paper and
translucent patterned papers add
an interesting dimension to pages
because they allow me to add
patterns on top of images I’ve
already placed on my pages. »
journaling 67
68 ART
SMALL COMFORTS
This journal helped my mind finally slow down. I could focus on what was still OK instead of
allowing my thoughts to continue spiraling out of control with fear and anxiety over the terrifying list
of what-ifs that grew daily. Journaling reminded me that at this moment I was OK and it was OK to
slow down. I could ground myself enough to remember I wasn’t alone; everyone was struggling and
adjusting, and none of us knew what to do or how to fix things. Journaling helped remind me that I
wasn’t alone in feeling scared, restless, and confused. Ultimately, I wasn’t alone in feeling alone.
These were small comforts, but I was learning that in times of uncertainty it’s important to take
comfort where you can, even when it’s small — even when it would have likely gone completely
unnoticed under normal circumstances. Working through this journal was also a steady reminder to

be gentle with myself.
TIPS
t Building off implied lines is a great way to create a sense of cohesion; for example, if you have
a stamp with a boat on water, by matching the waterline on the stamp to a horizon line you’ve
already defined on your page, you’ve created a through line that makes the stamp seem more
integrated into the page as a whole.
t Thicker paints and mediums work better with stencils by creating cleaner lines because they are
less likely to leak or bleed under the stencil.
Carly Swenson is a mixed-media/acrylic artist. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout the
U.S. and abroad. To learn more, visit her blog at nakedcarlyart.wordpress.com, Facebook (carly.swenson.artist), and
Instagram (@nakedcarlyart). She welcomes email at nakedcarlyart@gmail.com.
journaling 69
CONFINEMENT &
Collaboration
STORY BY CAROL A. MORE
ARTWORK BY CAROL A. MORE & BOBBIE WILSON
70 ART
L
ike many of you, I devour each issue of Art Journaling
magazine, with my mind wide open to new techniques, tips,
Carol’s and ideas; that’s how I met Bobbie Wilson, a talented 2-D
and 3-D paper and fabric artist, whose complicated “fishbone
Creative book” appeared in the Summer 2019 Issue of Art Journaling.

I couldn’t believe the perfection of each magnificent, tiny fold
Obsession and the intriguing watercolor palette, and I wanted to thank her
personally for sharing her work.
We struck up an email friendship immediately, finding many
things in common. We swapped original artwork by mail, and
I can’t get enough of
Misty Mawn’s technique although we lived in opposite corners of the country, I suggested
of charcoal and chalk a collaborative project; however, as I am quite independent in my
pastel drawing painted creative work, I wondered about the outcome. Spoiler alert: I had
over with simple white absolutely nothing to worry about, and the finished work was
acrylic paint. I love the more impressive than I had dreamed!
dream-like effect. The idea to create mandalas was Bobbie’s, and although I was
unfamiliar with them, I placed my trust in the process and in
Bobbie. Mandalas are diagrams, charts, or a geometric pattern
that are said to represent the cosmos or universe, the wholeness of
life, and the infinite connection of mind and body — this sounded
perfect for our world’s situation. Our rules were simple: We would
agree on size, number of mandalas, medium (cardstock), and,
most importantly, that the art created wouldn’t be “sacred.” Once
we created our mandalas, we cut them in half (not as difficult as
you might think!) and mailed the halves to each other.
As happens in friendships, we finished our mandalas practically
on the same day, even though we decided to keep the in-progress
work secret as well as each other’s interpreted final piece. It felt
like Christmas morning, opening Bobbie’s packet and admiring
her beautiful work, matching my halves with it, and laughing
over the synchronicity of how well they worked together. »
D E TA I L
journaling 71
As a collage and altered book artist and art journalist, I decided to make a topical art journal
around the pandemic we are going through. We arranged to FaceTime each other to debut our
finished work. I can’t tell you how fun this collaboration was, and even though we both had forgiving
guidelines and deadlines in how we worked together, having a project we were both excited about
added to the success.
I’m forever searching for sturdy book formats for my journals, and when I was given a gallery
brochure from a previous exhibit that just so happened to be 1 inch larger than our finished mandalas,
I couldn’t resist using it. The brochure featured an artist’s series of the United States outline and
borders, and since I had fewer finished mandalas than pages, I had the freedom to journal on the
extras. I prepared the coated page surfaces with either black or white gesso. Since I had the extra pages
to fill, I alternated between gluing our mandala halves both on one page or along the centerfold,
taking up two pages.
Creating the mandalas began slowly for me because I’m not a symmetrical kind of girl. I frequently
use symbols in my journals, so I wanted to convey the chaos that was occurring in our lockdown state.
I kept a large box next to my desk where I collected materials like wallpaper, patterned paper, text,
quotations, 2-D and 3-D objects, photos, and ephemera symbols. I created a few more mandalas than
required just in case and I was glad I had them! I used a compass to trace an 8-inch circle on each
8½-inch piece of cardstock. Adding a center dot and centering a penciled cross gave me the freedom
to treat each quadrant the same or independent of the other three. Some mandalas were created
directly on the cardstock but others were created separately and then glued down using Aleene’s Tacky
Glue. Once completed, we took photos of the completed mandala before cutting them in half and
titling them. Matching our halves, if I felt a mandala required a bit of help to join the two halves, I
added a “connector” piece, but mostly our mandalas worked quite well together as submitted. Bobbie
uses highly textured yarns, colorful fabrics, die-cut butterflies, and embossed papers, while my work
tends to be less textured with more journaling; but, as you can see, they married beautifully.
72 ART
BOBBIE’S STORY
Carol reached out to me after seeing my book in Art Journaling
magazine.We started corresponding, and although we live on opposite
sides of the country, we soon discovered we have a lot in common
Bobbie’s and could be “sisters” from a previous life! We began exchanging

small gifts of art that showcased our unique styles and differences.
Creative We emailed and texted each other about our frustrations, successes,
and fun observations about life and the art world. Since we were in
Obsession the midst of a pandemic, Carol suggested a collaborative art project

around COVID-19 to reflect how we were personally responding
to the crisis. What a fun idea, I thought … and a little scary, too!
Our rules were pretty simple: Make 10 mandalas, each 8" x 8", that
Eco-dyeing! I love the speak to our feelings, fears, joys, and musings — especially about
“big reveal” when I untie being quarantined.
the bundles and see what
Mandalas are healing and meditative. My original mandalas used
beautiful prints Mother Nature
has made. a wide assortment of materials, including fabrics, assorted papers,
images, collages, maps, doodles, fabric yo-yos, Braille paper, leaf
skeletons, mica, turquoise, copper, and fibers. For me, my titles read
like a top-40 song chart: Face Mask Frenzy (I had been sewing batches
of face masks for a local charity and had lots of scraps), Nesting, Read
Between the Lines, Good Luck, Hole in my Heart, Next Move?,
Tangled Energy, Fly Away, It’s Not Black or White, and Set Me Free. »
journaling 73
I frequently U S E journals,
SYMBOLS IN MY
SO I W A N T E D T O C O N V E Y T H E chaos T H A T W A S
O C C U R R I N G I N O U R lockdown S T A T E .
It was exciting to receive Carol’s halves in the mail. What a delightful surprise — they were
beautifully crafted, some whimsical and some funny and others dark, with wonderful textures and
details that spoke to our very similar themes. But now we had to work to combine our different styles
in a cohesive work of art. My piece starts off as a pretty gift box with a crystal ball at its center. Is the
pandemic a hidden gift to human kind? Will we do things differently after this is all over? What does
our future hold? Wishing we all had clear answers to ease the stress and the fear of the unknown.
Sea-glass pebbles speak to the wearing away and softening of our sharp edges during this crisis. Sweet
butterflies symbolize rebirth and my desire to fly away from it all.
When the box is opened, there is an explosion of color, texture, feeling, and pattern. Each block
has one-quarter of a mandala, and with the articulation of the blocks, an infinite array of mandalas
can be built that capture many moods and feelings. We have all had a gift of time, with more time for
creative play! Blocks can be stacked, toppled, and rearranged to suit my mood and my imagination.
I look at parts of Carol’s mandalas and see how a different energy works with mine, which is sometimes
in contrast with how I see our world unfolding, like the yin and yang. In the end, we are all one and
in this together, even though there are many different pieces to this unending puzzle of a pandemic.
Carol A. More, NCS, is an art journalist and collage and mixed-media artist. A frequent contributor to Stampington & Company
publications, she lives in New Bern, North Carolina. You can see more of her work on her blog, carolamore.wordpress.com, and
she welcomes email at carol@carolmore.com.

Bobbie Wilson is a paper and book artist who lives in Tucson, Arizona. She enjoys teaching book arts and is an active member
of PaperWorks, a dynamic local art organization. You can see more of her work at paperworks.info/bobbie-wilson.html, and she
welcomes email at wilsonbobbie@hotmail.com.

74 ART
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Wonders That
SURROUND YOU
O
n completion of this journal a lesson was learnt that altered my mindset toward purchased
sketchbooks. Although cotton rag paper (Khadi) is a favorite, there was both curiosity and
hesitancy to work in a sketchbook … would a sketchbook be too restrictive to work in?
From the outset this was an experiment, but any doubts were quickly laid to rest as the paper handled
the application of wet media, and the soft-cover format was no hindrance when taking the book to
the sewing machine.
76 ART
MAKING MY MARK
Nature is a theme I return to constantly,
whether in journals or mixed-media
projects. At the time of starting this journal,
I received Flat Matte Sprays (That’s Crafty!)
in colors that perfectly captured an earthy,
natural theme; these offered a base to
build upon further with texture medium
and lusters.
After the initial media application, and
aside from machine-stitching, this journal
was something I worked in over time, picking
it up now and again in the evenings as I sat
on the sofa, and working with the limited
supplies I kept on hand. I quickly discovered
that my initial thinking was shortsighted in
regard to my original doubts and belief that
a purchased sketchbook would prevent me
from making my own mark. »
journaling 77
SETTINGeyes U P O N A B O O K O F W H I T E pages I S
intimidating, S O I I M M E D I A T E L Y S T A R T E D A P P L Y I N G
color, AV O I D I N G O V E R T H I N K I N G . . .
TEXTURE & COLOR

Setting eyes upon a book of white pages is intimidating, so I
immediately started applying color, avoiding overthinking by
generously misting each page with water before applying walnut My Art Goal
ink (That’s Crafty!), and blotting off the excess with papers
such as unperforated tea-bag paper, rice paper, and handmade
paper fragments; those papers would later be used throughout
for 2021
the journal. The colors speak of the natural landscape; I used
Blackberry, Basil, Ochre, and Sage Flat Matte Sprays. I will wait to see where the
Although this sketchbook contained too many pages for my creative path takes me and
requirements, the binding allowed for easy removal of excess what will make me want to
pages, which I laid aside until finding a home for them later within stop and explore. I am open
this book. After the initial laying down of color, I applied texture to possibilities.
paste, which once dry was sprayed with walnut ink. Alongside the
matte sprays, I desired areas of luster, so I applied Pearl Clear Mist
to bring a subtle shimmer, and used Interference Gold Paint to
mimic sunlight bouncing off the landscape.
78 ART
BUILDING BACKGROUNDS
The cotton rag paper allowed for ease in creating folded page edges, adding machine stitching, and
fashioning pockets, which created interest through flaps that could be lifted to reveal journaling, a
dried leaf, a sketch, or a place to nestle a tag. Stamping is at the core of my journals, so a focal image
was stamped onto tea-bag paper, stained book text, or a stained tag. Stamping also appears in the
backgrounds where I used leaf stamps or words from Lynne’s Affirmations (That’s Crafty!), aiming
for a distressed appearance. For variation on the backgrounds, I stenciled words using a Lynne’s
Affirmations stencil (That’s Crafty!) and texture paste. »
journaling 79
words A R E S C A T T E R E D
. . . S TA M P E D
T H R O U G H O U T T H A T convey M Y T H O U G H T S O N
nature; S O M E O F T H E W O R D S appear A S T H O U G H
S C A T T E R E D B Y A P A S S I N G breeze.
ENHANCING THE THEME

Working with products that enhanced the nature
theme that runs through this journal was key in
my mind. Acrylic Liquid Wax (That’s Crafty!)
brings depth and texture to a stamped focal image,
creating a sheen similar to the effect of beeswax. It’s
especially beautiful when applied to tea-bag or rice
papers, creating a beautiful translucency. Other
than appearing in the background, stamped words
are scattered throughout that convey my thoughts
on nature; some of the words appear as though
scattered by a passing breeze. Embellishments are
minimal but thoughtfully added, like fragments of
calico and linen with a rusted safety pin attached,
or a rusted washer.
80 ART
For the cover to be cohesive with the inner pages, I added machine stitching to stained unperforated
tea-bag paper. It is embellished with a stamped used round tea bag, wooden ATCoin, corrugated
cardboard, a feather, and a stamped word. For the inside cover, I formed paper hinges with two pieces
of eco-dyed rice paper, and added a stamped affirmation layered with a torn shipping tag and topped

with a rusted safety pin.
TIPS
t Decant dissolved walnut ink crystals into a spray bottle and a jar with a screw-top lid. Prepare
differing strengths of walnut ink for variety.
t Use a variety of papers to blot off excess color or lay them down as under paper to collect
excess spray.
t Lynne’s Affirmations Stamps and Affirmations Stencils are available through That’s Crafty!.
Lynne Moncrieff lives in Scotland, creating stamped art and beyond, and relishing this creative life, including designing
stamps for That’s Crafty!. Lynne welcomes visitors to her blog, Adorn, at lynnesbowsandbelles.wordpress.com, as well as on
Facebook (lynne.moncrieff ) and Instagram (@stampingandbeyond).
journaling 81
A R T I S N O T A L W AY S
ABOUT
Pretty Things
B Y PAT T Y E S K R I D G E
“Art is not always about pretty things. It’s about who we are, what happened to us, and how our lives are
affected.” — Elizabeth Broun
I
love this quote by Elizabeth Broun. Your art and your life cannot help but be intertwined when
you’re an artist. The big things and little things that make up our lives are who we are. The things
we laugh about and cry over change us a little at a time. If we are making art that is true to
ourselves, then we are incorporating all of that into our art somehow. Whether it’s right out front and
in your face or underneath the surface and no one knows it’s there except you, pieces of you are on
each piece of art you make.
82 ART
YOUR art A N D
YOUR life C A N N O T
HELP BUT BE
intertwined W H E N
YOU’RE AN
A R T I S T. T H E B I G
things A N D LITTLE
T H I N G S T H AT
MAKE UP OUR
lives A R E W H O
W E are.
FINDING BEAUTY IN PAIN

When life is unkind and that ends up in your art, it doesn’t have to be ugly art. Sometimes those painful
parts make beautiful art. Two very significant deaths in my life affected my art journaling experience
immensely. Several years ago my friend Lori passed away after two battles with breast cancer. The first
battle followed the usual journey, with chemo and radiation, and we were so happy when she learned
she was in remission. Approximately five years went by before the breast cancer had returned and
metastasized to her liver. We all watched the disease take its toll on our friend. It wasn’t long before Lori’s
lengthy and courageous battle against this horrific disease was over. I was with her on the day before she
died, literally hours before she died. At that time she was unconscious, but as I whispered my goodbyes
in her ear, she moaned softly. Her death deeply affected me, and I created several pages of beautiful art in
my journals dedicated to her journey and passing. So many questions scribbled on the pages. Can you
see us? Can you hear us? Are you happy? The questions were never answered, but I think I know what
she’d say. »
journaling 83
My Art Goal
for 2021
My goal for the New Year is
to start selling my art.
Fast-forward to 2018, when my parents sold their home

of more than 40 years and moved into an apartment. In
January, my mom and I began the arduous job of bubble-
wrapping, taping, and packing their belongings into many,
many boxes. On March 2nd we drove the 4 miles to my
parents’ new home, and the movers unpacked and placed the
furniture in the apartment. It was a long day, to say the least,
and my 80-something-year-old parents were quite worn out.
After church the next day, I visited them and we surveyed the
rooms to determine where we needed to begin unpacking the
following day. It was a sunny day, and after taking the dog for
a short walk, we returned upstairs and I said my goodbyes,
promising to come back tomorrow and begin. I did come
back the next day, but not to unpack … because at 8 a.m., my
mom called to tell me my dad had died that morning while
walking the dog. He had suffered a massive heart attack that
instantaneously ended his life.
84 ART
WHEN life I S U N K I N D A N D T H A T E N D S U P
I N Y O U R art, I T D O E S N ’ T H AV E T O B E U G L Y
A R T . S O M E T I M E S T H O S E painful P A R T S M A K E
beautiful A R T .
HEALING MANTRAS
Just like Lori, I had been with my dad the day before he died, literally hours before he died. But unlike
Lori, I was certain I would see him the next day. Did I kiss him before I left? Had I said a quick “Love
you” before going out the door? The answers to those questions are blurred … but I hope I did. After
my dad’s death, these words came to me and I couldn’t get them out of my head, so they spilled onto
my journals: “Never assume you have tomorrow to say I love you.” I wrote them constantly, the same
sentence repeatedly, sometimes hidden under layers of art and sometimes on top for all to read and
hopefully heed. Those words have become my mantra in life as well as art.
As Frida Kahlo said, “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”
Frida used art to help her in her struggles, and I hope your art journaling helps you too; it certainly
helps me. »
journaling 85
IF WE ARE making
A R T T H AT I S T R U E
T O O U R S E LV E S ,
THEN WE ARE
incorporating A L L O F
T H A T I N T O our art
S O M E H O W.
TIPS
t Don’t be intimidated by the art supplies you have,
because you are in charge of how you want to use them;
for example, glue didn’t work on the burlap pages in this
journal, so I stapled pages to them. Sometimes I pulled
the burlap threads out of the pages and sometimes I
sewed cross-stitch thread on them.
t Dictionary pages are so versatile and inexpensive. You
can paint them, tear them, stencil on them, and glue
them down.
t Sewing on smaller pages that are then glued into the
journal adds dimension and texture.
Patty Eskridge is a mixed-media artist and blogger. She would love to

hear from you at arteverydaystudio@gmail.com. You can see more of
her work on her website, arteverydaystudio.com, and on Instagram
(@arteverydaystudio).
86 ART
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What is the most significant art-related lesson you learned from

last year?
Melissa Johnson Lynne Moncrieff

Don’t stop creating! Even if it’s something like a To give more of myself. Previously, I was holding
paint-by-numbers kit, do something creative at least back from written journaling, but it has been so
once a day to keep your flow. freeing to incorporate free-flowing journaling or to
sit at the typewriter, allowing the words to flow.
Mary Shannon Wisdom

In 2020, I realized how great it can be to have a
stash of materials and supplies when one is staying
Artwork by Amber Walker

home. Also, that the constraint of using only what
one has on hand can lead to new creativity.
Patty Eskridge
I left my art for several months in 2020, and you
know what? It was still there waiting patiently for
me when I returned. Lesson learned: Walk away if
you need to.
Donna Smith-Lacka Carol A. More

There are so many art-related things to do that I
Art journaling was healthier than taking anti-
had never investigated or participated in that were
anxiety medication! Seriously, self-isolation gifted
right under my nose, like affordable online art classes
me more time to appreciate learning new things,
(Renee Mueller’s “Conversations” for example) and
trying techniques from Art Journaling magazine,
attending virtual online art shows.
taking online classes, and watching YouTube how-to
videos. I learned how important it is to make time to
discover something new and keep my artwork fresh.
Diane Ford
Don’t wait until later — do it now. Choose to make
time for being creative and making art. Never give
up, and don’t wait to try something new or pursue
Artwork by Kristin Peterson
your artistic dream.
Lynn Richards
It has become clear to me how color and emotion
go hand in hand while processing all that hit
during 2020.
88 ART
Chris Tessnear Narah Kimberly Minardi
Learning in 2020 was super easy with all the extra I learned that I’m so blessed to have art in my life.
time at home. I looked at great ideas online, tried to As much as I needed it before, I have needed it
go through everything in my art room (downsizing even more this year. It’s the best therapy for me,
made this necessary as well), and found new ideas and I can partake every day. Sometimes I had to
for using everything in there. I did throw a lot away, take a break, which is unusual for me, but I learned
but I also pasted lots into books to be added to later. how to give myself space to process overwhelming
things in different ways. I also confirmed that having
many varied creative interests served me very well. I
Artwork by Narah Kimberly Minardi
learned to stop feeling guilty about buying a supply

and then never using it because I found so many uses
for things I’d had for a very long time.
Nina Fickett
The year 2020 has taught me that art is my therapy.
I use it as a way to deal with unusual situations and
circumstances. I never (until this crazy year) realized
how much I depend on my art to help me download,
de-stress, process, and relax.
Amber Walker
When everything feels like it is coming undone, art
Artwork by Nancy Bales

journaling is still there for you. No matter where you
are or what is happening, there is always a surface
and a writing utensil to see you through it. It was
one of my main sources of comfort in 2020.
Carly Swenson
Relax. Art is about having a creative outlet and doing
something you enjoy. No one else has to see what
you create if you don’t want them to. Life gives us
enough things to stress about, so don’t let something
you love and enjoy be another cause of stress when it
doesn’t have to be.
Nancy Bales
Kristin Peterson Last year was difficult for all of us. So many things
we thought would always be the way we were used
When my art journey changed in 2020 it was to have changed. But it also gave a lot of us more
difficult to accept, but I learned I am capable of time in the studio. We had time to think about
adapting and finding new ways, and that I just what was important to us and how to use our art to
needed to remember to do what I do and stay the express those feelings.
course. There was good personal artistic growth in
this change.
journaling 89
BOUND FOR ART
SEASHELL JOURNALS
WITH
Butterfly Binding
B Y PAT W O T K Y N S - M A N S F I E L D
H
aving lived by the beach nearly all of my 80 years, it was inevitable that I collected many
shells. Friends and family have often asked, “What are you going to do with all those shells?”
I make journals for gifts and for my own use. I had seen shell books made by drilling holes
in the shells and binding them with a Coptic stitch, but I wanted to create something simpler and
more reminiscent of nature. One afternoon while working in my garden I noticed a butterfly, which
is one of my favorite things. The wings reminded me of book bindings I had done by taping or gluing
fabric strips or leather to the spine; so, I started experimenting. I got out all my butterfly stamps,
stencils, markers, and paints. I stamped a lot of butterflies and stenciled a few, but the ones I liked best
were the ones I had drawn and colored in myself. The best part about this kind of journal is that you
do not have to drill holes in the shells; simply using stronghold glue works great. They can be many
different sizes, and it is so much fun to add embellishments outside and inside the shells.
When I give people similar butterfly-bound journals as a gift, they comment on how it reminds
them of their own days at the beach. You can’t hear the ocean waves within them as you can with
some shells, but you can use it to record quotations, collections of small images, or whatever else you
might imagine.
90 ART
SUPPLIES
t Embellishments: small shells; charms; t Scissors
rhinestones
t Scrub brush: stiff
t Fabric: thick
t Shells: (2)
t Markers
t Soap & water
t Needle & thread/string
t Stamps
t Paint
t Stencils
t Paper of choice
t Stronghold glue
t Pen/Pencil
TECHNIQUE
1. Choose two similarly sized shells, either found or purchased. If using found shells, clean them
with warm water and soap using a stiff brush. Let dry.
2. Paint the shells or add details with marker, if desired.
3. Trace around one of the shells to make a pattern for the pages. Mark the space at the back/
spine of the shell for the fold.
4. Select the paper for the pages: copy paper, book pages, maps, eco-dyed or coffee-/tea-stained
paper, etc. Fold the papers in half. Use the pattern to cut out the pages, but do not cut the fold
line. Open the pages and stack into signatures. (I usually make one signature of 10 pages, but
you can do more signatures using fewer pages.) »
journaling 91
BOUND FOR ART
5. Stamp, stencil, or draw a butterfly shape onto thick fabric, such as canvas cloth; you will need
two. Add details with paint or markers if desired.
6. Glue one butterfly wing to the left inside of one shell at the back/spine, and let dry. Glue the
other wing to the other shell inside at the back/spine, making sure the shells line up when
closed. Let dry. Turn the shells over carefully, and glue another butterfly shape to the outside of
both shells. Check the alignment again, and let dry.
7. Sew in the signatures. (I do a two-hole stitch, and tie the strings on the inside or outside of the
journal.) Add charms to the strings, and cut short or leave hanging.
8. Embellish the butterfly, if you wish, by adding some bling.
9. Close the journal and trim the pages around the shells.
TIP
t You can use other fabric shapes, such as ovals or rectangles/strips.
Pat Wotkyns-Mansfield welcomes email at marypatmans@gmail.com.
92 ART
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POSTCARDS FROM
the Edge
BY NANCY BALES
Y
ou know how you can go through life not really thinking about things, never stopping to
question things around you, just taking them for granted, until one day, for some reason,
something hits you and changes how you see it? I felt that way about music. I have gone
through life assuming everyone has always had music surrounding them. Then, one evening recently,
while watching a documentary about art in the Dark Ages, it suddenly occurred to me that music was
not always available to everyone. Music was only available to the wealthy (mostly royalty), directly
through composers and a small groups of musicians. It is so strange to think that it was only fairly
recently that people have been able to listen to whatever type of music they want at any time. In the
last century, we have gone from only having radio and records to listen to, to having satellite radio and
streaming services that allow us to easily listen to any type of music, anywhere we want. I often listen
to jazz while in my studio and my husband will be listening to classical in his studio — 100 years ago
that would have seemed like magic.
94 ART
COMING OF AGE
Travel is another aspect of life that was not available to
everyone a century ago. Very few people ever traveled
much farther than the next town, let alone another state
or country. During that time, though, when a young
man from a very wealthy family graduated from school,
it was common for him to go to Europe to experience
the “Continent.”
While these young men were off exploring and
experiencing adventures, the young women were at home
perfecting the proper skills for attracting a “good husband,”
meaning someone from a wealthy family. Because these
women didn’t have to work, they needed to find ways to
fill their time and prepare them for a future of running
a household. The young women would spend hours
practicing piano, embroidering, drawing, and learning
how to hold conversations that would be interesting
for men.
MEMENTOS OF TRAVEL
One of the ways women used their spare time was to collect
postcards, which were sent to them by young men touring
Europe or by family members vacationing. The postcards
were placed in scrapbooks to protect and present them. »
journaling 95
I created this little journal to look like one of those postcard
books. While cleaning my studio I came across some Tim Holtz
book covers I had put away for later. One of them was the same
size as some antique postcards I had, and the idea was born.
I have a small magnet on my drafting table that says “I can’t
clean because I get distracted by all the cool stuff I find” — that
definitely happens whenever I clean my studio. Finding the book My Creative
covers was the stimulus for this project.
RE-CREATING MEMORIES
Obsession
Each postcard background was first painted with Distress paint
and spread with my favorite “paintbrush”: the baby wipe. At Gold gesso by Daniel
that point I added other colors to make the background more Smith is so beautiful.
interesting. I built layers of papers that related to the postcard When you paint over it
to create additional interest. When those layers felt right, the with transparent colors
photograph was added as the focal point. I usually take a picture or with glazing, the gold
of this layout with my cellphone, and then remove each layer, creates a beautiful glow
under them.
putting the pieces down with the top papers added last to the pile;
this makes it easier to glue the pieces down in the correct order.
I then repainted the center of the cover gold to make it look like a
postcard book from a century ago. These cover pieces were exactly
the same size of the postcards, and it all came together like it was
always supposed to be that way.
96 ART
TIPS
t When you clean your studio, look out for those wonderful treasures you put aside and forgot
about. It’s not a senior moment — it’s a studio moment!
t Be open to looking for different ways that objects can be used. It doesn’t have to be what it is
supposed to be. Part of creativity is being able to see things in different ways.
t Never be afraid to try something new. Art journaling is about having the freedom to try something
different. Just remember it is only paper; if you don’t like it, throw it away.
Nancy Bales lives near Monterey Bay, California, with her very supportive husband and her dog, who really doesn’t believe
she is a dog. She has a private practice as a psychotherapist, where she encourages the people she sees to use art journaling to
express what they are feeling and remembering. She loves to receive email from other creatives at nbalesdoc@icloud.com.
journaling 97
THOUGHTS OF
Home
B Y LY N N R I C H A R D S
I
find myself looking at my surroundings. In my better moments in 2020, I recall myself looking
at our home with gratitude as a renewed place of peace and stability. At the same time, realities
continued to hit and I wondered how others were coping in their homes, as well as how I would
continue to cope in mine. As always, I take these thoughts and head to my art journal.
SETTING THE STAGE

The journey in my journals begins with the background. In the first section of this journal, I tried
out a technique by Dyan Reaveley, which pushed me to try colors I don’t normally use. Who knew
I would fall in love with fluorescent pink? Making repetitive patterns gives me a sense of calm and
satisfaction. As I pick out a quote or write down a thought and embellish the lettering, it helps
me remember what was going on when I look back at the journal. Patterns, colors, and language
set the stage and lay the foundation on which I can better encounter my thoughts and feelings as
they come.
98 ART
colors, A N D language S E T T H E
PAT T E R N S ,
S T A G E A N D L AY the foundation O N W H I C H
I C A N B E T T E R E N C O U N T E R M Y thoughts A N D
feelings A S T H E Y C O M E .
D E TA I L
PLACES TO DWELL
I began making little houses with pieces of patterned paper. Lining
up each dwelling on the page, I would add bits of stitching or glue
on another piece of paper. I felt as if I were playing with paper
dolls! It has also helped me reconnect with myself and consider
what dwelling inside a space has meant to me, from my childhood
into my adult life.
I moved on to cutting out houses from scraps of watercolor
paper that I experimented on by putting down different types of
paint: high-flow and heavy-body acrylics, paint splatters, and oil
pastels. I watched as bold colors emerged, light and dark played
together, and patterns announced themselves. Tall, short, wide,
bold — there was no end to how the homes could look and what
they could contain! »
journaling 99
100 ART
I WAT C H E D A S bold C O L O R S E M E R G E D ,
L I G H T A N D D A R K played T O G E T H E R , A N D
P A T T E R N S announced T H E M S E LV E S .
CREATING CALM
Each time I found myself frustrated over my own isolation or
worried how others were coping, I would find myself at my art
table, constructing small homes and looking for encouraging
quotes, or playing with bold colors that conveyed my emotions.
I tried new things; for example, instead of using a black pen,
My Art Goal
I outlined using oil pastel sticks. I also reversed the way I did
lettering, beginning with a paint pen and ending with a hard-tip
for 2021
Fudenosuke pen and then a white Decorese pen. Dripped and
splattered backgrounds became a place to explore oil pastels used
To go back to a routine of
with watercolor paint or led to experimenting with soft acrylic working in the studio; but
tones covered over with titanium white acrylic paint and slashed that’s only if everyone else
with an old credit card. in my house is back to a
Working on this journal provided me such a space of release normal routine.
and calm. When times in life present themselves as uncertain or
difficult, I think this journal is one I will look back on and know
that there is always relief to be found on my next blank page. »
journaling 101
TIPS
t Don’t be afraid of your penmanship! Try embellishing letters with added lines and different colors,
or use carbon paper to transfer a quote or sentence and go over it with a black pen.
t Decorese white pens make the best dots ever. Hold the pen down for a couple of seconds, and
when the ink begins to come out, lift the pen up off the page. You will have a perfect small dot.
t My favorite question to ask myself is, “What happens if?” When hesitant, I experiment on a piece
of scrap paper before trying it in my journal.
Lynn Richards is an artist living in Redlands, California, where she teaches and sells her work. You can find her at
lynnrichards-art.com and on Instagram (@lynnrichardsart).
102 ART
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Allow your illustrations or ephemera to extend outside Entice viewers to turn the page by creating “spiderwebs”
the boundaries of the page for a more free-flowing design. across cut-out windows, and add beads or sequins to
(Artwork by Diane Ford, p. 126) the thread.
(Artwork by Carol A. More, p. 6)
Choose a fabric scrap with tons of texture to dress up a tag. Connect two adjacent pages in an eye-catching manner by
This piece of cheesecloth adds a pop of interest. creating “hinges” with scraps of ephemera.
(Artwork by Kristin Peterson, p. 26) (Artwork by Lynne Moncrieff, p. 76)
Transform small photographs into unique illustrated Tie together a multi-colored background by using white ink
portraits. Any photos in your stash can be made even more to add drawings across the page. The white offers a crisp
special with hand-drawn details. contrast against the bright paint.
(Artwork by Chris Tessnear, p. 44) (Artwork by Narah Kimberly Minardi, p. 36)
104 ART
Fill a simple silhouette with a stenciled pattern for a figure Look to unusual materials for adding texture to a page. This
that really stands out. intriguing texture is actually broken eggshells!
(Artwork by Carol A. More, p. 70) (Artwork by Nina Fickett, p. 32)
Stitching is a surefire way to add texture and interest to your For a simple technique that really pops, decorate a tag upside
art, but take it one step further by allowing long thread tails down and add it to a page. The different perspective is sure to
to float across the page. grab attention.
(Artwork by Amber Walker, p. 10) (Artwork by Lynne Moncrieff, p. 112)
If stitching isn’t quite your style, just fake it by adding small Create a whole new world using collage. This window with a
marks with a pen. This technique really looks at home in a view was created by choosing images of a frame, a landscape,
patchwork design of patterned papers. and a person. Clever layering brings the scene to life.
(Artwork by Lynn Richards, p. 98) (Artwork by Carly Swenson, p. 64)
journaling 105
WELCOME TO THE
White Bathrobe Club
BY MARY SHANNON WISDOM
B
reast cancer was not really on my radar; I had my annual screening and didn’t think about it
again for 12 months. But this time, one suspicious area led to a series of diagnostic tests and,
eventually, a course of treatment that included surgeries and radiation. Five months later, it was
mostly over, but I was still feeling a bit traumatized.
106 ART
FROM SHOCK TO JOY
Thanks to early detection, my cancer experience was neither extensive nor debilitating, but the whole
episode was a shock to my usually uneventful life. As art journaling has become my way of processing
my thoughts, experiences, and aspirations, I knew I would make some kind of story about this
interval. I don’t always journal in the moment, preferring to examine events retrospectively, but I did
start collecting materials right away.
I called this journal The White Bathrobe Club, because one is offered a spa-type robe at every
appointment for exam, imaging, or treatment. Sitting in the waiting rooms, I pondered my nomination
to this sorority. No one seeks membership — the dues are expensive, the time commitment is taxing,
and there’s certainly no honor in being asked to join. Yet, if we are blessed to have a limited term (and
not asked to renew), there is possibly joy in counting ourselves as alumni. »
journaling 107
RECORDING KINDNESS
One of my motivations in creating this journal was to remember the experience. Like many people, I
was on autopilot at first, numbed by shock and disbelief. I moved from day to day, from appointment
to appointment, just getting to the next thing on my calendar. But I didn’t want to forget the multiple
kindnesses and expressions of support from friends and family, neighbors, and coworkers. I wanted
to record the events that inspired and encouraged me, like signing up for and running a race. It was
important to document what else was happening in my life, too. Cancer doesn’t occur in a vacuum;
most of us have family events, work demands, and, in my case, an exciting move to a new home. I did
not want to erase any of those memories. Even the days with epic meltdowns could become memories
I would later laugh about.
ART IS THE ANSWER

Debriefing was also part of this journal’s purpose. I realize I had an easier time than many folks with a
cancer diagnosis. I never feared for my life, nor did I have the additional stresses of isolation or financial
stress; yet, I still needed to process. In the medical field, we meet after unusual or stressful occurrences
to discuss what happened, what we learned, and what, if anything, we could do better the next time.
So, when I found myself slouched on the couch, staring out the window, and wondering how to move
forward, creating a journal was part of the answer. Cutting up paper and fabric, painting and pasting,
along with encouragement from my loved ones and checking in with the mental health community,
helped in my recovery. I learned that what I desired was not to merely survive but to feel resilient
and strong.
108 ART
My Art Goal
for 2021
To share art journaling with
a community organization
or support group. I think we
all have a lot to process!
A DOSE OF CHEER
I started with an inexpensive spiral-bound sketchbook. After
gluing every other page together to make a sturdier surface,
I gave most of the pages a watercolor wash. On some pages,
I used patterned paper and flower shapes cut from patterned
paper, and fabric for backgrounds and accents. I chose a lot of
bright colors, such as pink, aqua, and orange, in a deliberate
attempt to be cheerful on the outside while dealing with a
stressful topic.
I pasted in notes and cards I had received, wanting to
remember those encouraging words. I also used small calendar
pages I’d made and appointment reminder cards, as this journal
was more of a diary than my usual works. I included notes
scribbled during medical appointments and phone calls from
my doctors. I used a few rubber stamps and stencils for adding
large words, and then went back and added more detailed
writing with colored permanent marker and gel pens. »
journaling 109
I learned T H A T W H A T I desired W A S N O T
T O M E R E L Y survive B U T T O F E E L resilient
AND STRONG.
TIPS
t Use inkpads, chalk, or watercolors to tint the insides of security envelopes for a unique patterned
paper. Or use the plain black-and-white designs to contrast with bright colors.
t Save materials for a journal in a zippered bag. Clean pizza boxes work well, too, as storage for larger
projects; most stores will give them to you free or at minimal cost, and they stack well and keep
paper and ephemera flat.
t For efficiency and a cohesive look, limit yourself to one or two kinds of stamped or stenciled letters
per journal.
t When I’m not sure how to begin, I sometimes start with pages in the middle of a journal. It doesn’t
have to be chronological!
Mary Shannon Wisdom is a part-time NICU RN and a most-of-the-time crafter from Spokane, Washington. She welcomes
your stories and comments at wisdomms238@gmail.com.
110 ART
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LEARNING FROM
Wildflowers
S
ummer 2020 was my first summer in a new home after moving to a small village. There is a
nearby woodland, so stepping outside the garden gate provides access to wildflowers and trees.
During this time I was organizing my art supplies after the move, and I unearthed some beautiful
wildflowers stamps and became inspired to use supplies I had been saving. I was also reveling in
gathering flowers and leaves for pressing and eco-dyeing, along with the bonus of using the remnants
of blackened flowers saved from the eco-dyeing pot. The stamps, supplies, and dried elements were
the catalyst for a new journal.
BEAUTIFULLY WILD
As I started to settle into this journal, thoughts began flowing freely. So often people overlook
wildflowers, seeing them simply as weeds, but there is beauty in their wild abandon and the way they
grow without any care or attention required; it is as though they have their own free will to simply
exist. There is surely much to be learnt from wildflowers; we can be in the background yet still stand
strong, having a presence that might not scream and shout to be heard — in that, there is a sense
of contentment.
112 ART
D E TA I L
STARTING WITH COLOR

Two new tubes of paint and corresponding acrylic inks, Muted
Grey and Muted Violet (Liquitex), were the springboard for
this color palette. Working in a white/greyboard journal (That’s
Crafty!), I began by laying down texture in the form of torn
recycled tissue and deli papers before applying the paint and
inks. I used highlights of Shimmer Gold ink (Daler Rowney) and
Interference Gold paint (That’s Crafty!) to mimic the glinting sun,
softened areas by dripping Fluid Titanium White (Golden), and
created contrast using Fluid Carbon Black. A dip pen and bamboo
pen are my favorite tools for journaling and mark-making. I dip
them into black acrylic drawing ink and allow myself to journal
free-flowing thoughts without concern for penmanship. »
journaling 113
BUILDING A THEME
Stamped wildflowers (Darkroom Door) appear on each page.
I created variation by stamping some wildflowers onto pieces of
My Creative
stained book text or onto stained shipping tags, while others were
stamped directly onto the journal page. Such steps bring interest
Obsession
to the journal overall and maximize the use of each rubber stamp.
To lengthen some of the flower stems, I used a pencil (Stabilo
Circles, all because of an
ALL) or dip pen and black ink. Highlights to the stamped flowers A4 Circles Stencil (That’s
appear in the form of paint splatters and dots applied with Fluid Crafty!) comprised of
Titanium White in a fineliner bottle or as Shimmer Gold ink differing sizes of circles.
applied with my fingers.
114 ART
T H E R E I S S U R E LY M U C H T O B E L E A R N T F R O M
wildflowers; WE CAN BE IN THE BACKGROUND
Y E T S T I L L S TA N D strong, H AV I N G A presence T H A T
MIGHT NOT scream A N D S H O U T T O B E heard.
Fragments of journaling appear on torn pieces of tissue paper, as though carried there by a passing
breeze. Although journaling appears on all the pages, in the background and on the scrap pieces, I
needed to include words to represent my thoughts that would flow over the pages and through the
book. Using a typewriter, I typed thoughts about wildflowers, with no pre-planning, onto Lokta
paper. At this stage I added the flower and leaf remnants I had saved from the eco-dyeing process.
Incorporating these into this journal brought another textural quality and supported the stamped
images, enhancing the theme of the journal. I adhered the dried elements with Dorland’s Wax
Medium (Jacquard), placing some pieces as though branches hanging down from the top edge of the
pages, trying to fool the eye as to which are stamped images and which are dried elements.
To bind the pages, I used cotton-covered wire stained with Muted Grey ink. I cut it into two equal
lengths and threaded each piece through the upper and lower holes. A larger piece of dried wildflower
embellishes the cover, along with small circles cut using the A4 Circles Stencil (That’s Crafty!). Finally,
I typed the name of the journal onto Lokta paper. »
journaling 115
TIPS
t Responsibly gather wildflowers. After pressing, store them flat and away from dust.
t I learned to save the flowers/leaves from the eco-dyeing pot from artist Kate Thompson. She also
recommends adhering the dried elements with cold wax medium for a more natural effect.
Lynne Moncrieff lives in Scotland, creating stamped art and beyond. She relishes this creative life, including designing stamps
for That’s Crafty!. Lynne welcomes visitors to her blog, Adorn, at lynnesbowsandbelles.wordpress.com, and on Facebook
(lynne.moncrieff ) and Instagram (@stampingandbeyond).
116 ART
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Connect with us:

What is your advice for overcoming intimidation of a new

technique or supply?
Melissa Johnson Lynn Richards

Being afraid or intimidated is often the result of When using or trying out a technique for the
fear of the unknown, so I say just jump in and try it! first time, do it on a piece of paper that doesn’t
Don’t have any specific expectation tied to the result; matter and give yourself lots of permission to just
view it as an experiment. experiment, not conquer.
Mary Shannon Wisdom

When I am intimidated by a new technique or
Artwork by Melissa Johnson

supply, I often create a spread on a loose piece of
paper. It can always be pasted into a journal if I like
it, or cut up or discarded if I don’t.
Patty Eskridge
My advice is to read the instructions first and then
jump right in. If it doesn’t work, that’s a lesson
learned and I keep trying.
Carol A. More
Promise yourself you won’t give up after the first
Artwork by Nancy Bales
try, because success and practice go together. I’ll

initially follow any instructions provided, but all
my discoveries have come from finding a few other
TK uses for the technique or item (before purchasing!).
A 50-foot roll of mylar I purchased for collaging
(epic fail!) became a splendidly useful go-to when I
learned how to use it for inkjet transfers.
Lynne Moncrieff
Dive in! It could become a new favorite if you
Diane Ford remove the fear and find your own way of working
with supplies to make them work for you and
Don’t be afraid to play and just have fun your style.
experimenting with a new material or technique.
Go into your creative time without any specific
expectations of how things will turn out. Set
aside scrap paper or extra materials for testing
Nina Fickett
My biggest tip is to play, play, play. Use it as much as
new supplies. you can in your art journal or on scraps of paper (a
place that isn’t precious) so you can investigate it as
much as possible.
118 ART
Kristin Peterson Carly Swenson
My best way to overcome intimidation of a new Expect it to go poorly. When you try something new,
technique is just to hop in and try it. Now, that is not it’s important to be gentle with yourself and realize
to say that everything turns out or looks how it is it’s unlikely you will get it right (or how you want it)
supposed to. I have tried many new techniques that the first time, or second time, or third time. Enjoy
did not turn out quite right, but I may have tried the process without stressing about the end result.
something else with this new technique and learned
I really liked it. Experimenting and play is the path
to new discoveries. Amber Walker
Google it! I just purchased gold leaf for the first
time. I had no clue how to use it, viewed one
YouTube video, and started to play and do my own
experimentation. Sometimes in the process of play,
you may stumble on a new use for it.
Artwork by Diane Ford
TK Chris Tessnear
I am no longer intimidated to try anything new. I go
in with paint flying and scissors cutting. I adapt new
things to my way of working, but always come out
better than before with a new arsenal.
Artwork by Lynne Moncrieff

Narah Kimberly Minardi
Remember that practice does not have to result in a
finished piece. Take small steps to get started: spend
five minutes reading about the technique/supply;
later, make sure your workspace is clear enough to
try something without frustration; and another time,
get out your supplies. If you have to, schedule five
minutes for playing around. Eventually, it won’t seem
so scary.
Donna Smith-Lacka Nancy Bales

To overcome intimidation of a new technique or
supply, change your thought pattern and welcome For me, I need to remind myself that no one does
mistakes as you learn. Take the newfound knowledge anything perfectly in the beginning. We all have to
and apply it. Don’t expect it all to work out perfectly practice things before we like what we see. We also
the first time. You need to do things a few times to need to remind ourselves that art journaling is about
get it all to work perfectly. getting stuff out and having fun. I believe strongly
that if anything in life isn’t fun, don’t do it. Life is
way too short to be unhappy.
journaling 119
MEMORIES OF A
Queen
BY CAROL A. MORE
A
ll my life, just before falling asleep, forgotten memories of childhood have floated to
consciousness. I’m a visual person, so I picture a wrinkle in my brain relaxing and smoothing
itself out, releasing these forgotten memories. Some memories surprise me and others
comfort, but there are also those that trouble and keep me awake. Why am I spending precious sleep
time on a few childhood memories when I’ve had many decades of other memories since? I wondered
if these memories are “place holders” of unresolved situations that need to be sorted out. The quiet
voice within urged me to capture these memories in an art journal, including those that might be
uncomfortable for others to read. My art journal was the perfect opportunity to sort and empty that
which was keeping me awake.
120 ART
I’M A visual P E R S O N ,
S O I picture A
WRINKLE IN MY
BRAIN ... releasing

THESE FORGOTTEN
memories.
WORTH SAVING
I’ve had this sturdy little teen literature book about Queen
Elizabeth for a while. The mustard-colored cover featured a
generic pattern, and the pages were well-thumbed and stained.
Finding a sturdy bound book in good condition worthy of my
creative investment is getting harder these days, so I was saving
it for a super-special topical journal. The drawings were plentiful,
lovely, and detailed, and I wanted to incorporate as many
as possible. »
journaling 121
The drawings sometimes pulled a specific memory from me, so I found them quite helpful.
Sometimes the queen in a drawing was me, while other times she was a dominant female figure from
my past. Once I started, the memories flowed — memories of smells, sounds, friendships, pets, songs,
and photos that all marked a moment in time. Even though some memories are quite personal, I
never hesitate to share my journals with others.
MAKING SPACE FOR ART

I prepare all my recycled book journals in the same way. First I remove one-third of the signatures,
removing them carefully with a sharp craft knife. I only use sewn bound books with clearly defined
signatures. At this point the book looks like a balloon that’s lost its air, but now it has lots of space
for adding paint and paper. Next, I glue three or four pages together using decoupage medium and a
foam brush, paying extra attention to the edges of the page. If the book paper is sturdy, gluing four
pages together provides enough thickness for a pop-up or for cutting out a window. I use an old
credit card to press the glue evenly to prevent wrinkles, and separate the glued pages with wax paper.
I usually prepare one-third of the remaining pages at a time this way, and press the book flat with a
heavy weight (a stack of books), allowing it to dry for three to four days.
122 ART
TRANSFORMING A BOOK
When planning to use existing book drawings or photos, I pre-
mark them with sticky notes so I remember to gesso around
and not on the drawings. To prevent the pages from sticking
My Creative
together, I never use gloss paint and buff the finished pages with
cold wax. The cover is always the last thing I work on, although
Obsession
sometimes the cover dictates the contents of the journal. In this
case, I applied gesso over the hideous, generic mustard-colored
cover, glued some string down in a pattern, added a few beads Opaque gesso mixed with
and molding paste leaves, and spelled out “memories” with a bold color and applied to
a blank page. Good stuff
chipboard letters. »
always follows!
journaling 123
THE drawings
WERE PLENTIFUL,
lovely, A N D
detailed, A N D
I WA N T E D T O
incorporate A S
M A N Y A S possible.
TIPS
t When using a recycled book, allow the book to guide your
theme or topic. In this case, Queen Elizabeth was such a
perfect metaphor for my memory topics. Sometimes she was
me, while other times a dominant adult or a symbolic power
in my theme.
t Topic journals allow you to work on more than one at a time.
I usually have a journal for trying new techniques, a topic
journal, and a general journal for whatever I feel like all going
at the same time.
t India ink is a scary supply to work into a journal, but just be
brave and careful. Dip a wooden skewer into the ink bottle
and write on a page that’s been prepped with a coat of gesso.
Seal the dried ink with spray varnish; I recommend two coats
to prevent smearing. But, what’s wrong with a bit of smear?
Carol A. More, NCS, is an art journalist and collage and mixed-media artist.
A frequent contributor to Stampington & Company publications, she lives
in New Bern, North Carolina. You can see more of her work on her blog,
carolamore.wordpress.com. She welcomes email at carol@carolmore.com.
124 ART
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MY ARTISTIC
Migration
BY DIANE FORD
M
y artistic process has become intertwined with the simple activities of my everyday life.
When I am journaling I feel as though I am continually trying to preserve the moments
that are all too quickly slipping through my fingers, attempting to hold on to the tiniest
piece of a cherished interaction or memorable experience.
FINDING FREEDOM
Some time ago I was wandering through some cute shops and enjoying a lazy afternoon when I came
across a small pair of light-aqua earrings shaped like silhouettes of birds. At that time I was nearing the
end of a particularly challenging point in my life and was filled with a newfound sense of confidence
and freedom. I purchased this pair of earrings and called them my “freedom birds.” I had no idea
how they would be flying alongside me during the next 10 years and eventually become part of the
finishing touch on this journal.
126 ART
THE experience O F
C R E AT I N G T H I S
J O U R N A L WA S
VERY rewarding.
I WA S A B L E T O
UTILIZE artwork
S AV E D F R O M M Y
T R AV E L S , S T U D I E S ,
AND life experiences.
ALL ME
I have always enjoyed the physical process of creating
a collage. I love gathering materials, clipping pieces
from magazines or other paper scraps, and figuring
out which ones will fit perfectly to make each
image seamlessly flow together. I have often created
collages or vision boards for personal inspiration. As
a challenge to myself, I chose to create this journal
entirely out of my own artwork and illustrations.
The experience of creating this journal was very
rewarding. I was able to utilize artwork saved from
my travels, studies, and life experiences. Many of the
images I included have come directly from my other
art journals, my art journaling Bible, sketchbooks
or old notebooks, and beginnings of a multitude of
projects I had started but never completed. I even
chose to include a few original doodles, notes, and
sketches I had saved just because. While I was looking
for one thing, I would often come across something
unexpected that would be exactly what I needed. »
journaling 127
TREASURED MEMORIES
It has been especially meaningful to reminisce over the memories
each piece of this journal represents. I love that each page holds
clues to different seasons in both my personal life and my journey
as an artist. The small square pages hold a combination of treasured
memories I have chosen as highlights from my journey. As an
unintentional surprise, this journal blossomed into a retrospective
portfolio of my artistic career.
The journal’s title, My Migration, is representative of the
development of my artwork and myself as I traveled through
different seasons of my life. As I developed the journal, I found
myself arranging the pages chronologically, which continued to
remind me of the places I journeyed through when each piece was
created. I can still see the crease marks where I had folded some of
these pieces to fit them into a frame or display in the past.
A NEW DIRECTION
I typically gravitate toward creating images of flowers, trees,
vines, and leaves in my artwork. It was a refreshing change of
style for me when I chose to include the addition of several birds
throughout my journal. I decided to include a simple shape of a
bird (or a few) on each two-page spread throughout my journal
to make all of the pages flow together. As I was turning the pages,
it almost looked as if the birds were flying (or migrating!) through
the journal. As a finishing touch, I attached one of my aqua
“freedom bird” earrings as an embellishment on the front cover. I
took a step back, paused for a moment, and just knew that it fit
perfectly, like it was meant to be there all along.
128 ART
PRECIOUS MOMENTS
I began this journal by gathering pieces of watercolor and
acrylic paintings, most of which were part of my previous
work; my sketchbooks, notes, and other art journals; images
to reference from my art journaling Bible; assorted markers/
pens; watercolor and acrylic paint; glue; and a matte water-
based sealer. Since the primary techniques used were watercolor
and other water-based media, I adhered watercolor paper to
most of the background pages. Pieces of unfinished illustration
projects were used to create some of the background designs.
The birds that are “flying” through the journal were created My Creative
with a handmade stencil and acrylic paint, pigment sticks,
and watercolors.
I primarily use soft, muted pastel colors, which pair well
Obsession
with the imagery of flowing vines and leaves, and help to create
an overall calm and peaceful feeling. The light-aqua color that I have been on a
appears frequently throughout the journal has always been one bookmaking kick lately,
of my favorite colors to paint with and reminds me of the ocean. focusing on making several
Some of the pages also include some light oranges, yellows, and different types and sizes of
pinks that remind me of hazy colorful sunsets. Watercolor seemed miniature books.
like the perfect choice for painting so many flowing images
from nature, and it happens to be one of my favorite mediums.
Most of the pages were completed before the journal was bound
together with ribbon. The front and back cover were sealed with
a water-based sealer to prevent any smudging and create a clean
matte finish.
Is trying to hold on to every precious, fleeting moment in
life a technique? Because I feel like that’s what I’ve attempted to
do while creating this journal. Each page holds so many deep,
hidden meanings and treasured memories. »
journaling 129
love T H A T E A C H P A G E H O L D S clues T O
I
D I F F E R E N T seasons I N B O T H M Y P E R S O N A L
L I F E A N D M Y journey A S A N A R T I S T .
TIPS
t A phrase I say to myself quite often is, “You can always paint over it.” It helps me to not hold on
too tightly to an initial sketch or design.
t Look through materials you already have before purchasing something new. It can be an exciting
challenge to find new uses for supplies that you already have.
t Sometimes I only use small sections or highlight certain pieces of artwork instead of using the
whole image. Don’t be afraid to take things apart that aren’t working and change them into
something new.
Diane Ford lives in eastern Washington with her husband and three children. Her artwork can be found at
4dradiantbeautiful.wordpress.com, on Facebook (4D Radiant Beautiful), and on Instagram (@4dradiantbeautiful).
130 ART
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journaling 131
SQUARE ONE
Sometimes when staring at a blank journal page, we need a little help

moving past “square one.” Whether a question, a quote, or a simple list,
these prompts should have you journaling in no time.
R5 If you found a map to a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, R5 5 New Places I Want to Visit
what would your pot of gold look like? What would it
contain? Create your version of your pot of gold on your art R5 10 Things I Like About Myself
journal page.
Shared by Amber Walker R5 20 Things I Enjoy About Winter
R5 20 Ways to Spread Positivity

R5 Start a page with splatters of paint and a large circle or a
series of circles to get the page covered quickly.
Shared by Chris Tessnear R5 “Art is not what you see but what you make others see.”
— Edgar Degas
R5 Use words and imagery to express the emotions that nature Shared by Diane Ford
evokes within you.
Shared by Lynne Moncrieff R5 “The rose of the old year withers away as the new bud begins
to bloom.” — Terri Guillemets
R5 In anticipation of spring, make a list of the tell-tale signs of
the season, and bring a few to life on the page. R5 “If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces,
never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin
R5 Relax your mind by creating a mandala in your art journal. again.” — Flavia Weedn
Get lost in the process of adding intricate patterns
and details. R5 “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and
the winds long to play with your hair.” — Khalil Gibran
R5 Create a journal page using only shades of your birthstone.
R5 “If you don’t get lost, there’s a chance you may never be
R5 Choose a constellation that speaks to you, and create it on a found.” — author unknown
journal page.
R5 “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t
R5 Sit on a blanket in a park, on the beach, or in one of your lead anywhere.” — Frank A. Clark
favorite outdoor spots. Record your observations using your
five senses. Use these notes to inspire a journal spread. R5 “Beauty without color seems somehow to belong to another
world.” — Murasaki Shikibu
R5 When I’m by myself I am …

R5 “As you wait for better days, don’t forget to enjoy today, in
R5 Around other people I am … case they’ve already started.” — Robert Brault
R5 I hope this new year will bring … R5 “Life is a school where you learn how to remember what
your soul already knows.” — author unknown
R5 I never get tired of …
R5 I am the happiest when …

To share your favorite journaling prompts with
R5 My perfect winter day includes ... us, send them to artjournaling@stampington.com.
132 ART
CATHY BLUTEAU
Beaconsfield, Quebec,
Canada
journaling 133
GALLERY
MELISSA JOHNSON
Garden Ridge, Texas
134 ART
NARAH KIMBERLY
MINARDI
Pittsburgh, PA
journaling 135
GALLERY
LINA ARANGO JAKUSIK
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
136 ART
SANDY WYATT
Muskogee, OK
journaling 137
Concord, CA
138 ART
NANCY BALES
Hollister, CA
journaling 139
M O R E S T U F F F O R Y O U R S TA S H
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The journal measures 7¾" x 10¼" and contains 26 pages.
Learn more at ranger.com.
Dina Wakley Media Collage

Collective 2 Vol. 1
The Dina Wakley Media Collage Collective 2 is available in two
volumes, each featuring 30 double-sided printed pages of two
different thicknesses. You’ll also find full-page printed art, small
printed tags, decorative strips, and more.
Learn more at ranger.com.
140 ART
Art Journaling is released on a quarterly basis. Submissions for specific issues must
arrive on or before the following deadlines:
Checks or money orders will be cashed and put in a mail funds account
within 30 days of submission receipt. When your artwork is returned, the
funds you provided for shipping will be drawn from the account.
Art Journaling is currently open to submissions from all our readers who wish to Submissions intended for one issue may be better suited for another
share their art journal pages with our audience. We encourage artists to submit issue or publication, so we may request to hold your piece for up to
entire journals so that we can evaluate how they will best fit into our publication. 9–12 months. Rest assured that we will take excellent care of your artwork,
If there are pages in your journal you do not wish published (for reasons of privacy but Stampington & Company cannot be held responsible for damage or loss
or otherwise), please be sure to mark them clearly so we do not consider them. due to circumstances beyond our control. If you move, please send a
postcard or email to the editor with your new address.
GENERAL ARTWORK SUBMISSION GUIDELINES If you need your artwork returned by a specific date, please indicate this
We prefer submissions of original art. If original art is not available, our next in your submission information and send an email to the editor three weeks
preference is hi-res digital images (300 dpi at 8½" x 11"). If hi-res digital images before the date you would like your submission returned.
are not available, we will very rarely consider professional-quality transparencies If you have any questions regarding our submission guidelines
or color slides. Colorcopy submissions are not accepted. and artwork returns, please contact artmanagement@stampington.com.
For collaborative projects, it is the responsibility of the submitting artist to If your piece is selected for publication you will receive a FREE issue of
obtain permission from each participant prior to submission. In addition, each Art Journaling.
piece of the collaborative must be labeled with contact information of the artist
who created it. Please be aware that the collaborative project in its entirety will ARTICLE IDEA SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
only be returned to the submitting artist and must have sufficient return postage. We are always interested in proposals for articles. If you have a unique story,
All artwork must be properly identified with your name, address, and email project, or technique, send photos accompanied by a query letter outlining
address clearly printed on a label or tag attached to each submission. As artwork your idea to the managing editor at the address below. Please note: If a
often gets separated from instructions during our selection process, we ask that you technique you wish to share was learned in a class, workshop, television,
attach the information directly to the piece; for example, affix a label to the inside book or other publication, Art Journaling requires that you give credit to
of a sleeve. If your piece is difficult to label, please attach your identification with the author, source, or teacher and obtain permission to publish his or her
a removable string, or pack the sample in a plastic bag with your identification. technique prior to submitting it to us.
Artwork that is not properly identified cannot be considered for publication.
A concise yet thorough description must accompany each submission. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Include separate documentation for each piece you submit. Stampington & Company only accepts original artwork for publication
NOTE: If you are able, please keep an electronic version of your instructions, consideration. All images used in artwork must be copyright free. Any
as you may be requested to send those in if your work is selected for publication. techniques featured in artwork submissions that are not the artist’s own
must be attributed to the proper instructor, book, artist, workshop,
All samples, queries, and correspondence should be sent to: etc. It is the responsibility of the submitting artist to ensure that no
copyright infringement has occurred and that all submitted work is
Stampington & Company
their own.
ATTN: Art Journaling
22992 Mill Creek, Suite B
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Stampington & Company will not accept simultaneous submissions of
Please include a note inside the package indicating which publication artwork. While your work is under consideration we ask that you do not
the submission is for. For acknowledgment of artwork receipt, include a submit the same piece of work to competing web or print publishers.
self-addressed, stamped postcard. No telephone calls, please. The editor Likewise, artwork that has already been featured in other competing
welcomes brief email queries: artjournaling@stampington.com. publications or sites will not be accepted. Publishing on your personal
blog is permitted, but we ask that you adhere to our reproduction
ART MANAGEMENT POLICY guidelines. Any questions can be directed to our editorial staff.
We require you to supply sufficient funds if you wish your item(s) returned.
We will provide tracking for all packages, but we strongly encourage you to PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
request insurance and provide additional funds. Stampington & Company is not Artwork accepted for Art Journaling is published as soon as practical. Be
responsible for damaged or lost artwork once it has been shipped out of our office. advised we receive more submissions than we can accommodate and it may
Send a check or money order made out to Stampington & Company to cover take several months from the time we accept your artwork for publication
return shipping costs (U.S. funds). Please do not include return envelopes, packing to the time it appears in an issue, so we ask for your patience. You will
materials, stamps, or prepaid labels and do not attach postage to packaging. receive notification in advance of publication.
journaling
naling 141
Since 1994, Stampington & Company has been a leading source of information and inspiration for
arts and crafts lovers, storytellers, and photographers around the world. Launched with a small line
of rubber art stamps by President and Publisher Kellene Giloff, the company has since expanded to
include a variety of bestselling publications.
“When it comes to the art of crafting, no one does it better than
Stampington & Company.” – Mr. Magazine™ Samir Husni
PUBLICATIONS
Known for its stunning full-color photography and step-by-step instructions, the company’s
magazines provide a forum for both professional artists and hobbyists looking to share their
beautiful handmade creations, tips, and techniques with one another.
Since its 1997 debut, Somerset Studio has become the flagship publication within the industry
and attracts a large, devoted following of readers seeking the latest innovations in paper arts and
mixed-media.
Art Journaling — the first publication of its kind — features exquisite mixed-media work and
inspiration for achieving stand-out pages in journals.
Bella Grace is a 160-page book-azine devoted to discovering magic in the ordinary.

Compelling stories and striking photographs capture soul lifting moments that celebrate life’s
beautiful adventure.
In Her Studio takes readers on a tour through the creative spaces and lives of female artists,
designers, and makers. And you’ll get to hear their stories.
Belle Armoire Jewelry is overflowing with 144 pages of exciting projects for necklaces,
bracelets, earrings, brooches, and accessories.
Field Guide to Everyday Magic is a one-of-a-kind workbook that shines a spotlight on the
here and now – through its inspirational quotes, photography, and prompts with interactive,
journaling space.
Mingle is an incredibly unique publication that explores the art of entertaining — from
various types of intimate, creative gatherings to larger-scale art retreats.
Willow and Sage shares more than 70 unique recipes, uses, and beautiful packaging and gift
ideas for homemade bath and body products.
For more information, and to look inside these publications, please visit: stampington.com/
publications
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

Stampington & Company provides daily doses of inspiration and a place for likeminded artists
to connect on their Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube Channel, and Twitter pages, which
currently have more than 280,000 followers. In addition to exploring the latest crafting trends
on their creative blog, Somerset Place, the company continues to send out weekly and monthly
e-newsletters with artist tips, special sales, and free how-to project ideas to their loyal subscriber
base of more than 130,000 creative minds.
COMING MARCH 2021

Exciting news! We’ve filled another new edition of the Natural Home Issue to bring you even
more all-natural remedies for your home.
From the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond, discover how to make DIY chemical-free cleaners,
mood-boosting room sprayss, diffusers, fire starters, and more.
The Natural Home Issue will be available on newsstands March 1st or by visiting:
stampington.com/publications
144 ART
T here is more for you to
see a nd ex per ience at
st a mpi ng ton.com
Work s
se a m les sly
on a l l you r
dev ices!
Visit us online for FREE project inspiration, exclusive web of fers, and more.

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The publishers of Somerset Studio invite you to explore the

Dive into your handmade holiday gift preparations with A Somerset 5

to get you through the season.

Inside Volume 14:

Previous issues available, starting from only $3.99

Connect with us:

25+ Artistic Studio Spaces

In Her Studio magazine showcases

Until next time,

48 The Great Escape

76 Wonders That Surround You

106 Welcome to the White

112 Learning From Wildflowers

140 More Stuff for Your Stash

WITH A THEME OR STORYLINE.

My journal was the one place I felt free during the

After 25 years without a hands-on form of artistic expression,

Nicolet’s Must-Have Supplies

Photography by Nicolet Groen.

Art journals will hold the beginning of

Kristin Peterson is a mixed-media artist who loves color,

To O rd e r : b e l l a g r a c e m a g a z i ne . c o m |Tol l-Fr e e : 1-8 7 7-782 - 6737

THE NEXT LEVEL

INSPIRATION FROM CHANGE

THE NEW GESSO

WITH EACH PHASE

Narah Kimberly Minardi lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

You can see more from this journal in the

To Order: stampington.com/stamping-and-card-making-magazines | Toll-Free: 1-877-782-6737

Art Journaling Essentials & More

Journals & Spiral-Bound Notebooks

She-Makes Inspirational Gift Bundle

Hygge Gift Bundle

AND words ...

THE MORE SOLID

Melissa Johnson Diane Ford

Artwork by Diane Ford

My family thinks I’m obsessive when it comes to my

organized is keeping the supplies close to where I

Artwork by Carly Swenson

Narah Kimberly Minardi

Donna Smith-Lacka Nancy Bales

Every day when I drive to my office, I can see the daily

Select digital downloads are also available.

Own These Issues in

Explore our entire library at: stampington.com/instant-downloads

Creative book” appeared in the Summer 2019 Issue of Art Journaling.

Bobbie’s and could be “sisters” from a previous life! We began exchanging

Obsession the midst of a pandemic, Carol suggested a collaborative art project

Subscribe & Save Up To $20 Available

&# 0+'. . '

TH E CAN DLE ISSU E

TEXTURE & COLOR

ENHANCING THE THEME

FINDING BEAUTY IN PAIN

Fast-forward to 2018, when my parents sold their home

Patty Eskridge is a mixed-media artist and blogger. She would love to

Discover new adventures for mixed-media artists at somersetstudio.com or by calling 1-877-782-6737.

Play. Create. BE INSPIRED.

What is the most significant art-related lesson you learned from

Melissa Johnson Lynne Moncrieff

Mary Shannon Wisdom

Artwork by Amber Walker