Day 5: Art for Art's Sake

Most of the time when I create something, it’s with a purpose in mind—I’m creating a card to send, a gift to give, a project to demonstrate. I can’t remember the last time I created something simply for the sake of creating.

That’s what makes this creative journal so absolutely enjoyable!

These altered books are not new, but they are increasingly popular, and I get why! I loved working on this for convention. . . each spread sparked ideas for more spreads, and there were no rules! When I make albums, the spreads need to coordinate; not so for this book. Some spreads I threw together in mere minutes, others took quite a while. . . some were simple, others more elaborate. Each spread is a separate project, a new opportunity to express myself and explore my creativity.

How fun is that?

This journal is an old green book that’s been “altered.” I can’t really explain what I did on the cover to create this soft, distressed look; you had to see it. If you were at convention, you did. And if you weren’t, I’m still hoping it’s an inspiration. What really matters on your creative journal project is setting the stage for what the book will become.

Oh, and having lots of fun doing it!

Comments

[Ruth]

I loved this project so much that I searched all the second hand stores for the old books so that I would have enough for a future class...Thanks for the inspiration.

[Kate]

I love this idea!! Did you use an old book or is it a blank journal? Thank you for sharing :)

[Diane J Ouellette]

What a wonderful book! It will be a treasure for years to come. Thank you so much for taking the time to share.

[Michelle K. Jones]

I watched you make this at Convention and I was totally in awe! When I got home, I bought 3 used books to get started, not really having a "plan". One of the books is so beautiful, with etching on the front cover and the outlines on the pages (dated 1933). The second was perfect because of the pages and the outside grain. MY PLANS for the two I am altering: The first will be "My Faith Journey" and I will document SPECIFIC times that I know God has been with me, the miracles in my life that only He could provide - along with my favorite scriptures through life. The second will be about my children. I don't have a name, but maybe I will use "Mommy Moments" or something like that. This will be little stories that I remember as my kids were growing up - I was never good at the baby book thing, although each of my children have several of their own scrapbooks of just them. This book will not be in chronological order, but in the order I remember them! (gotta love getting older!) I love the pocket Idea, because I can put Tooth Fairy letters in there, Mommy notes, Santa letters, all kinds of wonderful mementos that I have treasured through the years. Thank you for demonstrating such a wonderful idea! :)