New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.  

These two sketches were made on a Friday after an odd week. Chaotic, sad, frustrating. I could go on but I won't. I poured all my emotions into the sketch on the left. I tried to get back to being balanced and myself when creating the one on the right. As the saying goes...there's always tomorrow.

Sunday morning I created this messy sketches as a way to loosen up my hand. I was slowly getting back to being balanced. Keeping busy really helps.

I decided to change it up a bit by turning my sketchbook journal 90 degrees. It was fun to create in a portrait orientation instead of landscape. I happy with the colors, design, layers and texture of this sketch.

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2019 Grey Commonplace Journal

I have written in journals for a long time. Remember when journals were called diaries? I progressed from diaries to line notebooks. I filled pages upon pages with my thoughts and recounting the day’s events. Now that I’m into book binding, I decided to make a journal for writing. I was inspired by Nik the Booksmith's Commonplace Journal. It will be a place where I can jot down quotes, ideas and such. I’m hoping that this type of journaling will help me to stop over thinking things. Obsessing if you will. Jot down my thoughts then move on.

The substrate of this journal is a 5 ½” x 8 ½” discarded, damaged book. I love the worn look of the original grey book cover so I decided not cover it up. The book’s spine was very weak so, I used a favorite commercial fabrics to cover the spine on the outside as well as material on the inside for reinforcement. I added black ribbon to cover the edge of the commercial fabric and as a closure.

 

The pages of the original book were replaced with 80lbs drawing paper. Along with writing in this journal, I want to leave my options open if I decide to draw as well. There are 8 signatures, 5 folios in each signature and 160 total pages (front and back). I secured the signatures using @nikthebooksmith’s Hallow Back Binding technique. I will use probably this Commonplace Journal as well as the old notebook for awhile. I have not decided how much I will share on social media.
 

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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.  

Not every page in my sketchbook journal is a finished, upbeat, perfectly designed piece of art. Sometimes like these two are raw, emotional, unfinished, not Instagram perfect. A dear friend is going through a serious health issue. I'm frustrated, upset, helpless, asking "why him?" This is my way of working through these emotions.

I was still working through my feelings about my friend who is going through a serious health issue. #healing #healingvibes

Perfect way to start a Sunday was to create these two sketches.

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New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

Here is a link where I first talked about this 4"x6" sketchbook journal, click here.

These two collages were made after I haven't created in this sketchbook journal in almost a week. Between my day job and working on a project for a group exhibit, I didn't have time. It reminded me that the art I create in this journal don't have to be finished pieces. They can be ideas or sketches.

It has a slow process working in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal lately. Other responsibilities have been a priority right now. Focusing for a few minutes each day on creating is a bit of escape.

I'm still trying to find a few minutes each day to create art without pressure.

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