New artwork in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

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

I don't have much to say about these two collages. Both were worked on over a few days in the morning before I left for my day job. These two collages aren't my favorite but I feel that not all pages in my sketchbook journal have be masterpieces. How does that saying go..."it's the journey, not the destination."

I'm happy with how these two collages turned out. I didn't overthink the process. Both were done quickly using the paper scraps and paint that was laying out on the table in front of me. Stress free art making!

Two more collages that were created quickly using only the paper scraps and paint that was sitting out on the table in front of me.

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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.   

I'm continuing to use the paper scraps that are my favorites and I develop my style. The collages on the right side of the pages incorporated thread. I like the element it brings to my collages.

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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. 

As I evolve my artistic style, I'm taking note of the colors I want to use. These beautifully, colored monoprinted scraps are some that I want to preserve. Added a few subtle stitches using Valdani thread.

Two quick sketches made on a rainy Saturday morning before I tackled my "to do" list.  

These two sketches made using monoprint scraps, paint, bleeding tissue paper, magazine paper, used tea bag and markers.

 

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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 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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New sketches in my 4"x6" sketchbook journal

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

I'm starting the new year with a renew sense of creating for fun. No pressure. Not everything needs to be a complete, finished, fine art piece. These two collage pieces used scraps that may or may not work well together.

 

These two collages were created as a way to unwind from my day.

These two collages were started on Friday before I left for my day job and finished Sunday night.

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New journals in my Etsy Shop!

I listed three new handmade journals in my Etsy shop. Please click here or the badge on the right side of this blog.

All 3 are covered with commercial fabric. The floral journal has signatures made with 80lb drawing paper. The two other journals have signatures made with 140lb watercolor paper.


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New sketches in my 4"x6" journal

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

One of my favorite materials to use in my journals is bleeding tissue paper. I love how it mimics the look of watercolor.The colors and textures were pleasing enough for these two pages in my journal without adding any additional marks.

These two collages were created over a few days. Due only to time constraints in my schedule. I'm adapting the philosophy of non-pressure when creating art. Life has enough pressure without it seeping into my art.

Another collage using bleeding tissue paper. I started with scribbling black india ink on the blank page. The mat medium I used to adhere the bleeding tissue smeared the ink. At first I wanted to clean up the smeared ink. Then I realized that I like the imperfection.

 

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