Saturday, March 12, 2011

My Journey in Journals

I started making journals a few months ago and boy is there a lot to learn. I am really enjoying it and realized that when I am in my studio putting together a book is when I feel most at peace. When personal stress overwhelms me I can lose myself in the structure of the book and find great pleasure in designing the covers. It is my way of creating art that is usable. Not quite the commitment of a wall hanging but very practical while being enjoyable at the same time. What a great justification. The benefits of journaling are plenty. Stress relief for one. Or how about brainstorming? You can really get your creative juices flowing when you start jotting down your thoughts and feelings. How about writing your story to pass on to your grand kids? You can glue in scraps of paper or photos. Movie tickets, vacation postcards, love notes, the possibilities are endless. All you need is a book that compels you to start. I am hoping to provide that for people while I get lost in all of the colors, patterns and textures that paper affords. Here are my first.















Can you think of good reasons to journal? Share them in the comments section.

4 comments:

Jane said...

Yes indeed! I journal to say the things that I need to say, but maybe don't need to be said to the rest of the world...I journal to keep the images that are in my mind when I meditate onto paper...I journal to have a totally safe and fun place to be an artist. Your books are superb - I can tell there is a lot of time and effort in the quality. Thank you for asking, and for following my blog :-)

SWiggins said...

Thanks for following my blog too, Jane. Was thinking no one is reading mine since no one commented so your comment was a pleasant surprise this morning. Have a wonderful day.

Holly said...

Wow, they are beautiful! I've got a journal and haven't written in it for months, shame on me. I think I might just pull it out tonight.

SWiggins said...

It's amazing how quickly journaling can clear up a hectic day.