CRUSADE No. 17 ~ Pandora's Box
As promised, more about visual journaling. This month is about doing something for yourself that will enable you to be a better journaler. I don't mean that in the sense of critically acclaimed and handsome to-die-for pages, although that would be good too. I mean that you will be a better or more regular journaler if you set yourself up with a kit - a box or tote that has many of your favorite tools, ready to use. Think about it: If you have all your stuff ready to grab and go, you are more likely to whip out a quick page, or at least begin one.
A journal page doesn't have to be elaborate, or even completed in one sitting. In fact, the less materials you have to work with the more clever you will become. I'm going to dig up an older journal to show you what happened when I took a trip with a journal that had many pre-painted pages, but I got to the end and had to work off plain white pages. At first it was horrific, but then I really came to enjoy playing with pens and words and discovered how cool I can make a page without any paint.
Here is an example of one of my kits. It's ready to go with me on the deck in the summer as I supervise the rowdy kids in the pool. Or I can take it from my studio to the dining table as I oversee homework or watch tv. I don't have to rummage around finding the scissors and tape because it's all right there.
I also have many word files - clippings from magazines of clever phrases or interesting text treatments. I keep the stash in a box, along with scraps of painted papers or other remnants from art-making that I can't bring myself to throw out. Scraps of daily life as well as art-in-process end up in these files and can be called upon as the perfect embellishment on a journal page.
I really believe keeping a visual journal is an important part of being an artist, no matter what kind of art you make. I've said it before, it's a place to sketch your ideas, and chronicle your process with evidence. You know when you are at the starting point of a project? Are you bombarded with 1000 ways in which you might develop your idea? Keep notes! Make plans, make lists, gather and collect thoughts and materials. Leave your journal open on your workspace and attach your collage remnants, or yarns, or fabrics, right on the page. Clean your brush off - right on the page.
Don't be thinking that Pandora's Box is all about the terrible things that escaped when she opened it. Think about the fact that Hope is still in there. I'm Hoping you'll take on this challenge - it's an easy one really. If you need to get an extra set of supplies to set up a box you get to go shopping! Definitely get yourself a scissors to leave in the box - and a mini- stapler, that's my fave. Get colored staples too, oooh fun!
Your Mission: Make a Journal Kit. Maybe you already have one, or can make one up in a jiffy, yay! Put all your supplies in a cigar box, or shoebox, or Trader Joe's tote. Take a photo and share it on your blog. Proof that you are standing at attention, a soldier for journaling. Then start using it! Leave a comment here and I'll add you to the link list, newest at top. After you realize what a good idea it is to have a kit *smacks self on forehead* maybe you'll make another post about how convinced you are that it really assisted your process, and then you can link us to that too.
CRUSADE No. 17: Make a Journal Kit DUE DATE: March 1st
To enter simply make a blog post indicating you are sharing a Crusade prompt, then comment here with your link. Want a button? Take this one. You are invited to participate in any previous Crusade at any time, just label accordingly. ANYONE CAN PLAY. It's all about building a community of creative people.
If you are new to us you can visit the What's A Street Team link, above left, for more info. Sign our guestbook too, found at the Where In The World link. Why are they called Crusades? It's patterned after the official Street Team Network (set up for promoting bands) but it's a fitting definition:
NOTE: I mistakenly configured the link list at a set number last month so if you were one of the tail-end participants it looked like your link wasn't added. All links are posted now.
End transmission from GPP Street Team Headquarters. Go make cool stuff.
hehe still journaling here!!! just got a journal i ordered from kelly kilmer. yet i'm so in fabric land. :) maybe i can make a little travel kit to take along to mexico next month... but no, don't want it to be a pandora's box ;) need to ponder this!
Posted by: Belinda | February 03, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Inspired, as usual.
I'll be watching the links like a Hawk to see what great ideas people have come up with.When I taught Rubber Stamping 101 in the 90's, (cavepeople days) I used to tell people to keep paper, a pad, stamps and cleaner near the phone. They would always come back and say that this one little hint made them prolific stampers....the Street Team is a great "Meeting Place" for ideas and support in the world of Art.
My "Basket Under the Coffee table" is really working, so I'm off to Blog ON.....
Thanks M!
Posted by: Lisa Hoffman | February 03, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Love journalling - I'm delighted to have more journalling challenges! Love this one. I'm off to Minnesota in the summer and need to take care of the serious stuff well in advance ie the journal and the kit. So this is perfect for me! Belinda is doubly lucky - Mexico and a Kelly original!
Posted by: Fiona | February 03, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Entry posted. Being way too something......
Posted by: Fiona | February 03, 2008 at 12:13 PM
This challenge is particularly appropo for me as I work (a job) one day a week but must always have an art kit with me, I'll take a picture soon and post it and figure out which one of my twenty journals with little or nothing in them I'll be using for this visual journal challenge. Normally, I put ideas to work on single sheets of paper, for some reason, it has always been less intimidating to me.
Posted by: Tricia | February 03, 2008 at 04:29 PM
"ONE of (your) kits", huh. How many do you have?
I realized as I wandered around to find mine that they (it) are not in a kit form at the moment. Mostly I journal from room to room, but not taking stuff along. Thinking more about it though, it is inspiring, so maybe I shall. This is what my boxes look like as of today.
Posted by: susan w | February 03, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I changed my URL here and created a new Flickr set. perhaps that will make things smoother. Tell me about the button please. Is that usable on a flickr page? if so, where,, how, etc???
Eagerly waiting to see some of your OTHER kits...
and everyone else's as well
Posted by: susan w | February 04, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Hmm... interesting challenge. I've tossed things together from time to time to carry with me for journaling, but nothing cohesive really... I've a few ideas for showing what I already do now, and ways to expand on that... shopping? Well you know MY weak spot... though I probably have a pretty good selection already at home if I poke around! Treasure hunt! How fun... and if it inspires more work on my journal(s)... what a bonus! You're a clever one...
Posted by: Pam | February 04, 2008 at 10:34 AM
GOOD one! I'm diggin' this crusade... who am I kidding? I DIG all of the crusades I've joined in so far. THIS is something I've been wanting to do. ~Monica
Posted by: Monica Magness | February 04, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Very ready for this one. We're going to Maui early May and I've already gotten a small waterproof bag to take my kit with me on the beach or just to toss around in the hotel when I want to feel at one with my creative spirit in the late/early hours! It's going to be small, but mighty! so, I'm ready for this crusade and gathering all the right stuff to continue my journal.
Posted by: Chris | February 04, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I've lurked here for awhile, but here's my first entry!
http://caseymaupin.blogspot.com/2008/02/crusade-17.html
Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: casey | February 04, 2008 at 07:27 PM
It's interesting to me that you say the box still contains Hope. That's my middle name, and the thought of having it with me on my travels, to put immediate memories into or to hold little scribble notes, makes me feel very happy!
Posted by: Chris | February 04, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Here's my kit. And, Michelle, I'm LOVING that shelf of journals in that photo! I'm very inspired!
Posted by: Chris | February 04, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Hi Michelle! I just posted my journal kit! Thanks for the fun Crusade!
Smiles! Jo Anne
Posted by: Jo Anne Owens | February 05, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Hi Michelle,
What a wicked site and a terrific idea to get together a like-minded community. I am definately in for the 'crusades'now that I have found you! I had 'True Colors' as a xmas pressie and I have to say its the single most inspirational book I have ever seen. I am only just beginning to explore my creative side after spending most of my years hearing people (mostly family) telling me I am not creative. Someone tells you that often enough and you believe them!
Love your work and your enthusiasm!
Posted by: Julie | February 05, 2008 at 02:58 PM
You've converted me to Art Journaling for sure, I'm LOVIN' it!
Here's my entry...
http://carlenefederer.blogspot.com/2008/02/have-trug-will-travel.html
Posted by: carlene | February 05, 2008 at 04:48 PM
With this Pandora's Box Crusade I enjoyed realizing that I can be a journaler too! I also am having fun realizing I don't need to be a closet blogger either! I've been slowly sharing my blog with others and it feels great! Thanks Michelle for providing the opportunity! :-)
Oh yes... do have a great hair day! Becci
http://beccirenfro.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Becci Renfro | February 05, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Yes, another GREAT challenge that is kind of designed for me. I already have a journaling kit posted
yes, found them:
me and big BOX - in France:
http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/?p=641
journaling to go bag that my mom made:
http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/?p=636
Posted by: iHanna | February 06, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Hi Michelle,
this is so much fun for a curious person! Because what does everybody take for a trip? And what kind of baggs do they use?? I have put my suitcase on http://belle2create.wordpress.com/2008/02/06/travel-and-journal-pandoras-box/ so you (and everybody else if interested) can see what I grab when I intend to journal outside my home.
Hedwig
Posted by: hedwig | February 06, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Here it is, boy was this fun...now I am all organized!!!! Now that I have posted, I can check out everyone else! Have fun tomorrow Michelle, think of me while you are enjoying Heartagram day!
Posted by: paula | February 08, 2008 at 03:39 PM
My second crusade! I am so excited to see the new crusade each month...I can't wait! Thanks for the inspiration and guidance, Michelle!
http://lostluggage.typepad.com/the_land_of_lost_luggage/2008/02/gpp-street-team.html
Posted by: Julie Prichard | February 09, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Michelle - I love this!!! I have two kits listed on my blog right now. I know that both can contain more items but I haven't filled them up totally yet. I will add to them as the month goes on. Thank you!!!
Posted by: Nicki | February 09, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Ok, I made my kit... I am pretty pleased with it and it seems to work pretty well so far... I used it to journal on my couch! Will post the pages on Monday. For now take a peek at the kit...http://dieverdog.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Pam McClung | February 10, 2008 at 11:24 AM
This is a perfect challenge for me this month, as I just found out I'm off to Spain in May! I will definately need a travel kit for that trip! I'll email you a link once I get my kit ready.
Posted by: Laura Bray | February 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM
A friend saw this post and knew instantly that I would love to join the challenge--or should I say crusade! The fact that my nickname is Pandora may have had something to do with it......aside from the fact that I love to make art, love to assemble collections of things, and I think it's awesome to see all the variations others come up with.
This is my first GPP Street Team Crusade, but I have faith that I'm up to it!
Ellen Rigor
you can find me at: http://afineidea.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ellen Rigor | February 11, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Okie doke :o) I got mine up: http://smallcreations.blogspot.com
Posted by: audrey h. | February 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Here is the direct link: http://smallcreations.blogspot.com/2008/02/journal-stuff.html ...sorry about that.
Posted by: audrey h. | February 11, 2008 at 04:42 PM
I'm ready for my close up Mr. De Mille.....
These amazing posts have inspired me (as usual) so here's my homage to the Traveling Gypsy Wagon that is my Sketch Stash...
Thanks again for another Creative foray!!!
They get better every time.
Lisa Hoffman
www.lisahoffman.typepad.com
Posted by: Lisa Hoffman | February 11, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Well Michelle, yes, once again I am feeling inspired. This is my first post....as I say there I am off to hunt and gather my supplies and will be back:
http://rodrigvitzstyle.typepad.com/rodrigvitz_style/2008/02/everything-old.html
Posted by: stephanie | February 11, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I totally forgot to tell you how fabulous your jounal kit box is and what you have inside. I really like those magazine word clippings :o)
Posted by: audrey h. | February 11, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Here are my new journal entries using the new journal in my new kit! Camping out on the couch with it was fun... I haven't gone anywhere yet to take it with me, but I'm sure I will.
http://dieverdog.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-journal-kit-journal-pages.html
Posted by: Pam | February 12, 2008 at 09:03 AM
This was a lot of fun!
http://bianca-ars-longa.blogspot.com/2008/02/have-kit-will-travel.html
Posted by: Bianca | February 12, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Hi Michelle,
seeing all these kits AND journal pages inspired me to make some pages in my travel journal. It really brings tons of ideas for more.... Oh I already try to take too much with me ;-))
http://belle2create.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/travel-kit-no-2/
Hedwig
Posted by: hedwig | February 12, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Hey Michelle,
This was a fun one! Thanks for the prompt and here's my link:
http://somethingsublime.typepad.com/something_sublime_from_th/2008/02/crusade-17-pand.html
Posted by: Deryn Mentock | February 13, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I did it! My very first crusade! Thank-you so much Michelle!
http://julie-justme.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Julie | February 15, 2008 at 02:15 PM
I did it! My very first crusade. Thank-you so much Michelle!
http://julie-justme.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Julie | February 15, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Ok, I have finally come out of lurkdom to add my name to your list of crusaders! I saw this last crusade on Audrey's blog and loved it, so after taking a sneaky-peek at everyone else's kit, I decided to post my own www.artistreborne.typepad.com Thanks Michelle for such a great site of inspiration!
Posted by: Dawn | February 15, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Ok, did that wrong, here's my link http://artistreborne.typepad.com/artist_reborne/2008/02/pandoras-box.html
Posted by: Dawn | February 15, 2008 at 04:17 PM
You'll be pleased to know that I managed to make my images a bit bigger...it took me ages as I am technically challenged (as well as artistically!).
Thanks again!
Posted by: Julie | February 15, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Art journaling is one of my favorite ways to play and my art journal bag is an essential in my world. Thanks for letting me join the fun!
xxoo Robin
http://alchemy-studio.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Robin | February 16, 2008 at 12:04 PM
This challenge sprung me into action! Today was my first time at your site- I don't know where I've been. I look forward to checking out some of the earlier crusades and future ones as well! You can see my blog post at mizz-frizz.blogspot.com Thanks!
Posted by: Jeane Frizzell | February 17, 2008 at 02:48 AM
Hi Michelle
Another great crusade, love journaling and now I have a kit together to make it easier to journal on the go. Here's to more journaling crusades. http://therosegarden.blogspot.com/2008/02/this-month-michelle-wards-crusade-is-to.html
Posted by: Megan Warren | February 17, 2008 at 05:21 AM
Sorry about that x-rated comment that appeared here. Sickos.
Posted by: michelle ward | February 17, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Cool Crusade !
I'm really love to participate in it.
http://mescrap.blogspot.com/2008/02/pandoras-box.html
Thanks for looking :)
Posted by: Lay Hoon | February 17, 2008 at 05:01 PM
this is my first crusade, I am a lurker for sure. I love this site and the creativity of everyone. So here is mine, I am going to love using it now that it is all ready to go.
http://leekre.blogspot.com/2008/02/gpp-street-team-challenge-crusade.html
Posted by: lee | February 17, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Here's my first journal page with my new journal kit!
http://therosegarden.blogspot.com/2008/02/evidence-my-first-journal-page.html
Posted by: Megan Warren | February 18, 2008 at 12:48 AM
I have sorely missed playing in these challenges, but have been so busy recently I've barely had time to stop for breath. Am hoping to start playing again regularly soon. In the meantime, a hastily put together entry for #17 (my favourite number :)):
http://are-you-flowin.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-have-been-seriously-slacking.html
Posted by: Flo | February 18, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Yay all of us! I am having a first, I am adding another post due to the journaling kit...thanks dahling...
http://forcryeye.blogspot.com/2008/02/ive-been-journaling.html
Posted by: forcryeye | February 18, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Just gotta say I am having the best time going round all the blogs and looking at everyone kits and their journalling...wow, wow, WOW!
This has been so inspirational to so many people...I am blown away...really...
Posted by: Julie | February 19, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Hi Michelle!
My bag is packed and ready to go...
http://jassman.typepad.com/follow_your_bliss/2008/02/dreamy-places.html
xoxox Jill
Posted by: Jill | February 19, 2008 at 09:54 PM