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.
Archived links moved from sidebar to here - not all may be active.
CRUSADE No. 17
Late addition: Karen Davis