I have always been a book lover. I love written books, blank books, coffee table books full of images and children’s books full of rich and imaginative illustrations. I use books to read, to alter, to inspire, and to create. Some books I receive from, other books I add to. It is the later category that I would like to focus on today. If I named one creative practice that would improve your art making, and for that matter enrich your life in general, it would be to keep some sort of creative journal. This could be in a purchased book like a sketchbook, or in a repurposed book, like an altered book, or in a custom made handbound book. I have used, and benefited from, them all!
As a new year approaches, I always like to start thinking about what kinds creative journals I want to keep in the coming year. In case you would also like to do the same, I though I would share with you this list of journaling ideas. Keep in mind that creative journaling can include writing, or art play, or both!
Here are a few of my journal ideas. What would you add to the list?
- planner
- dreams and goals + steps to acheive
- gratitude
- project
- prayers – requests and answers
- diary – feelings and/or events
- ideas and brainstorming
- church notes
- recipes
- gardening or other hobby
- poetry – your own or collected
- work notes
- sketchbook
- family memories and keepsakes
- adulting – bills, insurance, health, etc.
- travel
- holiday planning
- holiday memories
- glue book of favorites
- art making
- media – books and/or movies
- challenge – like a draw everyday for a month, etc.
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For the sake of simplicity, I combine many of these functions into a single ‘sketchbook’ which is really a catch all for ideas, challenges, various notes and lists, and even sketching! In addition I have a planner, a daily memory keeping or visual diary book, a five year diary, altered books and junk journals that I use as glue books and art journals. I also have a journal for a building project, as well as a family recipe journal. Another junk journal serves as a place to record family stories, and keepsakes that I am getting rid of but want to remember.
What are your creative book plans for 2023?
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