I have been learning a lot through the 21 Secrets workshops, and I'm very grateful that I decided to be a part of it. I've only really gotten involved thus far with 3 of the many workshops, and though I'm not done with any of them yet, perhaps the most valuable thing I've learned so far is that you don't have to be so serious.
I am having a lot of fun, just experimenting and, well, playing. See, I've read in various books and blogs that you can just let go and play, mess around, have FUN with your art journals. And while I DO have fun, I typically try and create the best art I can in my journals.
I never really was able to not try and be "spot on". I figured that with my materials and limited time, I had better make something awesome. LOL, and while I didn't always hit the mark with the "awesome", I DID work hard and create pieces that I was very pleased with. But, upon taking one particular workshop titled "Jump in Puddles", I'm learning that playing around and just having fun WITHOUT trying to create the best art ever DOES create great art! I'm actually quite pleased with what I've been making so far :)
I completely altered one of my children's books that was slightly ripped. I glued down printer paper and added magazine cut outs and various mixed media techniques, and the best part about it is that it didn't have to be PERFECT. I didn't measure anything! I just placed this here and that there, and while it is certainly not meticulous, I am loving it nonetheless!
So, if you are just beginning in the wonderful world of art journaling, don't let the videos on youtube control you. Use them for inspiration, sure, but don't feel as though you've got to do exactly as they do. I am still becoming comfortable with the fact that I have to make my pages MY OWN without trying to emulate the work of others, but I'm getting there. And so will you! Just begin!
And, at the risk of sounding repetitive... "Just Have Fun!" :)
If you have any questions about techniques or materials used here in this altered book, feel free to leave a comment, and I'll get back to you promptly. Have a great day!
10 comments:
Hi Jen, glad you are having fun art play with your journal workshop. Blessings Niki x
I am so glad that "something" convinced you to not be so serious. I love your work - it is sooooo coooool! FOR REAL!
I LOVE YOU!
♥♥♥
Sue
Development is a good thing - it is fun to just "go" with it.
Very well said - and great playful art - isn't 21 Secrets just fantastic! I'm doing it too and will also blog about it
I'm so glad you are playing! I'm working in reverse order in 21 Secrets and now am looking forward to jumping in puddles with you! Fantastic.
Now that I've made the connection I am bookmarking your blog for later on otherwise I'd be reading and looking all day - I can already relate to one post a few down - getting pages ready is one of my loves too!
Yes - having fun is important! I guess I think that an art journal is a place to play and try out new things. I like the swirly colors and the green pages that look like trees. Looks like you have had lots of fun with textures and mixing colors. The fish and bubble pages are fun, too.
Looks like fun! Great variety , Jen and very cool pages. Relax and enjoy the process :-)
I really like the pages you are doing for 21 Secrets. I really think I should have taken this class. Thank you for visiting my blog.
I love art journaling because everything doesn't have to be just so. I never measure in my art journal. It I really hate something... gesso to the rescue. :).
I look forward to seeing more of your pages.
I hope to jump into this soon. Seems so hard to get going but I know I'll love it once I really start. Bought a bunch of supplies today!
So glad your having fun with the work shops. You've sure been busy, glad you've gotten so many nice pages done! My favorite spread you've done here is the 2nd... probably the purple & turquoise drawing me in lol love them! Love the girl on it too!
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