It's a new year and that means it is time to clean out last year's clutter (me), bring in some new inspiration (you) and get those creative juices flowing to get us through the cold winter months ahead (both of us).
Now, you could focus your new year's aspirations and newly found motivation to lose weight, stop eating junk food or run a marathon and all that's great, but why not resolve to do something else that's equally (well, maybe not equally but close) as good for you and fun, too? Let's resolve to make more art! And if we can't make the world a better place overnight, we can make it prettier. And that's a good start.
So, in the spirit of fresh starts and great art, I'm giving away a copy of Jenny Doh's Journal It: Perspectives In Creative Journaling, in which I had a tiny little role, and a package of goodies I put together to get you inspired and on your way to recording the new year in your own art journal. One of the things I love most about visual journaling is simply keeping a record of daily life. There are so many things we think we will never forget--special occasions, words of encouragement, funny things our children say, the way the light falls through the kitchen window on your morning cup of coffee--but the truth is we do forget. And writing down every day's highlights alone takes more time than most of us have in our hectic and overfilled lives. But when I glance back through my journals, I don't have to read everything I've written to be instantly reminded of what seems like just yesterday but is quietly slipping farther into the past. It's the visual element that instantly transports me back, and I may not remember what I had for breakfast this morning, but I can tell you exactly where I was, what was going on around me and what I was feeling when I doodled those flowers over my lunch receipt from that too warm afternoon in July.
So now is the perfect time to get started with your first visual journal or just get a little inspiration for your art in the new year by getting to know the 19 visual artists featured in Journal It!, which includes signature techniques and an in depth Q&A with each artist. And all you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment on this post telling me something new you'd like to learn in the coming year. (And don't forget to leave an email address so I can contact you if you're the winner.) It's as easy as that! And on January 31 I will announce the winner on this blog, chosen randomly.
And if you have been wanting to finally take the plunge into art journaling or just want a new journal for the new year, take a look at the hand bound art journals in my Etsy shop or contact me for a custom art journal made especially for your needs and personality!
Would love a copy of this book, thanks for the give away! I have always wanted to do some printing, so I got out my gelli plate I have never used and hope to explore lots of art . Julie
Posted by: Julie luca | January 15, 2013 at 12:49 PM
this is a wonderful giveaway! very inspiring, thank you! (my fingers are crossed... Jan. 31st is my birthday so maybe I will have extra luck that day (-: )
Posted by: Tammy Murdock | January 15, 2013 at 01:08 PM
This book looks awesome! This year I'd like to learn how to bind books.
Posted by: Maria | January 15, 2013 at 01:53 PM
I really want this book so thanks for a chance to win it! I want to learntojournal everyday and not just when I find the time.
Posted by: Melanie K | January 15, 2013 at 01:54 PM
Seems like a great book! I would like to learn how to use a sewing machine with my artwork, i've seen some awesome examples.
Posted by: Susan | January 15, 2013 at 02:44 PM
Lets see... I would love to learn some new background techniques and how to use beeswax. This books looks like its full of inspiration. Pleade include me on your giveaway. I would love the chance to win!
Posted by: Kate | January 15, 2013 at 04:28 PM
I want to learn to journal more of my pages. I seem to make more backgrounds than journaling. Would love to win. Thank you tor chance.
Katie at mchsi ... com
Posted by: katie r | January 15, 2013 at 04:36 PM
Oooh! Thanks for the chance to win! I'd love to learn how to keep my craft room organized..ha!:)
Posted by: Lori W | January 15, 2013 at 05:34 PM
There are so many things I want to learn...like how to finish just one of the many art journals I have started... clara [at] clarawallace dot.com
Posted by: clara | January 15, 2013 at 05:43 PM
Keeping a visual journal for the WHOLE year is one of my goals this year. I need to stay inspired! This package would really get me going on the right path. For sure!
Posted by: Andrea | January 15, 2013 at 06:42 PM
i would like to learn how to free motion stitch.
Posted by: jessica | January 15, 2013 at 06:45 PM
Hi! I am not one for resolutions but this year I promised myself the time to make more art (art journal), to delve into English poetry (I studied Spanish, so I'm into Spanish literature and poetry.) I would like to learn mpre about what moved the hearts of those great man and women and be inspired in a whole new way.
Posted by: Sr. Helga Leija | January 15, 2013 at 08:22 PM
I'm in love with the purple doily! I have a lot to learn: to be more mindful, not to procrastinate, to make time for creativity. I have two art journals started with lots of stuff tucked in them that need finished and an altered book started many years ago I want to finish. I'm crossing my fingers, this is the first drawing I've ever entered.
Posted by: KimberlynCreations | January 15, 2013 at 08:42 PM
where to start!?! i want to learn how to do a little bit of everything! i just got a brand new expensive camera and figure that it is time to learn how to use it! i want to learn how to take AMAZING photos and incorporate them into a fun eclectic journal! thanks for the give away! how exciting! i love the way that you bundled the beautiful scraps!
Posted by: ciera | January 15, 2013 at 10:43 PM
I have big plans to learn to sew clothing for myself. Nothing elaborate, just some basics (skirts, tops) that I can wear on weekends and to work. Fabric is already purchased. Also, there's all the journal that I make that are still empty. I should really do something about that!
Posted by: Tammy | January 15, 2013 at 10:49 PM
I am just starting to have a bit of a play with journals and journalling, it is all a bit new to me really....
Posted by: Shiree | January 16, 2013 at 05:31 AM
Hello, i would love to learn how to make one of those beautiful journals i see. I just started with my first journal, that is..i bought a little notebook for this but it is still empty. I just don't know how to start, i completely block as soon i see that first white page. I also started with making atc's and had my first swap, now i just would like to do this art journaling as well.I admire all those journalists with their lovely books full great art, i love the colourful backgrounds i see, but mine end up just mud or aweful spots of colour. I really need a good book and help.
Posted by: Rita | January 16, 2013 at 06:23 AM
oooh! Wonderful giveaway! I am doing a 52 recipes challenge this year (new recipes, new dishes) and documenting it with a food journal (using an ROD journal I made and have yet to use). So, there are many things in the kitchen that I would like to learn how to do. One concrete thing that comes to mind is making Japanese style omelette rice, but to cook it like a restaurant chef. The maneuver is amazing! If you are curious go to minute 8. (http://youtu.be/Qnz2ScJ3v3k)
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
Posted by: Dianne | January 16, 2013 at 07:16 AM
Oooh wow it's pretty!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 16, 2013 at 07:34 AM
Yummy looking book and packet of goodies! I'm back on the job market after losing my job to technology after 18 years so I am learning to create with what I have on hand instead of buying new materials like I always used to do. It is actually very freeing and the simple act of creating is literally saving me during this process!!
Posted by: susancrane | January 16, 2013 at 08:10 AM
I've been collecting paper for a while now...I think my resolution should be finally pulling the trigger and doing an art journal! I see the beautiful ones you and others make and I want mine to be perfect--so getting over that and actually doing it this year!
Posted by: Lisa | January 16, 2013 at 09:00 AM
My resolution is to try to be more involved in the local art scene! It's not terribly easy... lol
I need a huge change in life.
Posted by: melissa | January 16, 2013 at 12:33 PM
This year I'm looking forward to learning monoprints on the gelli plate ... I've ordered one which should arrive this week, so I'm hoping to just jump in, start creating and get over my fear of color.
Looks like an interesting book with lots of great folks contributing.
Posted by: penelope | January 16, 2013 at 02:52 PM
i would love to learn how to paint or scketch, to really fill my journals.
Posted by: vimary | January 16, 2013 at 05:53 PM
I love your art. I would like to learn how to journal visually this year. To chronicle life and feelings with pictures. I wish you the greatest of blessing in 2013.
Posted by: Theresa | January 16, 2013 at 09:04 PM
fabulous looking book I say!!! Juts journaling on a regular basis will be a milestone for me, and I imagine a learning curve in itself...
Posted by: Shiree | January 17, 2013 at 02:02 AM
This year I would like to learn how to make my own stencils and also to crochet. This book looks amazing!
Posted by: kelley | January 17, 2013 at 02:42 PM
My mom got a sewing machine for Christmas....so I'd like to use it and incorporate sewing into my journals!!!
Posted by: Pam | January 17, 2013 at 08:38 PM
The book looks great! I'd like to learn to use my new serger. So far I've managed to make some leggings for my granddaughters and done a little gathering. I love to journal and hope to do it more often this year. I'm starting off well.
Posted by: Dawn | January 17, 2013 at 08:47 PM
I would love to learn some concepts of composition and how to develop a background for my journaling that follows these concepts. It would help me so much with planning my pages, I think. I'm never quite sure where to begin. Thanks for this offer. I haven't seen this book before. And the goodies look great!
Posted by: Susan M | January 18, 2013 at 12:29 PM
This is great! I would love to take a doodling class or go to an art class retreat this year. You know try something new with a group of people and make friends with kindred spirit. thanks again.
Posted by: adal | January 18, 2013 at 05:24 PM
I've been a reader of yours quite a while, and your journals are so inspiring. The thing I would like to learn this year is web design. I'm a graphic designer, and this is a skill I desperately need. Also, I plan to do more art journaling. May 2013 bring you much prosperity!
Posted by: Gail | January 19, 2013 at 11:12 AM
I just started art journaling a few months ago using an altered book. This year, I am currently on my way to learning to bind my own journal with all kinds of fun ephemera! Your beautiful journals are my inspiration! Also, I'm expecting my first child in March, so I get to spend the whole year learning how to be a mommy! (:
Posted by: Shelby H. | January 19, 2013 at 11:29 AM
This year I want to art in an altered book. So far I have removed every 3rd page. I'd love to win this giveaway, for the sheer inspiration alone!!
Posted by: Trece Wyman | January 19, 2013 at 06:12 PM
Congratulations on your role in Jenny's book !
I have kind of left my art journal aside since the summer. Many days, I miss it and yet, I have found that I am spending time creating in other ways and don't have enough time for journal pages. I bought myself a small 6X6" journal that I am going to try and focus on, doing at least a few pages a week. Maybe the small format will give me time !
So what I want to learn is how to create time and space for my art journal again !
Thanks for the giveaway and a happy and creative New Year to you !
Posted by: Kim Mailhot | January 20, 2013 at 06:56 AM
I work in my art journal about once every two weeks (or so). I always want to do more, but so many things get in the way! I love to learn new techniques to use in my journal, and would like to write more about my emotions. I guess what I need to learn is how to let go of the fear that "someone" may come along and read it and misunderstand what I was writing about. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book - I sure would love to win it!
Posted by: Chris in Durango | January 21, 2013 at 10:52 AM
I love a chance to win this book. I want to learn so many things, but most of all learn to trust my intuition and let go of "perfection" and my all or nothing pattern.
Posted by: Christy Brink | January 21, 2013 at 04:16 PM
Oooooh, lovely goodies! I was just visiting Jenny's blog and thought "I want this book!" I am making an effort to do more art journaling this year. But... my ambition to learn... to knit and crochet this year. I have my tutor all lined up for next month! I'm so excited. Crossing my fingers for your candy! -Alisa (alisalogue@charter.net)
Posted by: Alisa Logue | January 22, 2013 at 04:46 PM
To trust in what I do......look and learn from other artists, but once I start,just let my own ideas flow and ebb. I get caught up in trying to imitate what inspired me, instead of letting my own ideas come out.
This is a very nice give-away, and I hope whoever is the lucky winner really apprecaites it. Thank you.
Posted by: mary ellen little | January 23, 2013 at 08:05 AM
I am getting more involved in doing journalling and am taking some on-line classes to help out. I admire your work and often find my way back to your site. Thanks for a chance in the give away.
Posted by: ConnieND | January 23, 2013 at 08:21 PM
I'm ready to play!!
Posted by: Susan M | January 24, 2013 at 07:26 AM
This year I want to silkscreen. I have always wanted to learn it and this is the YEAR!!!
Posted by: Danielle | January 24, 2013 at 12:32 PM
I want to learn how to make bread...really good bread. At 7000 feet, it's a little challenging, but I'm up for it. :) Thanks for the chance to win this amazing book!
Posted by: Cathy | January 24, 2013 at 03:24 PM
Thank u would love to win this ,just found your blog and love it ,I'm totally obsessed with drawing and painting faces ,it's the backgrounds I have problems with lol
Thanks bev
Posted by: Bev Langby | January 24, 2013 at 08:46 PM
Nice giveaway ! This year I would like to learn many things, but mostly to let loose. To stop overthinking my art journal, to just be happy with the pages I created and the techniques I tried, instead of thinking about how I could turn it into "art"... Step by step, day by day ...
Posted by: Renelde Napoli | January 27, 2013 at 07:24 AM
This year I am hoping to journal more and learn more ways to use art supplies. I love Jenny Doh's website and this book looks like it would be great.
Posted by: Robin | January 27, 2013 at 11:03 AM
What a great give away! I would like to be able to combine art and journaling more. I would like to be more creative in my art journal. I tend to just copy things, or simply journal without doing much art.
Posted by: djanelle | January 27, 2013 at 02:26 PM
I've kept a writing journal since I was 13 years old but just recently started an art journal. Seriously-I am in love. I would really like to learn a way to combine the two. But I've found that the backgrounds in my art journals are too busy to allow for regular writing. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Andrea T | January 28, 2013 at 07:25 PM
I'd like to learn how to make a really cool journal like you did for your daughter.
Posted by: Shellie | January 29, 2013 at 04:40 AM
I art/visual/? journal everyday...my own creation(?). I would love to see how it's really done. Would also love the packet you're throwing in...
Posted by: Tonie | January 29, 2013 at 11:54 AM