Thursday, January 8, 2015

So I Have This Idea . . .

(Art Journaling Day 1) 

"Writing the little daily journal is fun. I have to set my usual two pages of writing as the day's work. I don't know if I can keep this up from the beginning, but I will try."
- John Steinbeck 


So I have this idea. In an effort to create more often and really document 2015, I've decided to make a tiny Art Journal for each month of the year. Each book will be about 30 pages and approximately 5 x 5.5 inches. So in theory, by the end of the year, I should have 12 bitty books to show for it. The original idea was to dedicate 15 minutes a page to just play on a daily basis. (Or um, three days at a time if that's what happens). Point is, I'm giving myself permission to create, grow and learn by allowing myself the time the do it. 

Handmade journal made from a single sheet (22 x 30) of Fabriano Artistico paper.

And as I write this, I've actually completed a page a day since I started. Having said that, the whole 15 minutes a day thing has in reality been more like an hour and 15 minutes a day. Hm. So, while there's still some kinks in the plan, I'm gonna keep trying to make happen as often as I can. So, wanna see what I've done so far? Okay, here we go:

(Day 2: Inspired by the documentary, "I Am" by Tom Shadyac).



(Day 3: Inspired by the unexpected loss of my friend's mother. Quick study in oil pastels)

(Day 4: Inspired by the documentary, "Bound by Flesh," about conjoined twins The Hilton Sisters.)



(Day 5: A "mad" portrait)

(Day 6: Altered collage)



(Day 7: Inspired by neon paint pens, vintage children's illustrations and the idea of play)

(Day 8: A painterly little girl)


And there we have it. 8 days and counting. And the coolest part? I've become incredibly productive in the process. Why? Because at least for me, creativity begets creativity. In other words, the more I do, the more I want to do. And the more time I spend on my art, the more my mind seems receptive to other ideas, other challenges and other, well, other ways to express myself. It looks like I'm in for quite a ride. . . 

Wanna join me? I'll post the Art Journals here on a regular basis, but if you want to see the pages created daily (remembering that daily is a loose term), just pop over to my Facebook or Instagram accounts to take a peek. And, if you decide to try your hand at it, let me know! I'd love to follow your progress as well.



To love, art and the dedication to our crafts, 
Kristin xo

30 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Great idea, have fun!Happy PPF! Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Wonderful pages !
GORGEOUS!
Happy PPF!
FROEBELSTERNCHEN
ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY-CHALLENGE
MOO-MANIA & MORE -CHALLENGE

Clare Lloyd said...

Gorgeous journal pages.

K J D said...

What an exciting project.... and how lovely those 12 little books are going to be!

I agree that creativity begets creativity .... I'm really looking forward to seeing all your pages :)

Karen x

BLOGitse said...

So artistic, great lines, lovely colors!
Happy this year!

sharon said...

Wonderful pages,so productive!

Giggles said...

Wonderful idea!! Great job so far...very fun pages!! Makes me think I should divide my large pages into four!! I agree the more you create the more inspired you feel!

Hugs Giggles

Saskia said...

Wow, you're so creative!! Great pages!!!

Smiles, Saskia :)

Karla B said...

What a gorgeous post!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

These are absolutely incredible. I adore the fact that you have taken this challenge on yourself.

I had to laugh at the 15 minutes, because, although I have seen some people make a page of art in 15 minutes, they aren't as detailed as your pages. Very impressive.

Susan said...

Wow, I am impressed by your delightful creativity as well as productivity. Happy PPF

Mary Ann Potter said...

You always inspire me to use more color! These pages you designed are absolutely wonderful. It's my time to play, too!

Linda Kunsman said...

that's an exciting project and you have begun it so beautifully! Making 15 min. certainly makes you work quickly though. I think I'd need 15 min just to start:) Looking forward to your books filled with marvelous pages like these!

Julie said...

I LOVE the "mad" portrait with the swirly eye. And 15 minutes?! Wow! You have an amazing talent!

Megan P. Ernst said...

These pages are great! I love the idea to take a little bit of time each day and work with smaller books. It definitely makes it feel doable. Looking forward to seeing more! :)

Geckostone said...

Wow, busy little bee you are! These are all GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

let that creativity shine I say, I love this idea and your 8 pages are wonderful!

Jennifer Vanderbeek said...

How fabulous! I also agree that when we open ourselves up to being creative on a daily basis, we find opportunity and inspiration in practically everything. Good luck with your daily pages!

(Oh, I watched Bound By Flesh as well, so sad!)

Gillena Cox said...

All lovely

have a nice Weekend

much love...

Threads of Inspiration said...

There is nothing better than a daily creative practice to spur me on! Congratulations on making the commitment. I can't wait to see what you'll make.

sheila 77 said...

What a great idea, yes I've always found that the more you do, the more you can do.
I especially like Day Six with the mad rabbit, cat and duck, but there's lots of super art and super fun here.

Christine said...

lovely pages, good luck! I don't think I could keep up that pace!

My name is Erika. said...

These are all super fun! Great colors. I love the idea of a spiral for an eye!

Ilona Heimböckel said...

I like the idea of doing a journal for every month! And your first pages are wonderful :-)
Have a wonderful yearend Happy PPF
Ilona

denthe said...

Wow, that's quite a challenge you're taking on! Such a great idea though, I hope you can keep doing it. Your pages look great so far! And what you're saying about creativity begets creativity: I totally agree! Whenever I participate in a challenge, f.i. 29 faces, I'm amazed by all I get done. But I'm also relieved when the month is over, not sure I could do it every day (even loosely ☺) for the rest of the year.

Caz said...

This is a great idea! I love your pages too, i can't wait to see them all at the end!! I'm trying to get myself to be more creative and do something once a day but i always go wrong somewhere :-P

artfullycarin@gmail.com said...

I do love this idea and I love seeing you actually doing it, unlike me who is not doing the watercolour journalling I thought I'd do (but I will get back into it now my mother's gone home)

JKW said...

I popped over to follow on FB, thanks for the addy. The idea is excellent and you are having fun, growing and determination. Love the pics and the ideas behind the painting. Blessings, Janet PPF

massofhair said...

Hi Kristin, great pages so far, thank you for sharing your own personal challenge with us. Would like to create every day, sometimes that is not possible especially when hands won't co-operate...

Great inspiration as always Lovely Lady:-) xxx

Terri Corona said...

What fun! I love what you're doing, I need to commit to creating daily as well. Although it takes me 15 minutes at least just to think of what I want to do!