i have taken a little time to start playing in my inspiration journal. my journal isn't a "thoughts" journal because if you have ever met me i will be the first one to tell you "I HATE TO JOURNAL."
what my inspiration journal is, is
- a place for me to collect bits of inspiration,
- a style guide,
- a visual journey of the artist i am,
- a place to play
- and a source for ideas.
Like an artistic security blanket, when it is full and bursting at the seems it will tell my story like a visual time capsule.
this will be an ongoing work in progress, but i wanted to share with you how i have gotten started adding to its pages.
the inspiration journals covers are a cotton print on the outside and canvas on the inside (the canvas makes it nice and stiff instead of too floppy), ribbon bound inside are12 white pages and 14 varied inclusion pages, covered button and elastic toggle.
adding paint, book text, stamps, photos, etc...
i love book text and masking tape!
paint swatches
more stamps (this converse stamp is my ALL TIME FAVORITE/postmodern design-hi tops in a box)
tattered angels and their screens
i love tags! not sure what i will put on them, but i love them just like this!
that blue on the edge of the page is turquoise duct tape...love that!
i skipped a couple pages that i left blank, but you can get the idea...it is all about building layers.
Ok so this is where the book would traditionally stop. but you can keep adding to it! i added an entire second signature (ok so you may have noticed i exchanged some white pages for green too). i haven't done much past the first signature.
this is my favorite part, it is barely added to and it looks like things are bursting out! i love stick-outs!
you can get one of the inspiration journals i recently made, ready for you to start working in, an assembled kit ready to make (includes the how-to video) OR simply download the how-to video and make one of your own!
let me know if you have any inspiration journal questions!!
Also, look for my january newsletter in your inboxes today...has some exciting CHA news in it!
I just watched your Inspiration Journal workshop last night and can't wait to get started. I love that you posted the guts of it today. I also love that you can add a second signature. I was at work this morning thinking...who can I make one for(besides myself) and it hit me, they would be the perfect gift for little ones - they can add their own little bits and pieces. What a treasure years down the road. Love your stuff Donna.
Kathy
Posted by: Inspired1 | January 05, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Regarding the Ikea shelves you have. How deep and wide are they? I just love the look of them and was curious. Do you find they work good at keeping your room organized? I hope to check out yur video classes too. Is there anywher to see what the video is about (the finished project)?
Posted by: Debra Abel | January 05, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Donna - I JUST LOVE your post today. Not because it's beautiful; not because it's informative; BUT because a few days ago I decided to "just do it" and ordered one of your journals and now I can't wait to get it!! I didn't know what I was buying (lots of faith) but now I can't wait to hear the doorbell ring! Can't wait to make mine even more bulging with ideas! Thanks for the info and pics!
Posted by: Lisa | January 05, 2009 at 01:39 PM
i love my ikea shelves debra!
and yes they keep me organized.
i am very visual and like to see what i have.
if you click on each individual video workshop it will take you to the product page you can see pictures of the projects and descriptions as well as supplies lists,
Posted by: donnadowney | January 05, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Donna !!!!!!!
The Layers class is just what I needed to fix my collages. All about the white paint...again and again. Who knew? I was using ink when I should have been reaching for the paint. This is the best bargain and my favorite class. I just loved every minute of it. You looked just stunning (of course) and the workshop was fun and easy. I had all the parts, so I'm thrilled. Actually happy to finally do something with my grungeboard collection. lol
Thanks for making my day. Mac
Posted by: Debbie McIntyre | January 05, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Thank Donna! I have my beautiful journal from you, but was afraid and unsure how best to use it. Keep us posted, I love seeing what you are adding to your book. I love the tag page,I can't wait to see what you do with it.
Thanks again for a great post that answers my questions about the inspiration journal. Jess
Posted by: Jessica Stoops | January 06, 2009 at 10:00 AM
What do you mean by a second Signature? Jess
Posted by: Jessica Stoops | January 06, 2009 at 10:03 AM
sorry jessica...
a signature is a section of a book. this book has 2 signatures of sections of pages.
Posted by: donnadowney | January 06, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Donna - Off topic but, where OH WHERE did you get that fabulous ring?
Posted by: Tyra | January 06, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Awesome Journal!! I am currently working on my own!
Happy New Year and Artful Blessings,
Kathryn
P.S. Stop by my blog and come celebrate my Blogiversary giveaway!!
Posted by: KV Creative Designs | January 06, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Thank you for showing the inside of your journal. I watched your video a while back and made my own journal. It turned out beautiful but the inside seemed too thin and wimpy. I wasn't sure what I did wrong. I love what you did inside yours and cannot wait to add to mine. Thanks again!
Posted by: Victoria | January 06, 2009 at 03:16 PM
Love those journals. I've actually ordered the video tutorial so I can make my own and slightly adapt it to my needs. I love them. I've just started Paulette Insall's art journal workshop so I'm hoping to make my own art journal to use for her class. Thanks again! Beautiful work and inspiring. x
Posted by: Diane | January 07, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Donna, Love the inspiration journal, I am going to sign up for the tutorial over the weekend.
Posted by: Tammy | January 07, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Hi Donna, I just loved this idea. Puts together my two passions, sewing and papers. Thanks!
Posted by: Luciana Murta | January 07, 2009 at 02:31 PM
I love your idea of the inspiration journal! I wrote thomething about it and your side on my blog, ans took you in my blogroll!
Posted by: Dici | January 09, 2009 at 06:38 AM
I love these books-I'm going to do this!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: gina | January 15, 2009 at 01:36 PM
OMGOSH I love this! thanks Donna!!! You ROCK ;)
Posted by: jenn | January 16, 2009 at 07:22 PM
i am buying one of them right now!!!!! im in love!!! lol
Posted by: nikki | January 27, 2009 at 06:34 PM
I have been looking for inspiration for about 80 journals my girls and are about to make for Hospice in Albany, New York for Camp Erin. Camp Erin is a camp that kids attend who have lost a loved one to Cancer. I lost my Dad two years ago to Cancer and have been looking for a way to not only heal but to give back as well and well we found it and so we began purchasing the black and white speckled notebooks and want to make journals similar to these. But truly inspirational and happy. Any ideas you might be able to share with us?? By the way, we LOVE your work.
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Salerno | February 11, 2009 at 01:20 PM
You have inspired me. I love looking at your creative art work.
Thank you, Donna for sharing your talent.
Smiles~ Jill
[email protected]
Posted by: Jill Nalette | February 11, 2009 at 01:45 PM
DONNA---YOU ARE THE BOMB DIGGITY-WIGGITY WOO-WOO----LOVE YOUR JOURNALS--AND THANK YOU FOR MY FREE DOWNLOAD YOU SENT ME---YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!---REMAIN BLESSED!
Posted by: essensevibez | February 11, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Where is the video on how to make the signatures..
I have been looking and can't seem to find it.. the link takes you to the store, but doesn't seem to be a section on downloads.. Love this idea....
Posted by: Monique | August 06, 2013 at 08:00 PM