Get Messy Art Journal: Basic Bookbinding Class

Y'all, binding books may be my new favorite thing! It just makes your art journal or sketchbook that much more special knowing that you made it yourself. I followed the Long Stitch lesson in the Basic Bookbinding course from Vanessa at Get Messy Art Journal. I'm still searching for the perfect book with a decorative cover, but right now I have a couple nice sized books to work with.

The course is great for beginners! It features step by step instructions for four different book binding techniques: Pamphlet stitch, Long stitch, Coptic stitch, and French-link stitch. I didn't have some of the tools listed in the course, but I still managed to make it work with materials I had on hand. My journal has three signatures made up of four pages each, and I used embroidery floss to bind it.

I've decided to use it as a prayer/faith journal, and I've already collected some ephemera to use in it.

This is the very first page, and I just love it! I used mixed media paper to handle layers and layers of paint and collage. I'm just having so much fun experimenting with the techniques I learned during the Season of Art 101 at Get Messy.

Now, I'm on to the next one. Can't wait to try the Coptic stitch and French-link stitch too!
Have you ever tried book binding? What's your favorite stitch?
~
Get Messy Art Journal is an art journaling program/community. We are a group of like minded art journalers who have come together under this art form to learn, share, practice our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. Our community values consistent creating, encouragement and support, and trying new things. We would love to have you join us as a member of Get Messy Art Journal. Join Get Messy now!

Get Messy Art Journal: Season of Art 101 (Weeks 4-6)

Weeks 4-6 of the Season of Art 101 flew by so fast. I did manage to make a few more pages following some of the techniques shared, including connected lettering and scrap collage. I made an accordion style journal to keep all of the tiny art I made during the season, and then I wrapped it in a bow. You can see a flip through here. I've learned so many new techniques and I've met some seriously amazing artists this season. I can't wait to get started with the next season!

~
Get Messy Art Journal is an art journaling program/community. We are a group of like minded art journalers who have come together under this art form to learn, share, practice our skills and push past our creative limits with hopes to inspire. Our community values consistent creating, encouragement and support, and trying new things. We would love to have you join us as a member of Get Messy Art Journal. Join Get Messy now!

Journal 02: Trying New Things

One Year, Twelve Journals: This year I want to make it a habit to art journal on a regular basis. So, I've decided to create 12 art journals for myself, and my goal is to complete one for each month of the year.

This February I decided to experiment with layers and patterns. It's quite a shift from my usual minimalist style, but I did enjoy the process. Many of the spreads started with random scraps of paper glued down, and then I doodled floral patterns on top. I'm not in love with these pages, but the pen detailing and pattern play are ideas I'd like to implement in my future work.

"Exploring"
{collage, pen, and marker}

"Blooming"
{collage, pen, and marker}

" Remember"
{acrylic, collage, and pen}

"Into the Jungle"
{collage, pen, and marker}

"Dreams to the Moon"
{collage, pen, and marker}

"Don't Waste Time"
{collage, pen, and marker}

"Magic Machine"
{collage, pen, and marker}

"To Paisley"
{collage, stamps, and pen}

So far I'm enjoying working in these smaller handmade journals. There's less pressure to make perfectly complete pages, and I feel more open to experimenting than I ever have before. You can see pages from my January journal here.
~
What's your favorite type of journal or sketchbook? Do you feel free to play or experiment in your journals or do you usually plan your pages ahead of time with a set idea in mind?