.Mini Art Journal.

I'm new to the group and new to Art Journaling. I really want to try this one, so I'm gathering materials (I have almost NOTHING) and I'm going to go ahead and start a book. If I think I can do it, I'll sign up before the deadline.

i already started days ago, haha... at this rate i will be done by the time partners are assigned... i am not new to journaling, but strictly art journaling is new for me... and i am no where near as talented as some of the people around here, but i try to put together something thats fun or interesting to look at :)

btw, this is 40 single pages, right.. not 40 fronts and backs which would be 80? just making sure :)

Its really up to you how many pages you want to do. The requirement is a minimum of 40 SINGLE pages, not front to back. I am using a mini hello kitty composition notebook I found at Target. It is 6 by 5 inches and has 90 pages. If I can't fill it, then whoever I mail it to can finish it up for me.

I think I will start a forum regarding this swap after the new year. That way we can post some pictures of the journals we are using.

Well the one I am trying to use right now is a mini comp book that has 80 pages, but I glued every other page together, to try to make the pages sturdier so i could paint on them...

Ohhh gluing the pages together is an excellent idea! I just picked up my comp book and I was worried about that. I can't wait to get started!

I signed up for this and will have it ready by swap deadline! :) I'm excited!!!

@Rubyfreckles thanks for a great tip!

Can it be a marble notebook that you alter? I want to join this swap so I am trying to get a better idea of it :) Thanks!

@WonderMama that's what I'm using :)

It can be any type of journal book, not just composition books that are the black and white type? Right?

WonderMama: Yes, you can use that.

It can be any type of journal book. Ruled, unruled. Just try to go for "mini". It's up to you. It can be three inches tall and two inches wide. Or, up to 6 inches tall and 5 inches wide.

The notebook I am using is 6x5". I've actually used a smaller journal before, but I wanted my partner to recieve something neat. It's a hello kitty composition book I bought from target.

Okay I have my nb and I plan on altering it but the art that I place into the book-is it on anything I want..any theme? Can I also write-like poetry? Thanks!!

Yes! You don't always have to draw and paint. Poetry, and doodles and collage and photos are also art. The whole point of an art journal is to break away from just writing and be creative and experiment and play. Have fun!

Try mixing everything together!

Fun fun, fun.

Just a note:

I will probably extend the mail by date another two or three weeks once the swap starts. I realize filling up a whole journal is somewhat daunting. I would rather you have fun with what you are doing.

oh, I misunderstood. I was going to use cardstock as a base for my pages, so they'd be think enough to do front & back. I will still use the cardstock but I will make it double the size. 'o)

maybe I should learn to read my comment before posting... I meant "thick" not "think", sorry

Thats awesome thank you mousepoo--a later date is great--I want to make mine awesome and this kind of project does takes time and lots of effort-thank you!

I agree.

I was thinking about extending the sign-up date too. I dunno. What do you guys think/suggest?

I am thinking three months sounds better, instead of two. I just hope we don't lose motivation, and that everyone in the swap can upkeep their good profile ratings.

Well, I've started an art journal and I figured out, I SUCK! LOL. Maybe I won't sign up for this after all.

I think you are too hard on yourself Johnny. lol. I'm guessing by your profile that you could make a cool watercolor paper art journal

aw, JohnnyDingo, NO!! I felt slighted when I attempted to join a group here on Swap-bot but was denied access because I was a newcomer, then Mousepoo invited me to participate here. Everyone is unique in their art, that's what makes it great!! Don't quit, join us and share your talent.

I am having trouble with paint on the pages seeping through since journals have thin pages and does anyone have a good idea for the type of glue to use if I glue two together? I used a paste glue and the pages look ripple like. I guess I could use watercolor paper and then cut it out to glue to page. Any suggestions.

Alos, I really think 3 months is a little long, 2 months better but then I am retired. I just hope I don't loose creative interest.

ladydy5... it gives it character. But, if you wanna glue them together and keep them flat... use modge podge or gel medium. Just press them with a book or something while they are drying.

I signed up for this swap not knowing if I would like it or not, but this is AWESOME.. Its really inspiring knowing that you can attack these pages with whatever you want to..

...And I dont know about you guys, but mine cant even close without a tie and im not close to being done!

I have done about 10 pages and had to put an elastic band round it this morning and it's under a heavy book to flatten it out a bit. I have never worked in anything so small, I never thought small would be a challenge but it is, you have to condense your ideas into a tiny space.

Big things come in little packages!

I dont think I would have been as inspired to do this in a larger book, the little space is fun to me :]

At art college the minimum they would let us work is A3, and that was for 3 years, so now A4 and 8 x 10" seem a small luxury.

I haven't been online for a few days, with work and my son having a tantrum and smashing my laptop screen... Anyway, I made a temporary fix (bought a VGA cable and hooked the laptop to my TV) and I am back online. I am so crazy about my work, even tho I enjoy it so much!!! I had to start with the cardstock and vellum cut into 6x10 and fold it. Painted it all up. Now I am compiling quotes, artwork and the such to attach. I am so excited that the date was extended. I am sure that for some it seems a long time, but for me it will help so I can make a great presentation (glue & mediums take forever to dry). I haven't even had time to get my facebook "notes" updated (would've used the blog function but for some reason I can't access it).

Guys... just know that it is ok to rip out pages in your journals, as long as you have 40 completed. I know art journals tend to get thick.

ahhh due date soon

ahhh due date soon