Why am I doing this? I think that journaling is helpful for so many people but like anything else, it can be hard to figure out how to start. 

I went to art school, so I get that staring at a blank page is intimidating. Pages sewn into a book seem so permanent; what if I don’t like my handwriting that day? Or my drawing? Or I didn’t express myself like I wanted to? What if I don’t want to ‘ruin’ the book so I just don’t start? There’s a million ways to psych yourself out of starting. (or finishing…) 

I majored in watercolor and life drawing. I’ve done portraits, murals, faux finishes, designed and sold knitting patterns, and sweaters. I’ve worked in oils, watercolor, pencil, acrylics, and pastels. 

But I took a book making class a few years ago and that was it. I like using papers and scissors and glue and taking books that were close to being thrown away and making them into something new. I work with gently used storybooks; I take them apart and put them back together with different kinds of papers and ephemera so the new owner doesn’t have to stare at a blank page. There’s still plenty of room to write, add your own stickers, trims, photos – whatever.. 

In the beginning I hope it will help people get started and in the end the book will be theirs – not mine.

So, in this blog I plan to talk about the process to make your own journals, what to write about, share inspiring quotes and/or stories, share process photos and videos, supplies and apps I use, and anything else that comes up that might be helpful. 

I retired in January 2020 – just before the pandemic shutdown. I didn’t know what to do with myself at first, but I started making books, opened an Etsy shop and now I spend most days in my studio. It may seem a little crazy, but I have my coffee, the TV is on (always) and the day rolls by. It’s awesome!