How to Start a Sketchbook Journal

Last year,  I made a New Years Resolution to sketch at least 15 minutes a day.
With my little resolution, and with the inspiration of Geninne's wonderful art endeavors, I began my very own sketchbook journaling adventures.

It's a quick and easy ongoing project.

Here's how to start your own:

1)  Begin with a trusty journal.

 Hand Book Journals really are fantastic.  The bindings are sturdy and the paper is nice and toothy.  The pages come unlined.

2)  Draw in your date boxes.  

 Zig Writer is my favorite pigment marker.   You can sort your journal days any way you like - by one week or a few days...  

 3) Start Stampin' 

At this point, I'll stamp the dates.  I might stamp some other images too.  (Geninne also generously shares how to carve your own here:  Geninne's Hand Carved Stamps).  I keep all of my stamps in a cute little tin I found on eBay.  I bought the date stamp at Staples.  

  

4)  Pick out some favorite scraps.  

I use magazine clippings (Real Simple is great) or scrapbook paper.  Sometimes I use old sketches too, like the Sunflower I'll show you in must a few moments.  After I've picked out & arranged a few clippings, I'll decoupage them to the pages with archival safe glue.  

5)  Fill in any important dates or holidays.  

(Can you believe it's almost 2012??)  

 6) Add some watercolor.  I'll wash in an area, or I'll paint in some doodles.  

7)  Be Happy with Your Pages!  

There you have it!  A set of sketchbook pages, ready to be filled with your thoughts & memories.  

Happy New Year.  Happy Journaling!