Book Review: The Art Journal Workshop by Traci Bunkers

I don't do book reviews a lot because, frankly, all I've been reading lately are knitting books and the 5th book in the Game of Thrones series. I do want to review this book for you, guys, as soon as I finished reading it.


I've always had journals when I was young, but ended up stopping because of lack of time and laziness. I thought of scrapbooking, but it's too "organized". Scrapbooking also requires some planning and finesse. Now, what to do when I all I want is to journal and combine it with something artistic and more "in the moment"? Enter art journaling!

Art journaling is for everyone. It combines the love of journaling and the arts without it being rigid or precise. It can be ugly. It can be anything you want it to be.

The Art Journal Workshop encourages the artist in all of us. Traci Bunkers did an excellent book for someone who just wants to start art journaling but don't know where to begin.

She explains clearly what it involves, and the materials you need (although she even states you can use stuff you already have around). She uses mixed media, ranging from acrylics and watercolours, to collage and rubber stamps.

The best part of the book is the exercises and prompts. She gives you a theme, and shows step by step how she did it herself. She never tells you how exactly to do anything, but just how she went about the process personally. She also focuses on the writing, which I really love. Some art journals only focus on the imagery, which is well and good. For me, however, journaling has a lot to do with getting out what's inside you through words. Her exercises are very cathartic.

(There is a link to where you can see several videos of her doing the journal entries on the publisher site. She also has a YouTube channel.)


I'm giving this book two-thumbs up, and highly recommend it if you're interested in art journaling.

This was one of my pages in progress:)

(PS Traci Bunkers is also a fibre artist who dyes her yarn....awesome, right?)

Do you do any sort of journaling?

Comments

Jane said…
so neat! i have been meaning to do some sort of journaling that fits me but haven't found the right inspiration yet!
Awesome post! Im in love with the photos. Have an amazing Wednesday dear! :)

xoxo;
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FASHION TALES said…
This is quite cool, and I like the concept. The journal book looks great! Perfect for the journaling novice. :) <3
Insta-Living Vol. 05
Wow art journaling looks like such a fun form of creative expression!
Adam said…
I don't do any journaling
This book looks awesome!
Monika Ozdoba said…
Stunning! Would you like to follow each other on GFC? Follow me and let me know and I will follow you back sweetheart! ❤ Waiting for your reply.
Love always,
monikaozdoba.blogspot.com
Looks like lots of fun! I always collect train tickets, postcards, stamps, magazine clippings, and glue them in my planner. Not very artsy, but fun to look back at once in a while :-)
Oh to Be a Muse said…
That's a great combination. Can't wait to see your finished art journal.

I haven't journaled since college, although I do like to think that le blog serves that purpose on occasion.

www.ohtobeamuse.com
Anonymous said…
I honestly don't know where I'd find the time for this... But it does look neat.
Unknown said…
I love the idea of an art journal...sounds fun!
Coco said…
Hello darling! I don't keep a Journal myself :-)
Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose - Valeria Arizzi
Imogen said…
This sounds like a great idea. I have always liked the idea of scrapbooking too but never actually got around to doing it.
I've always been intrigued with these, I know another blogger who creates these kind of entries and shares them. I think I need to start one for myself

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com
RaeAbigael said…
wow! this is a really interesting book! :D I want a copy of my own!! :)))

xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net/
Elle Sees said…
i don't journal much anymore--i guess i leave it up to IG and my blog, hehe. but i LOVE the concept behind this! so fun!!!
Unknown said…
Oh wow, this looks super! xox
Coco said…
I'm really a disaster at artistic jobs!
Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose - Valeria Arizzi
STILETTOS said…
wow!!!!This looks so fun!!!
xoxo
http://stilettoslauragonzalez.blogspot.com.es/2015/01/stunning-leather.html
Lea said…
This can trigger the creativity hidden in me :)
I've been keeping an art journal for about 7 years now. I've had the same journal since I was 22. I love looking back on it and I still work on it. My rule is only one page per "session" and I work on it here and there after everyone is asleep... and after a few drinks.
Vision By Mila said…
Still no time for activities not related to baby! :D
That is SUPER COOL! I've never heard of this. This will be cool to look back on, because you'll FEEL what was going on in your life at the time. Each page will take on its own essence. Very cool Emmy!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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