No Excuses Art Journaling - Making Time for Creativity
by Gina Rossi Armfield
North Light Books (F+W Media)
ISBN 978-1-4403-2513-7
Published 2013 - Softcover - 128 pages - $24.99

I think it's pretty safe to say that many of us put off starting an art project for one reason or another.  For some it's very difficult to start a page, but it doesn't have to be.  I usually solve my hesitancy by splashing some paint on a new page.&bsp Or I glue a piece of paper down.  Gina Rossi Armfield's approach is to use a desk diary-type book as your art journal (it's already got stuff on the pages!) to use for your scheduling, your thoughts and things that inspire you.  And to me, this seems much easier than working on filling a whole page with "art".  She walks us through her five chapters setting out what will be needed, how to set up the journal, how to add personal touches, ways to draw (pen and ink), collage and watercolor.  Chapter Five is a 12-month collection of ideas sorted by month and made up of inspiration from guest artists, meaning 12 different styles to pick and choose from.  The chapters have step-by-step illustrations that are easy to follow.  There's even a section on how to carve your own stamps!  Tips and materials needs are always at hand and I really love the variety of examples on how to make your journal that much more personal.  Of course if you'd rather just emulate what you see on these pages just to get started, that's okay too.  You can make your journal as busy or minimalist as you please, but there are tons of great ideas to make your own.  You can stick, cut, color, paint, draw, collage, punch, stamp, tear, write and more!  There are great little daily and weekly "tasks" too.  I love pages 35, 75 and 125.  I'm using the boxed look on page 125 on one of my journal pages.  There's a gorgeous bird on page 121 to paint that I want to try out.
A fabulously inspirational book to consider.