How to Fill an Illustrated Journal: One Page a Day for a Month

[@BookandPaperArts]

To see my online classes, including The Book of You: How to Make and Keep an Illustrated Journal, you can see them here: kelly-s-school-b1d1.thinkific.com/collections

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

I have pondered what I could put in a sketch book. I do not travel except for doctor visits and I just can't bring myself to draw MRI machines or IV polls. But your drawing of your shoes lit up my brain like a full set of Prismacolor pencils. I have been recently sentenced to a pair of diabetic shoes. . The notion of wearing the same dull shoes for 365 days saddened me because I have a large collection of colorful and unusual flats and Mary Janes that I have been collecting for years. What a wonderful idea to to make an illustrated journal of my beloved shoes. I'm not much at drawing but they are colorful and unusual so I could even go abstract. And there's the double bonus of my embarrassingly large collection of colorful tights that would add even more to the sketches. Thank you for helping me come up with not just an art project but a wonderful way to say goodbye to my dancing days.

[@hp-cs7mx]

Try carnivore, you may not be confined by diabetic shoes forever

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sheryl. Wow, you really got this. I love clothes and fashion and then one day they can't be mended anymore or they don't fit anymore (blergh) or - we have to switch to more sensible fare. When that happens I actually feel weirdly guilty about throwing something away, even if it can't be salvaged. We've been through so much together! I find it really helps to give them a page or three and their stories. Really puts the memory in a tangible thing. Now, let's talk shoes. I don't know about diabetic shoes but you can see from my drawing that I wear flats as I love to walk a LOT but I also like cute shoes so whenever I get a pair of clunky walking shoes, I take out the original laces and replace them with wide, organdy ballerina laces. They gussy everything up. Can you try something like that? Keep me posted! Kelly

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

@@BookandPaperArts Oh I love that idea but they are a Mary Jane style that close with Velcro. I've tried shoe clips and such but they just point out the ugliness of the shoes. So, since I wear dresses and it's too hot for tights in the summer I am on the lookout for interesting socks. They are easy to embellish with antique lace and buttons so that is fun. OK time to go watch your new special guest video, see you there!

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

@@hp-cs7mx what is carnivore?

[@jennr7500]

Wow. I get out very rarely and wondered just what I might illustrate. I'm tired of MRIs and long overdue. Shoes?! I was thinking about the shoes I wore in the 70's. Teen years. And the late 80's/90's. It's been ages but I remember most of them very well! I take pics of the sky, leaves, bugs, etc. The sky might not be doable but I could work on the others. A good, new challenge. Carnivore means eat meats, as far as I know. I've heard that before about diabetic, of which I am one as well. So glad I found this, thanks Kelly. Thanks Sheryl.❤😊

[@mabellchurnoopay]

You got me with, "it doesn't have to be war and peace". We put so much pressure on ourselves to be something other than who we are.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Mabell, that is it exactly. If we could just get out of our own heads we could create the ordinary and that's not nothing!

[@AmpuTeeHee]

That and: don’t tell me you can’t draw a rock 😂🤣😍

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@AmpuTeeHee Oh you would be surprised what desperate and unlikely excuses I hear for not beginning a page!

[@susananthony2366]

I have struggled with this topic for YEARS! It's been painful. I've purchased so many books and ephemera and stickers and all the things I thought would help inspire me. It never helped...till last month. I was organizing my studio...again! As I made piles, I noticed one was a stack of landscaping notes, clippings and sketches from when we did a huge renovation of my gardens. Normally, I would have stuffed that pile into a folder and put it away, but this time, I decided to give it a place to be celebrated. A journal! I'm doing all the things...the pages, and pockets, pretty paper clips...creating all the things I liked from the hundreds of hours of videos I've consumed. As I have looked for more sketches and such from that project I found myself making piles of other project ideas I've had. So that's what I will draw from for the next journal or maybe even an assemblage. Thank you for continuing to push the idea and giving hope that we can do it!!

[@SLClark-g5s]

I SO know what you mean! I actually spent most of the day watching videos of different planner ideas for the next month and 2025. I want to incorporate more of my own sketches, mark making, scribbles into my journals and was feeling very overwhelmed by all the possibilities--I wanted to do them all!!! Then I came across this video and the concept was so simple and uncomplicated and a reminder to me of how simple a daily journal like this could be. I actually used to journal this many years ago. And now I know how to move forward. I am forever grateful for the reminder.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Susan, I love this. I am also thinking about themed journals and diaries, loosely basing pages on an idea but then letting that idea wander. Also, turning it into assemblage is such a good way to honour your work (even the not-fun parts) and turn it into something creative, on top of something creative. Keep me posted on how it goes, and well done you. Thanks for comparing notes! Kelly

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@SLClark-g5s You are so right about how we kind of outsmart ourselves as we learn more. My earliest visual journals have the courage, and naivety, of my ignorance and the pages were fun and real. As I learned to be a Real Artist I started to hesitate if a page wasn't good enough. Basta. Let's make pages out of the every day, our most important journey. 🌷🌼🌻Kelly

[@sandybe11]

Thank you for reminding me that the mundane is actually sacred. Your art is so inspiring!🌻

[@susanweber6861]

This is perfectly said!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sandy. It is fascinating how words and ideas evolve and change over centuries. Reclaiming them is a way of connecting to another time and intention. 🌷🌼🌻

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@susanweber6861 Amen, Susan. 🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@leeannsutherland858]

Great idea, fun to see what you put down….like this size of the book you created

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks, Leeann. The more I make these smaller books the more I like them and you can get way more in these pages than you might think. Kelly

[@leeannsutherland858]

@@BookandPaperArts I made one ( used a piece of junk mail for the cover) and I’m going to start using it in November!

[@maggiedolly123]

Hello! I love this so much, I jumped up and whipped together a little 32 page journal, similar to yours. Today is Sept. 1, and it finally rained! I’m in Tennessee and it’s been so hot and dry. My first entry was about the rain, and I sketched some delicate flowers, a little puddle with rain drops splashing and a little frog. In graphic letters, Oh happy day!!! I do a lot of various art projects, but this seems so fun, and something for when you just have a little time. I’m looking forward to seeing what each day will bring! Thank you for the inspiration ❤

[@susanweber6861]

I started making a little journal after watching her video too! What weight paper did you use

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Maggie, now this is what I like to hear. The thing is, I said one entry a day but once you get over the fear of the blank page, you rarely stop at one - and why should you? Painting rain, or sunshine or wind, and our plants and flowers and getting them down before they are gone, getting down that pleasure and wonder - that is worth a page or three. PS: My husband and I got married in the Knoxville court house. My mom's family was all from Roane County and I spent some happy Christmases there back in the day.

[@maggiedolly123]

@@susanweber6861I used random papers;coffee dyed, onion skin dyed, graph paper, and one page is red on one side. It was a sheet in some junk mail. Happy journaling!

[@maggiedolly123]

@@BookandPaperArtsKelly, thanks so much for sharing your history! I’m in the Nashville area, which has changed so much in the last 30 years! We have a small farm and love a quiet life of gardening, art, etc. And I’ll take your advice and let the inspiration of the moment dictate how many pages each entry gets!

[@bettyegreenwood8300]

What a charming book- thank you for the ideas!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Bettye. That is truly nice to hear. I hope you have a creative weekend! Kelly

[@TubeYouLena]

super useful and enjoyable, thanks a lot for this

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Lena. This is truly nice to hear! Kelly

[@robertakeirn1870]

From Overnight oats to Harry Potter to walks to Thoreau to abbey ruins… I love this so much! You might just be my artistic hero! 🖤Gilly.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Gilly. HDT is one of my teachers and companions (his diaries are like portals into a truer life). He is sometimes my pretend boyfriend. Emerson used to be my pretend boyfriend but we broke up because of the bad way he was treating my bestie Margaret Fuller. Yes, I think way too much about the Transcendentalists. And you? Kelly

[@robertakeirn1870]

@@BookandPaperArts I have a profound respect for HDT and Margaret Fuller, but my one true love is Poe. My husband accepts this as truth. I am amazed that he is only culturally known for his macabre works, but there is so much more. Someday, when I write that brilliant doctoral thesis...

[@susanweber6861]

This is such an excellent, important video. Thank you for sharing, inspiring and encouraging me.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Susan, thanks for stopping by and letting me know. It really does mean a lot to me. 😺Kelly

[@theresapalmer7892]

I really appreciated the walk through because I'm at home most of the time and haven't been able to do this because I thought I didn't have much to record. This really helped.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Theresa. Listen, I recently heard from a viewer who had her great-grandmother's "diary" that had her everyday stuff in it, including her recipe for wax cleaner for her cast iron stove and notes about using it. It is a fascinating look into this lady's life and the woman who inherited it can't stop reading it and cherishing it. Why don't we have the nerve to be just as ordinary? If nothing else, for the fun of it. I hope you make some fun pages of what's all around, even the oatmeal, even the cast iron stove.

[@theresapalmer7892]

@@BookandPaperArts I'm starting a new one today. 9/1/24. Mundane, here I go.

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

@@BookandPaperArts I have similar notebooks from my mom, grandma and great grandma. I love how they will write a tip on how to save lard and then mention that they saw their cousin at a quilting bee and then remind themselves to get some cotton twill at the dry goods store. My favorite notebook is the one that starts about the time grandma met grandpa. I have grandpa's notebooks too but they are a bit more practical, he was a sign painter and his notes on paint and gold leaf are fascinating, one day I will have to dig into his box of supplies and see if they still work (I know the boxes of pure gold and silver leaf are intact.) I also found a scientific notebook at a thrift store with the experimental notes on a cure for diphtheria.

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@sheryllamoureux1068 Yes, yes, yes, and yes. I wish I could your comment into a whole post because, Sheryll, you have nailed it. Also, now I need to read your family's notebooks, not even kidding.

[@melodycrites3145]

This is a wonderful idea. September starts tomorrow!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Melody, that is the idea. Let's start a visual diary today for our September. I hope you make great pages! Kelly

[@denisecope]

What a cute daily journal! Thank you for the inspiration.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Denise. I do love little pages that we can fill right up from border to border. It's fun to go small.

[@WOK-YT-handle]

This is a great tutorial. I am glad KZbin put you in my feed! New subscriber.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you and welcome. I am glad you found us and I hope you make some fun pages. 🌷🌼🌻Kelly

[@LindaHook-m3h]

Really enjoyed this video, its the simple everyday things that can bring joy into our daily life and make us who we are. What a fabulous thing to look back on sure it will be interesting and bring back many memories of our favourite objects!! Love it. Thank Youx

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello Youx. It is exactly the everyday things and the ordinary that make up our days and our lives. What a treat a book or two of our everyday likes, habits, books, hats, and so on would make for our grandchildren or friends that haven't been born yet. 😺

[@susanweber6861]

Ok. Went to your page. Watched the free sample. Signed up for The Book of Me. I am very excited to begin. It seems like you will not only inspire me but tone down my need for perfectionism

[@dassodia]

You won't be sorry! Enjoy!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Susan, I am moved by all-too-many comments and feedback I get from all-too-many of us who want to make but are stuck because we COMPARE ourselves and our pages and efforts to those of others here on KZbin or Pinterest or wherever. I hope to preach that you can use those sites for inspiration and then make your own, messy, imperfect, stick-figure versions for the fun of it and sometimes these make meaningful pages. Happy making, dear Susan.

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@dassodia Thank you so! Kelly 🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@stebo235]

Thanks for sharing the flip through. I will make one for September.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Steph, that is what I like to hear. Now go get 'em!

[@debsmith7050]

Just what I do in my journal!!! Such fun

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Deb. It is crazy how easy it is to get going with taking visual notes. I would love to have a fun book of visual notes from my mom or hers or even further back. Can you imagine?

[@JaniceCokely]

how adorable!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you so. That is truly nice to hear.

[@cherylstevens9665]

This is a great idea. I like the different pages filled with even simple things. The small, simple things in life are best. Thanks 🌺

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Cheryl. The everyday things are our real life, and that is the most important and meaningful journey any of us ever make so why shouldn't we be making them into pages? I hope you have a creative Sunday! Kelly

[@babawawa1953]

Yep, I’m hooked! I’ve been awake since 2 Am and came across your teabag cups and now this little, one a day journal. Perfect for me as I tend to be a grasshopper all over the place and have too many large projects so I rarely have anything completed. I suppose I give up quite often because I feel I am without talent and shouldn’t be wasting time. Still, a little, one a day journal I believe I could and would want to complete. I will make the wee journal up and begin filling the days on November 1st. Thank, thank you. ❤

[@artsywriter23]

Great stuff, as always - thank you. Love the day-in-the-life approach. Can’t wait to go cut up my latest rose catalogue. Enjoy your day.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches. I love those gardening magazines and seed catalogues. Talk about fun, free art supplies. They make everything look better.

[@catlandstraysandferals2844]

Well then !! i Have enjoyed your book Making And YOU have inspired Me "Thank you SiSTER" MY Friend in ART !!!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you for this thoughtful message. It really does mean a lot to me. Here is a recent story for you - last week there was a hold up in the line at the supermarket because an older lady had bought the wrong kind of chicken wings and was flustered and I said nothing but just waited (and waited) and then I heard her tell the cashier that she needed the right kind because she used then to feed the foxes near her house. My heart melted. Everybody's did. We wanted to chip and get her more chicken wings but she was gone. Maybe I'll see her again - it's not that big a town. Anyway, I'm moved by the good work you do with the cats no one wants. Kudos. Kelly

[@SightWordMovies]

Enjoy your work!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Tracy. This is truly nice to hear. 🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@lindaskelton4734]

Thank you for demystifying this process 😄 You make it seem so doable and delightful. So encouraging!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you for this thoughtful message, Linda. I do teach in-person workshops and it is the same there: just get started where you are and don't wait until something Big Or Important happens. You got this. 🌻🌼🌷Kelly

[@lynnboyd33]

Kelly, just LOOOVED this little baby book you created. Great info and fun illustrations! Thanks.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Lynn. It is funny about tiny books. They actually make you want to use up the space and I find they get a ton more stuff in there than you originally imagined. Let me know if you try. Kelly

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Thank you for the inspiration!😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Jerald, it is my real pleasure. Thanks for dropping by! 😺

[@j.rebekah8605]

The journal I am currently working on is my first art journal. The images are mostly stickers (which thrill me) and glued in images. It's so wonderful to excite the brain with a picture book. When I got this journal I kept thinking it was going to be important to me, but it was six months before I started using it, and another six before I saw your videos and now I have a journal which is very exciting to both my left and right brain. I also started a second smaller journal which is more refined and I often use what is in my first journal as a rough draft and then move some things to the second. I write notes on lectures, bible verses, Greek to English word comparisons, dreams, thoughts, anatomy, movie and music event tickets. The journal is like me, with a thousand interests and that's perfect. It was hard for me to do art since I've had both writing and music be something I present to people, have done some semi professionally and it ended up being stressful, so doing this and not having it attached to money or public presentation is very healing. Thank you! I love those shoes you drew they reminded me of something from a childhood book I had but can't remember beyond that.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Rebekah. Thank you for your thoughtful message. It is crazy how long it takes us to work in our "good" pages then when we do, we don't look back. Well done you! I also like a journal with lots of various details - quotes, visual notes, ideas, questions. You can add writing and music to these pages, too! Shoes - I like "boy" shoes as I walk a lot but I like to "girl" them up by taking out the original laces and adding some wide, organdy ballerina laces that I order online. It makes them practical but fun and pretty. Thanks for stopping by!

[@susanweber6861]

Love your response. I’ve been wanting to do the same for a long time

[@maryl9685]

So helpful!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Mary. That really is nice to hear. I hope you make your own little book, or three, or 90 and tell your story to your pages. Kelly

[@dassodia]

Ah! Finally found the comments. They (on everyone's channels, not just yours) seem to have moved to under all sorts of other videos. Anyway, I loved your reminder to find inspiration in the mundane. My Book of Me has sat on the shelf for months. Now, I believe your words have struck home and I will be back to filling it with everyday Me. Thanks! 🤞

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Dee. Yeah, I hate it when a platform "improves" my "user experience" and then I can't find anything. Well done you for sticking with it. I hope you start filling your pages again. We have so many stories and details about our ordinary, wonderful days to get into pages. Kelly

[@mixedupmargie]

LOve that lil journal n everything you noted in it. ❤❤️💜 👍🏽 for sure

[@BookandPaperArts]

Go get 'em, Margie. I hope you make some great, fun pages. Kelly

[@Barbarachocolate1956]

FaBuLoUs!!! Absolutely fabulous!!! Love every inch.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Barbara, especially as I almost deleted it as soon as it posted. That happens a lot - here I am talking about getting out of our heads and I was guilty of getting into my head! Kind of meta but mostly a reminder. Thank you. 🌷🌼🌻

[@LinaLeBlanc-l1v]

I love the size 💞✨

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Angelina. And it fits in a little art bag or purse or handbag and weights almost nothing so you are more likely to take it around with you and work in it. Win win win!

[@69Sugah]

I like that idea. I can make it as whimsy as I want. Tusk you for sharing that idea and inspiration. That's a nice way to document my life in a year. 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

I've almost decided to not go back to store-bought sketchbooks, or rarely, anyway. These smaller, messy ones are liberating, fun, and pretty. Keep on making!

[@conniebentley9699]

I love the word mundane because it has two disparate meanings! The definition of “worldly “ suits better! Making a small sketch book and filling it with my world sounds doable and meaningful. With the added bonus of being only for me.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Connie. It is a pleasure to look into how our words evolve and to go into them for their original depth and meaning. And yes, making a journal just for yourself will probably help you grow in style and confidence that you can then start to bring into your other pages. Keep me posted. Kelly

[@melindareynolds7867]

Beautiful book of memories. Wonderful. Thanks for inspiring us to look around and record our world.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Melinda. My apologies for missing your message until now but believe me, it is appreciated. 🌻🌼🌷

[@karenpuschmann4157]

I had to laugh when you said tax..I'm an accountant by day (don't hold that against me) it's our tax season in Australia at the moment..and my clients always get a bit edgy..until they come back and they get a refund..and then they love me..lots of emotions in one day... just like my art practice like a roller coaster.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Oh honey, you read my life this week like a book. My accountant knows me so well that if I start to drag she emails me reminding me of that possible refund. Definitely the carrot rather than the stick. But we rarely drag. We are usually the first to get it done and dusted so we can forget about it which is where we are now. Wish me luck and same to you. My accountant friend looks like the walking wounded by the end of October. 😺😺

[@RozWilloughby]

awesome ideas...thanks Kelly

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Roz. This is truly nice to hear! Kelly

[@annemillion1501]

This is an awesome journal. Great ideas.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for this, Anne. It is truly nice to hear. Kelly

[@CarolKnoles-c5m]

Great video thanks❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure. Thanks for the stopping by! 🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@caroltanzi29]

What a great idea. Love it. This is something I will do for myself. Thank you. Carol from California.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Carol. This is what I like to hear. I hope you start a little book of your everyday life and make some fun pages. Go get 'em! Kelly

[@RebeccaLivingstonCook]

I am currently working on a small (6") journal for my daughter, who lives in England. She will have to pay duty on it, which we don't have in the US. This, however, can slip easily into an envelope, and it would be perfect for her as she is also an artist. Another idea to tuck into my work notebook!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Rebecca. How cool! Where in England? I live in Wales. I wouldn't fret about the duty as it is not always applied. I get mail from the states a lot with no problem. You are so right about that small size. One of the things I like about this palm-size journal in the video is it slips right into my portable art kit and weighs almost nothing which means that I am more likely to tote it places when I am walking or running errands.

[@RebeccaLivingstonCook]

@@BookandPaperArts Hi Kelly, I sent you an email a couple of days ago about a very old photo journal I recently acquired. I'm afraid everything we have sent them has incurred duty if it's in a small box and not in an envelope. Thank you for liking several images on my Instagram; I followed you when looking at yours. Our daughter & SIL live in Lewes outside of Brighton. Thanks again for the tutorial about the small journal. Rebecca

[@mrmwallace730]

So many good ideas. Very encouraging to take the plunge. TFS 💜

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you for letting me know. It is most definitely what I like to hear. 😺

[@gonerustic]

I do art full time but I would love to do more drawing … your monthly journal idea might just get me going! I love bookmaking and eco printing too - I’m so glad I found your channel 🌿

[@taizebells]

Great ideas for daily journalling, thanks. I love Robert MacFarlane, his Lost Words book is fabulous.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Roberta. Well, what do you know? I am currently reading Underland by Robert MacFarlane and can hardly put it down. I am all about those nature walks and drawing what you see and find. Thanks for stopping by! Kelly

[@sonyajgiannone3689]

Love this!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Sonya. You are so nice to stop by and let me know! 🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@SaltLifeGypsy68]

Kelly, your illustrations are so charming.. so many adorable ideas. Thanks for sharing your "mundane" August with us. 😂 😊 i shall go forth with crazy lil pictures. Oh and our family, namely my granddaughter, Loves Squishmellows. They are adorable and so huggable. ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there. Ah, Squishmallows. This one is enormous and takes up half of my bed. My grown son gave it to me then told me that he collects them! I have to admit they are very comfy and cosy for reading and writing in bed. As you say, so huggable. 😺

[@gabrieljacobs2]

@@BookandPaperArts What's wrong with me?

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@gabrieljacobs2 Well, for a husband you'll do but you aren't quite as squishy. That's a good thing! 💛💛

[@virginiamartin-authorspeaker]

Thank you for sharing this ❤❤ I love it❤😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Ana. It is my real pleasure. Thanks for joining me! Kelly

[@barrylytle5118]

Thus makes sense! I on the other hand will overthink this...lol I overthink doodles...lol ,and doodles help quite my brain

[@susanweber6861]

I am already overthinking it but determined to push on

[@BookandPaperArts]

Barry, doodles are our gateway to making, that getting out of our head and onto the page for the fun of it. And I do like what you do with a stencil. 😺

[@barrylytle5118]

Thank you Kelly!

[@roksannastephens4375]

Oh Kelly, love creating journals of "You" ! Your illustrated journal is lovely, enjoyed the walk-through. This size journal is non-threatening and quick for a month at a time. I like that sentence up glued in- "stars have blown the window open." Great tips, I'm off to make a 'mundane' journal for Sept. *I follow 'Animal Speak, Ted Andrews. He teaches when animals cross our paths, to observe them and their characteristics, and telate them to our lives. I keep separate journals just for animals. Can't wait for next video.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Wow, Roksanna, now this is what I call comparing notes. I do not know Ted Andrews but I just look up Animal Speak and am ordering a copy this afternoon. I agree that we can observe and SEE and LISTEN nature, which we almost never do and it is bonkers how you have to build that muscle but this is something that I do work on building. Thank you for the connection (which is surely no accident) to someone who can help with that learning and building. And I would love to know more about your animal journals. Email if you have the time or inclination! Kelly

[@centibastelt2023]

I love your illustrations so much! They are so charming and full of life. - I'm really good at starting illustrated journals, but I never finished a single one so far. Maybe restricting myself to just one month would do the trick. I'll try this out!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Go get 'em. Believe me, if you finish one you would be hooked. Keep me posted. 😺

[@bannvol]

Thank you for this wonderful inspiration...so many ideas now racing through my mind.

[@BookandPaperArts]

That's the idea. When you reset your imagination, the ideas are swirling all around, waiting for us to get the drift. Happy making!

[@julieantill4815]

Loved it. So doable. Loved the dried flower

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Julie. Doable and so many options and variations. Whatever makes you like your page, add a few notes, and it is a book of memories. I hope you make some great pages!

[@KarenLulay-vc8kb]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@BookandPaperArts]

My pleasure, Karen. Thanks for stopping by!

[@heyjude85]

Great idea! It doesn't have to be a masterpiece!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Amen to this. Trust me, if you make these little pages and start looking back even after three or four, they will make you smile and you will want to make more and more. The ordinary will start to grow on you!

[@cherylmacedo5521]

Hi Kelly 🤍🤍 loved this. Good bye August. Hello September. See you tomorrow 🤍🤍🤍

[@BookandPaperArts]

Cheryl, I am astounded that it is September. What the what?

[@cherylmacedo5521]

@@BookandPaperArts 🤣🤣 it’s true that time flies (the older ‘we’ get) you had yourself a nice august. And I need a tincture….i love that word 🩵

[@pdmullgirl]

Hi Kelly! I love your channel so much. I’ve learned so much just in the short time I’ve been subscribed. Art, well creating art is new to me. I’ve always crafted and messed around with art but never have I had an art journal until now at sixty one! It can be overwhelming at times so this video was perfect to see for someone like me. Thank you so much for posting and teaching. Means a great deal. ❤️💜💚

[@bernieamomentintimek6635]

Hi just a little tip : to hold the stem of a dry flower or any flower use a Small decorative piece, tape or washi or a tiny label

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Bernie, that is so simple I could blush. Then again, I do love a good bulldog clip. Thanks for comparing notes and next time I am going to try a bit of washi tape. 😺

[@wynparsons4109]

Unable to sleep , so went to KZbin at 2.00 am . To my surprise , first page Clyne , then St Helen’s road ….couldn’t believe it …you live so close to me , I’m in Llanelli . Thoroughly enjoyed your video , will be subscribing and following . Enjoy September

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Wyn, fancy that! You are indeed around the corner. It may not sound it but I've lived in Swansea for over 20 years and I have an art studio in the marina. Let me know if you are in the area and want a visit! Kelly

[@wynparsons4109]

Where exactly on the marina . Is it easy to access with a wheelchair , hubby is wheelchair bound

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@wynparsons4109 Hi there, I am so sorry I missed your reply! Hubby actually noticed. I'm afraid the studio does not have wheelchair access but if you are in Swansea later this year please get in touch and we can have a cuppa somewhere that does have it. Kelly

[@wynparsons4109]

@@BookandPaperArts thanks for getting back to me ….we’ll catch up soon

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@wynparsons4109 Sounds like a plan. We are back from France on 16 October and should be around for the rest of the year.

[@nkibiz786]

I’m a minute into the video and I already love the idea! I’m subscribed forever ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Zay and welcome. I hope you make a little journal and fill it with some great pages about you and your life. Thanks for the lovely message! Kelly

[@jenm5666]

Love this. I'm not much of a writer, so I find normal journals intimidating with all the blank pages. I would rather note a few things of importance and then use art as my way of expression within a manageable space.

[@tavanetaylor98]

I look forward to all your videos, no matter the subject. This is a very helpful, inspiring topic. I also did a page in my illus. journal, a new cookie i made.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Cookies! I'll be right over. I like to illustrate my recipes or even my salads. It is such an important component of our everyday lives and ourselves, our likes and choices. Wouldn't it be fun to read about what kind of cookies our great-grandmother made and liked? Keep on baking and keeping on making, dear Tavane.

[@debbiesavage7107]

Thank you! ❤ I’ve been lax. But, it’s canning season, i’m dog watching, blackberries need picking…..wah, wah, wah…It’s always something. I’ll be back tomorrow. Maybe i’ll have added something to my journals by then.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Debbie. I hear you. (I have the stupid taxes taking over my life AND I am showing my apartment to be sold and none of it is creative.) Canning and blackberry picking have their creative side - they would also make stand-alone page entries. You just need one a day! Hope you make a page or two. To say nothing of a cobbler.

[@sheryllamoureux1068]

I am imagining your journal once you have the time, the whole process of picking the blackberries, stopping to eat a few I can picture your drawing with the tart blackberries juice running down your chin and then of course the dog wants to help but he's not dressed for the occasion and has brambles in his fur immediately such a sad dog face and then the canning. You have so much to put in your journal, I hope you find the time because It is going to be wonderful.

[@JournalBreezeYT]

What?! No War and Peace?? Great ideas for getting started- TFS ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Kimberly, you might be surprised how many clever people don't allow themselves to start simple and easy! Strange but true. One syllable words and three sentence paragraphs will do nicely, thank you. ✒✒

[@JournalBreezeYT]

@@BookandPaperArts not surprised at all!

[@georgeAreynoldsVI]

Catherine from Georgia USA here! Thank you for *THE MUNDANE* I am using a Hobonichi Avec and a Composition Notebook (3months per notebook, 2pages per day). I put everyday mundane into my books and find it quite relaxing. Do seeJanet Nash in London.on KZbin, you might enjoy her soft gentle style. Blessings to You.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Catherine from Georgia. I am originally from Mississippi so we would almost be neighbours in another life.😺Thank you so much for the heads up on Janet Nash. I am following her now as I have only JUST started slow stitching and her work looks so inspiring. I hope you have a creative Sunday! Kelly

[@BookandPaperArts]

PS - I am already planning a companion video for making one page written diary entries and it sounds as though you are already on it. I tend to do morning pages a la Julia Cameron, every day.

[@sorrelgossert6976]

Thank you Kelly for the inspiration! I absolutely love your videos! ❤I've accumulated lots of bits n' bobs...just need to make a start. Definitely not taxes though😂

[@BookandPaperArts]

Yeah, that getting started thing is the rock in the shoe because believe me, once you have made the leap it is almost hard to stop making pages. But you gotta make that first page. Keep me posted on how it goes. Now back to taxes and other adulting. Blergh. But I am almost done!

[@karenpuschmann4157]

I love that it's so random..my head is always swirling so this would be a great way of getting them onto paper. Could I ask what watercolour paints you use..your illustrations are so vivid.

[@BookandPaperArts]

It's funny you should say that about the swirling. I preached the notion of limiting ourselves to one, doable page a day but once you get the hang of it you want to make way more: how about shoes AND a hat AND a walk? For watercolours, for best I use Sennelier. I have a travel pan set but it was pricey so for teaching I also stretch them out by substituting Winsor Newton Cotman pan pocket box. Technically they are student grade but they are the highest level student grade, if that makes sense. I get them at the local art supply store when they are on sale, usually January, and they last for ages. Hope this helps!

[@tofino14]

Love this!!!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches!

[@MissDaisyParsley]

Love these ideas! Did I miss what the size your homemade journal is? It looks like a perfect size for me. Not too big but just enough. Thanks for sharing! Your videos always inspire me!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Susan. It is about 2.5 x 3.5. You can get a surprising amount of stuff in a page that size and it is really light so I just drop it in my portable art kit bag and we're good to go!

[@AnnetteWillms]

Ran out of ideas last month and made a tiny booklet exactly the size with leftovers. 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@sabinemetscher6449]

💕🐾🐾🖍️🖌️📚love the plentiful examples. You made me look up the word mundane< Latin - mundus ‘world ‘ Thank you that makes a great journal Title 🌞🌍

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sabine. Etymology is a hobby, as it is fascinating to see where words came from - one day a word doesn't exist then it does, then it changes and evolves - so many stories and history in two little syllables. And as you say, a good title for a journal.

[@sharbee8033]

Im not good at drawing mi e would probably be stick men 😂 I might put my photos on collage grid and print them out on photocopy paper and could do a illustration book that way. Can you do something similar with photos of magazine that you like? Is that more for a smash glue book? Im still learning Your handwriting is stunning thank you for sharing ♡

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Shar. Listen, when I started out making illustrated journals 17 years ago I LITERALLY drew stick-figure men and women and cats and I go back and look at those pages and they make me smile, all the same, and I do remember those memories and you just have to start where you are. You could also definitely used printed stuff and magazine collage. It would be find, flipping through and finding that thing that represents how you feel, so get a glue stick and get going!

[@taizebells]

Mundane - really interesting. Mappa Mundi- map of the world. That word will be the start of September! 😊

[@susanweber6861]

What size is the little monthly journal in this video please? What type of paper did you use for this? I'm just going to draw/light watercolor and write as you did in this video.

[@ccbarr58]

I like this. Simple, easy to carry. Anything goes...i have such a censor brain

[@BookandPaperArts]

Oh yes, the censor brain. Trust me, having the nerve to draw your hat and your nothing-special-lunch will get your inner critic to have a seat. She might even join you!

[@AbiNomac]

Nice

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Abi! 😺😺

[@I_give_I_give]

cool

[@BookandPaperArts]

🌷🌷🌼🌼🌻🌻

[@kathyb5740]

"I can explain" 😂😂😂

[@BookandPaperArts]

Kathy, that thing takes up an enormous amount of space in a small flat and it is very apricot. As it also goes with nothing in my style or palette, a little explaining may be called for. 😺

[@jmk9978]

I don't understand the point of these journals. If my art can't hang on a wall or be displayed atop a table, buffet or sideboard, it's clutter.

[@gabrieljacobs2]

That's one way of looking at it! 🃏(And happy birthday for Monday.)

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello and welcome. I'm afraid you have misunderstood. These are not intended as wall art but as diaries. As such they serve the same purpose as any other diary which means it is the antithesis of clutter. I hope you have a creative weekend.🌻🌼🌷

[@BookandPaperArts]

@@gabrieljacobs2 Well said, Gabriel. 💛💛

[@rrahbit]

are you the same girl who did glue books years ago?

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Randi. Well, I made and do make altered books which are a kind of glue book. Same gal?

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

I’m never in a rush to finish an art journal or sketchbook. I have some I started about two years ago. I like to take my time with them, like friends, and if I never finished them, I don’t mind. I also love to use multiple art journals and sketchbooks at the same time, so I never use the same over and over again. I loved to have seen your sketchbook and you’re right, no the word “mundane” (even in Portuguese) has a negative connotation, but it didn’t many, many years ago 🩵🩷♥️🤍🤎🩶💜💙💛💚🧡❤️

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Alexandra. I understand. I have an art journal that I have worked on for THREE years and there is no hurry. It has almost become a kind of chapel for me to visit. Still, there are many people who want to create who stall because they feel overwhelmed with beginning that one page. This strategy is to help get that first page or two or four going. The habit will take care of itself. I also like the idea (not in this video) of mini-themed journals: one for shoes, one for favourite things, one for recipes. 🤔🤔

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

@@BookandPaperArts I like that idea of mini themed journals 😊😊😊

[@dianesorensen9508]

@umwow studio She sells anatomy pieces. She’s the bomb

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hmmm. I couldn't find a match on KZbin. Is she on IG?