Recording 2012: Book of Days

Towards the end of last year I started to dabble with Art Journaling; splashing about a bit of paint and gluing in pretty things while exploring what I am thinking and feeling makes me happy.

My Work Space

This year, I wanted to record this year in a creative way. At first, I was hoping to do so through Project Life but with money being what it is, that wasn’t a practical solution. So, until the start of February I was jotting in little notes in my diary, taking my photo a day and lamenting my lack of Project Life goodies. I know. Woe is me.

And then, while reading Sarah Barber’s blog – one of my favourite digiscrap designers – I was introduced to the wonderful Book Of Days*. Basically, it’s following along with Effy Wild as we document our lives in our Book of Days. Effy records videos of her completing her spreads and shares thoughts as well as techniques. There are prompts and challenges, which I am incorporating as I go along.

Working with week 3's challenge prompt - Using Collage Elements

The best thing (other than the fact that the basic programme is actually FREE) is that it doesn’t matter if you are an Artiste Extraordinaire or simply someone who loves to throw a bit of paint around. I know that I will never be an artist and that’s not why I am doing this and so I love that my lack of skill is not an actual hurdle here.

My first spread

A bit of a love hate thing going on with this one

Already, through the videos, Effy’s blog, the chatter on Facebook (closed group only for those signed up for Book of Days) and from checking out the amazing work of other BODers I have learned so much. Mostly, though, I have discovered a lot about myself and overcome a few things. Like, my need for what I imagine I am about to art not coming out as expected. For the first few spreads I was trying too hard to please myself. Now, as I let go and simply have fun I find my pages more truly reflect how I am feeling and what I am thinking. Which, I really need.

A quick one for Saturday

This is something I need, it’s part of how I am putting my FOCUS on me and things that make me happy and the best thing (yes, another best thing) is that this doesn’t take time away from my family. When I get my art on, so do the kids. Both girls have their own ‘Book of Days’ and often they are the instigators for getting the paint out. If Jasper’s not asleep then I give him some finger paint and together we explore life through art.

So, while I am doing this...

They are collaging

Flinging glitter

And creating things for me to add to my Book

Being able to do it together makes it a much more sustainable project for me. I am so into this and can’t wait to see the progress over the year. I am thinking I am going to need a crafty sponsor because I am obsessed with shopping for stamps, stencils, paints… you name it, I have my heart set on it.

I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with you guys. Are any of you into Art Journaling?

* This is an affiliate link

Linking up with Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBot