{ jazz up written entries & kira grab "box" #1 }

Last week, the topic of written journal entries vs. art journal entries came up on the workshop discussion list. While some people maintain two separate journals -- one for the "art" and one for the "words," others, including myself, put the two together.

The discussion got me thinking -- how can you make a simple handwritten entry "fit" with the rest of the journal? And then I realized I already KNEW how to do this....I've been doing it since the beginning. Here's how I jazz up handwritten entries, like the one at the left.

1. Do a simple watercolor wash on a few pages in your journal; I use watercolor crayons and like to play around with color combinations. It's freeing and allows for discovery!

2. When the need for a simple, handwritten entry presents itself, write atop the watercolor pages. Instant color!

3. Go through and add embellishment. Underline important passages. Draw tiny pictures to illustrate some of the words.

4. Color in words and letters! I love doing this!

See!? Easy as pie. Now, you've got your written entry in your journal and it's a bit more colorful. Color adds SO MUCH meaning to your entries....if you're in the workshop, you know that already!

Kira Grab "Box" #1

We're in the process of getting ready for a garage sale around here in the Casa de Kira, which has me cleaning out old purses and such...as well as art supplies! I felt you all would benefit more from my discarded treasures more than random strangers showing up at my house....plus, who doesn't like a package of fun art stuff!?!

Every day this week, I'll be putting up a box of goodies for purchase. Since I don't have a camera, I shall list some of the goodies in this, the first, box. It's one of those 8.5x11x5 flat rate boxes from the post office.

+ Cavallini postage stamp set (in the tin and everything!)
+ R+H mini-binder in lavender (I use one of these as a planner...they're great!!!)
+ tons of fabric!
+ found papers
+ a HANDMADE JOURNAL by yours truly. ;)
+ buttons, trim, and lace
+ a nice zip-up storage case for on-the-go
+ ink pad
+ felt
+ vintage air mail set
+ randoms pens & makers
+ pretty blue coin envelopes.

Everything's in awesome condition...it just needs a new home!

The box is $25 + $15 shipping. The first to comment gets it; it'll be sent out the same day you pay! All packed up and ready to go!

Keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow's box of goodies! Some other stuff ready to go: a making memories alphabet type set (with TONS of letters!), some paintings of mine, more fabric, marker sets, and TONS of found papers!

Comments

[Sharon Bennett]

Hi Kira, I hope I am first so I can have your generous box of cool stuff. Sharon Bennett. Email me at busesrkool@yahoo.com and let me know. Yeaaaa Fun!!

[Angela]

Hmmm. I need to do the some thing with my stuff. I just started cleaning my desk area out and hoooboy...

*kicks type pad for not posting her other comment*

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

Lovely site!

[apple]

Awww man...I was not first. Maybe tomorrow...

[Melanie]

Hi! I have been reading your blog for quite a while, but I don't think I have ever posted before.
I have a question - since you make your own journal, you might have a solution for me.
I bought a set of sheets and they are kept in shape by a piece of cardboard, which is incidently folded like a book cover. So I am altering it - but it looks like the fold/spine part might crack so not sure how sturdy it is. All I can think of is using duct tape or masking tape to reinforce it, but do you have another idea, perhaps? I know this might be a silly question - and I apologize in advace, but I know you have some great ideas and you do your own books - so just thought you might have an idea for me!
Thanks in advance for any help ... Melanie

[saraH]

I hope you're pain has lessened...that really is a hard thing to deal with. :(

[saraH]

oops your not you're lol

[Ronny]

I'm wondering.. Since most of my art journal pages are stick together. It was quite difficult for me to go through it when I have time. I know we shouldn't let archiving get in the way of making art journal pages, but how do you overcome those problems?

[Helena]

Hi! I love reading your blog. It is really inspiring.
What pens do you use for your journal pages?
You and your blog inspired me to start an art journal and I havn't looked back. Thanks so much!

[gkgirl]

my first time here,
love it already...
found you through fanciful's twist's
awesome tea party!
:)