My alphabet art journal - Begin Where You Are

[DawnsTrees]

I have wanted to make an art journal for a long time now. They have always intimidated me, especially after seeing the phenomenal ones posted here on Craftster. But, I decided to face my fears and not only start one, but share it here with all of you (*yikes*)

The cover ("Begin Where You Are" just felt very appropriate for me right now)


I had plans for a very elaborate journal with fancy binding and some punched papers, but realized that I needed to start on a level that would increase the likelihood of success. What I am doing is all single sided, full sheets of watercolor paper. They have a strip of clear box tape down the back where two holes were drilled to keep the metal rings from tearing the paper.

The overall theme is an alphabet journal - each page has a letter stamped on it and will ultimately be full of words, pictures, memories, sayings etc that have some positive connection to that letter in my mind.

Here is a page that I have started to fill in. There is still a bit to go, and I am not sure how to incorporate everything together so it flows better, but it is where I am at right now...


I have completed all of the backgrounds, and have started adding a little bit here and there on some of them. Here are a few of my favorites:

A:
C:
F:
H:
I:
J:
P:
T:
U:

Sorry for the ton of pictures! I have been having a great time with this, but it has definitely made me work outside of my comfort zone. I also know that it will continue to challenge me (I don't know if I will be able to come up with anything besides "zebra" for the letter z...), but I am looking forward to continuing to work on it!

Thanks for looking!

[craftycakelady]

I think this is great!  I have wanted to do some art journaling for quite a while but haven't worked up the nerve to start.  Congrats to you on making those first steps!  Everything looks beautiful!   

[arwenjade]

I have been having a great time with this, but it has definitely made me work outside of my comfort zone.

I think this is one of the best reasons to keep an art journal! To stretch yourself creatively as well as express yourself. That's why I want to make one. ^_^ And good for you for trying! I like your idea of using the alphabet as a starting point too.

[tattooed_lady]

This is great! thanks for sharing!

[Dragonflower]

That's lovely, and I think using the alphabet is such a brilliant idea to help you fill a sketchbook.

Also, "z" suggestions: zephyr, zoetrope, zip, zipper, zigzag 

[DawnsTrees]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments! This is why I love  Craftster so much - such support for all levels of work!

Dragonflower - I had to look up what a zoetrope was... now I want to make one! 

[mini_mum]

zoo, zoology, zero, zap, zany and zaniness!

I think zany and zaniness are great words - and really lend themselves to being decorated

just come across inchies and now this - think my boys will need to go to nursery full time so I have time to read this website, get inspired and craft :p

[milllie]

this looks great, and I really like your theme!  good luck!

[jjjgrace]

Looks amazing!