What's New Review

Artist's Journal Workshop

I've love sketch books -- textured-filled experimentation books, books of drawings, text and picture filled journals, and so on -- they all get my attention.  After seeing this book in an art store and doing a quick perusal of the pages, within moments I got the "ooh ... I have to get this" reaction.  Every two-page spread in the 145 page full-color book has eye-grabbing illustrations on it.  The book covers what you need to get started, testing driving materials, what type of journal is right for you, finding time and making time to develop a habit of journaling, and pulling it all together.

The illustrations are engaging; the text is beyond fluff and is instead filled with solid information.  For example, "If you don't get the Moleskine type (she's not a fan of thin weight or overly slick paper in journals) specifically made for watercolor, you'll want to add a bit of soap or detergent to your paint water to make the paint adhere to the slick surface."  Or, "If you really hate an image, you can paint over all or part of it with gouache or acrylic. ... Be aware that acrylics can cause pages to stick together.  Gouache doesn't."

This is a good book -- lots of helpful information, many gorgeous illustrations, and plenty of fuel to keep your journal pages filled.  If you like keeping a sketchbook, or if you'd like to but don't know where to begin, check out this book. 

Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists

While attending the Birmingham, UK quilt show a couple years ago, one of the things that caught my attention was the sketchbooks by many of the exhibiting UK artists. The pages were covered with items stapled, glued, taped, and sewn on. There were written notes, drawings, paintings, fabric scraps, and fabric experimentations. The books bulged and overflowed with inspiration.

Kay Greenleess’s book reflects that type of sketchbook, how you can use one (or several), and why having these references of ideas and images provides you with a personal library of materials for future projects. She explores different methods of using sketchbooks — sketching at a museum or outdoors; different methods of incorporating samples and experiments of your work; she also explores the types of sketchbooks available and what may work best for your purposes. Her jump in and do it attitude is very inviting. I’ve always been a journal person, and this book was a must for my library. If you find yourself attracted to sketchbooks or are considering ways to start your own, check out this 128 page, full color book.

Book & Art: Handcrafting Artists' Books

Dorothy Krause is one of the authors of  Digital Arts Studio, Techniques for Combining Inkjet Printing with Traditional Art Materials” a book that I love and have been recommending for years.

Dorothy's latest book surpassed my expectations.  It only takes a quick glance through the book to discover the beautiful artwork and sophisticated layout. Slow down to read a few random sections, and you'll discover clear, well-illustrated, and numerous step-by-step instructions.  Start from the beginning, and it’s apparent that this book is absolutely crammed with inspiration and instruction.  While the book focuses on “art books,” many of the techniques can be used in other art –  my thoughts are spinning with ideas. 

Some of the techniques covered in the first 40+ pages include overprinting acrylic paste paintings, aging paper, printmaking options, gelatin monoprints (with recipe), inkjet transfers, working with text, transferring text, and more.

The book then dives into creating art books.  Chapters include working with blank books and altered books, a variety of folded books and scrolls, various binding methods, side-sewn, single-signature, and multiple-signature books, covers, boxes and unbound collections.  Helpful hints are included, materials listed.

Book & Art is beautiful and inspiring and is filled with instruction and ideas.  If you have any interest in combining art with books, or are simply looking for ideas that you can apply to your art, I highly recommend this book.

144 pages, color, softbound, $29.95

Handcrafted Journals, Albums, Scrapbooks & More

This 128 page, full color book clearly explains how to make a variety of journals, including simple bound books, spine books, wood covered books, paperback journals, folded books, envelope books, and more. Materials and procedures are also included

The Decorated Journal: Creating Beautifully Expressive Journal Pages

A beautifully illustrated and written 128 page, full cover book detailed several journaling techniques with explainations of bookbinding technqiues. If you enjoy journal making, you'll enjoy this book.

The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks & Albums Made Simply Beautiful

A gorgeous follow-up to The Decorated Journal, with this book focusing on ways to customize blank books, alter printed books, embellishing journals, and more. The first 30 pages of the 128 page book covers art supplies leaving the remaining pages to cover techniques such as watercolor washes, sponge painting, transfers, layouts, and various applications.

Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages

This is one of those books where you can flip to any page and fall into reading the words and admiring the art. While there are tips and techniques, the beauty of the book is peaking into the journal pages of the many contributing artists who share their insights and ideas.

The Art of Fabric Books, Innovative Ways to Use Fabric in Scrapbooks, Altered Books and More

Looking to make the leap from paper to cloth? Jan's attractive, 112 page book tells you how by explaining techniques and providing projects. For those who like fabric but not sewing, Jan provides alternatives.

Fast, Fun & Easy Book Cover Art: Add a Quilted Fabric Touch to Binders, Scrapbooks, Journals & More

This 45 page book, part of the Fast, Fun & Easy C&T Publishing series, explains a basic method of creating a quilted book cover and then goes on to take the method and apply it to different projects such as a binder cover, checkbook cover, a flapped journal, and sketchbook holder.