How many of you have an art journal? I guess I have always done an art journal because I have always kept a sketch pad of random artwork, I just didn't realize it was called an ART JOURNAL. I use it to keep artwork that goes with feelings, sometimes that is a rush drawing or quick sketch because I am just needing a creative outlet and sometimes it is a long process because I need a stress reliever.
Last year I wanted to do an art journal that was more like a memoir, I am not going to show you too much of it, because I want my kids to be the first to read it (you know afterward). The inspiration for this memoir book were two books called The War Bride's Scrapbook by Caroline Preston and Century Girl: 100 years in the life of Doris Eaton Travis by Lauren Redniss. To say I love these books would be a gross understatement. The illustrations are incredible and Lauren's book is EXACTLY what I have always dreamed of a book looking like, and how I make my scrapbooks. Century Girl is non-fiction and features a lot of photos from Doris's life and wraps them around illustrations. War Brides is a fiction book and features ephemera and lots of colorful artwork. Both book are completely worth a gander (also check out all of Caroline's books).
My first illustrated book is my life from "birthish" to present day.
Since I have gone about as far as I can go right now, I have started a second illustrated book. This one has the theme of Michelle's Musings (that may be the title). The "brand" is all about being random, FBSP (fly by the seat of pants) and completely off the wall, this book will be full of that type of stuff. I have started with a "Strange Alphabet". I call it that because each letter is an odd topic and not your typical "A stands for Apple" kind of book. Sometimes the topic makes sense and other times you may think I am a lunatic (wait, you may already think that of me). I am more willing to share this one with the world in it's entirety where I am keeping the other one for my kids.
If you art journal I would so love to see some of your work. Remember there is no right way so if you don't journal, why don't you? This is a non-judging, don't show anyone unless you want area where you can be free, creative and honest. If you are struggling with an issue, draw or paint it! If you are excited about that promotion, draw it. If you love that song and want to create about it, do it!!! You can use as little or a much supplies as you want. You really only need to start with a pencil and a piece of paper...let your imagination take you from there.
Here is a photo of my work station. I was going to work on a Marilyn Monroe drawing that I made. It was inspired by a pose she did in a publicity still for Niagara. She was pretty wicked in that movie and I recommend you see it if you have not.
These steampunk inspired items were featured in the Mia's Madness booth. I simply love everything they sell. It's junk to most by an absolute treasure to me. I chose some items from the junk bin. A triangle pendant, a washer, and a few other metals. Stay tuned to see what I made from .50 of stuff. 
This is a photo from the yard sale. This is where you sell items you no longer need/want were gifted. I sold a bunch of stuff this year and I did not spend one dime of money shopping it. Now I did get things but everything I bought was with money I made in the yard sale. 
Check out this wagon! It is all mine! I have been going to TCC for many many years and never won a thing. I was sitting with my friends in the church and telling them all that I hoped they won something. And I listened and wait a minute I realized Jill Rogers finally called MY name. I won one of the grand prizes. I got the third grand prize awarded the first two prizes where $50 cash. I prefer the wagon because it is something I have always wanted but I never would have bought for myself. It is extraordinary. I am very grateful that my name was called. 
I made a couple of sketches but this is the only thing that I finished on the TCC relaxation day. A wood panel of the Marilyn Monroe drawing I made. The panel was painted a few colors, I didn't like any of them and finally I got to this green and I liked it. Next I used Barquoe Motifs to stamp some swirls using StazOn! ink. Then I used some Aleene's tacky glue and painted it onto the board. I let it get a bit dry then I painted it with white. What a nice crackle finish it leaves. I did a die cut of the Tim Holtz viewmaster thingy and place the die cut on the board. I used wood icing to make some texture for the background. Once this dried I used some Walnut Stain ink by Tim Holtz for some effect. I cut MM out from the paper she was drawn and painted on and used Mod Podge to put her onto my board. I think it's fabulous!!
This is the project I made using the stuff reclaimed from the junk bin. I did not take a before picture...boo. The top picture is when I first put it all together. I used wire to hold the circle onto the triangle and made the elder wand with wire down the center. I painted it with gesso to cover the mixed metals. I added glitter because I thought I would keep it black, but no I found my Krylon chrome spray paint. I layered many layers of paint on here. I think it turned out grand. 
