{ ART JOURNAL MEGA PACKS } //

I have been dreaming of making ART JOURNAL MEGA PACKS for a while now. After delivering my show to the Black House (pictures to be included in an upcoming blog post...I want to wait for my Opening Reception to happen on June 2nd fro 5-7 pm), I finally made a true commitment to get these monster packs made and listed on my Etsy shop by Monday, May 22nd. But I just could not wait. These mega packs are over 1.5 lbs and are brimming with items to begin your art journal or to add to your collection. Take your creativity to the next level!

Aren't they too cute? I am definitely in LOVE. Now...back to the studio to make MORE packs and inspired play in my art journal!

{ THE RED BOOK } : An Art Journal Revisited

This is my very first art journal. I know...isn't it hilarious? I had no idea what I was doing. I thought that red pleather cover and pages full of cheap, lightweight graph paper was the perfect book to begin my life in art journaling.

I remember going out and buying all these gorgeous scrapbook papers and cheap watercolor paints.

I was compelled to burn the edges of the paper. I do not know where I came up with that idea but I do remember not being happy about "torn edges." I spent hours with a lighter to the effect. I sure am glad I gave up on that technique.

I lived in WNC at the time and was incredibly inspired by the art, the people and the town. I began collecting everyday minutia to use in my journals. This is a technique I still embrace today. Shouldn't everybody embrace a parking citation?

At this time, I started scouring thrift and antique stores for old books I could tear apart. I remember a friend at the time once telling me, "So you buy books to tear apart to glue into new books?" It was probably one of the most honest things anyone has ever said about my art.

I was afraid of my own handwriting (which I lovingly embrace in my current art!) so I used a lot of rubbings and stamps (something I NEVER to today). In fact, I donated all of those supplies to the thrift store recently so they could be enjoyed and not just gathering dust in my already over-crowded studio.

I wrote a lot back then. A LOT. These days, my daily writing journals are kept separate from my art journals. As a single mother of a 6 year old, I do not have the time to write like I used to (although my daughter and I do share quiet time in the morning writing together). I was also BIG into song lyrics and I incorporated those into my journals. I have always had a love of sharpies!

I cannot believe how much my handwriting has changed since 2006. When I moved to Virginia, I did not know anyone so I would spend most of my time alone making art in the evenings and weekends. I started finding more and more books about art journaling at my local bookstore and would spend hours trying to emulate certain artist's styles. I know that had a huge impact on my current handwriting.

This journal was full of ticket stubs. I do not do live music much anymore. After I had my daughter, I became more of an introvert and more focused on my art career. I had to admit to myself that I had enough camping in my 20s to last me the rest of my life! Give me a quiet studio or an afternoon with my daughter over a loud music hall!

I see so much of my current style in these old books. I learned a lot over the years...such as binding my own art journals and making my own papers (a concept I will share with you at a later date). I learned that the binding and the weight of the paper are critical to making the book close properly. My collage process is more evolved and I work in books that are more portable. I mean, seriously, look at this monster!

I hope you have enjoyed taking a peek into one of my very first art journals. As an artist, I find it important to revisit older work. Sometimes you cringe, sometimes you find it endearing, sometimes you want to run and hide.

Would you like to see more of older work? I have loads more that I would love to share about my ever evolving art style!

{ DESIGNING ART JOURNALS } : A Paper & Book Art Workshop //

'Designing Art Journals' is a book and paper art workshop happening at my studio (1600 Glade Road; Blacksburg, VA) on Saturday, April 22nd from 10-4.

In this 1 day workshop, participants will create a dynamic 6 x 6" wire bound sketchbook bursting with colorful handmade papers. We will explore a wide variety of techniques that can be used in art journaling, collage, mixed media projects and bookmaking.

Upon registering for this class, participants will receive a Welcome Letter that outlines the full class curriculum. In addition, participants will receive a handout at the end of the class that will outline all techniques used so you can have more FUN playing and not have to worry about trying to remember all the techniques!

Registration REQUIRED : http://www.etsy.com/shop/BimburBooks

{ Etsy Shop Update : Sunday, March 19th at 4 pm EST } //

I will be having an Etsy Shop Update this Sunday, March 19th at 4 pm EST. In addition to my handmade books, ecoprint booklets, paper scrappy packs and bookmaking kits, I will be adding INSTANT Digital Collage Sheets, Mini Print Sets of my Art Journal Spreads, Eco-print Scrappy Packs and MORE.

Below is just a quick sneak peek of all the goodies that will be made available to you!

One of many INSTANT Digital Collage Sheet Downloads featuring my journal spreads that include song lyrics.

This is Bun Bun. She arrived in my journal spreads and is inspired by a story my housemate told me about a friend of his dance routine.

I have been eco-printing for years and my studio is overflowing with beautiful pieces of printed paper that are just too gorgeous to go to waste!

Can't decide which collage sheet to download? No problem! Grab a set of my super adorable mini art journal collages featuring some of my favorite critters!

{ GRATITUDE } :: An Extension of my *Discipline* //

In my last post, I talked about why I decided to make 'Discipline' my Power Word for 2017. It started in the end of 2016, when I decided to resume my long standing practice of morning journaling. I knew that this morning ritual was key to finding answers I am seeking. Long before the new year began, I put pen to paper and began writing. Some days it is easy to pound out the pages, some days it seems to take me awhile to get the words out. This isn't book writing here, either, this is 'stream of consciousness, no body is going to read this but me' writing...nonetheless, it can be a challenge. One morning, I was writing and noticed that I was being very hard on myself. Berating myself in my journal about all that I was NOT accomplishing on any given day in regards to my art biz. So I made the conscious decision to add something to my journal...a nightly entry of what I accomplished that day. No matter how big or small the task is, it goes on the page. I have recently started to add what made me happy, laugh or feel joyous on that day as well.

What is this daily (and now nightly) practice doing for me...specifically my wonky mental health in the long winter months?

LOADS.

I never noticed how much I laugh on any one given day. My daughter is HILARIOUS. She hits the ground running every morning and it can take me awhile to catch up but when I do, we have these lovely quiet mornings together that I cherish. She sees me writing and grabs her little 'dairy' and sits at the table with me. We share a meal together and get ready for our day. This is truly a blessing.

My mind has been blown by the positive feedback my new approach to art is receiving. I will still make books (that is my true Soul Work) but I wanted to expand my artistic chops so I challenged myself to make one new paper collage per day. (You can check out a few of them right here or you can see them all on my Instagram feed).

Beyond that, now my day does not feel like it is one long to-do list that never seems to get done. I can SEE what I am accomplishing and it encourages me to KEEP GOING.

Do you have a daily practice that keeps you focused, moving forward and assisting you in living a life of gratitude? I would love to hear all about it!