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Review: Journal It! Perspectives in Creative Journaling by Jenny Doh

November 8, 2012 by Stefanie Girard


I love books like Journal It! Perspectives in Creative Journaling that include art and design from multiple designers because you get so many different styles. It has become increasingly clear to me that replicating another artist’s exact aesthetic is not only improbable, but ultimately contrary to the creative process itself. While the desire to control one’s artistic outcomes is natural—and often empowering—it is the pursuit of personal expression that defines truly meaningful work. Journal It! Perspectives in Creative Journaling, curated by Jenny Doh and published by Lark Crafts, encapsulates this philosophy through a comprehensive and richly diverse exploration of creative journaling practices.

The volume features contributions from 19 mixed-media artists, each offering unique perspectives, methodologies, and technical insights. This compendium serves not only as a repository of inspiration but also as a practical reference for artists working across a wide spectrum of media. It addresses an array of techniques—from toner transfers and fabric-paper stitching to calligraphy and collage—making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced practitioners.

In particular, the work of contributing artist Corey Moortgat resonated with me on a personal level. Her distinctive approach provided a conceptual framework that informed my own practice, specifically in the context of an altered book project, which can be viewed in greater detail on my blog, Sweater Surgery.

According to the publisher, Journal It! presents over 200 full-color photographs alongside expert guidance, enabling readers to engage with the material both visually and technically. The diversity of styles and media ensures that readers will find techniques aligned with their existing skill sets while also being encouraged to experiment beyond their usual parameters.

For those interested in expanding their creative journaling vocabulary and exploring the intersection of book arts, collage, and expressive writing, this publication offers a compelling and well-rounded resource.

Looking for printable journaling items? Check these out on Etsy.

Related Posts:

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Have you read?

How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.

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