The Complete Decorated Journal: A Compendium of Journaling Techniques [Paperback]

Gwen Diehn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

Now two of the most successful books by Gwen Diehn, The Decorated Page and The Decorated Journal, are bound together into one comprehensive and inspiring volume. The combined contents offer readers an unmatched collection of great ideas and techniques, from the latest supplies (papers, adhesives, paints, pens) to innovative layouts (mandalas, diagonals, cutouts, grids). Sidebars highlight specific genres, such as pillow books, nature journals, and illuminated manuscripts. Plus, newly added content includes journaling artist profiles along with galleries of their work, new techniques, and a new project where readers learn to make a journal from a butter box.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Live & Learn: Real Life Journals:
"This is a lovely, helpful volume that will inspire and attract journalers and scrapbookers alike." --"Booklist" Top 10 Crafts & Hobbies Books for 2010
"You can't miss with this book--for you or for the journaling wannabe on your gift list."--"Cloth Paper Scissors"

About the Author

Gwen Diehn has exhibited her artwork internationally and has worked in many private and public collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington. She has taught college art as well as workshops for many years and is the author of numerous books, including Making Books That Fly, Fold, Wrap, Hide, Pop Up, Twist & Turn and Simple Printmaking. Her most recent book, Live & Learn: Real Life Journals, was listed as one of the top ten crafts books of 2010 by Booklist.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts; Reprint edition (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1454702036
• ISBN-13: 978-1454702030
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.6 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,273 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Scrapbooking
  • #72 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Papercrafts, Stamping & Stenciling > Papercrafts

More About the Author

Gwen Diehn was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, and studied art at Indiana University at South Bend, The University of Notre Dame (MA), and Vermont College (MFA). She has exhibited her artwork internationally and has work in many private and public collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. She has taught college art as well as workshops for many years. She has also written several books about art and also journal keeping and making. One of them, The Decorated Page, is being re-issued in a revised edition/bind-up with another one, The Decorated Journal, in spring, 2012. Her most recent book, Real Life Journals, was listed as one of the top 10 gardening and crafts books of 2010 by Booklist.


You can visit her blog at http://real-life-journals.blogspot.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The "GO TO" Book for the Art Journalist April 11, 2012

By Kimberly E. Tanner

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book has gone above and beyond all my expectations. Years back I bought THE DECORATED PAGE by Gwen Diehn, and it became one of my favorite books to look at for inspiration when I was wanting to put together a journal or sketchbook. Now a few years down the road and I have taken up art journaling. So, how perfect that the author has made this compendium which puts these two crafts together where they belong. This book is not lacking in anything as far as I can tell. ( I've only had the book a few hours!!) But it has tons of wonderful eye candy, as well as tips and ideas to make your project unique to your own style. If you already own one of these two combined books, or even if you own both, Diehn does include a generous amount of bonus material. Personally, I just really like having the one book to go to for both topics. I don't think you will be disappointed. I find the information found in this ( these) books are unrivaled to others out there of this genre.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellence! June 27, 2012

By Mary Cooke-Jones

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is more comprehensive than a college class. It includes useful descriptions of different types of paper, adhesives, paints, pens, pencils, inks, etc. Many diverse techniques (wet processes, dry processes) are explained in detail, with instructive lists as to what you will need for each type of project. Novel layouts for the journal page, transparencies, layered or collage pages are explained, and the book is just loaded with full-color illustrations. Nature journals, illuminated manuscripts, journaling with children or in collaborative groups, and capturing "a sense of place" are included. Over a dozen artist profiles give the reader a wide array of perspectives and inspiration. The journaling process is also linked to the mental process ("from pattern to metaphor") and includes "the illusion of layers", "brains on paper", "the inner world" and "stepping-stone to the future", as well as spiritual and symbolic influences in journaling. If you want to bind your own journal, this book tells you how to do that too. I see myself referring to and reading this book over and over again.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book! May 7, 2012

By Jess

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

These were both great books and it's nice to have them all in one. The pictures are totally beautiful and this book is packed with helpful ideas and projects.