I ordered this book as kind of an 'add-on' because I was getting a couple of others, saw it had been bought by people who had bought my other choices, and had great reviews. Because there are so many positive reviews for this book, I was really looking forward to it. I was very disappointed with it as a casual buyer, but can understand that it would appeal to many people. This review is really just for people like me, who might buy it not fully realising what they're getting, and be disappointed.
To understand where I am coming from, the books I *do* like include 'Drawing from art: the journal as art', 'The journey is the destination: the journals of Dan Eldon', and 'Artists journals and sketchbooks: exploring and creating personal pages.'As you can see, my interest is in art journals rather than altered books, but I really feel that this book is aimed squarely at scrapbookers who want to start making some more personal work. The book is directed towards multi-taking parents (meaning Moms); there are many references to taking supplies to the kids' ballgames, or worrying about the kids knocking the paint over, and it takes a cute, encouraging, enthusiastic tone that alas, soon felt like fingernails down a blackboard to me.
So, aimed at a COMPLETE journalling beginner, who has done some scrapbooking, but feels that's just not enough any more, then this is a great book. It will talk you through some basic things, and give you the confidence to find your voice. If that is you, then stop reading now, because now I'm going to criticise it. Go read some of those other nice reviews instead.
Ok...
I hated, simply detested, loathed, this book. If there was a no-star option I would have picked it.
A) Why are the authors talking to me as if I have recurring brain damage? Is it because I am a Mom? Are Moms dumb?
B) Do the authors have shares in scrapbooking supply companies? Why do they recommend taking, as an portable travelling ESSENTIALS kit, to take *everywhere* with us; a glue stick, fine-tip premanent pen, scissors, paintbox inkpad assortment, Peerless Watercolour paper cards, coloured permanent ink pens, mini stapler, cosmetic sponges, water brushes, alphabet stamps, mini pump-top water bottle, pre-painted background paper, tape, 3"x5"index cards, and two mini idea-journals you have made. You're kidding me, right? But THEN, they suggest an expansion pack; gel medium, acrylic paint, ruler, flat brush, shipping tags, paper punches, favourite rubber stamps, decorator paper. And she suggests that apart from travelling out with this, you "take it from room to room in the house". Yeah - me and the team of sherpas! I'm not arguing that that isn't a great bunch of supplies to have at home, but you know, you can journal with just a pencil and the journal. That's pretty much all you need to take with you to the kids baseball game. It fits in your jacket pocket!!
C) Journalling is all about examing yourself, your life, and your surroundings, and being honest. The authors do not feature journalling at all. These are scrapbook pages, in a book. They put an ink or paint background down, cut up pictures and glue them, then add stick-on lettering and some rubber stampings. Where is the honest examination! Show me something real! The things that really annoy Linda, or 'push her buttons', are bad eyebrow waxes and holes in the fingertips of dish washing gloves. How Desperate Housewives can you get?
OK, i better stop before I get mad. I'm glad so many people like this book, and i HOPE that it will encourage them to continue journalling. Just remember, to live an authentic life you don't need a tote full of art supplies; just your voice and a pen!
