From Booklist
Ah, the famous blank book. With the popularity of journaling and self-expression through writing, North Carolina teacher and author (Simple Printmaking, 2000) Diehn opens up a new dimension--the artist's vision of visual memories. Materials and techniques, of course, begin the narrative; the author not only delves into the merits of paints and pens and stamps but also advocates different kinds of everyday supply kits as take-alongs. Most of the book is devoted to the how-tos, from customizing a blank book to avoiding the straight and narrow via mandalas, diagonals, cutouts, or grids. Illustrations come from the artist's perspective: a textured 3-D diary and a rolling-wheels travel journey, among many others. Two- to three-page sidebars highlight specific genres, such as pillow books, nature journals, and illuminated manuscripts. Ten sample pages feature such methods as mapping, storytelling, and information gathering. Consider this a superscript above all other entries. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
“Diehn opens up a new dimension—the artist’s vision of visual memories. Consider this a superscript above all other entries.”—Booklist. “Encourages those who hesitate to start in on the pristine pages of a nicely bound blank book.... Lively and interesting illustrations make this a good selection for public library collections.”—Library Journal.
The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks & Albums Made Simply Beautiful FROM THE PUBLISHER
These simple, unintimidating decorating techniques reveal all the wonderful options for making a blank book into a journal that is visually meaningful and deeply personal. You can color wash paper; rubber stamp designs; add secret pockets and tuck mementoes inside. Insert tabs for fast and easy reference, or for purely visual appeal. Include "windows" between pages to enhance the sense of curiosity and discovery. Attach sentimental bits of ephemera--rose petals from flowers your sweetheart gave you for Valentine's Day or a ticket stub from a play you saw one unforgettable evening. Finally, see exactly how to "build" ten different pages that perfectly marry form and content, complete with a photo from the author's own journal illustrating the beauty of each approach.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
Blank books have been used for centuries as diaries, artistic notebooks, and places to stash memorabilia. This guide encourages those who hesitate to start in on the pristine pages of a nicely bound blank book. Teacher and author Diehn (Simple Printmaking) describes art supplies for printing and decorating pages, techniques for customizing the physical book, and sample layouts for designing pages. Self-expression is all, neatness doesn't really count, and the more things done by hand the better. The lively and interesting illustrations make this a good selection for public library collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Art & Photography
Book Info
