Friday, July 10, 2015

On Art Journals and Little Free Libraries

I feel like such a slacker. I am not reading anything new. I don't read book reviews. My To Be Read list is languishing. My shelves of Books to be Read stand forlorn and untouched. 

Instead of reading, I find myself working crossword puzzles. At least that activity has to do with words.

But, there are two events on tap this weekend that I plan to attend that will perhaps get me out of this slump. One has to do with art and the other with little libraries.



First up is an Art Journaling demo. I am excited about this one because an art journal combines words and images. It is a diary with drawings. I am sure I will get new ideas. I have read quite a few books on this way of recording one's life, but seeing someone actually work on a art journal is a better way to learn.

This is a free event sponsored by a local, independent art supply store. The store regularly holds these free demonstrations and I recently took one on using watercolor pencils. The store also hosts all sorts of art classes and I have taken quite a few over the past couple of years. I do have a weakness for art supplies (which probably doesn't surprise anyone).


Image result for little free library

The second event is being held the same day at our local, independent bookstore and concerns Little Free Libraries. In case you are not familiar with these, they are little neighborhood libraries on the street.  Some are quite elaborate (like the one above) and some are just a box filled with books to be shared with neighbors and passersby. There will be a woodworker in attendance who has built a couple of these Little Libraries and a report from a woman who received a Little Free Library as a birthday present.

"Take a book, return a book" is the motto. I see on the website that there are already two of these libraries in my neighborhood. Here is the website: Little Free Library


I will take copious notes and be back next time to regale you with stories about keeping an art journal and setting up a Little Free Library. Many of my neighbors are quite bookish and I am sure we would all be glad to have a library of our own to use as a book exchange.

4 comments:

  1. I am quite interested in keeping an art journal and look forward to what you have to share.
    More and more little free libraries are popping up around here, Belle. I've even taken a book and left one inside. Enjoy the presentation. I will enjoy reading of what you learn.

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    1. Hi, Penny. Both presentations were valuable. The art journal demo wasn't quite what I expected. The instructor didn't sketch anything, but instead used quotes and photos and inks and bits of paper to make more of what I would call collage pages. It was interesting, though, to hear her talk through the process and show how she made decisions about what to put where on the page. And of course I bought many supplies. Sigh.

      The Little Free Library presentation made me realize that I do not want one in my yard. Sigh.

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  2. Well, this sounds like an inspiring and motivating weekend! Two of my favorite things--art journaling and books. Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Which reminds me, I haven't visited Art On, Sister lately...

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    1. Hi, Kathy. I thought you might be interested in this. The art journal was not quite what you and I would think - she doesn't do sketching but uses quotes and photos and bits and bobs of paper and inks and paints. More of collage pages but fascinating to watch her create what she did. She was very thorough. And of course I bought more supplies.

      The LFL presentation was enjoyable but I decided I don't want one in my yard.

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