Over the Christmas holidays I’m happy to report that I started making creative time a priority. Too often I get caught up with reading crafty magazines or watching new techniques on YouTube but then I don’t end up following up and trying things out myself.
One of the things I’m trying to do is book time for myself in the studio. If I see that time on my calendar maybe that means I will spend time crafting. Or if I’m not in the mood to craft, I can clean up or organize. I want to try out being more aware of where my time goes.
One new form of creative play I’ve been trying out lately is keeping a Glue Book. A what? Basically a journal where you glue in stuff. Phrases, pictures, receipts, junk mail, whatever you can get your hands on. The purpose is to play making collages. They can tell a story or not.
There are no rules and no expectations. I like that already.
I think a glue book will be good for me because this is something I could actually do in quick time segments and feel like I’ve finished something. Unlike a bookbinding project which will usually take me a lot longer. So I’m making a commitment to complete a glue book this year.
I’ve already started using a 5 x 7 spiral sketchbook and I’ve already completed three pages. For the page shown here, I used a vintage book page with some machinery diagrams, a calligraphy piece my husband discarded, a paint chip, a butterfly sticker and a very cool quote. In case you can’t read it, it says:
“I am indebted to my notebook for the happiness of my whole life.” ~ Ben Franklin.
I thought that was a perfect way to begin this journey. I’ll keep you posted on how my glue book goes and hope you’ll enjoy reading about it.
If you are trying out a new hobby this year or going back to something you’ve enjoyed let me know. It’s wonderful to talk about books but I also enjoy hearing about other things you enjoy doing. So have a wonderful weekend everyone and more book talk soon!
I always love hearing about crafty stuff, Iliana! My mind doesn’t really work in that way, but it’s fun seeing what others come up with. And since I have trouble with remembering things like motions to achieve knitting or even the phrase ‘righty-tighty-lefty-loosy’, knitting and crocheting have been beyond me. I did do cross-stitch at one point and I keep thinking I might try it again, regardless of the fact that seeing those little squares is not as easy. So, I got a nice present for Christmas from my husband that I’ll talk about next week in a post. It’s a pursuit that I used to have and I’m going to attempt again. Stay tuned…ha!
As you know, I’m all about reading crafty posts! The glue book doesn’t work for me because I use the same things for mail art, envelopes, and postcards, but I love getting ideas from glue book collages! No new hobbies on my horizon at the moment. The quote at the top fits me only too well!
I love the idea of doing a glue book. That’s about my speed when it comes to art. Maybe I’ll try and do one, too this year. Thanks for the awesome idea! 😀 And those are some great quotes.
It’s always fun to read about your crafty assignments, Iliana. And I thought a glue book sounds like a great idea. And I love that quote from Ben Franklin.
Like Kay, I’m not really a craft person, but I do have a very large sketch book that I started many years ago filled with magazine pictures, quotes, greeting cards, etc. that struck my fancy. I think I just used doublestick tape to put them on the blank, white pages. I may start adding to it again this year. My new hobby is my bullet journal. It’s not a fancy one with lots of drawings and artwork, although I do have a nice roll of washi tape. But I’m keeping track of all my activities, as well as writing a daily journal entry at the end of the day. I’m having fun with it, so we’ll see how it goes over the next few months. Love that quote!
Love the glue book! It’s like a mini collage journal in a way. Very cool. I hope the time you are scheduling for yourself in your studio allows you lots of happy creativity!
That sounds like fun for someone who is so crafty with paper! Another similar project could be an inspiration board– same practice just instead o a book it’s on a posterboard.
I can’t do much of any crafts anymore because of my hands, but I used to make jewelry with semi-precious stones, and before digital cameras I did a lot of scrap booking. I did get myself an embroidery set that I thought I could work on little bits at a time but with Christmas and all I just haven’t touched it in a month.
I’ve never heard of a glue book, but I like the idea. I may have to try it.
Kay – Oh I can’t wait to hear what your husband got you. I bet it’s fabulous! And, can I just tell you again how happy I am to see you back to blogging!
Jen Mullen – Isn’t that the funniest? I can totally relate. I have read more about glue books via the artist you recommended on YouTube. She also has a FB group and I think I’m going to join in on some of her swaps.
Lark – You should give it a go! I just like the idea of anything goes and no rules. I used to do a little exercise where I would time myself and see what I could create in 15 minute increments. It was great to learn to let go.
Melody – Isn’t that a wonderful quote? So true for anyone who keeps a journal!
Les in OR – Oh you’ll have to let us know how your bullet journaling is going. It seems to work for a lot of people. I haven’t given that a try yet. And, your sketchbook sounds a lot like a glue book so hope you take that out again and start filling it up!
Stefanie – I do too! I need to set time aside because otherwise the evening/weekends just fly and I am left wondering what the heck I was up to!
Rita @ View from the Books – Oh yes, an inspiration board sounds like a great idea. I actually do have sort of one but try to change it out every so often. That reminds me I should do that now. I tried jewelry making at one point and it is beautiful but didn’t quite capture my attention. Now, embroidery is something I’d love to try. Maybe you’ll show us one of your projects one day!
Vasilly – I’m so excited to see you blogging again! Can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to.
I was just thinking I need to make time to read my magazines. Haha. I have a giant stack sitting waiting. Most are gift subscriptions I’ve received, but a couple are my own. Oh well.
I love reading about your craft projects. Your glue book sounds like such a good idea. I bet my daughter would love to put her own together with my magazines.