Making Journals

I want to pursue the idea of making some journals. So I bought a bone folder at Art Supply Warehouse.  I'm sure I have many papers sitting around here I can use. I sometimes buy up reams of colored paper and card stock when they are on clearance at Kinko's or Staples or similar places. It's not that hard to make your own 'blender' paper, but it does take a lot of counter space to dry it all. It is fun to use up junk mail that way. Making paper is a messy project but lots of fun.

I don't want to go the 'tradtional' book making route which is very exacting.  I just want to make simple art books. Youtube has a ton of tutorials on the topic.

Of course decorating the covers is a lot of fun too. Its a great way to use your mixed media skills.

Time Management Skills

There are so many creative ideas that come through via the Internet or personal observation that it's easy to get overwhelmed to the point you end up more like a deer in the headlights as impending deadlines race towards you like a Mac truck. You can literally only do one thing at a time, and prioritizing things cuts down on some of the frustration. I use a simple A,B,C system. A's are the things that have to get done and are time critical like hanging art in a gallery, mailing custom orders out on time, and paying your rent. B's are pressing but can be put on the back burner a little while, like cleaning, ordering supplies, or mending clothes. Just don't wait to long or all those become A's. C's are all the things that you probably fill your hours with that don't really get you anywhere. C's are things like sorting your stash, writing long lists, curling your hair, or catching up on Farmville. If you fill your day with C's it's going to take a long time to steer your life in the direction you want it to go.  So hit some of those A's first. It will take loads of pressure off of you and free up your energy. It's good to ask yourself 'Can I do anything about this task right now?" If the answer is no, try to drop it and press on with something you have some control over.