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Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books
The real news of our lives is not in newspapers. We must chronicle our own adventures and achievements, our brilliant observations and our comic relief, our best friends and our greatest embarrassments. Visual Chronicles is all about your dreams, your memories, your daily routines, your greatest loves and your secret pet peeves. It's all about getting to know yourself better, savoring the wonderful ebb and flow of your everydays, and celebrating it all in visual mementos of your life journey. Sound fun? Heck, yes! Sound hard? Not a bit. Each chapter of Visual Chronicles quiets common fears such as "Nothing happens in my life." or "I'm just not artistic." with projects such as the "My Day Unfolds Journal", and "Experiments with Composition." Inside, you'll learn that journaling doesn't take big chunks of time - just bits and pieces here and there, whenever the spirit strikes. "Get Going" exercises offer instant ideas such as listening to the conversations you have with yourself or recognizing that meaningful ephemera is a part of each and every day. Soon, you'll see that inspiration awaits all around a midnight trip to the store, a favorite scarf, an unexpected phone call, junk email, your breakfast plate . . . Don't wait another second. Make creative journaling a part of your everyday life, busting through self-doubt, time clocks, piles of laundry, and every other roadblock along the way. With Visual Chronicles , you'll be inspired to tell your story the way only you can!
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
9 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 1, 2015
2.5 stars. Although the writing style is Very! Exuberant!, I did get a few good ideas from this one. There were also things I didn't connect with at all, like the whole Personal Palette concept. Please note that the authors have a fairly minimalist style in terms of art journaling.
April 19, 2010
I only say that because I am the definition of that headline -- but VISUAL CHRONICLES made me want to sit down with glue, scissors, and some old magazines...and make something fun. I'm not an artist, but Linda and Karen made me feel like one. This book is inspiring, funny, creative, and wonderful -- and that's if all you do is look at the pictures. The writing is a class above most instructional art books, full of wit, character, wisdom, and enthusiasm. VISUAL CHRONICLES is for artists, aspiring artists and people-who-didn't-know-they-were-artists of ALL ages (and it's a treasure trove of projects for you to do with your kids!).
August 8, 2010
This is a hard book to review - it took me about 5 months to read it with a huge break along the way. For a huge part of the book, I felt like their projects have too little information. Not enough words for my kind of creativity. Even if I were to accept the lack of words, I still needed more visual information in terms of pictures, symbols - something!
But then some of the projects started to make sense. I loved the idea of using a travel guide book as a basis for making an altered book about a trip (although I don't like the idea of messing up our Lonely Planet books which we buy every time we travel somewhere and keep on a special shelf).
And I loved, loved, loved the idea of cutting out interesting and inspiring words from books, magazines and commercials and keeping them in a bag or basket or something to use as journaling or inspiration.
I also like the idea of having a small purse or bag of blank index cards and pens, glue, inks, stamps etc to make a travelling journal kit and remember quotes, cool things people says and more this way - I just want more on each card than the authors typically have.
I also like making a layout with various small pictures and cuttings that symbolises who I am and what makes me me.
And finally their idea of an altered book inspired me to think about buying a used book for Ronja and filling it with pictures from our zoo trips - she loves the animals!
So even though the book overall wasn't quite what I expected and what I felt I was needing to read and only parts of it inspired me, I do really appreciate the parts of it that inspired me and for that reason, I'm glad I found it and read it.
But then some of the projects started to make sense. I loved the idea of using a travel guide book as a basis for making an altered book about a trip (although I don't like the idea of messing up our Lonely Planet books which we buy every time we travel somewhere and keep on a special shelf).
And I loved, loved, loved the idea of cutting out interesting and inspiring words from books, magazines and commercials and keeping them in a bag or basket or something to use as journaling or inspiration.
I also like the idea of having a small purse or bag of blank index cards and pens, glue, inks, stamps etc to make a travelling journal kit and remember quotes, cool things people says and more this way - I just want more on each card than the authors typically have.
I also like making a layout with various small pictures and cuttings that symbolises who I am and what makes me me.
And finally their idea of an altered book inspired me to think about buying a used book for Ronja and filling it with pictures from our zoo trips - she loves the animals!
So even though the book overall wasn't quite what I expected and what I felt I was needing to read and only parts of it inspired me, I do really appreciate the parts of it that inspired me and for that reason, I'm glad I found it and read it.
January 28, 2009
I am a mixed media artist who was nervous about making an art journal. Because I felt it had to chronicle EVERYTHING. This book I feel is for the beginner in creating art journals but I also feel long time artists can get something from this book. Because not only did it help me jump into creating an art journal it also helped me give myself a pep talk on my art - on the block I had up. I haven't done any of the projects in - but again for first time art creators the projects would be good jumping off points. The words written in the book are what resonated with me the most. Each time I pick it up and flip through it I find little nuggets of information that just have me nodding my head. And I am glad to have it in my studio.
July 21, 2014
Good prompts/stems. Some simple & useful explanations of technique. Artwork is mostly simplistic and not compelling, except for the cover (!)
November 28, 2010
Amy posted a great and enthusiastic review of this book in episode 32 of the Creative Mom podcast. It spurred me on to finally get this out of the library and read it. After reading several pages, I realized that I may have read this book before. It seemed very familiar, but I kept on. The tone of the book is good and I like the idea of two people working together to write the book. It is too project oriented for me, however. I would have liked more inspiration, whys and wherefores of what they do, what they are thinking and more guidance rather than step by step direction. As you know, I don't need projects. What I really need is a way to be inspired and have no fear on my own journals. I didn't find that they gave tips for moving on from their book. For art or visual journaling the adage to "Just Do It" doesn't seem to be working for me.
I asked myself if this was one of the first visual journaling books and found it to be strange that I really needed to know the context of this book.
One of the projects that I thought was interesting was the Personal Palette (pg.13). I like the idea of using shipping tags and making this to use in later work. I found, though, that I was unable to assign colors to people. I talked to my mom about this and asked her what color she associated with herself. She enthusiastically gushed "daffodil yellow." Then I asked her if she wanted to decorate her house and receive gifts in that color. She was adamant that she did not. Therein lies my dilemma. I really can't even think of what color I would assign myself.
The authors included a prompt page (pg.35), which did generate an idea for a Creative Prompt response. I ended up not using it (forgot, oops!), but think I may go back and use it again for a second response.
One of the projects is called "My Buttons" (pg.36) and explores the flaws in the maker's personality. My reaction to that is why? What would this type of project achieve outside of a therapy session?
The end of the book was more my speed. One section (starting on pg.92) talks about changing your routine. I call this "greeting the bus driver." I have found that small changes do make a difference in my outlook and, as a result, my creativity.
There are a number of things I like about this book. I like the supply lists, the project step outs as well as the design and layout of the book.
I don't know what I am looking for in these types of books, but I haven't found it yet.
I asked myself if this was one of the first visual journaling books and found it to be strange that I really needed to know the context of this book.
One of the projects that I thought was interesting was the Personal Palette (pg.13). I like the idea of using shipping tags and making this to use in later work. I found, though, that I was unable to assign colors to people. I talked to my mom about this and asked her what color she associated with herself. She enthusiastically gushed "daffodil yellow." Then I asked her if she wanted to decorate her house and receive gifts in that color. She was adamant that she did not. Therein lies my dilemma. I really can't even think of what color I would assign myself.
The authors included a prompt page (pg.35), which did generate an idea for a Creative Prompt response. I ended up not using it (forgot, oops!), but think I may go back and use it again for a second response.
One of the projects is called "My Buttons" (pg.36) and explores the flaws in the maker's personality. My reaction to that is why? What would this type of project achieve outside of a therapy session?
The end of the book was more my speed. One section (starting on pg.92) talks about changing your routine. I call this "greeting the bus driver." I have found that small changes do make a difference in my outlook and, as a result, my creativity.
There are a number of things I like about this book. I like the supply lists, the project step outs as well as the design and layout of the book.
I don't know what I am looking for in these types of books, but I haven't found it yet.
March 3, 2018
This book is intended for people who are not used to expressing themselves with "art". It is full of ideas for projects to get you started: artistic prompt journals, pet peeve journals, personal color palette journals, travel journals. None of which interested me.
There are some good ideas about using "ephemera", found objects, and materials that you already have on hand.. As well as suggestions for how to do art "on the go", while traveling or running errands. There is even a section on page composition. There is not much about altering books beyond the basic idea that you can saw books into different shapes and gesso the pages to put in your own content.
Some reviewers complained that this book was not really about "journaling" because it doesn't say much about deep understanding or personal reflection and growth. This book isn't about journaling as deep psychotherapy. This is about journaling as art therapy. It is less about introspection than about artistic expression. Some people are not deep and that is ok. Artistic expression is good for you even if you are shallow.
This is a pretty book full of cheerful encouragement not to be intimidated by "art" or "writing". It would be good for anyone who is intimidated by the idea of doing "art" who just needs gentle guiding hand to get started on the path of self expression. But really not for me.
There are some good ideas about using "ephemera", found objects, and materials that you already have on hand.. As well as suggestions for how to do art "on the go", while traveling or running errands. There is even a section on page composition. There is not much about altering books beyond the basic idea that you can saw books into different shapes and gesso the pages to put in your own content.
Some reviewers complained that this book was not really about "journaling" because it doesn't say much about deep understanding or personal reflection and growth. This book isn't about journaling as deep psychotherapy. This is about journaling as art therapy. It is less about introspection than about artistic expression. Some people are not deep and that is ok. Artistic expression is good for you even if you are shallow.
This is a pretty book full of cheerful encouragement not to be intimidated by "art" or "writing". It would be good for anyone who is intimidated by the idea of doing "art" who just needs gentle guiding hand to get started on the path of self expression. But really not for me.
December 31, 2017
How much you like this book is going to depend largely on whether or not you like the author's style, which includes magazine cutouts as the majority of its suggested journal imagery, and big, blocky rubber stamp alphabets for adding text. (Full disclosure: I really, really do not like the look.) Additionally, the whole idea of keeping different journals for different topics ("things that push my buttons", "wishes", travel destinations, etc.) don't seem like they need much more than a short blog post, let alone an entire book.
Visual Chronicles may be sufficient for a complete artistic neophyte with very low ambitions, but since there are so many similar books that are far, far superior, I just can't recommend it.
Visual Chronicles may be sufficient for a complete artistic neophyte with very low ambitions, but since there are so many similar books that are far, far superior, I just can't recommend it.
October 13, 2015
2.5 stars actually, guess I give the extra half because I still want to support women writing books.
This was published in 2006; 9 years ago so many of the techniques are basic and outdated. This book feels like a scrapbooker or card-maker would like it more than an art journaler or mixed media artist.
I really like the mail art examples in the back and a couple techniques like "pieces of me" and "personal palette."
I didn't like that the authors suggest you go still paint sample sheets from the hardware store for the personal palette.
The cover and layout didn't help this book much either.
This was published in 2006; 9 years ago so many of the techniques are basic and outdated. This book feels like a scrapbooker or card-maker would like it more than an art journaler or mixed media artist.
I really like the mail art examples in the back and a couple techniques like "pieces of me" and "personal palette."
I didn't like that the authors suggest you go still paint sample sheets from the hardware store for the personal palette.
The cover and layout didn't help this book much either.
December 1, 2007
Rare is the book that actually lives up to its promises. This book does it. Written by a sister-sister team (one a writer, one an artist), this book shows you step-by-step how -- and why -- to create a visual journal. From color selection to images, it discusses projects, how-tos, tips, and more. A great choice for those who want to investigate or dabble in visual journaling but aren't sure where to start.
March 2, 2018
I feel like it is a "horoscope" for me as a beginner in art journaling/scrapbooking.
Some ideas, styles or themes i already assumed. Many of the techniques are simple, making it suitable for my limited time.
By limited i mean my already little time for reading is now officially shared with journaling. (Note: As of this writing, March 3, 2018, I'm still not counting this in my reading challenge, being a reference book.)
Some ideas, styles or themes i already assumed. Many of the techniques are simple, making it suitable for my limited time.
By limited i mean my already little time for reading is now officially shared with journaling. (Note: As of this writing, March 3, 2018, I'm still not counting this in my reading challenge, being a reference book.)
August 16, 2017
Too simplistic and handholding for me, but will work for others. I will not be keeping it.
February 14, 2018
Lots of inspiration, and projects to push you creatively.
December 22, 2021
This series has a lot of history behind it.
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January 17, 2022Fairfax
April 6, 2025
This conversation is captivating, but the secrets whispered on skin can be even more thrilling. Ready to explore a little deeper... with a touch that lingers on the edge of something unforgettable?
December 19, 2021
Illustrates outdoor sculptures created with a range of natural materials.
March 12, 2017
I loved this book. The illustrations were wonderful and it was easy to follow the craft suggestions. I can't wait to start my own art journal.
May 7, 2009
This is a nice beginning level intro to art journalling, geared towards the non-artsy type. Good source for the most basic level projects/ideas. The book itself is entertaining to read, but I found the journal pages a little too blah - although, again, the methodology/techniques can be used to create far more exciting work.'
I will add this book to my Creative Journalling Class bibliography, but "level" it for beginners.
I will add this book to my Creative Journalling Class bibliography, but "level" it for beginners.
April 18, 2009
This book has been on my wish list for awhile. I'm so glad I finallly picked it up. I've been in a "creative" funk for awhile now, and the ideas in here were very helpful to pull me out of it. I really like the idea of making idea swatches to inspire you later. Read the book to learn more about it!
April 30, 2009
The ideas presented here are so different from the way I scrapbook, that at first I couldn't really connect. Also, it had much more text than I expected from this type of book. There are some nice ideas here, but none that made me want to rush out and try them. Maybe someday I'll try one.
November 29, 2014
Nothing in this book was really my style, nor particularly useful in my own art (www.Facebook.com/radiantlotusfineart), but I really liked the step by step instructions, personal anecdotes, and overall helpfulness of the authors.
August 17, 2007
Loaded with information, somewhat overwhelming. Great for beginners.
January 4, 2008
Like Journal Revolution, this is one of those inspirational books that has easy creative projects.
February 15, 2008
Again, highly recommended if you are looking to start journaling in a new and creative way.
July 25, 2008
Great book to start Art Journaling! Loved to read it.
December 8, 2008
Had a few ideas I would use, but overall not my style
March 28, 2011
This was a pretty quick read. It had some good prompts for journaling but nothing significantly new or different.
November 9, 2011
Lovely.
December 19, 2014
not my style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews