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No Excuses Art Journaling: Making Time for Creativity
Kiss those excuses goodbye!
"I don't have time." "I don't know what to journal about." "I can't keep the momentum going."
Sound familiar? What are your excuses for not spending time with your art journal? Get ready to cast those excuses aside because Gina Rossi Armfield'sNo Excuses Art Journaling offers a no-fail approach to art journaling.
Using a day planner as your art journal, you'll find daily, weekly and monthly prompts that you can adapt to fit your real-life, busy schedule. Along the way, you'll learn fun and convenient techniques to add sketching, watercolor painting, collage and more into your journal, all while setting goals, creating art and chronicling your unique life.
Inside You'll Find:
More than 20 mixed-media art journaling techniques demonstrated step-by-step so you can add color, style and life ephemera to your journal.
6 pages of journaling prompts and tips for every month of the year.
Dozens of inspirational art journal pages by Gina and 12 guest artists to show how you can make the No Excuses program decidedly yours.
Grab your journal and pen, and kick your excuses to the curb!
"I don't have time." "I don't know what to journal about." "I can't keep the momentum going."
Sound familiar? What are your excuses for not spending time with your art journal? Get ready to cast those excuses aside because Gina Rossi Armfield'sNo Excuses Art Journaling offers a no-fail approach to art journaling.
Using a day planner as your art journal, you'll find daily, weekly and monthly prompts that you can adapt to fit your real-life, busy schedule. Along the way, you'll learn fun and convenient techniques to add sketching, watercolor painting, collage and more into your journal, all while setting goals, creating art and chronicling your unique life.
Inside You'll Find:
More than 20 mixed-media art journaling techniques demonstrated step-by-step so you can add color, style and life ephemera to your journal.
6 pages of journaling prompts and tips for every month of the year.
Dozens of inspirational art journal pages by Gina and 12 guest artists to show how you can make the No Excuses program decidedly yours.
Grab your journal and pen, and kick your excuses to the curb!
128 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2013
139 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 13, 2015
1.5 stars. So-so - perfect if you're looking for a very structured approach to art journaling at $50-$97/year. No thanks, although I did enjoy some of the sample journal pages in the book.
February 1, 2014
Inspiring! This books leaves me with "no excuses", lol. There are lots of ideas for my journal that include small scale art projects and writing prompts. Tons of techniques and supplies to make those projects. I can't wait to try them all.
February 20, 2014
Before I met Gina Rossi Armfield, her book, No Excuses Art Journaling, had me hooked. After I met her at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association Convention in Anaheim), I felt I'd met someone I'd known for a long time and crossed paths with again. She's warm and happy to share her ideas. Over dinner, I got hooked on her style of art journaling and am having a lot of fun doing a "No-Excuses" journal of my own.
Her book is a flat-out, ingenious way to journal. There are easy step-by-step instructions. Take a book-size calendar, weekly preferable. Convert the datebook into a journal by adding the journaling program (a free download) by taping it into the datebook. Add envelopes in each month, to store snippets you will want to use as you go along.
Gina also gives you monthly theme pages with quotes, ideas and prompts to put in the calendar for each month. You then add watercolor paper so you can draw, collage or paint, as you decide.
That's just the beginning. Each month has a theme, there are tasks for each week. Feeling overwhelmed? No need. She just wants to make sure you aren't bored. You can do as much or as little as you want.
I decided to use a watercolor sketch book and added sticky-note weekly calendar pages. This page shows some envelopes I made to hold painted leaves and feathers.
I used a watercolor sketch book and added sticky-note weekly calendar pages. This page shows some envelopes I made to hold painted leaves and feathers.
To help you stay interested, she teaches you some techniques: how to carve your own rubber stamp, how to create collages, how to do contour drawings (so you can create sketches, which you also learn.
There are hints to work with photo strips, the color of the day, getting in touch with your emotions and drawing the weather. Just when you think you are going to pop if you don't grab a journal and get started, she gives examples of her own and from guest artists like Jenny Doh, Jennifer Joanou, Traci Lyn Huskamp, LK Ludwig, Susan Elliott--one for each month of the year.
Each artist chose a color palette to work with and answered a set of interview questions. You get an intimate look at each included artist and a view of their interpretation of the assignments.
The book is cheerful and peripatetic. You will want to use it as a reference, as a guide, as an inspiration.
Her book is a flat-out, ingenious way to journal. There are easy step-by-step instructions. Take a book-size calendar, weekly preferable. Convert the datebook into a journal by adding the journaling program (a free download) by taping it into the datebook. Add envelopes in each month, to store snippets you will want to use as you go along.
Gina also gives you monthly theme pages with quotes, ideas and prompts to put in the calendar for each month. You then add watercolor paper so you can draw, collage or paint, as you decide.
That's just the beginning. Each month has a theme, there are tasks for each week. Feeling overwhelmed? No need. She just wants to make sure you aren't bored. You can do as much or as little as you want.
I decided to use a watercolor sketch book and added sticky-note weekly calendar pages. This page shows some envelopes I made to hold painted leaves and feathers.
I used a watercolor sketch book and added sticky-note weekly calendar pages. This page shows some envelopes I made to hold painted leaves and feathers.
To help you stay interested, she teaches you some techniques: how to carve your own rubber stamp, how to create collages, how to do contour drawings (so you can create sketches, which you also learn.
There are hints to work with photo strips, the color of the day, getting in touch with your emotions and drawing the weather. Just when you think you are going to pop if you don't grab a journal and get started, she gives examples of her own and from guest artists like Jenny Doh, Jennifer Joanou, Traci Lyn Huskamp, LK Ludwig, Susan Elliott--one for each month of the year.
Each artist chose a color palette to work with and answered a set of interview questions. You get an intimate look at each included artist and a view of their interpretation of the assignments.
The book is cheerful and peripatetic. You will want to use it as a reference, as a guide, as an inspiration.
December 26, 2014
I began exploring art journaling during an online course with Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection. That made me curious to know more, as well as the courage to try. I don't consider myself an artist. I am, as I believe all of us are, creative, though that remains dormant during the daily demands of life. I'm also not deeply crafty, nor do I have the patience to be. All that being said in an effort to encourage the art shy journalers, I enjoyed the book. It is good at step-by-step guidelines with enough examples to provide both a buffet of ideas and inspiration to pick and choose what to try, as well as describing tools and technique. I plan to explore what appealed to me in expanding my art journaling skills. And have fun trying. This is an encouraging training manual.
March 1, 2014
From the blurb: Using a day planner as your art journal, you'll find daily, weekly and monthly prompts that you can adapt to fit your real-life, busy schedule. Along the way, you'll learn fun and convenient techniques to add sketching, watercolor painting, collage and more into your journal, all while setting goals, creating art and chronicling your unique life.
This book is probably really good for the absolute beginner to art journaling. If you have never done it before, this book has simple instructions, prompts, and colorful examples to get you inspired. It is a little too contrived for my tastes, but I did enjoy seeing how various guest artists interpreted the prompts.
This book is probably really good for the absolute beginner to art journaling. If you have never done it before, this book has simple instructions, prompts, and colorful examples to get you inspired. It is a little too contrived for my tastes, but I did enjoy seeing how various guest artists interpreted the prompts.
January 13, 2019
Get creative! I love this book and have been using these techniques for art journaling for the last 4 years. Read it again as I set up my art journal for the year. Everyone can do this, and it is fun to play with color and pattern, think about your word, color, and design for the day, and figure out what tiny watercolors you want to paint. Great book!
January 7, 2016
Has some useful ideas, but a bit too OC for me. I already pick my color for the day by what I wear; don't mind a word for the day; drawing the weather every day seems a tad boring. Plus Collage for the month, color palette for the month, weekly design cards, thematic grids (draw a different eye for every day in February)...
June 20, 2020
I like this book! I like the examples which are clearly explained and photographed, I like that it makes me want to sit down and just do it as opposed to thinking about what I don't have on hand (another excuse not to just do it).
This is a month by month resource with different artists and mostly darwing and painting (*art* journaling - not need for writing anything). Inspiring.
While I'd like a bit more collage to the concept of art journaling, that isn't detrimental as I can see gelli prints and then picking up the suggestions.
Recommend for those looking for ideas as well as for those trying to overcome a dry spell.
Good jump start reference to keep at the studio table
This is a month by month resource with different artists and mostly darwing and painting (*art* journaling - not need for writing anything). Inspiring.
While I'd like a bit more collage to the concept of art journaling, that isn't detrimental as I can see gelli prints and then picking up the suggestions.
Recommend for those looking for ideas as well as for those trying to overcome a dry spell.
Good jump start reference to keep at the studio table
July 19, 2019
It's been years since I last art journalled and I'm admittedly daunted by taking it up again owing to the master artworks I see on the internet. This book stretches your artistic boundaries (if you feel you have none) yet encourages you that you, too, have what it takes. It might be too structured for some, but if you're creatively blocked, this could be a great springboard to get started. Spotlighting various art journals from real people is a great addition, as is including visual page examples.
January 5, 2020
I would have denied that I ever needed a system for art journaling, I just grab a book and go. This is true. But this book, with its very specific system/template, has been incredibly useful in helping me develop a daily practice. This system gets me to pick up my pens and brushes -- every day -- and even if all I do is choose a word of the day, color of the day, and record the weather, at least I've put something creative on paper. Some days that's an achievement, and this system is perfect for just that -- establishing a bare minimum level for daily practice.
August 23, 2022
The majority of the book was on about art mediums.
Some psychological interpretation of an artists mind via colour.
Good pictures of drawings in watercolor.
A lot of selling other artists. More of that than technique content.
Use of frames to split up pages.
Not much else. But a pleasant read.
Some psychological interpretation of an artists mind via colour.
Good pictures of drawings in watercolor.
A lot of selling other artists. More of that than technique content.
Use of frames to split up pages.
Not much else. But a pleasant read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2024
Not at all what I was expecting, in a bad way. Not at all what I hoped for. Glad I could buzz through this and realize what I was NOT looking for as far as inspiration for this medium. Formulaic and uninspiring.
July 8, 2025
I love this magazine-size, soft-cover book and wish I owned it. (I read it as a library book.) I will probably look for a copy when I have to return it. It’s from 2013 so I can probably find it on Thriftbooks, which is a guilty pleasure of mine.
July 14, 2017
another instructional book, but, hey, since I'm so far behind for the year, I'll use anything. Haven't actually used it, but, lots of fun ideas.
December 26, 2017
a nice book
this is a great book...it just wasnt what i was
looking for. it would be great for someone more artistic.
this is a great book...it just wasnt what i was
looking for. it would be great for someone more artistic.
February 18, 2018
Offers some good beginners advice on materials to use and how to set up a planner-like art journal. I would have liked more inspiring journal prompts.
January 28, 2019
Not much to this book but I think the simple idea will get me motivated
October 24, 2019
It's perfect timing that I found this book in October while I am thinking about preparing for a new year! This book was jam packed with inspiration and I can't wait to dive in!
October 27, 2019
inspiring and fun.
December 7, 2019
Awesomely creative ideas and inspiration for journaling
December 27, 2019
Nice inspiration
Nice jumping off point to get started on art journaling. Some good ideas about the washi tape. Recommend this book.
Nice jumping off point to get started on art journaling. Some good ideas about the washi tape. Recommend this book.
July 1, 2021
Great ideas and examples for a sustainable 5-minute journaling practice.
September 11, 2023
I'm not interested in going all-in on a mixed media journal, but some of the ideas were interesting and I might try them. Nice layout and visuals, to the point.
June 4, 2024
Very inspiring, helpful, and motivating. Thank you!
September 14, 2025
If I had seen this book in person before buying it, I would not have bought it. It was not what I was hoping for which was how to add art to my bullet journal to increase small artistic output on a nearly daily basis. This is more about art - not the journaling. If I had to choose art journal vs bullet journal, bullet journal wins since it gives a much needed structure. I did get some ideas I will incorporate, but I cannot do wholesale what the author is espousing. I think the book can be helpful to some.
May 6, 2014
Certainly a great book to get you started in art journaling. It has some great sample pages in the last section of the book, with examples of art journal artist's work and ideas (including one of my favourites, Jenny Doh).
It is very 'seasonal' - if you live in any part of the southern hemisphere, like Australia/NZ then you may find it a little irritating to have suggested themes and imagery that only suits the seasonal cycles of the north. It is also very Americanised (Thanksgiving, etc).
It does give you lots of exposure to washi tape, and may increase your collection exponentially (it did for me!). And there are a lot of prompts - daily, weekly and monthly. But it is a guide, so taking what you need from this book is the best way to use it. It's something that got me back into regular art journaling again this year, and I'll definitely refer to it randomly throughout the years. It's a great book for beginners, or those who need a 'getting back into it' guide.
It is very 'seasonal' - if you live in any part of the southern hemisphere, like Australia/NZ then you may find it a little irritating to have suggested themes and imagery that only suits the seasonal cycles of the north. It is also very Americanised (Thanksgiving, etc).
It does give you lots of exposure to washi tape, and may increase your collection exponentially (it did for me!). And there are a lot of prompts - daily, weekly and monthly. But it is a guide, so taking what you need from this book is the best way to use it. It's something that got me back into regular art journaling again this year, and I'll definitely refer to it randomly throughout the years. It's a great book for beginners, or those who need a 'getting back into it' guide.
April 6, 2015
A fantastic easy primer on how to kickstart your daily art-making. Gives you a simple formula (with downloadable instructions & art prompts) to make a calendar-type art journal with monthly, weekly and daily art projects.
Gina Rossi Armfield champions a no-fuss, it's-okay-to-make-mistakes view of art journaling which makes her prompts ridiculously easy to follow. Daily "tasks" are things like: pick a color of the day, doodle a design and pick a word of the day - all totally doable and low stress.
It's brought tremendous joy and creativity to my life and reignited my passion for making art.
Gina Rossi Armfield champions a no-fuss, it's-okay-to-make-mistakes view of art journaling which makes her prompts ridiculously easy to follow. Daily "tasks" are things like: pick a color of the day, doodle a design and pick a word of the day - all totally doable and low stress.
It's brought tremendous joy and creativity to my life and reignited my passion for making art.
October 7, 2015
I waffled between 3-4 stars for this book. There are some errors and vague information regarding material names in the beginning of the book which could confuse some beginners. I almost quit reading because of it, but decided to stick it out and I'm glad I did. Daily art journaling is something I've been struggling with. I enjoy it, but haven't been able to find the right format fit for the time I have available. The format and ideas in this book turned out to be a good fit for what I want to do. The information on this method of journaling was fantastic, and it's easy to cherry pick ideas that you want to use and leave out others that won't.
October 7, 2015
I waffled between 3-4 stars for this book. There are some errors and vague information regarding material names in the beginning of the book which could confuse some beginners. I almost quit reading because of it, but decided to stick it out and I'm glad I did. Daily art journaling is something I've been struggling with. I enjoy it, but haven't been able to find the right format fit for the time I have available. The format and ideas in this book turned out to be a good fit for what I want to do. The information on this method of journaling was fantastic, and it's easy to cherry pick ideas that you want to use and leave out others that won't.
December 14, 2014
Lots of good ideas to get you painting.
This book gives you a skeleton of a weekly journal and has daily, monthly and monthly prompts an projects so you do at least a little every day. The guest artists show the variety that can come when different artists approach the same prompt. There's an added bonus in that there are free downloads you can use in creating your journal. Highly recommended.
This book gives you a skeleton of a weekly journal and has daily, monthly and monthly prompts an projects so you do at least a little every day. The guest artists show the variety that can come when different artists approach the same prompt. There's an added bonus in that there are free downloads you can use in creating your journal. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews