Free Article Download: Inspiring Mixed-Media Journal by Donna Downey
“The whole idea of the Inspiration Journal is that it is a safe place for me to play with new ideas, new media, new thoughts … without having to worry if I’m going to mess it up. I know you know the feeling!”
~ Donna Downey from Somerset Apprentice; Click here to read the full article.
We’ve all experienced that feeling — frozen by uncertainty, nervous to draw a line, to press the paint-soaked brush to a crisp, clean page. This sort of hesitation stifles artistic freedom, and it’s for this reason that we must fight against doubt, and silence the critical voice that lives inside us all. Downey’s Inspiration Journal is a lovely exercise that will help you practice stream-of-consciousness creation in a safe and private space.
In this free article download, Donna does a wonderful job of breaking down the creative process of this stunning art journal page. Complete with a tools and materials list, this article provides a detailed step-by-step tutorial on recreating the striking muslin flowers that are featured, along with the delicate curled wire detail.
Click here to download the free article, “The Time You Enjoy,” by Donna Downey that originally appeared in the Spring 2011 issue of Somerset Apprentice.
To learn more about this talented mixed-media artist and pick up some of her special tips and techniques, be sure to visit her blog, Simply Me.
Get Even More Mixed-Media Inspiration
Learn the fundamentals of creating Somerset-style art, one step at a time, with Somerset Apprentice. Successful artists share their favorite tips and techniques, including layered collage, mixed-media, and assemblage art, which are presented through detailed images and clear instructions.
We want to hear from you!
Do you have a safe place where you create? Is it on your kitchen table or perhaps in a special art journal? Let us know in the comment section below.
Posted: Monday, July 14th, 2014 @ 11:12 am
Categories: Free Downloads, How-To Project Tutorials, Mixed-Media Art.
Tags: art journal, DIY, download, freebie, How-To, Inspiration, Magazine, Somerset Apprentice.
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cool project! ps did anyone win the may 12 caption contest?
Hi Chark, I am glad you enjoyed the project!
Our winner for the Caption Contest with a Twist was Tisa Hosford from Washington. But stick around, we’re planning to have another caption contest soon. =)
Has Donna ever done a tutorial on the making of the flowers (roses) featured on this page?
Not that I am aware of Judy, but that might be a fun project to ask her to do here on the blog if we ever have her as a Guest Artist.
My special place to do my crafts is anywhere I can spread it out and leave it.
I share a room right now with my partner who uses it for his Ham radios.
He has started building me my very own little building for my gardening and crafting.
I will than be in heaven as then I can be doing more than one craft at a time.
I completely agree! Having space to spread out is so important when you’re working on a creative project. Hope you and your partner are getting along ;)
I LOVE Donna Downey; have taken a couple of classes from her and she is a very talented teacher and fabulous artist. Thank you for this!
Oh! I am jealous Lisa – her classes look like so much fun.
Thank you for sharing Donna’s art! This idea is a gift-a home to collect all ideas without fear.
It really is a gift! Where do you sit down to create your beautiful art, Ella? Do you have a safe place to experiment?
I have a little area in my office which is often visited by my cat Hannah, who thinks a lot of my embellishments are actually hers. She takes pleasure in spreading them artistically around our house!
Well Erna, your cat sounds like a natural-born crafter!
I want some articles by Anna Aspnes, Adriayne Driscoll, Donna Goar, Lindy Kirkbaum, Susan Tuttle etc. Some artsy layouts for scrapbooks and cards.
And would like Julie Nutting Articles on Prima artsy layouts
and Tim Holtz article.
Would like some articles by Sebastian Michaels and Anna Aspnes.