Dreaming From the Journal Page: Transforming the Sketchbook to Art

This book covers everything you'll want to know about how to begin your art making journey through the pages of your sketchbook. Broken into 5 main categories opening with a chapter on "the what" Melanie starts with a choosing a journal, paints & brushes, pens & pencils, glues and more. You'll find a very helpful chart that cross references techniques with both paper and cloth so you can see at a glance which techniques are compatible with paper or cloth and in some cases both.Chapter 2 is all about color and she has several fun and easy exercises designed to help you get to know the colors in your paint box and how they interact with each other when mixed. Learn wet and dry techniques for working with watercolor and for those who want to incorporate textiles into their art journaling she has directions for easy low water immersion fabric dyeing techniques that include how to create two color gradations and how to create your own hand dyed color wheel.Chapter 3 is jam packed with techniques that include working with resists such as frisket and mediums, transfers using tracing paper and saral paper, carving your own stamps and making them from fun foam as well as working with a ruling pen and stencils and more. You'll also find a section on soy wax and how to use it as a resist on both paper and fabric.There are tips and techniques for drawing covered in chapter 4. She starts with some simple loosening up techniques and learn some easy shading techniques and then moves into some fun and easy drawing exercises that are sure to inspire you to pick up the pencil and start drawing. For those of you who prefer using stitch as your drawn line you'll find directions for using your sewing machine to draw your images on cloth to create stitched outlines you can add color to later using the techniques from Chapter 3.The last chapter is the "Throw Downs" chapter and it's here where Melanie encourages you to create journal pages rich with imagery and complexity by combining and layering the techniques that she's covered in the first four chapters of the book. You'll find single, double and triple technique challenges that are designed to help take the guesswork and fear out of where to begin and which techniques to combine with each other. The gallery of Melanie's work at the back of the book is rich with eye candy and is sure to inspire.Melanie has an easy conversational tone that makes the book an enjoyable and engaging read and the entire book is illustrated with clear, bright, beautiful photographs of step by step directions, examples and artwork. This book is sure to become the one "must have" book for art journalers so whether you're a beginning or experienced art journaler I highly recommend adding this book to you personal library!

Dreaming from the Journal Page is a beautiful blend of technique and inspiration for those of us who explore more than one medium. Both her work on paper and in cloth is deeply textured and layered but manages to retain a clean simplicity and purity of focus. I have always loved her deep connection to her subject matter and her love of decorative forms. This book is a look into Ms. Testa's process and gives one a glimpse of her work that leaves you feeling uplifted.Melanie guides you through a basic understanding of some of her favorite materials and techniques. She introduces the reader to basic information on paper, brushes, paints, glues, and says, "Your job is to experiment and learn the qualities of each so that you can pair a technique with a planned outcome." Then she goes on to give you a detailed chart of which techniques might work well with which materials. Chapter 2 guides you through playful exploration of color with different media such as collage, watercolors, and dyes. I find her challenges and prompts to be well thought out - giving enough instruction that the reader will not feel lost but leaving room for playfulness.The third chapter runs through myriad techniques such as soy wax resist for dye, and frisket resist for watercolors. She talks about solid grounds and gradations, stamps and stencils. There isn't anything new and earth shattering in this chapter, just good, solid basic information - well written and sumptuously illustrated. I'm a confident textile artist but found sparks for new ideas in her techniques that I can use in my own work.My favorite chapters are in the back of the book with page after page from her journals, her textile art, and even some more low key projects such as t-shirts and pillows. I can spend hours looking into the layers of her creations and always come away happier and with a desire to create something beautiful myself.

I was totally surprised with how much I am enjoying this book even just reading it cover to cover and dreaming of how to use the techniques she has described so well on two or more pages. I am an art book maker and quilter who loves to use mixed media in my work. Drawing is not my strong point but Melanie may be the nudge for me to start drawing, even a little bit. I have many mixed media art, bookmaking and quilting books that have covered some of the same topics she has in her book. The difference comes to me through her words, idea suggestions and tips she adds from her experience with using materials or techniques. Since I have done fabric dyeing and stamping, etc. I know that her tips are valid so with a new technique, I can feel confident to follow her suggestions and have some success. The book takes you through the basic foundations and builds on each layer. In the last chapters, she gives exercises to start with two techniques and continue to build on each layer. That means to me a bit of success in the beginning leading to more experimentation with multiple techniques simultaneously and opening my creative sources to continue in my own direction. Her book is like taking a class from her but at your own pace. I also love working with fabric and paper and combining them with stitches as Melanie has done so her work is an inspiration for me. I wish her much success.

This is the most comprehensive course-like book about journaling that I have yet found. Fun and interesting, as well. (And I buy a lot of books and magazines about art and mixed media, just ask Amazon!). With this book, I feel as if I have my very own personal sympathetic and expert tutor. I may get there yet!! Thank you Melanie and stay well!Melissa Lacombe

This is a very instructional book. It has color wheels, definitions and tips as well as step-by-step instructions for journaling, and any number of other things. It's basic and detailed. If that's what you're looking for you will find it here.

As a newbie to art journals and art in general, I found this book very helpful. Can't wait to start.

Lo compré por las buenas criticas que tenía en Amazon.com. La verdad es que es interesante. Explica técnicas chulas, fotografía clara, textos abundantes (en inglés). En general, satisfecha con la compra aunque podría estarlo más.En cuanto al contenido: introducción como muchos otros libros sobre la teoría del color y cómo combinarlos. Luego pasa a explicar técnicas básicas de acuarela (mojado sobre seco / mojado sobre mojado / inmersiones de tela en colorantes / etc.), técnicas sobre bases resistentes al agua/color, carvado de sellos en distintos soportes, crear stencils/máscaras, introducción muy básica al dibujo y otras propuestas de proyectos varios.

This is a very interesting, informative, book which is filled with tips and ideas to help your artistic flow. Would recommend this book.

Je dois dire que je suis très déçu avec le content de le livre 'Dreaming from the Jourrnal Page'. The Book Depository m'ont offer la chance de retourner le livre pour eux, mais aussi le coût d'affranchissement sera si élevé, il ne sera pas la peine de revenir à eux. Je vais le donner à un ami ou à la bibliothèque locale à la place.

Me decepcionó un poco. Demasiada paja...