No need to search for the perfect journal anymore

I've written a few posts over the years about my search for the 'perfect' journal. From the stats of this blog, I frequently see people have 'found' me by searching for that very thing on Google. I have found a few solutions to the issue in the past. I still LOVE my rebound sketchbooks and my Firenze one, ....but... well, I'm sure you understand... the search goes ever on...

And here is my latest solution! I've been printing the covers of Moleskine Cahiers with my new Print Gocco!

I love this cow cover. "This is a diary. The dairy is across the other side of town." This one came about from my (and I don't think it is just me) confusion over the two words. In fact, I have a friend who insists on calling her diary a dairy!
I've put my "Clown Skeleton Wallpaper" on moleskines with the natural covers.
I've put my "Glamour Girl" on the covers too. In fact, she wraps around onto the back cover too. I drew her with my drawing tablet and printed her with 2 screens.
I love pattern! I just had to have patterned covers.
Yep, they're all Moleskine pocket Cahiers (3.5 x 5.5 inches/9 x 14 cm).
Swirly patterns that grace the side of a cover are just enough fabulousness to quickly tell me which is the front when I'm in a rush to jot down some idea or do a quick sketch.
Dots! How can there ever be enough dots in the world?

If you are searching for that perfect journal, these are for sale in my etsy shop The Little Shop of Horus, well the ones I'm not using myself, that is.

(Happy) New Year Me

Yes, I've been busy, but I'm still not ready to show my latest 'stuff' here, although it won't be long now until I am. So in the interest of keeping up your interest I'm heading off on a slight tangent and posting this drawing which is my first ever on my new drawing tablet. Now, there is a learning curve! In this drawing I've tried to simply draw. I'm saving the excitement - and challenges - of painting digitally for my next attempt (or the one after that...) And the subject of this is a gorgeous gargoyle who has recently joined our household, a gift from our daughter to her father. If I disclose that his name is 'Rowdy' will you guess what huge Scrubs fans we are?

And on the subject of the New Year, I am really looking forward to it.  I have several really exciting challenges ahead.  One is that I'll be working of illustrations for a children's book a friend of mine is writing.  I've tried illustrating before a couple of times, but didn't get far.  This time I'm pretty hopeful it will be something I can do.  And to help it along I'm taking a few months off my studies so I have some time to devote to it.  

Another exciting event on my blog calendar is happening in only 4 weeks time.  My favourite creativity guru Eric Maisel is visiting my blog again!!!  You may remember he actually called into my blog last year and privileged me with the opportunity to interview him about his fabulous book Ten Zen Seconds.  Well, the thrill is not over yet, because he is coming back to talk about his latest paperback to hit the shelves The Van Gogh Blues: The Creative Person's Guide Through Depression .  I'm very fond of this book, because it was the first of Eric's books that I read and it lead me to seek out his other fabulous titles.  In 'Van Gogh Blues', Eric talks about creative depression, it's manifestations, it's causes and, most importantly, how to deal with it and prevent it.  I'm particularly pleased that this is happening now, because one of the last lingering health problems from my spider bite incident was depression and anxiety.  I'm pleased to say I've managed to eradicate them from my life, along with almost all the other lingering and bizarre symptoms.  I let Eric's wisdom guide me back to happy creativity. 

 

The other exciting challenge for my year is the project I've alluded to in a previous post.  I'm REALLY excited about it, and it involves the 'stuff' that I'm just not quite ready to post yet.  I think my next post will be the unveiling.