30 Journals 30 Days: HANNA ANDERSSON

Published on July 20, 2010

How long have you been Art Journaling?

I started Art Journaling shortly after starting my blog back in 2004. It was then I entering into the magic new world of online creativity, craft, art and mixed media adventure. I bought Lynne Perrella’s beautiful book Artists’ Journals and Sketchbooks from Amazon and read it several times before I jumped in and started my first art journal, a big spiral bound book that was filled with sturdy papers.

How has Art Journaling impacted, changed, or enhanced your life?

Many artists keep a journal to record their artistic development. I think I owe my artistic development to the Art Journal. It is because this practice I sometimes dare to call myself an artist these days. I use it to continuously experiment with collage, paint and new techniques. Filling it fuels my happiness and stretches my brain.

What are few of your favorite Art Journaling materials to use?

I use about everything that is flat and can be glued down in my different Art Journals. I love to make little water colour drawings or to paint bold backgrounds with acrylic paint using old credit cards, sequin waste (as a stencil) and hand carved stamps. Though the one thing I can not be without is the handy glue stick. I use a ton of glue for my collages every year.

Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?

On my blog I have a whole link list of wonderful bloggers that share their Art Journals online, go check it out. To mention a few places where I go for information, I like flickr groups like Journal Junk and Collage Kids.

What kind words of encouragement would you say to an Art Journal newbie?

Don’t be afraid to mess everything up, that is the best part! You are a free person, try to ignore your fears and the hesitation that might hold you back. You can do it, I know you can!

Where can we contact you…give us some link LOVE!!

Come by my blog and say hi, it is called iHanna’s Blog. You can also look at Art Projects at flickr and by original collages at my Etsy Shop and feel free to follow me at twitter where I mostly share links to articles on diary keeping and art journaling!

Video Starring Hanna:

Short Bio:

I’m a slash person; someone who has multiple “job” descriptions and juggles in many different fields. For example I’m a Mixed Media Artist Wannabe and a Web designer but also a Big sister, Feminist, Swedish Chicka, a Journalist and writer, a Notebook junkie, a Yoga Enjoyer and a tired Night Owl.

In the midst of this creative swirl that surround me, with mile long To Do-lists, blogging, writing in my diary in full view of all the Projects laying around on the planning table, I try to be mindful. I practice by taking long walks, doing yoga and meditating (calming my monkey mind). I try to find balance through my breathing from time to time. Balance is something to strive for, every day.

I believe in connecting with others, doing something creative every day, recycling and taking responsibility for the environment, dealing with problems right away and doing the best with what you have. I also strongly believe that YOU and everyone on this earth are creative beings. Creativity comes in many forms and flavors, and happiness comes when you find what is right for you in your life. It might take some digging inside of you to find it, but when you do you’ll be happy you took the time!