Decorative Journals

by Donna Downey

Decorative Journals inspires you to share everyday stories in ways never imagined. From a journal of random advice to reflections of a new mother this book shares 24 ideas for creating one-of-a-kind journals as well as inspiration for topics. Projects include clear how-to instructions step-by-step photos and a complete list of supplies needed.

Genres: Crafts, Art, Nonfiction

120 pages, Spiral-bound

Published January 1, 2005

About the author

Donna Downey is a bestselling author, instructor and all-around creative force as a mixed-media artist. In 2000, she got into scrapbooking as an extension of her paper product and photography addiction. This was only the beginning. From working as a popular columnist for Simple Scrapbooks magazine, to traveling the world inspiring women to push the boundaries of their own creativity, to developing her first mixed-media scrapbooking line with Prima in the Spring of ‘09, Donna is consistently on the leading edge of taking creative risks the push the creative envelope and empowering others to do the same with their art.

As a mixed-media artist, Donna is a born experimenter, blending and transforming both traditional and unexpected items into meaningful pieces of self expression. A former elementary school teacher, she has synthesized her first love of teaching with her passion for craft and brings this to women via workshops at scrapbook stores and events, writing books, and through her popular blog and website.

Donna lives in North Carolina with her husband, and is a mother of three exceptionally blonde children, a chihuahua and one blonde dog.

Reviews

[Suzlizjohnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some good ideas, and great instructions but is not unique. It's a great starter book & enjoyable to work with kids or grandchildren.

We really enjoyed it & laughed & laughed at the pages being all out of order. I don' t know if I got a dud as far as that goes, but be careful! You can't even take the book apart because the pages are all off too. I had to take some pretty markers and # the pages so as not to get confused.

The first 18 pages are fine then it falls apart completely:
Page 20 flip side 21;
Page 22 flip side 19;
Page 23 flip side 26;
Page 24 flip side 25;
Page 30 flip side 27;
Page 31 flip side 34, and etc.

Just be careful, it's a bit distracting. Otherwise worth the purchase - on sale if your pages are muddled!

[Theresa F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readers who are looking for a little inspiration will find a variety of project themes and design ideas in this book. Readers who want to replicate a specific project can simply unfold the page to find lists of the supplies and tools needed, as well as step-by-step instructions. So the book actually functions on two levels. It's both a project gallery and a how-to book.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Possibly.
Would I recommend it? Most likely.

[Lain · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Uncharted Territory" is true! Donna Downey can do things you never would have imagined with ordinary household objects and scrapbooking materials. I couldn't put this book down -- I stayed up all night reading it, marking projects to make. So much inspiration -- so much fun! So nice that she also offers step-by-step instructions, unlike many books and magazines that just give you product lists and expect you to figure out everything on your own. Very well-done.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is full of super-fun ideas. And, I always think I'll make some of them. I probably would, too, if I actually owned the book. I can never keep it long enough to make the projects because it's always due back to the library. Someone else has it on hold. I like this book because it breaks everything down and explains it step-by-step without treating the reader like a dimwit.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Downey is such great fun. Her work is inspiring; this book makes you want to try all her ideas and projects.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the detailed supply list/instructions, etc.
I've made several projects from her books

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna is creative scrapbooker and I love her books.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

good items to make several different types and sizes of journals for various uses.

[Mmazon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many great ideas and not over the top that you think that you would not/could not recreate them. Excellent photo tutorials.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Donna Downy rocks!

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas and insructions.