The Decorated Page: Journals, Scrapbooks & Albums Made Simply Beautiful

I recently discovered this book at my local library, and have to say that I was amazed by how wonderful it is! Many other books on this topic have been overwhelming to me, showcasing very beautiful books that seemed well beyond my skills. However, this book actually made me feel like I can actually do this myself, rather than just look at others' works. It does a great job covering the basics, including what supplies you can use, how to do basic book modifications, and examples of layouts and the purposes of creating such a journal. The instructions on preparing a book and sample pages are really well done, described in very clear terms with plenty of photos to illustrate each step. I also really enjoyed the various historical pieces throughout the book, to give some idea of how these books have developed over time. I would highly recommend this book, and have to disagree with the review who claimed this book is boring. It isn't! Some of the pieces shown are more simplistic (less cluttered!) than those in other books, but it is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to create an art journal or altered book.

I'd been holding off on buying Diehn's book until I'd picked up a few that I thought were "more important". So when a friend sent it to me, I was AMAZED at how wrong I was about needing others on this subject.Diehn goes through almost every aspect of creating a journal that's unique, personal, and most importantly (to me) VISUAL. There are background and layout techniques for those days when you just don't want to do too much drawing, lots of examples that are more inspiring than a personal visit from the Muse, and a TON of SUBSTANCE -- real ideas for turning your daily logs into works of art that you can flip back through with pride. It answered quite a few questions that I'd still had for a while now (and I wrote a book on visual journalling, so these were big questions), and got me moving in a forward direction again.If you're just starting out, or if you've been keeping journals for what seems like FOREVER -- this book WILL HELP, WILL INSPIRE, and will be WORTH EVERY PENNY. Go get it now!

I journal in the straightforward way with a lined journal, pen, and my thoughts. While I enjoy getting my words and impressions on paper, I often feel as if there is something missing from my memories - that there is something I can be doing to make my journals go from being average to amazing.Enter THE DECORATED PAGE...you will be challenged to create lasting pieces of artwork within your journal pages and in the process evoke more feelings then you ever thought possible. I have often seen books with creative journalers' pages presented in a "look-see" kind of way, but never thought I'd be capable of making such pages myself.Gwen Diehn presents lists of supplies you need to get started and many methods of creating within your pages such as mandalas, cut-outs, grids, and others. She also shows different ways to present your thoughts within your writing. You will be inspired to use this book as a springboard for your own artistic and thought-provoking journal entries.

I received this book for Christmas and I've taken it everywhere with me since then. It's the best gift I received. I found the pictures of journals inspiring. The author did a wonderful job of demonstrating new techniques. The techniques that weren't demonstrated can be easily figured out from the pictures. I feel creative and impowered by this book. Thank you!