30 Journals in 30 Days Overdrive

My friend Connie, at Dirty Footprints Studio, has spent the whole month bringing us interviews of 30 great Art Journal artists. I was so happy learning so much from so many great artists - but then she extended the offer to everyone!

So....here's my self-interview!!

--How long have you been Art Journaling?

Less than a year! I stumbled upon art journaling in a bookstore, and picked up Diana Trout's Journal Spilling book. I was hooked immediately!

I have been a scrapbooker since 1996, and stamper for a long time; but this was the crown jewel for me. I absolutely love a craft that can incorporate any style AND accept our mental clearinghouse of issues. It's so very cleansing!! We've known this intrinsically since we were children, but we abandoned it when we left school as part of our childhood. NOT SO.

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

It's been amazing. We just went through a rough period and a lot of change in our lives, and art journaling helped me get through all the stress and change. It also has allowed me to meet some wonderful people who have enriched my life! I really believe art journaling is great therapy, and a LOT cheaper than a therapist!

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

Wow...I love so many things! Probably my top two are Ranger distress inks and modeling paste. I'm a very textural journaler, so I love to incorporate "touchables". I'm also moving into the realm of needle felting, so I anticipate incorporating that medium soon. I also love bringing in other aspects of my life of crafting like beading, sewing, stamping, embossing (dry and heat), and fabric to the art journal. I also take requests. If you're wanting to do something, but you're unsure how, ask me to do it for you!!

--Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?

There are so many! I hate to list them because I know I will miss somebody who is very important, just not in my head at the moment. I first learned about Art Journaling from Diana Trout's book, Journal Spilling. I began my adult crafting life as a scrapbooker, but I have moved far beyond that craft. Here is a partial list:


Diana Trout, Effy Wild, Samantha Kira, Jonathan (Blade), Deina, Paula, Juriaan, Connie, Willowing (Tam), Milliande, Natalie Malik, Kerri Love, Danny Gregory and so many more!

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

There is no "wrong" in this sport! Dive in, immerse yourself. Play. Experiment. Lose all fear and just be. You are your worst judge and critic, so divorce yourself from your inner critic. Let the critic worry about the dishes.


Me? I actually shot my critic. He doesn't even get to comment on my lack of household management!

--Where can we contact you...give us some link LOVE!!

My primary blog: http://bunnynest.blogspot.com/
My recipe blog: http://scrapsrecipes.blogspot.com/
My design teams: Oh Alice!, All Things Unity
My Flickr: Scrapacat
Twitter: Scrapacat
Facebook: Kyra Sanders (or Scrapacat)
Various Ning's - Scrapacat
Running around any given local track or road.

--Short Bio.

Kyra is a retired wildlife biologist, federal enforcement agent, and wildland firefighter who has lived all around the US. She enjoys caring for her squad of rescued animals, crafting arts, photography and reading. A past semi-professional bowler, she enjoys almost every sport and has played many of them. She also runs, despite her disability. She is an advocate for self-health management, great home cooking, and auto-immune disease education.