Now, what about the inside of the book?

When I tell people that I make books, they assume I write books. The idea of making a book with nothing inside seems to baffle some people. I can almost see it on their faces: "so you make a blank book with no intention of putting anything on the pages inside? Why?"

Given that I have degrees in English and in Speech, it's not a far fetched assumption on their part. Like some book artists, I have made books that involve the interior. Tunnel books, accordian books, and altered books, among others, may insist on using those blank pages .

Other book creations have been inspired by a poem or story so the content dictates the overall design. Additionally, I have two journals I made that I write in on a somewhat regular basis.

But to make a book devoted to my artwork? Never.

A few months ago, a very talented book artist taught a small group of us how to make an art journal. The "aha" moment for me was when she showed us techniques for designs to go -- *gasp* -- on the pristine pages we had just assembled.

Horrors! She made us actually put those techniques in our book. I had never before considered how many blank books I had made. Silly me in not realizing that the title of the class, "Art Journal" actually meant art work.

I am not a professional artist. My art work is typically hidden away, shared with people who have to be nice to me, like my family.

This talented teacher taught me more than the journal construction in forcing me to fill the blank pages inside. She showed me how to think artistically inside the book and I am now busily creating art to fill the journal.

And guess what? It's rather fun.