Hi - I'm Taryn and I'm on a mission to teach and inspire thousands of people how to use art journaling to challenge perfectionism, tap into the present moment, and allow more space for creativity and art in our lives.

I'm an artist, educator, and art therapist. I'm trained as a mental health professional and incorporate my knowledge and experience into the non-clinical art therapy work I do.

I believe that art making is self-care, that self-care is an act of love, and that we each have the power to add more love to our lives.

What is Altered Book Art Journaling?

Altered book art journaling is an art form which utilizes an old book and mixed media art (collage, painting, and other). It’s a no pressure “canvas” where you can explore and play with your creativity.
I will be providing new opportunities to learn and practice new altered book art journaling techniques.

If you'd like to be added to the waitlist for new opportunities coming in 2022, please fill out the form below!

Tips + Challenges

Tips for your art journaling practice:
  • Designate an area in your home to practice art journaling - this could be a dedicated desk or a little bin of your favorite supplies that you can take out as you need
  • Set a time each week to show up and practice in your art journal
  • Find a group of friends and make an art date - combining your practice with a social activity might help you stay accountable and enjoy time with your favorite people. This can be done in person or via video chat!
  • Join the “Art for the Heart” Facebook group hosted by Love Sum and share your completed art journaling pages or questions you might have. This is a great spot for social support in your practice.
  • Work in layers - if you don’t how something looks or feels, cover it with paint, collage, or some other medium. A spread does not have to be done until it feels done to you. There are no rules!
  • Remember: You can always rip out the page or glue it to another. There is no pressure to keep anything that does not resonate with you. This is your creative space.
CHALLENGES:
Below are some art challenges and prompts to support you in your art journaling practice.
Use art to express:
  • Your favorite poem, quote, or story
  • What brings you joy?
  • What recharges you?
  • What does calm look like to you?
  • How am I feeling right now?
  • What do you want to feel like 10 years from now?
  • What is something you’re proud of?
  • A favorite moment from your childhood [adulthood, day, week, month, or year, etc.]​​
Art challenges:
  • Use colors you’re not used to using
  • Create a piece using only lines, circles or some other shape
  • Zen doodle
  • Use tape to block off areas on the page and paint the sections with different colors
  • Create a blob and challenge yourself to turn it into something
  • Use a tool you’re not familiar with
  • Use your non-dominant hand
  • Fill the page with various patterns
Fun lists:
  • The things I’m grateful for
  • What I’m looking forward to
  • My favorite songs and how I feel when I listen to them
  • People who add love to my life
  • Funny phrases I used to say
  • Things that make me happy
  • My favorite self-care activities
  • My favorite activities in the winter, spring, summer, and fall

Music

I really enjoy the pre-made playlists on Spotify, especially the playlist called "Deep Focus."

My Favorite Supplies + Materials
Other essentials - not all of these are needed, they are just supplies I tend to gravitate towards!
  • Parchment (or waxed) paper to divide pages
  • Binder clips or clothes pins to keep pages together
  • Tissue paper - for fun textures and collage
  • Contact paper - cut it out and block out fun areas on your page
  • Oil pastels - the basic kind are find. I love using these to start a page.
  • Sharpies
  • Glue sticks
  • Rubber cement
  • Miscellaneous magazines

Resources

Here are some of the spots I go for inspiration, ideas, and other resources.
  • Mindful Art Studio: This website is excellent. It is created by Amy Maricle, who is a trained art therapist, and although her website is not about art therapy, it is created with depth in mind. She has many freebies to get started, great e-courses, and offers many rich resources to her audience.
  • Pinterest: Here is one of the boards I have been curating full of inspiration!

I’m here for you, too!
I love seeing photos of the art you’re creating and am happy to support you in any way I can. Here are some ways to stay in touch:
  • E-mail: taryn@theLOVESUM.com - Feel free to send me an email and let me know how things are going.
  • Instagram: instagram.com/theLOVESUM - I spend the most time on this platform and share various art journaling I’m doing via photos and videos. If you’d like to share one of your works of art, please tag @theLOVESUM #LOVESUMart - I’ll happily send you a little love!
  • Facebook: facebook.com/theLOVESUM
Workshops + Events: Join me at another workshop by seeing the upcoming events over at theLOVESUM.com/events - I’ve got a number of events already set and am adding new ones on this page as they are finalized. I do private events, as well. If you’re ever interested in gathering your friends for a few hours of creative self-care, let’s talk!
Art making is self-care. Self-care is an act of love. Add more love.
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