The Journal Diaries- Grace's Creative Journals

The Journal Diaries is a blog segment where we get a sneak peek into the journals, notebooks, organizers, and diaries from people all over the world. (Click here for past posts.) My special guest today is Grace from California.

- Tell us a little more about yourself. When did you start drawing/journaling and how long have you been doing it for?

I am a small-town California girl who is currently Florida bound. I am an Anglophile, an avid tea drinker, a blogger, and am fascinated with history {Europe is calling me everyday}; along with anything that has to do with preserving legacies, memories, and stories. Because time is fleeting, and it's a shame not to share the unique stories God has placed us all. I began journaling when I was little, but never stuck to it until two years ago.

- When do you find yourself journaling? (When you're sad, happy, emotional, nostalgic?)
When I'm happy or excited, I try to write something down in that moment, but a lot of times I journal when I am in a pensive mood and trying to untangle the constant little enigmas of life. :D

- What inspires your artwork? (Movies, quotes, songs, everyday life?)
Quotes and lyrics. When I read a quote, I usually try to scribble it down in my journal; or if I'm listening to my favorite song, I jot down the lyrics. Pinterest, Tumblr, and this blog have also served as a constant flow of inspiration.

- What are your favorite types of journals to use, and what do you like most about them?
Typically, my favorite journals are ones with pretty illustrations that add character within the pages. I've learned I get terribly bored with my journals, if it's a merely a lined blank book.

-Do you carry your journals around, or do you store them someplace?
Not usually, since most of my journals have been too big to carry around with me. But I do always keep a pen, just in case I can scribble on a receipt or coffee sleeve. I have a small moleskin my cousin gave me while on her Korean travels, which I have been using as my summer journal, and am planning on taking that around with me on my LA trip. I need to start purchasing journals that fit in my purse. :D As for the ones I have already filled up, they line my shelf above my desk.

- What is your favorite stationery tool at the moment?
Washi tapes and pens will and forever be my best friends. Along with my typewriter. :)

- Do you have any favorite stationery stores, shops, or brands?

Paper Source, JoAnns, and Oh Hello Friend {in Fullerton, CA} are my absolute favorite crafting, paper shops. Unfortunately, neither of these are close to where we live; so Beverly's, Michaels, and Target are my go-to crafting resources. As for brands, I love K & Co. older collections, Basic Grey, Freckled Fawn, Heidi Swapp, Martha Stewart, and We R Memory Keepers.

- Do you have any tips or suggestions for anyone looking to get into art journaling?

Find a journal that you are head over heels for. I've learned that if you don't like the journal from the inside out, you aren't going to be faithful to it. Also, I have the odd habit of naming every one of my journals. Instead of starting out the entry as, "Dear Journal," I start out with the name, as it feels like I'm addressing an old friend.

- Other than journaling, what are some of your other hobbies and interests?

One of my main hobbies is gaining new hobbies, as well as keeping TRACK of them. :D Firstly, I am a blogger of four years and photograph life accordingly. :) Historical dancing and reenacting will always hold a special place in my heart. I have been playing the violin for ten years this September, and love to grow lavender. I go antiquing when time and money allow, and bake when my sweet tooth overcomes me. I also try to work on learning French in between moments, and go swing dancing on the weekends.

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Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and inspiring journals with us, Grace! And for all you wonderful readers looking to connect, you can keep up with Grace through her Instagram, @gracethelavendergirl, or through her blog here.