Note: I realize that many of you are experienced book makers and art journalers. However, this tutorial will make no assumptions about where you are at in your path. It is written for anyone, even those with little or no experience. You are welcome to follow exactly, or adapt it to your own skill level and needs. For this tutorial you are going to make a colored background across a two-page spread in your art journal.

Note: This is the first in a series of tutorials that will guide you through the steps of making your first micro art journal. For more information you can join the Micro Art Journal group on Facebook. I realize that many of you are experienced book makers and art journalers. However, this tutorial will make no assumptions about where you are at in your path. It is written for anyone, even those with little or no experience.

This set is the last set for this month! I decided that during the month of February, I wanted to work with the colors red, pink and brown as primary colors. The themes and shapes to work with will be love, sweetheart, valentine, heart, chocolate, candy, flowers, and lace. I am planning to work in some nostalgic epherema and bits of collage. I liked these these papers because they weren’t too old fashioned, or too modern.

When I was a kid, and we went on trips, we played license plate bingo. Every state had it’s own two-color combination. It was cool, because you could tell what state a car was from, even from a distance! In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders. I added some stamped art and grungy jeans, maps and old clock faces to complete this old fashioned collection.

This set is dedicated to all those Mama Llama’s out there. I love the bright colors and high desert designs! In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders, with more geometric, metallic and textural designs. This little book is small enough to slip into a pocket, purse or diaper bag. It’s ready when you’re on the go, or have just a few minutes to jot down a note or sketch your lunch!

While each person’s art journal pages are based on that individual’s tastes, there are some common styles. Layers of paint, stenciling, and gessoed grunge are often used. I based this set on that style. In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders, I liked the map, music and text designs because of the way they contrast with the painted art and nature book covers.

World travel, sea glass, vacation… this set has it all. Take it with you as you travel to keep track of your adventures. In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders. More reminders of beach resorts and boardwalks! If you are interested in having your own Nano Traveler’s Notebook Set, just contact me on Facebook! #microart #microartjournal #miniatureartjournal #miniartjournal #miniatureart #tinyjournalnation #allthingstiny #allthingsminiature #microartjournaling #tinyartjournal #travelersnotebook

I love the strong, graphic poppy design on the cover of this set! It’s fresh and modern but still pretty and feminine! There is actually a bit more pink here than shows up in the images. It’s a peachy-pink! I think it’s a lot softer than the standard bright pink. In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders. I chose to continue the peachy pink, grey and black graphic designs by repeating them in the accessories.

I had so much fun picking out the designs for this eclectic collection of covers! There’s something here for everyone, from the wonderful collection of antique license plates to the bright succulents. In this picture, you can see the inside of the covers. In some cases, I’ve added some addition art to the insides. Some I have left with alone so the fantastic patterns can create their magic!

The colors and designs I chose for this set with Cape Cod in mind. I was thinking about the rich history of the area and how it’s been a summer destination for such a long time! In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders, with more grey, aqua and olive designs. If you are interested in having your own Nano Traveler’s Notebook Set, just contact me on Facebook!

I created the cover for this set back when I was making new covers at the beginning of the month. Someone fell in love with it, and asked if I could customize the inside to their particular tastes. No problem! She asked if I could use pink and aqua colors and if I could incorportate something musically themed. In this picture, you can see the inside of the cover and pocket folders, with more pink and aqua designs.

I find unique color combinations interesting and fun to work with. I don’t want to change the colors I wear, or in my home, but having a tiny art journal that I can experiment with is perfect! Here the blues, olive and browns give you the opportunity to experiment with familiar colors in a unique combination. You could draw, stamp or write in different colors of ink or paint creating your own, special works of art!

When my daughters were young girls, we lived in a house that had a pool in the back yard. During this time, I taught both of them to swim, and “playing mermaid” was a regular game. Now that they are grown with daughters of their own, there is still a love of mermaids for all of us because they bring back the happy memories of that time. Here, I’ve used a combination of papers, patterns and designs in colors that evoke water and the sea to share our love with you!

This is the start of a new year. It’s time to take ownership of our own mental health and healing. One of the first steps is learning to accept and love ourselves. I made this set with that concept in mind. I could be given as a Valentine’s Day gift, or a self-gift. Either way, it’s ready to be filled with your daily journal, art, stamps and special quotes!

I loved the strips of patterns on this cover and the metallic touches from the moment I saw it. It reminds me of those bowls of pillow mints that I used to see at bridal showers when I was a young woman. I created this nano Traveler’s Notebook with those mints mind. Here, you can see the outside of the refillable cover, and the four pocket folders.