A Beautiful Word

Making a customized art journal with a word or theme.

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In this course, you will learn how to make a unique art journal using watercolor paper. It is my all-time favorite way of making a customized journal, and the possibilities are endless!

In this course we walk through the entire process of making an art journal beginning with a a single sheet of 22"x30" of watercolor paper and a word as inspiration. You'll learn how to dig deeper into your chosen word, find quotes and Scripture online, look for a font that goes with the word, experiment with colors to decide on a color palette, and loosely plan what goes where. Then moving on to making the journal itself - filling it with beauty and meaning and bringing it to completion with the techniques shown in the videos.

The majority of the course is focused on making the journal. In the art journaling videos, it is as if you are standing over my shoulder as I make the journal. It is designed for you to bring your own word and journal ideas, but you could also follow along and make a similar journal to the one I'm making. The techniques are demonstrated as part of the process making the 'WORDS' journal.

Will you join me in this art journaling adventure?

NEW LIVE BONUS!

Gathering together is so much fun!

Even though this is a self-paced course, we will celebrate the launching of A Beautiful Word this spring, with two Zoom gatherings ~ one for Q & A and another for share & tell.

I look forward to connecting with you live this Summer 2024!

Get started now!



 

Course Curriculum


  Beginning - from paper to journal pages
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  Gathering info and planning what goes where
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  Binding the journal with sewing
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  Fine tuning, finishing, and flip-through the journal
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  Bonus gift- Making a concertina-accordion journal
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What people experience

"Valerie - This is exactly the course I hoped it would be! This course is so well done, and is also so chock full of ideas. Like setting a color palette! Illuminated manuscript letters! Printed transfers! Starting with what you know! So much solid and creative teaching that will apply to lots of other mixed media and journaling and paper layering and lettering and . . . [fill in the blank] projects in my future.

Thank you!"

~ Pam M.

"I am filled with such deep gratitude for you Valerie, for offering us this course. You have given us new skills, encouragement, and directions for moving forward.but, you have given us so much more! Listening to the processes everyone went through as we created our books reminded me that we were not alone with our own struggles and triumphs as we wrestled with bringing our visions to life. In the end, the results were all spectacular! And it was wonderful being able to all celebrate together.thank you so much for being our guide, mentor, and friend.

~ Annie T.

"Thank you for a wonderful course! My art booklet surpasses anything I thought I would have been able to make and I hope I get the courage to do this project again with another word!"

~ Tanya W.

"Thank you Valerie! You are most helpful. I am enjoying your course so much. I have been a fan ever since I first saw your work in, I think, Art Journaling, Aug 2012. Thanks again."

~ Carol R.

It has been a truly inspirational journey, and I have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.God's love shines through you and your work. I found it so beneficial to ponder over my word of the year VISION.

Thank you again Valerie.I am already thinking about my next booklet adventure.

~ June O.

"Thanks Valerie, I’m really enjoying the course. The tips on researching the meaning of words and exploring fonts were very helpful."

~ Susan S

OHH! How I love to learn! Thanks, Valerie! :-) This stuff is so clear, good organized, just a pleasure to follow.

~ Simone S

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and how long do I have access to the content?
This course starts when you register and you have lifetime access to the entire course, and the videos and pdfs are downloadable. It is self-paced and you can leave comments and questions in the lessons at any time.
Can I copy the material for others, share the content, or use the course content to teach?
Nothing in the course may be copied or used with the intent to share, teach, or sell the content. Sharing login details, copying and posting on social media as your original artwork is not allowed and against copyright law. I appreciate your honesty and respect for the hard work and time and expertise investment put into this course, and hope the course will inspire you to branch out with your own ideas and blessing others.
Can I post my journal pages from this course online?
The course content and page layouts are my original copyrighted material (Valerie Sjodin ©2020-2024). Posting course content is not allowed. Feel free to post your own original art and journal online. If you post your journal pages to social media please include a link to my website: https://valeriesjodin.com or the teachable site: https://valeriesjodin-courses.teachable.com/ . A good recommendation for a course helps get the word out. If you are pleased with the course, it would be wonderful if you referred a friend!
Are refunds available if I am not happy with the course
No refunds will be given because the content is downloadable and available at registration. However, I want you to be happy with your experience in this course. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may contact me at [email protected].
Is there a supply list?
If you would like a supply list, please email me at [email protected]
Why aren't you offering other pricing plans for this course?
Because all of the content is available and downloadable at the time of registration so I am not able to offer other pricing plans
If you have further questions...
Please email me at [email protected]

Get started now!



Your Instructor


Valerie Sjodin
Valerie Sjodin

Hi there!
I’m Valerie. Creating has been a solace for as long as I can remember. Art making has been a continual source of comfort and joy in processing my life and helping me to connect with my Creator, and other like-hearted people.

I absolutely love sharing in the ‘Aha’ moment with people as they discover they can do something new and creative, something that previously seemed a mystery, or even impossible.

My passion is art making and encouraging people to connect with God through creativity. Teaching Art Journaling and Art & Faith workshops in person and online are ways I live out that passion. My hope is to inspire people to believe in and improve their creative ability. Taking time to listen and respond to God through art making is a natural part of my life and faith journey, a combination of being and doing, a collaboration and conversation with God.

As an adult learner, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, have attended and taught numerous workshops over the years, including how-to classes such as: coloring with colored pencils, painting and travel art journaling classes at local libraries; and exhibited art in galleries and exhibitions over the years. For ten years, I loved teaching Art and Art History to Jr. High and High School students, and volunteered in the Art Literacy program at a local elementary school.

Prayerful Doodling book published in 2018, is an outgrowth of connecting with God through creativity. In the book Paintings, Prayers, and Passages, I tell my faith journey through art. You may also find my work in Complete Guide to Bible Journaling and the Holy Bible: Mosaic, and Somerset Studio and Art Journaling magazines. In 2016 I worked on, and published through Taunton Press, two faith-based coloring books, Colorful Blessings and Colorful Blessings: Celebrating Everyday Wonders.

Thank you for stopping by!

To find out more visit my website and blog at https://valeriesjodin.com/