As a mixed media artist, I was curious as to what else could possibly be written or shown about journaling that hasn't already been published. I found the box on the shelf of a Half Price store so I bought it at the bargain price. If anything, I thought the packaging was well designed and I could alter the box myself and use it for my own deck. The enclosed journal is a handy compact booklet that can be used to hold notes and ideas as well. As far as the cards, themselves, some ideas are better than others depending on where you are starting from and if you want to be "edgy". I'm open to all kind of things but I'm not into using my body as a journaling tool ~ something about wrapping yourself in plastic wrap and packing tape. She mentions that journaling is best done in a book instead of loose pages and yet all the cards are reprints of her journal pages and they come as "loose pages". Her words exactly: "Loose pages can be shuffled, tossed, crumbled...it's hard for them to represent some thing substantial." Most of this stuff could have been written about and shared if the artist chose to blog about it but then again there's no profit to be made from that. I don't want to sound totally negative because I am totally in favor of self expression and journaling. So if it gets people to start something and move on with it, fine. Me, I've been journaling all along and nothing in this book will change what I already do. The best book anyone one of us can find about Art Journaling is the one we create ourselves.

I bought this on a recommendation and have used the cards to inspire my entire family to be more artistic. We have used some of the suggestions - such as the saran wrap models - and done them as family projects. It has really been a great experience for the kids and I. Highly recommend this product.

If what you want is a guide to walk you, step-by-step, through the process of creating an art journal, something which will provide you with in-depth instruction on specific media techniques, this is not going to be your best choice...but if what you're after is something to kick-start you creatively, you may find "Wide Open" exactly wht you've been looking for.

I bought this book about six months ago and I still find myself going back to it for inspiration. It is not a step by step "how to" book for people who want to walk away with a specific finished product...It is meant to give the reader a starting place, a catalyst for your own creative process. I am not sure what the previous reviewer was expecting from this book...it was obviously not her style, but this book is never "whiny" or "sappy" and what constitutes a great artist is obviously subjective...As artists and human beings, I think we are all "teetering on an edge" from time to time,and that is why I have an art journal. It is a safe place to explore things that are going on in my life. I am a huge fan of Randi's work and her style is very honest and raw. As an avid art journaler and a collector of many mixed media art books, this is one that has me going back to it again and again. That is the sign of a great book.

This is a great set of inspirational items. I love the stories that come on the cards and the journal is beautiful and inspirational too. Many fun and interesting ideas that I can't wait to try. This set was purchased for our 11-year-old son to use for art projects with homeschooling. I think the cards and journal will provide great starting points for him to do projects with.

Thanks, Randi!!