For starters, my artwork NEVER looked as good as the instructors — no matter how carefully I tried to follow their step-by-step instructions. Also, it is hard to connect with a community when you are all just little squares on a Zoom screen.

Then I found Catt.

Introduction to Cosmic Smashbooking

Catt is an artist from California and the creator of Cosmic Smashbook, a no-rules art journal process that I quickly fell in love with. My first online workshop with Catt was … bonkers!

There were no step-by-step instructions. I didn’t know what I was doing. And I had no idea how my artwork was going to turn out.

But I kept going, following Catt’s guidance. I don’t even remember the topic, but we followed the process of writing privately about the journal prompt for a few minutes. Then the art imagery suggestion is wide open. The only real “rules” are to keep going and have fun.

It’s totally up to you — the artist — how to interpret it. Nobody is going to tell you that you are “doing it wrong” because there is no wrong way to do it. There’s no “right way” either. Only your way.

That’s the beauty — and the bonkers! — of Cosmic Smashbooking. You don’t start out with a reference photo to follow or an idea in your head that you struggle to re-create on the page.

It’s more like following sparkly breadcrumbs on a little art adventure. You add a little paint here, glue something interesting over there. And then step back and see what is revealed to you on the page. Sometimes it all comes together magically. Sometimes it doesn’t.

It’s the Cosmic Smashbook process — not the end product — that is special.

Creativity and Community

“I wish there were other people around here who liked to hang out and make art,” I told my husband.

“They are out there,” he replied. “Go find them.”

I found them at my local library!

With my newly rediscovered creativity and confidence, I asked the library if I could use their new DIY/craft room. They said yes! (Thank you JJ!)

And the Cosmic Smashbook Book Club was born.

At first I worried nobody would come. But people came.

And they kept coming.

Then I worried I would run out of ideas.

That hasn’t happened yet. (Does a library ever run out of books? No!)

What has happened is an amazing group of people show up every week. At first, they might think it is a little bonkers too. No step-by-step instructions. No idea how your page will turn out.

The only rules are to keep going and have fun.

That’s what we do. We keep going. Adding a little paint here, gluing something interesting over there. We have fun hanging out, making art and making friends at the library.

It all comes together magically — creativity and community.

That is something to celebrate!

If you live near Fairfax County, Virginia, and could use a little more creativity and community in your life, I invite you to join us Wednesday nights at the Pohick Library in Burke. The Cosmic Smashbook Book Club is free and all materials are provided. I create a new journal prompt and easy art project each week using books and poems as inspiration. Don’t worry! You don’t need to read the book. You don’t need any crazy-talented art experience. You don’t need to feel weird if you are coming by yourself. Just show up!

Here’s a link with more information.