The 'pre-work' section nobody talks about
June 19, 2026
This week has been a full one, but a good one!
I continue to make progress on filming new lessons for the upcoming 2026 cohort of BB Art Journals Masterclass. Last week I was elbow-deep (not literally) in dye baths. This weekI've moved on to a new section I'm calling "pre-work" or "prep" (maybe I'll land on something more creative before class starts 😂).
This section is all about the things we can create or add to our substrates before the "real" work begins. With gelli printing, for instance, we think about pulling the prints — but what about the things we can add to our paper beforehand to make it more interesting later?
So often detail, care, and attention come later in the process, but I'm low-key obsessed with adding texture and interest so it comes from underneath. I'll be showing you lots of ways to incorporate this philosophy into your own work.
This year's session is truly going to be the best one yet. I'm even considering extending the session by a couple of weeks, so everyone has more time to implement what they watch.
I'm adding new videos in every single module, because I'm devoted to keeping this class a current representation of my creative process. The name almost doesn't do it justice — it's about SO much more than just creating an art journal.
If you've joined me before, mark your calendars to join us again, because I'll be sharing all the new tricks up my sleeve! (And remember, alumni get to join the live portions for a highly discounted price!)
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Now for a few other updates and upcoming events!
★ New YouTube Video ★
Just released this morning, I share one of my favorite ways to use my new grid journaling templates! It's a quick watch, only 5 minutes — Designed to get you inspired and then take action!
Download the FREE Grid Journaling Guide + Template PDF here
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On the calendar — TWO upcoming playdates
Two hours of time spent together playing in the studio, plus lifetime access to the replay.
If you haven't been to a playdate with me before, it goes a little something like this...
I choose a theme or topic to be the source of inspiration — usually based off my personal art practice and what has been inspiring me lately. I share some examples and thoughts on the direction I'm pursuing.
Then we jump into play and experimentation time.
You'll learn just as much (if not more, because live means you see everything, even when things go wrong) as you would in a regular class, but in a more laid back setting.
I share my thoughts as I go, including what is usually my own personal inner monologue — which has a knack for breaking things down into simple steps and cheerleading me through the process.
As we go along, you are free to ask questions and chat with me and everyone else in the community!
Playdates are one of the times that I look forward to the most!
June 27, 2026 — Grid journaling playdate
June 27, 2026 — Grid journaling playdate
I'll show you my grid journal setup, ideas for getting started, my favorite methods and supplies, and more! We may even do some color palette work before jumping into our journals!
July 18, 2026 — Collage clusters playdate
If you have enjoyed my 100 day projects from years past, you know that I'm a little bit obsessed with collage clusters. I thought it would be so fun to make some together! Check out my previous projects here: 2024, 2023, 2022
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I hope you're doing well, and are taking care of yourself and your creativity! Talk soon 🩷
xxBB
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The next cohort of my annual 12-week experience, BB Art Journals Masterclass, will be starting soon!
The doors will open at the beginning of August and won't open again until 2027.
This class is about so much more than creating an art journal. It's about building a creative, process-first practice that puts play, experimentation, and curiosity first. It's about building creative confidence, learning to trust your artistic instincts, and actually enjoying the process — all while building up a repertoire of techniques and intuitive methods that guarantee finished, cohesive projects and results that are undeniably, uniquely your own.
TL;DR; this post contained the following:
> progress made on 2026 cohort lessons
> new grid journal YouTube video
> Grid journal playdate — June 27
> Collage clusters playdate — July 18