5 Ways to Prepare your Art Journal for Creative Play

Arts Journal play, 5 Ways to Prepare your Art Journal for Creative Play

One of the most exciting things that I have found when using an art journaling is the creative play that it encourages. There are many different ways that you can use your art journal and a few ways to prepare your journal that will help you to avoid the roadblocks that can often come when doing anything creative. I cover some of the ways in the video and here are a few additional suggestions to help you get started:

Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, gather all the art supplies you might want to use - and use what you have (you don't have to have specialist equipment, or journals - if a composition notebook is what you have, then use that, or make your own)  Check out my YouTube Playlist on creating a variety of different Art Journal and pages.  

You can also include paints, markers, pens, collage materials, stamps, stencils, and anything else that inspires you. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.  I have a monthly free digital download that you can use for collage material in your Art Journal, you can access it in my Art Resource Hub.

Set the Mood
Create a comfortable and inspiring space to work in. Play your favorite music, light some candles, or surround yourself with plants and artwork that uplift you. The right atmosphere can help get your creative juices flowing.

Prep Your Pages
Consider prepping some of your journal pages in advance. You could paint backgrounds with different colors, textures, or patterns, or even add a layer of gesso to prime the pages for mixed media. Having a variety of backgrounds ready to go can jumpstart your creativity.  If I have extra paint on my pallet from doing a particular project, I will apply the excess to the pages of my art journal.

Embrace Mistakes
Remember that your art journal is a space for experimentation and self-expression. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, and don't compare yourself to anyone else. Embrace the imperfections and let them guide you towards unexpected artistic discoveries.

Start with a Prompt
If you're feeling stuck, consider starting with a prompt to kickstart your creativity. This could be a word, a quote, a color scheme, or a theme that speaks to you. Let the prompt guide your artistic exploration and see where it takes you.  CLICK HERE  and join me in the Art Resource Hub on the 'Realityarts Academy' for a series of free downloads to get you started. 

By preparing your art journal for creative play in these ways, you'll be ready to dive into a world of endless possibilities and artistic freedom. Join our online art community and share what you have been doing in your art journal

Enjoy the process and let your imagination soar!

Before You Go...

Join us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content, see behind the scenes and get more insights and inspiration, and I share more on creative play and tips for working in your art journal.

Unleash Your Creativity - Start Creating Today!

 

Do you ever feel like you're constantly running out of time, juggling multiple tasks and commitments, and simply don't have enough time to express your creativity? If so, you're not alone, I used to moan about not having time to create. 

Many of us struggle to find the time and space to let our creative juices flow. But what if I told you that all you need is a little bit of time, space and a bit of preparation?

A selection of elements cover this art journal

Creativity is not about having unlimited resources or vast expanses of free time and if you are waiting around for that 'day' it will never come. Instead, think about making the most of the resources and time you do have, no matter how limited they may seem. You'd be surprised at what you can create in just a few minutes of focused, uninterrupted time.

You don't have to be a professional artist or writer to be creative. Creativity comes in many forms and can be expressed in countless ways. Whether it's doodling on a art journal, listening to some music (and dancing like no ones watching), or experimenting with a new recipe, there's no limit to what you can create.

Give yourself at least 10 minutes to get the ball rolling. Set aside this time for yourself, free from distractions and interruptions. Use this time to tap into your inner creativity and let your imagination run wild. You might just surprise yourself with what you come up with!

Embellished art journal page

Check out the Embellishments video which will show you how to create your own embellishments for your art journal or creative projects. In this way you are creating elements for future use and they are there when you need them or if you only have a short time to create. You can also find ways to create pockets of time that you are able to dip into.

There's no better time than now to start creating. It's time to stop letting time constraints and busy schedules hold you back, you have to schedule your daily creative time, and you won't regret it. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the journey that brings immense satisfaction and joy.

Check out some ways to embellish your art journal

Creativity isn't about perfection. It's about expression, exploration, and most importantly, enjoying the process. So see where the journey takes you. You might just find that you have more time for creativity than you thought.

I have a wide variety of videos on my channel and you can get some tips on creating your own backgrounds and working in your art journals, along with the many other free classes and resources that you will find in the Arts Resource Hub.

Art Journal Joys - Mark Making and doodling

 

Making Marks in your Art Journal

In my video today I share with you how to prepare your art journal page and then go on to create some interesting marks and doodles on the page.

I think that it is important to spend time playing in my art journal and working on a page that was previously prepared. It is great to have a page that you don't have to start from the beginning sometimes and you can just do some mark making.

I also show you how I would start the page from the beginning, using up any spare paint that I might have to add to a page.

The Art journal is made from recycled papers and then stitched together.

Some of the supplies used:

Craft paints - https://amzn.to/3LoHkIb

Ink - https://amzn.to/3L1wFBN

Posca Pens - https://amzn.to/41p9PuV

Gelly roll Pen - https://amzn.to/3Ao73u3

You could also do this idea on card or paper and then use as collage paper to create backgrounds in your art journal.

I hope you have fun trying out the idea.

You can also get access to background papers on my course platform.  Sign up to the Art Resource Hub and other courses and receive a free digital download paper every month.

Learn More

Learn More

Love is - Mixed Media Art Journal Page

Love is

Welcome to today's Art Journal page. I I really enjoy using my paper ephemera/fodder  on my pages.  You are always creating these elements in projects and so when I get a chance to use them in my art journal, I find it quite a relaxing activity. There are so many ways you can use your ephemera, including creating mini cards, using them on tags and much more.

I am using book pages and I had applied paint to the opposite side of the paper and then proceeded to cut out heart shapes and stick them to the page.  I prepped the page which already had markings on it from a previous activity and I added additional paint and scraped it with a card. This helps it to dry quicker.

I added doodling on the page with ink, drawing around the heart shapes.  I like to add encouraging words to my art journals and it is great to later come back and see the messages and reminders. Check out the full video to see the process.

Additional Resources

Mixed Media Art Tags

Art Journal with Pockets

This journal started out as a place to hold my mixed media cards. I loved all the elements that I created to go on the front and inside.

Over time I will be transforming it into an art journal with papers to create on. If you're interested in creating your own art journal, be sure to watch this video and you will be able to see how to make changes to an original idea.

This journal uses cardboard and leather that I had in my stash, take a look at some of the things that you have that you will be able to use.

You can find some free resources to use in your art journal on my course platform.

Check out some courses while you are at it!

Click HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Remember to enter the giveaway for the Art Bundles for Good - there are 3 prizes valued at $5700

Enter the Giveaway HERE

Good Luck

Habit - Messy May - Art Prompt for your Art Journal Play

 

Join in the with the rest of the challenge HERE

Messy May - Habit - Day 12

Today is my day for sharing a prompt for you to try out or interpret however you want.  The Prompt is to create a habit of seeing recycled materials and think about how you can use them in a creative way.

In my video shared on Instagram I show you a series of things I have created with materials that I have recycled.  Below are a few examples - I have used sequin waste, a tea light, adhesive pads that had lost their stickiness and some furniture pads and more.

I look for things that have texture or can transfer the texture onto my work.

You can also use lids,  doilies and these make great stencils

These are especially useful if you want to start creating marks unique to you in your art journal and great for when you are creating backgrounds.

In the video I show you what I use and how they look on an art journal page.  I then go on to do a journal page and create 2 art cards, which you can access on my course platform for Free - HERE

On the art journal page I use the stamps that I have created, I also use the cake sleeve once it has been covered in paint as a crown. 

The art cards use the stencils, decorated tissues and some of the stamps, they are fun to create and you can place them in your art journal or frame them.

If you would like to see how I created the Art Card and the Art Journal Page with the stamps and stencils you can join me for FREE on my course Platform HERE. 

You will also be able to download a digital copy of the stamps and stencil images I created to use in your art journals or creative practice.

Stay Blessed and Be a blessing

Art Journal Cover - Mixed Media Artist Collaboration, Challenges

Mixed Media Art Collaboration

In the Mixed media art collaboration today, I share how you can create this art journal cover.  You create some lovely texture on the surface and it looks gorgeous.  You only need a few supplies.  We gather every second Tuesday of the month and share a mixed media art project.

You can see the video below.

You can catch up on previous collaboration projects that I have created with HERE

Get Messy May - The Start of a New Challenge!!

What a great way to end a challenge than to begin another!!  Starting TODAY for the whole of May I will be part of a Journal Challenge.

Messy May is the daily-ish journaling challenge for imperfect creatives. Want to play along? ⁠
⁠

• Sign up for free by clicking HERE (your bonuses + special classroom arrive via email)⁠
• ⁠Follow the prompt and micro challenge on Instagram⁠
• ⁠Create along with the host artist, share your art, cheer on other creatives⁠
• ⁠Bonus: Join us for the events, share your art to win giveaways, and make some art friends (with our help)⁠

We would love to have you join us!  Here are the prompts for May - click on the image to sign up

Stay blessed and be a blessing!

Amanda

52 Weeks of Art Journals - Butterfly Art Journal

Here is the Butterfly art journal that is part of the 52 Weeks of Art Journals.  The Butterfly is made from wood and then covered with glitter - I have a few pots that I am trying to use up. I have added some collage and paint to some of the pages in preparation for when I next work in them.

You can get wooden shapes and attach them to your art journals and decorate them.

Here is one of the pages that is being prepared waiting for additional paint and other elements.

Check out the video HERE

At the end of the video I share an art journal process page

Hope you enjoy

Check out some of these courses - click on the images to be taken to the course information

Book of Days - Registration opens TODAY

REGISTRATION OPEN

It is great to be able to let you know that the Book Of Days 2022 is now open for registration, and I am one of the Guest Teachers. The class includes 25 artists (including one writing coach) + over 33 lessons + monthly workbooks + three LIVE ON ZOOM gatherings with Effy, and will be $99 until December 31st, at which point it will go up to $120. There is a payment plan available if you need it too!

The class begins JANUARY 1st 2002 and also includes instant access to the Book of Days Boot Camp and a Swag Bag of Coupon Cods and Freebees.

WHAT IS BOOK OF DAYS?

Book Of Days 2022 is a collaborative e-course hosted by Effy Wild, designed to take you on a deep dive into the world of mixed media art journaling. The lessons are suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced journal artists. You will find the lessons thorough and comprehensive, and you will find yourself creating and maintaining a practice of meeting yourself on the page.

Every month, you will meet two new teachers, and find a virtual ‘bird feeder’ absolutely bursting at the seams with seeds of inspiration. You will have access to prompts designed to be engaged in a written OR art journal, full-length mixed media art journaling tutorials that include videos, instructional PDFs, and lots of opportunities to grow, share, and feather your artist’s nest with beautiful, meaningful work. 

We would love you to join us on the journey and you can find out more information HERE

Also Check out the courses below:

 

                                                                 

Art Journal Page - Doodle Art

 

In todays video we are going to create this page.  

You can see the video below.  It was fun to create, the pages were prepped beforehand, which makes creating a lot easier as you don't have to worry about the whole process.

I did a flip through of the art journal which you can see below.

It is one of my mini art journals that I shared

I love working in journals of all sizes, the smaller ones work well if you want to create on a smaller size and you have limited time.  Either way spending time being creative on a daily basis is important for your health and wellbeing.

Check out the art journal playlist on my YouTube channel.  For additional exclusive content you can check me out on my Patreon platform.