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.

The Benefits of Being Creative - Art Journals

Art Journal Page - Sing Your Song 

Have you ever taken the time to engage in a creative activity? Maybe you've painted a picture, written a poem, or simply doodled in a journal. Regardless of the activity, there are numerous benefits to spending time being creative, and research has shown that regularly engaging in creative activities can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.

One way to incorporate creativity into your daily routine is through art journaling. Art journaling is a form of self-expression that combines words, images, and artistic techniques in a journal. It is a way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visual and creative way. 

In today's Art Journal video, we will be taking a journal page and transforming it using a variety of supplies. The page starts with some collage paper and then using stamps and stickable letters, a message and an image are created to accompany it. The bird is a stamped image that is stuck on to the page, then incorporated into it by using paints, and ink to decorate its body. This process can be easily adapted to your own supplies and preferences, making it a flexible and enjoyable activity.

One of the great things about working in your art journal is that you can work with the supplies you have and substitute as you go along. If you don't have stickable letters, then write your message by hand. If you don't have a stamp of a bird, you can substitute a photo or draw the bird yourself. 

With creativity, it's important to experiment on a regular basis in your art journal and play around with ideas, seeing which ones resonate with you more. It doesn't have to be perfect, and it can be whatever you choose it to be. The act of creating and expressing yourself is what's important, not the end result.

Here are some reasons being creative is beneficial.

• It can help reduce stress and anxiety;
• Engaging in a creative activity can help you shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings, allowing you to relax and unwind;
• It can also boost your mood;
• It can increase self-esteem;
• It promotes feelings of accomplishment.
• Creativity has been shown to enhance problem-solving skills and improve memory. 

Spending time being creative can have many benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it's through art journaling or another form of creative expression, taking the time to explore your creativity can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. and you might discover a new passion or uncover a hidden talent!

Check out the Art Resource Hub and other courses such as Mixed Media Art Tags on my platform to help you make the most of being creative.